I used the cardboard tube to augment the spacers on the stand. Derailleur hanger is one of those areas I don't think anyone will give you grief on a bit of extra paranoia.

I could tell it was laid on its side at least once, but I did open it up and inspect it before I left the airport. It had the standard "TSA looked at this" notice, but everything was exactly where I put it when I packed it. Or rather when I over packed it.