I don't do anything other than take off wheels and pedals. I drag my bike all over the world - it has been from California to Europe at least 5 times in this last year (I go to Germany for work and take my bike with me). My seat and handlebars/aerobars fit as-is, even with BTS bottle cage. I've never had anything get damaged.
TSA opens my box 100% of the time. I get a new TSA slip every trip. I just take painters tape and tape the chain and derailer to the frame.
I don't have any wiggle room for extra weight (staying within the free 50 pound checked bag limit) since I use the extra space as luggage. I use those cheap string backpacks you get at races to pack stuff into and I put it between the handlebars.
I made the mistake once of packing it full and it weighted over 75 pounds. This cost me $200 with the airline and it was awful to drag around. I am better off paying for a 2nd checked bag and keeping the box below 50 pounds.
Also, a wet wetsuit weighs more than a dry one. I raced and flew home that night and my wetsuit wasn't dry in the box. It pushed it over 50 pounds so I pulled it out and had it in my carry-on, which didn't smell great in the plane.
Hillary Trout
San Luis Obispo, CA
Your trip is short. Make the most of it.
https://www.slogoing.net/