NordicSkier is correct in that TSA is more likely to damage a bike in a hard case than a softcase.
I’ve been flying with my bike for 15 years now. The only damage to my bike was done with the two hard cases I used to own.
Since buying an EVOC bag in 2010(?), not a scratch.
I’ve observed several times and the supervisor is correct, you cannot touch it once in their possession.
Bike Box Alan, comes with an anti-crush pole. Doesn’t make it TSA and baggage handler proof though. Have only flown with it a few times and so far zero issues. I’m able to pack it with helmet, shoes, spare gear, etc. Not sure of the weight though, because once the airlines sees it is a bike, time to fork over the money. I have to take off my seat, rear derailleur, wheels, pedals and fold the aerobars over.
Having witnessed damage to bikes and disc wheels from a soft shell, I’ll stick with the hard case. Like everyone else said nothing is guaranteed against the TSA and baggage handlers.
Another vote for Bike Box Alan - I also have the evoc bag but suffered a cracked rear seat stay when using it on my back from phuket two years ago ($650 sing dollars down and it was repaired).
I’ve used the Bike Box Alan all over the world from Hawaii to China to Australia - one word brilliant, if a little heavy (I know thats not one word).
I’ve used quite a few cases for quite a few different bikes.
Thule Roundtrip Pro has been best in my opinion.
The only reason I would go with something else is if I were looking for a bag in which I side-stepped airline fees.
Thule Round Trip Pro Website
Just ordered the Helium v4. Will let you know how she goes
Scicon TT bag or it’s cheaper but identical cousin, the Spartan TT bike bag. My BMC TM01 only needs wheels removing. Packing bliss 
https://www.premierholding.org/products/bike-travel-case
Dan… this may have asked before in a prior thread but will a speed concept (size M) fit in your case? Do you have any customers that have used this case for a speed concept?
Bike Box Alan
Excellent overall.
Two points:
Don’t expect to pack it in ten minutes or whatever they advertise the first time with a Tri-bike. After figuring the initial puzzle depending on what bars etc. it’s very easy. As with any case, zip ties, Velcro straps, and a few pieces of foam pipe insulation are helpful.
The steel anti-crush pole is great until the TSA shoves it through your spokes etc. I made one out of plastic tubing which is plenty strong and doesn’t cause as much damage. (no fault of the case) Another option is to order a second layer of foam when you buy the case and just leave out the pole.
Case with bike, running shoes, swim stuff is ~23KG for the ever random airline rules. Usual baggage fee range 30€ to $150.
Looks like the rule for every major domestic airline is hard case, with some being hard case or cardboard box. Soft case is going to leave one SOL every single time (exception to Alaska). So it’s caveat emptor with soft cases.
Hard or cardboard: United, Delta, Jet Blue
Hard: American, Southwest
The smaller domestic airlines:
Frontier - durable case or box, whatever the definition of durable is.
Alaska - either hard or soft case.
Hawaiian - hard case.
Spirit - hard or cardboard, but probably costs $500.
Once again… if the bike is damaged the airline is going to fallback on their policy that a soft sided case isn’t within their policy. So one needs to look beyond whether or not a soft case is a worthy protector of your beloved bicycle and think about “what if” my bike gets damaged.
After 10 years of travel with my bike bag, mostly international, and reading ST threads about bike bags, I’m more convinced than ever that a hard case is not required…and more likely to have internal damage caused by TSA, not the airline. I’ve also probably saved enough on bike fees in that time to buy a brand new frame. I’ll be upgrading my PikaPackworks before my next trip, most likely to the Thule Roundtrip Pro shown on page 1 of this thread. The main attraction for me is the wheels. My current bag is only 32-35 lbs packed but I’m getting too damn old to lug that around the airport. Whatever the bag, the key is how well you pack it. At every race I go with many folks flying in, the most common problem (but relatively infrequent) is a missing bike, not a damaged bike. It’s always best to allow an extra day in advance in case your bike needs to catch up with you.
It’s been a few years since I’ve flown with a bike, but when I was doing so regularly I seem to recall that I had the right to be present during the TSA inspection, including the unpacking and repacking. I always asked to be present, and it never was an issue. The TSA folks were always very understanding and friendly, and while I wasn’t allowed to touch the bike or case during their unpacking or inspection, they did always allow me to weigh in on the repacking and didn’t close up the box until I confirmed I was okay with how it was repacked. Of course once they were done the bike got turned over to the airline baggage handlers and was out of my site, but I liked the piece of mind of at least knowing that it was repacked properly after being inspected.
Yes - the medium Speed Concept will easily fit in our Bike Box.
Thank you. I think your box has now gone to the top of my list.
Edit: The rear mech protector comes with the case only when the bike is also purchased. - My mistake in posting.
I have been traveling both internationally and domestically with our box for a few years now. I have never had any damage issue with airline travel. I travel with a backpack and have never been charges for the case to fly accept once by KLM traveling back from UK (not sure why I did not have to pay on the way over); however I think it really depends on the agent at the counter.
When bringing it to TSA - I ask them if they would mind if I wait while they inspect the bike. When they are done I just make sure they re-attach the zipper locks. Our case has both a combination lock and a TSA lock.
Our case ships with a rear mech protector (secured by a quick release) but I don’t use it with our hard case.