🚀 go-pugleaf

I travel between Denver and Los Angeles every few weeks carrying a MAC SE/30
in exactly the type of bag that you suggest.  I have always been able to take
the machine on as cary-on luggage but there are a few things I'd suggest.

1) Check the rest of your baggage.  The airline staff are usually willing to
   help you if you're not carrying a ton of junk.

2) Do what you can to get on the plane early.  This means one of the following:
   sit in first class, travel a lot to become a prefered customer on that 
   airline (this allows you to early board), request a seat at the rear of
   the plane as planes are generally boarded from the rear first.  (Also from
   what I've read there is a high survivor rate of passengers seated in the
   back :-).  By getting on early you'll be able to ask for help if the Mac
   doesn't fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment.

3) Use one of the padded bags that doesn't have any extra pockets.  You want
   the smallest bag possible.

4) If you intend to travel with your Mac purchase a cart with which to drag it.
   My favorite is called the "Concorde II", I forget the manufacturer's name
   buy any luggage store should carry them.

5) Most importantly, treat the personnel with respect and courtesy and they'll
   respond in kind.


It is important to arrive a little early as you'll need to "hand-check" your 
machine at the x-ray machine.  The staff will ask you to set-up the machine and
power it up. 

DO NOT SEND YOUR MAC OR ANY FLOPPIES THROUGH THE X-RAY MACHINE.

There has only been one instance (out of about 20) where my machine did not fit
under the seat and I think it would have if I hadn't been using a big-fat bag.
However, almost all of my experience has been on United Airlines.  Last week
I sat next to the bulkhead (there is no seat in front of you) and asked the
stewardess to help me find a place to stash my Mac.  I took her suggestion and
tried the overhead compartment.  Suprisingly it fit with about an inch of
clearance.  Your mileage may vary, however.

There at least three companies that I've seen advertise luggage in which your
Mac could be packed and checked.  Of those that I've seen I'm familiar with a
company in the Los Angeles area named "Zero Haliburton".  They make those 
aluminum briefcases that have recently become popular.  Generally, I've found
their cases to be sturdy.  (They are the cases you often see camera equipment
shipped in.) I still prefer to carry my machine on board.

Good Luck,

Boyd Hays