Considering that some airlines are charging extra for luggage these days, it might not be a bad idea to at least ship your bow if you have someone on the receiving end to sign for it. When I flew out last year, it was a direct flight but on the way back, I shipped my gear in one box and my bow back and took two coolers full of elk on the flight as luggage. Worked quite well as they only charged my an extra $40 for one cooler being over the weight limit. That's just my one experience and I'm sure others will have some thoughts on that. Good hunting to ya!