I have a soft case with an exterior pocket and hard case for my arrows.

If I were to take my bow on an airplane I would without a doubt want a hardcase. The problem I have is my bow is 30"ata and there are very few cases designed this small. With a soft cast I don't take up unnecessary room in my trunk.

The most important thing IMO is that you make an effort to care for your bow. By owning a bow case (hard or soft) it demonstrated you care for your bow.