I have a trip coming up where I'll be using commercial (both international and local) aircraft to access. I'm concerned about how to manage paddles--I'll be taking a straight wood and a carbon bentshaft. I doubt a conventional paddle bag (e.g. Wenonah) would protect them adequately--especially the bent shaft. Prior to TSA/9-11, people used to be able to take such items on board and the crew would put items in a closet by the entrance, but I haven't noticed that for a while, and haven't seen anything like paddles go through screening. What experiences flying with paddles has anyone had? A hard case is not an option, as we'll have to take everything with us for the trip (6 weeks, and lots of portages), and fly out at the end.