It seems to be a uniquely North American thing, probably because you have more generous hand luggage limits and Europe and more restrictions on things you can carry in the cabin.
Personally mine go in my checked luggage. I do have a padded bad only to keep them together, I don't think it adds any real protection. So far in all my travels I've not had any damage.
My regs probably get more knocks and bangs on a dive deck, they're pretty robust.
Personally I'd be more upset having to dive in rental fins rather than rental regs if the worst happened.
So no the short answer is no difference other than personal preferences