Which roller for travel?

[BrianMat]

We're getting our stuff together for our Trip on the 22nd and I need a hard case for my gear. I'm looking at one of the two Stanley toolboxes for my BP setup. It's between these two:

Stanley Consumer Storage 033023R Pro Mobile Tool Chest

Stanley Consumer Storage 029025R 24 Gallon Mobile Chest

I like the 24 gallon for the extra size and the storage container inside. It is a little bigger, but the extra room could be handy for some of our extra stuff on the way back. According to American Airlines, the 24 gallon chest is 3 inches too big to check. This seems odd since I have seen much larger items come through baggage claim.

Has anyone traveled with the 24 gallon without an excess baggage charge? Is there anything better (read: cheaper and still sturdy) than the Stanley boxes? Both Lowe's and Home Depot have them locally, but I hate to get myself into a PITA situation when trying to check my baggage.

 

[bgillis]

We used this one on our last two trips. It passed by the baggage gorillas without damage and it is sized for the airlines.
Walmart.com: Contico Storage Locker: Storage & Organization

 

[BrianMat]

I looked for that one, but none of the local Wal Marts here have them in stock.

I could probably opt for the Ship-to-Store option

 

[RICHinNC]

I have seen too many of those broken and it is difficult to "relatively secure" them. I would recommend a sturdy suitcase or duffle bag with no dive logos. And something you can put a plastic tie onto and tape a couple of spares to the handle. That way, if TSA opens it, they have a spare to re-secure it. They always have for me.