I have to say, if you going on a plane avoid a carry on altogether, i take a couple mags and a book, and what in my pockets. You can Buy insurance for your check baggage, ive flown a TON like like at least 10 times a years, and never had my luggage lost. My father in law was a platinum member on air Canada and once they misplaced his luggage. Luggage gets lost but very uncommon. Heck ive checked over 10,000$ in tools several times this year and not a single problem.
bottom line don't like the security going though your stuff, check it.
On and on the fly tying materials, call american customs they are very friendly and will answer all your questions.