Said b-4 but I feel two options from my experience.
1. Take the top bar off, it just catches on stuff anyway. Find a cheap duffel bag that the pack will fit in. Put your clothes etc. around the frame to break up the pattern and protect it. This will keep it away from prying eyes, conveyor belts, etc.
2. UPS it to your destination ahead of time. Probably in the $50 range but you might find the piece of mind worth it.
Either way I feel it is mandatory to put all your valuable optics, licenses etc in a separate carry-on sized pack or bag.
