So I just returned from my trip. I completely broke my housing down and discovered it fit really snuggly and comfortably in my Lowpro Computrek-Aw back pack without carrying the 17" laptop it is supposed to take. Weighing in at 19kgs. I caught 6 planes in 3 weeks with Singapore Airlines and no one said a word. The Lowpro offered sufficient padding and security. I was sad to leave the SPW44 behind, but it was so much better than being charged $1400 in excess, or leaving the camera and housing at home (which I was considering too, and was getting really depressed about) which was the original quote from the airline. Also when Sydney Airport lost all my luggage for 24hrs, I still had my camera and housing. The Lowpro backpack is so well designed and strong. It had no problems nor did the stitching show any signs of stress. The only horror was lifting it into the overhead locker, I normally got someone to help. I will use my Lowpro again this way and have no problem at all in doing so. I hope this helps some others too.