As someone that worked at UPS for eight years.......if you think larger items are handled any better at a shipping company you are misguided. The bottom line is the packaging and the more times the item is handled is what will make the difference with via checked baggage or using a courier.

I see people checking TV's at the airport all the time here at IND and after being in different parts of the world and seeing how much they cost...I see why. I would make check out the packaging to see if you can identify any week points and reinforce it if possible.

Where are you traveling from and to?