While a hard case will likely provide more protection than a soft sided case, they are a pain once you land and have to deal with transporting in a rental car. I’ve flown numerous times with a variety of soft travel bags and have never had an issue. (Hopefully that doesn’t come back at me).

I currently either use an XL Club Glove, if I’m trying to pack a few extras in there, or a lower end Taylor Made travel bag that will just fit a set of clubs and a pair of shoes. I have thought about by buying on of those stiff arms, but haven’t really look at them to make a decision.