Bought ticket by phone, told taking a violin would not be a problem
Staff shepherded me on sight (as I was carrying violin in terminal area) to management personell.
They seemed to be aware I would be boarding with a violin in advance.
Refused standard violin case on board.
I stated "valuable instruments risk damage in the hold"
"..not always, Sir"
I walked away from area, re-joined queues- at desk was refused entry again.
Removed $10000 violin from case, boarded plane.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/68631_10151177826...
This behaviour of not allowing such instruments is completely unreasonable by any standards, has no basis in any logic, safety or otherwise, unless you fall below the demographic for basic intelligence; such cases fit all reasonable criterea for stowing that hasn't been invented by a handbag company.
I might just remind that historically it was only after "9-11" that musicians instruments were put in the same category as 'dangerous items'. This is clearly no longer an issue, and never was.