GREAT idea about the padded mailer!  Actually, I have an LL tube I haven't thrown away - I think I'll save it for just this purpose.  I've been worrying about bringing my sticks and having them confiscated. 

My rods and screws set off the hand scanners once.  I tried to tell the woman several times I had metal in me, and she rushed me through saying "Oh, it's probably the your bra strap."  I decided it wasn't worth holding up the line, and just nodded my head. 

Cynde