I flew to ACT in Jan and took DD's. I flew Virgin. It was part of her "allowance" of weighted cargo. Because of the bulk of it though, it went through as oversized luggage but had no drama's. Checked in at the desk, went to the back of the desk (Melb Airport) where oversize is. The guy took it, told DD it was having a special ride (she got a bit upset) and she waved it off. Then in Canberra it came out with the rest of our luggage on the belt. One of the bags I wrapped it in (garbage bags) had come off and some kind soul had stuffed it inside the otherone for me so I still had it!

Coming back, they took it all from me at the desk and then I picked it up on the belt in Melb. Each airport is a little different in where you drop it off and collect it but you can def take it with you. It will just go with all the other luggage and NOT with you in the cabin.