Really? I think I was singled out then.

They made me check-in my aluminum briefcase my father gave me last year on a trip to Ohio. They told me it could be used as a weapon. I thought it was a bunch of bologna but you can't really argue with them. I was so mad.  I had to go back to the check-in counter,pay the extra fee and then wait in line again. That was the last time I ever took it with me.

Now I'm mad again just thinking about that day.

I did that but for a pistol. Try some gun shops You can buy them with pre-cut foam or you can cut them yourself.

EDIT: just a thought but if you go with the aluminium case you will have to check it in. You can't take it on the plane but if you buy something like a Targus bag you can. I would never check-in a laptop, not if you want it working when you get to where you're going.

aluminum cases are hard to find due to the shape of the machine, i had one of a time finding one that fit my M17X R2 due to the fact a 17inch case it didnt fit into(was a little to big) so i had to go with one for a 20 inch  Laptop case (yes they exsist)  which i actually purchased in 2010 but was just over 150 bucks with taxes  but hey it had room for everything including the kitchen sink , but man this system was the old school Magnesium alloy case not plastic like now.. and boy i regreted lugging that through pearson international and calgary international LOL 2-3 hours plus between flights .... anyway

here is a link to were i got mine  http://www.mezzi.com/ 

just remeber the 18 inch case might not fit your laptop the 17 didnt fit my 17 and bought a 20 inch version,  check dimensions if buying the 18 before purchase ot just get the 20 inch case  you wont regret it  http://www.mezzi.com/20-Laptop-Cases/

also in 2010 i didnt have to check it in while flying, due to being a laptop things might have changed, or location of flying but i was staying in canada..

they just wanted to see it running, man look on guys face when i removed it was priceless....

Thanks for the response guys, the gun case option is one I never considered before.  Quite difficult to find a shop in the UK but I'm pretty sure there's a licenced shop near me.    I'll have a look

as i said i was in canada staying in canada, also i was flying with Air Canada Employee so maybe that made the difference...  i know US is  strict compared to Canada back in 2010 .. anyway goodluck with the case

If your looking for a large laptop bag, you might want to look into 18 inch and over laptop bags, a selection of some of the available ones can be seen in www.squidoo.com/large-laptop-bags