I am think about attending a model contest that I would have to fly too. As of right now I will have at least one lay over. Does anyone have any advice on how to transport completed contest ready kits? Tanks

When possible, attach them to a square plate with a screw or something like that, and put this plate in a box with the same width and depth as the plate. If this is not possible, replace the plate by styrofoam and "lock up" your model with many toothpicks or other larger sticks. Try to avoid filling the box with padding and so on, PE might fall of or your weathering wil get destroyed.

I hope the airline will let you carry your models with you, in the cargo hold they will get destroyed for sure.