the last 3 times i have flown out of the netherlands, where i assume you are from, I tried to carry it but that didnt work...
klm air france lufthansa vueling etc.., so i strapped it to my bag and that was okay, sometimes it came loose a little in transit so you may want to have an extra luggage bar code stuck to your board, just ask and they will do that no problem.
that way if they get seperated they will be able to get it to you