I shoot sports and my 400mm f2.8 is always on a monopod or tripod. I use this QR clamp from Wimbereley on my monopod and have never had an issue. It has since been replaced with this clamp. I went with this for my foot from Kirk. I like how it lowers the lens when on my Wimberley head II whether it is on my tripod or on my monopod when shooting an air show.
As for getting gear around, Big Brown is cheap, they fly their own planes and every hotel I have ever stayed at will gladly accept a UPS delivery for me prior to my arrival. I have had gear get there far more reliably than my luggage. Plus these days it is as cheap as the outrageous baggage charges airlines want to charge.