The only other option I can think of is if you know someone you can trust who lives in Vegas, or someone who is close enough that will be driving...to just ship the cue directly to them and get it from them once you arrive. Otherwise, instead of FedEx or UPS...you could use USPS Express Mail...which would be much less expensive than the the other two for overnight delivery, (especially with the fuel surcharges). I suspect strongly that Vegas is in a guaranteed overnight zone, due to it's size.
If you are going to ship it to your hotel, I would definitely check with them as to their policies concerning receiving these types of shipments. While I suspect it's all okay, I would make sure as to what their liability is should the cue be received but go missing. Just trying to cover all the bases.
BTW...if you do decide to travel with your cue, make sure you get a TSA-approved lock for your bag. Should they decide to inspect it, and they have to cut a conventional lock off, your items will be unsecured for the rest of the flight.
Too bad they do not sell those exploding dye canisters, like they use in the banks, to the general public. Should someone get into your bag, your stuff may get all ruined, cept the cue, but finding the culprit would be a snap! LoL!!
Lisa
