Louisiana. Lake Charles specifically. I've had issues with airlines destroying bags and balls as well. And southwest right now is still over $1300 for two people. I'm not super in to the idea of driving 30 hours. But I can bring more room for equipment and not paying for cabs when I get there sounds pretty tempting.
Wow.. Know that area too well.. There is no real shortcut to take from there, either. You'd have to take the 10 all the way across the fat part of Texas to Phoenix then cut up, or cut up to Amarillo and take 40 to Kingman then up.
In this case, flying might be better. Question now becomes, which one is closer to you: Hobby, or New Orleans? Or, if it is worth it, Jackson? You may get a better fare by driving a bit further out of the way, but Hobby may be your best bet.
BL.