:-)

We avoid checking bags whenever possible. The DC airports seem especially slow at getting bags out to the belts, and the waiting isn't fun. AUS seems very slow, too.

On smaller planes, we've had good luck with taking bags down the ramp and if they insist on taking them, fine. It doesn't cost us anything, and we get them back faster than if they go to the terminal carousels. I've never been unable to force my roller-bag in an overhead bin, but it has been taken from me a time or two (e.g. on a smaller Bombardier jet, IIRC).

Also too, a colleague and I were at a conference in Cancun once, years ago. It took him about 4 days to get his luggage after it decided to go somewhere else... :-/

But I do miss the days of filling a 3-suiter with anything I could potentially need on a trip and not having to worry about it.

Enjoy! :-)

Cheers,
Scott.