Can't convince you to carry on to be safe, huh? Before I was married, I NEVER checked bags, always deplaned and switched etc., with no difficulty. Naturally, never lost a bag either.
Now, often with my wife, who loves luggage, and especially if traveling with children, we very often do give it up and the resulting aggravation drives me up a wall! Lost, damaged, the whole gamut. I can tell you story after story. I'm just concerned you will be delayed and risk losing/missing the next plane while trying to get your luggage- which possibly might not even be there! At the very least it ruins your layover and subsequent flight. You might actually be better off checking it and not worrying if and until you learn there is a problem at your outbound destination! It's kind of a chicken or the egg kind of thing!
Anyway, just be sure to take the essential small carry on with essentials (razor, toothbrush & paste, fresh undies and emergency clothing change, etc.!!
have a great trip.
[This message has been edited by doc (edited 09-22-1999).]