I agree; I think carryon-only is overrated. I'd rather spend two hours in the terminal before the flight unencumbered by luggage than escape 20 minutes or so waiting at baggage claim after the flight. And on board I'd really just rather have with me the things I want on board. I've had my share of lost checked luggage and checked luggage that missed international connections, but overall, I'd rather let the airline do the heavy lifting.

AA million miler status affords me the benefit of not paying a checked-bag fee; granted, I'd plan differently for flights on other airlines, especially in Europe. I also like the fact that planning in advance to check a bag allows me to pack things that can't be carried on. All that said, I try not to check more than one bag with wheels and a handle; there's still all the schlepping from the airport to the hotel, sometimes by public transport, to get through.