I think it's the luck of the draw when flying with luggage that comes close to limits. I got nabbed once for having a carry-on that was allegedly too big, but wasn't allowed to put it in the sizer. In fact, it was under the limit on two dimensions and at the limit on one. Recently returning from London at LHR I saw a couple with three obvious bags each, plus a "personal item" for the woman allowed to board. Go figure. Plan on get shaken down at some point, it's a cost of flying. I allow extra room in my carry on in case my checked gets too heavy and I pack a tote in case somebody decides my carry on is too big and I have to off-load everything I don't want the airline to steal, lose, or break. AND I fly SWA whenever possible to vote with my dollars for two bags flying free. My own life is simpler and I take far less into the cabin when I can check two bags without getting held up. I also buy far fewer souvenirs because of the weight limitation. YMMV.