Assuming I don't have somewhere to rush off to immediately after I land, I much prefer to check my luggage. So much more convenient and civilized than wrestling it through security, down to a gate that so far away it seems like it's in another city, then pushing my way through the crowd at the gate so I can be one of those bin hogs (everyone complains about them, but noone admits to being one!!).

If I can check my luggage, I can cruise to the gate unencumbered, board at the beginning or the tail end, at my leisure.... seems almost decadent.

Besides, I've never figured out how airport bathroom designers expected us ladies to maneuver a rollaboard and purse into a stall (with a door that swings inward, of course) with us. Or do we leave it outside the stall, unattended, while we're, um, temporarily indisposed?

Which reminds me, another plus for checking luggage, if you're at the gate and decide you want a cup of coffee or a beer at the crowded restaurant, it's a lot less of an ordeal.

Sancha