I never check on domestic trips. For three days or less I have a compact hand-carry bag of stout black nylon from Sharper Image, and for longer trips I have a Lighthouse carry-on from Lands' End. Either fit neatly in the bins. I don't like rollabords.

I really hate hanging around the airport an extra 30 to 45 minutes after arrival to collect a checked bag. Coming home to SEA, by the time a checked piece pops out, I can be home in bed.

I have to check a piece YVR-HKG-SYD in a couple of weeks, as it's a 19-day trip, and I'm not looking forward to it.