I actually check my luggage on all international flights non-stop or not because it can be quite a walk to and from customs, the security where you cannot carry a lot of liquids in your carry-on bags etc. Even on a 45 minute or a 10 hour layover at an airport checking the bag in is the best way to go. Running with a bag through an airport to make your next flight is no fun. It just slows you down. And if the bag is lost it's the airlines responsibility . Think about bringing your suitcase into a bathroom stall or to a restaurant. You need to keep track of your bags at all times.

Now even on US flights i check my bags in because I can go to the curbside checkin and go to the gate. You could have a longer time at security because your bag is large and you might get secondary screening.