For years we've typically travelled carry on only. We can do 3 week trips without a problem. Our reasons vary but because we can pack lightly we feel we should get the benefit of not having to pay for checked bags. I've also had cases where checked bags miss a flight and had one my bags disappear for good.
What bothers me is the carry on size difference between planes. In January we flew down to Ushuaia to get on board a ship to Antarctica. There was no way we were going to chance our bags on such a flight. We booked on United but the YYC to IAH leg was AC and they had us on an Embrair. The overhead space was going to be too small for my bag and they made me check it. We weren't told this until at the gate. The lady didn't understand why I only wanted it only checked to Houston and not all the way. It likely would have made it fine but having been burnt before and given the trip there was no way I was chancing it more than necessary.
I wish more airlines did skycheck like Horizon. That I would do all the time if it meant I could grab my bag immediately when coming off the plane.
I do see people with overstuffed carry on bags all the time. I also see people with things like tennis racquet bags which are over the size limit by a lot.
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