I never check bags anymore. I have a small roll-aboard that is sized to work even on small flights in Europe (Like flights to Greek islands). I have to pack light but my bags never get lost and I get in and out of airports a lot faster.

I had shipped a tent to Black Diamond in SLC for repair. Coincidentally I got a notification while I was in UT on business that my tent was ready to be picked up. So I picked it up but still had to fly home with it. I had a backpack, my roll-aboard, and this tent at the gate. It was SW and I have A-list preferred, so I'm always one of the first on the plane. They announced that everyone could only have two items walking on board. So I stuffed the tent vertically into and sticking out of the top of my backpack, and walked onto the plane. The tent and the roll-aboard went into the overhead. Backpack went under the seat. Sorry C boarding group people.