I used to fly a lot before I retired. I learned very quickly after TSA became entrenched that the smart move is to travel with only a small carry on. I mean nothing more than what you need on the flight plus a toothbrush and change of skivvies just in case. Just a briefcase or small backpack. I colder months I can even get away with just a book and my coat with emergency overnight essentials in the pockets.
Send everything else ahead to the hotel or where ever you will be staying via UPS, FedX or USPS.
Avoid the hassle of baggage claim, lost luggage and trying to find room in the overhead bin for an over sized carry on.
Get off the plane and head straight to the rental car or taxi kiosk. Your stuff will be waiting for you at the hotel. For the return trip, pack and drop off your stuff at the hotel business center or front desk for shipping back home.
People who try to lug all their worldly possessions through the airport are just making things harder on themselves and everyone else.
Absolutely correct. If there is stuff you value that you need at your destination, put it in a box and send it. If it costs you $50 to ship it, weigh that against what the items are worth in terms of their replacement value. Because they WILL disappear. If you need a watch, go buy a $7 Casio watch somewhere.