This is why my family and I (who only fly United) never check our bags. 10 day trip to Hawaii —> all carry on. It’s the art of packing, and it saves you the headache.
Personally, I don’t fly at all if I don’t have to. I’d rather drive 99% of the time, unless I’m getting into the realm of 3+ days each way.
When I do have to fly, I pack as light as possible, and go carry-on only, like you state.
UPS your bags.
Is that you Phil?
The only way to fly...United, at least.
I take some old clothes and undergarments and throw them away on the trip. More space coming back.
The airlines have oversold their frequent flyer miles and so now all you can get for being a loyal flyer is getting on the plane ahead of everyone else.
If you're like me and fly whatever is cheapest, then you're not in one of these programs and you end up at the back of the line praying there is still some space for your carry-on.
When I fly to Hawaii, I take a mostly empty suitcase with me. Then I buy clothes out there. Quality Hawaiian shirts are much cheaper to buy in Hawaii, so long as you stay away from the tourist shacks - like ABC Stores.
I have found it cheaper to just buy new clothes than check in bags. But I travel solo. I have a room in Kailua with everything I need and I am always singled out by the blueshirt perverts for not having carryon or checked bags.
“The art of packing” for me involves rolling up all clothes, not taking the “just in case” stuff (i.e., leisure suits, etc.)