Ironically, most of this habit came from the airlines having horrible baggage times. They invested in this a lot to the point that for most of the airports I'm

Ironically, most of this habit came from the airlines having horrible baggage times. They invested in this a lot to the point that for most of the airports I'm usually in (SEA, SLC, DAL, BOS), even when I do check bags, I can't remember a time in the last few years where my bags haven't been on the carousel by the time I get there. The only things I will not ever check are my camera gear, and I'll fight to avoid a gate check too (I've only had one occasion where I've been pressed to do so, and I just told the agent that what was in the case exceeded their checked bag insurance, and she told me to take it with me. I've also heard anecdotes about photographers carrying $50 or $100 and if being 'required' to gate check, turning to people behind them and saying "this is for you if you'll gate check so I don't have to" - no idea how that's worked out for them).