We each do a small carry-on (backpack) with what we would need for a day or two and everything else gets checked. By the time you get through immigration your bags will be waiting for you. Another safeguard is some of my clothes go in my wife's bag and some of hers in mine. If a bag didn't make it we would be fine. That also shows we take way, way too much stuff! If carry-on only got you through faster I'd do it but I'd have to leave the wife at home. lol