If we are traveling non-stop both ways we check luggage and bring more. If we are having flights where we have to change planes then we often go carry on.
On a non-stop I don't have to see my luggage until I reach my destination, but when we fly with a layover to change planes everything is different. We have missed flights in Charlotte going home because when you land you have to do Immigration, wait to claim your luggage, wait to go through customs, then recheck that luggage for the next flight, then go through TSA Security to get on the the gate for the connecting flight. So... either nonstop or carry on only is our current method.