The aisle seat idea is pretty smart. I'm at a point in my life where, depending on my total travel time up to that point, it can be very important to stand up to let my hips straighten out for a while, even if we're 15 minutes away from leaving the plane.

One Christmas, returning from a trip to Florida to visit my parents, I ended up sitting on the plane longer than I'd have liked. My legs tend to hurt when I have to sit still for too long and I was really looking forward to having a chance to stand up. After a while, I did manage to get off the plane (clearly), but of course assumed I would then be forced to muscle my way through the roiling throngs at the baggage claim just to catch a glimpse of luggage belonging to strangers. However, I was mildly pleased to see that I was the first prospector to plumb the mines of Samsonite, and would not have to do battle in the Arena of the Carousel. I was still dejected at the idea of waiting still longer to retrieve my luggage and return to my hovel.

A minute or two later later, the alarm sounded, signalling that the sluices were opening, and, lo, first out of the curtains was a bag that looked suspiciously like mine. It couldn't be, though. Things like that only happen in fairy tales. As it rounded the bend, though, I saw my initials emblazoned across the side, and my uneasy contentment turned to childlike joy as I seized my bag from the very front of the line. Had I not had a witness with me at the time, I scarcely would have believed it myself.

So anyway, that's why I jump up and headbutt everyone in front of me as soon as the plane lands now.

After having the airline lose my bag, I will do literally anything to avoid going to baggage claim

I will ship my luggage if I have to but I will never check a bag.

That said, I don't hop-up so I can wait hunched over at my seat. It's not hard to wait your turn.

More waiting time at the baggage claim?

You check luggage? Not everyone does. I just took a three week trip with a backpack that fits under the seat and a carry on. Waiting for luggage is so awful. What good is getting off the plane quickly? I mean how are people so okay with flying several hours then waiting minutes more just to stand. I want to be moving and stretching, to get home and shower. Last thing I wanna do is sit 10 more minutes because people are slow

I mean, as long as you're standing out of the way that's perfectly fine to stretch your legs. Just don't stand in the aisle while people are trying to get bags and move toward the front.