My credit card gives me one free checked bag, and I always check my bag now. It’s so much easier to move around an airport during transfers when all I’ve got is my small carry-on with me. In addition, it means I can take my Swiss Army knife with me, and larger bottles of shampoo etc.

As for delays at my destination? The longest I’ve had to wait for my bag is a few minutes. The airlines I use, anyway, are hyper focused on getting bags to the conveyor belt before most passengers have deplaned. YMMD, but that’s my experience.

Edit: I should also add that the United app lets me track my bag from drop off to destination, but I also have an AirTag hidden in my locked (TSA approved) suitcase. The only time TSA has opened my suitcase was when I’d put my iPad in it, so now I just carry it onboard.