Like I dummy, I waited around in line for an hour in Costa Rica before remembering to check my tag.

... Turns out, they move "military looking" (lol, pelican) boxes to a separate spot instead of running them on the carousel. I'd have had it in minutes if I remembered to check the tag first.

Another Pelican Box Luggage Fan!!! I've got a few Pelican trunks too (1615s). They are often (but not always) treated as "Out of Gauge" at various international airports for me and I'm asked "What's inside?" as if they are loaded with some sort of weapon. Nope! I just like large & durable luggage that can be tied to roof of a cab if it doesn't fit in the back

I have Airs, which are definitely weaker, but light enough that I don’t mind.

Have considered its a tastier looking target for thieves, but esp in Asia they seem to have no idea what it is at all.

the pelicans themselves are nice but I find they are theif magnets - people assume whats inside is expensive and you are conspicuous when using them.

I don't often check luggage. United does have a pretty good online tracking system you can use these days but I always throw an AirTag into checked luggage now and it seems like a really good idea.