On the flip side, since I always travel pretty light, I never check baggage (and I still have the smallest carry-ons...) and a little more stress at the beginning of the flight to ensure I get overhead bin space, means that at the end of the flight I can leave the plane and walk out the front door, rather than waiting 10-20 for the baggage to show up.

If I need to bring enough stuff to require check baggage however, I am always the last to board the plane.