Two years with my Air Touring and I've never carried the fob, ever, just PAAK (IOS) and key card in wallet as backup. Reliable? As far as unlocking and driving away it's been 100% reliable. Never had to use the key card, not once. Yes, there is a few second delay sometimes, but it's never never a significant issue. Rarely, I'll have to make sure my phone "wakes" up.
Since my phone is often in range of my car when It's in the garage, I often have to press the door handle to open since it gets tired of locking/unlocking, not optimal but you get used to it (if they ever switch to UWB that would likely fix this scenario) - and that has always worked . Perfect? Nope, but for me it beats having to carry anything but my wallet and phone.
I'll amend the "never" statement to two specific scenarios. If I go to the touch-less car wash near me, I'll take the fob and put it the driver's door storage so I can have my phone while I wait for the wash (I've also left the phone in the car when I forgot to take the fob with me). Also, if traveling and using hotels, I'll take the fob to make it easier on everyone for valet parking.
Small sample size so far, but recently upgraded to iPhone 18 pro and it seems more responsive. Not perfect, but better. No idea if this will continue or is just an artifact of having re-setup phone/car connection with the new device.
I realize not everyone has had the same experience.