This is my second buy on this model of bag and I hope it as tough as the last one. I bought it in 2007 and that bag had traveled around the world numerous times and been kicked and beaten by the best of them. The outer frame lines were tattered but in tact. Just this month the handle retracted poorly so it was time to send to get a new one. I've never had an issue with carry on in the non-expanded configuration, although often asked to check at the gate with everyone else. If I'm checking it the expandable front is great for those extra long trips.