Love this bag! I don't really notice a strong smell, just a leather smell. I've gotten compliments on the stylish, old-fashioned look of it. No interior pockets other than the zippered one under the top flap. Buckled pockets on each end and on the front. Buckled pockets are smallish, good only for small things, such as wallet, toiletries, keys, passport. I could not fit a paperback book in one, for example. Really roomy bag carries a lot. Good carry-on bag fits under the seat.