I just returned from a trip on Delta Airlines with an old Rick Steves design, the Avanti.  Although that bag is very durable and served me well for a month in Ecuador last year, it is a little too wide for some overheads and for rolling down the increasingly small isles in some planes.  It is also poorly organized for security inspections (not to mention, getting at one's stuff), so I decided I had to try another approach.

I just received the 21" roll aboard.  So far, I think it's brilliant.  Here's why:  (1) cosmetics must be taken out at security checks to show liquids.  My cosmetic bag (also Rick Steves) fits perfectly in the lower outside pocket, so I don't have to disturb the rest of the suitcase to get it out to go through security.  (2)  the other front pocket actually runs the full length of the flap, perfect for a down vest or a sweater, which then (3) cushions the lap-top pocket, which is behind the jacket pocket!  No need for bulky foam to protect one's laptop.  Laptop is also easily removed for going through security, again, without having to disturb the rest of the contents, and it will be protected on the other side from the soft clothing inside the bag. (4) the smaller zipper pocket on the front of the jacket pocket is perfect for boarding pass, right handy. (5) There is a strap on top that fits around a rolled up jacket or coat (my down parka, tightly rolled, is held perfectly).  No more messing with one's coat, twisting it around this or that, trying to secure it.  (6) Inside, the lining unzips so things can be hidden, more or less, in the bottom of the bag, underneath the lining.  (7) there is a nice sturdy handle on the bottom that, along with the carrying handle on the top, will make lifting the bag up into the overhead bin relatively easy.  I plan to get the set of packing cubes that have been designed to fit inside Rick's bags, which will make finding things inside, and keeping them organized, SO much easier.

All in all, given my many frustrations on my recent trip,  especially going through security, I am VERY impressed with the design.  It is deceptively simple, but carefully thought-out.  The expandable feature is a great idea.  Although it might mean having to check it going home, checking luggage on the way home isn't as risky as checking it (and possibly losing it) on the way TO somewhere.

Quality and durability is a problem with most luggage these days.  I had another suitcase by a very reputable company, but the handle was broken on my first trip with it,  by some airline employee who didn't think to push the button in to get the handle to come out.  Duh.  So that was the end of that suitcase.  A friend of mine had a nice expensive rolling bag  that the wheel broke on, early in her use of it, also done by the airline.  My take:  don't check your luggage if you can help it, use carry-ons.  Airline employees throw them around!  The wheels, zippers, fabric and stitching on this bag appear to be the same as the Avanti, and it has been admirably durable.  But I'll give this four stars for now and reserve the fifth one until I've used it a bit.

My one little complaint:  The blue spruce in all the ads looks bright and more like turquoise in the pictures.  In reality, it's dark and looks more like navy.  I emailed Rick Steves to see if mine was a fluke.  They said no, but every single picture I've seen of "blue spruce" has been much brighter.  I was hoping for a brighter color that would stand out from the zillions of black and grey bags out there (I love the orange color of my Avanti).  But it's not worth the shipping cost to trade it for a red one.  Or is it?