I bought this at an airport, thinking it would solve my problems. In fact I bought it along with a rolling handbag thing. The rolling handbag was ok, and I was excited that THIS was 17" so surely there would be no issues using it as carryon. Mistake. As soon as I stepped on the plane, stewardess looked at it and said 'it probably won't fit. you can try if you like.' I thought huh! it's only 17"! the limit is 21"! Well, it's too THICK/DEEP to fit. It did NOT fit in the overhead bins. I put it under the seat in front of me but it stuck way out (like they said it MUSTNT) and kept me from comfort. Now I'm waiting to find the chance to visit a city that has a Brookstone so I can get my $169 for a tiny carryon back.