I had a bag just like this for YEARS.  It smooches small enough to fit in the smallest airplane, even the small regional jets.  I never had to check it, even though every gate agent said it would be too big.  It never was.  It held my purse, backpack and coat (in winter) and no matter how much I stuffed it, it never broke.  If you're going to England, they have a one bag carry on requirement (even if that one bag is your purse!) so this guy was perfect because everything I would normally carry (purse and backpack) fit into this with room for a lot of other stuff.

The material is water resistant (they feel really cheesy but, seriously, this is a fantastic bag!) and after almost five years, it may have looked crappy but it still worked perfectly.

The airline finally broke a wheel when I checked it on a return trip and had bought so much stuff I **had** to check it...and I mourned the loss.  I am getting this right now. Actually, I am going to get two.

If you travel it is well worth it. Buy two!  They are CHEAP and last F O R E V E R!

Remember, if you travel a lot, get the weirdest color out there and you'll never have to look for your bag again (if you check them).