First, the huge problem with this bag: It's too thick! It measures ~10.5" across, which is too thick to fit in many overhead bins, even on full size planes. That's 10.5" unexpanded. You have the option to expand it for even more room.

I've owned numerous expandable 9" carry on bags, and they fit perfectly so long as I didn't use the expansion. If I expanded them, I had a 50/50 chance I would have to gate check it.

This is the bag I wanted to love. It really is a GREAT bag. It has probably the best internal layout and organization of any soft-side carry on bag I have tried that's under 150 bucks. Perfect pouches, no-wrinkling hanging clothes compartment, etc. The zippers are very sturdy and feel like they'll hold up for a long while. It's not the lightest bag, but it's pretty close, and feels infinitely more durable.

Bottom line: If I was shopping for a small soft side suitcase, I would buy this one in a heartbeat, or go see if they made a larger version. But for it's intended purpose, a CARRY ON bag, it falls short, it's just too fat, ESPECIALLY if you ever travel internationally. And for that reason, sadly this bag will be going back.