I've traveled twice in the short time since I've had this messenger bag, and it is very nice for transporting my 17-inch macbook pro (retina). It fits perfectly, which was my main concern about buying this bag. The laptop has its own compartment in the back of the bag and its padded. The main compartment is really roomy and fits a lot. The metal buckles are difficult to operate one handed while the bag is over your shoulder (they have to hook in) but there are velcro strips that keep it closed when you don't want to use the metal buckles.