I purchased this a year ago after reading such great reviews at Amazon about this product. At first, it was mostly used for weekend getaways by car which it's fine for.  I'm not sure what the airline pilot's complaint about the interior being strange refers to, but I have no general issues with that.  I don't like the expandable section.  There are two exterior zippers.  One to expand the dimensions for packing more stuff and one to open the compartment.  I'm forever mixing up the two when I'm in rush.

I do agree with his complaints about it not fitting in the overhead bin.  I went to New Orleans last year and without stuffing it or expanding it, this luggage barely fit into the bin.  I stuffed it in, but thought the bin door would pop open it was so tight.

I got it at a great deal at BBB because they had discontinued it plus used a 20% of coupon.  Now, I need it again for another trip and have the concern of getting it in the overhead bin.  I can't comment at all about the durability as mine has seen minimal travelling and been treated very gently.  However, I wouldn't recommend it just for the bin problem.