Buying a Carry-On: Harder Than You Think

Consumer Reports really raises some good points. If available, Id suggest the online or self checking kiosk option, because the airlines seem stricter at the ticket counter than after security. I've had the airlines tell me to check a bag when I knew it met the requirements., both size and weight. Since those were international flights with a free checked bag , I haven't pressed the issue.

I can agree with most of the points...although I can hardly think about wanting to go back to bags without wheels. But over the years, I've seen a lot of bags with external handle/frame setups on the conveyor with the frame ripped or twisted off the bag, something that's never happened to me with internal frame. And because the two rods of the handle occupy just two bumps in the bottom of the bag, they don't take away very much packing space, either.

Wheels do add weight and take away space, but if you've a long connection to make at an airport, it's so nice to have the wheeled carryon.

If I don't have a roller bag, I use a backpack.  Easier to carry and with better balance than a small duffer or other hand held bag.