My hard-side Rimowa Cabin Trolley (22") has so far fit into any domestic overhead bin, except on small planes. Watching other flyers, I think most problems arise from the depth of their bags, not so much the length, particularly when all the expansion options are used.

Sometimes I wish my bag was a soft-sided bag so that it could be molded to available space, but that is mostly for accommodating neighboring space hogs, not because the bag itself would be too big. If everybody had that bag, there would never be a problem.

For a lot of international travel, a 22" bag is too big and likely too heavy as well (15-lb restrictions in some cases).

Regardless, I would highly recommend getting a bag that will stand up to the rigors of luggage handling in case you do need to check the bag.

In the end you may need need more than one piece. There is a reason why luggage manufacturers have invented the categories "Domestic carry-on" and International carry-on". Trying to cover all bases with one piece is a compromise, and compromise means suffering.

Cheers! MM