thanks everyone, very helpful !! and seems there's some clear consensus too...

just one question, to N1120A...when you said, "If you buy the IATA-sized Rimowa, you will almost certainly not get hassled by LH", do you mean the "IATA" designated by Rimowa (i.e. small one, 55x40x20) or the dimensions indeed specified by IATA (i.e. big one, 56x45x25, http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/passeng...check_bag.aspx).

because, if it's the small one...I assume, even without LH's relationship with Rimowa...I'd assume this size is ok with ALL airlines ? (understanding that sometimes the "official" size published is smaller, eg AA, but don't think this would be a problem?)

or, N1120A, do you mean the bigger one probably is ok with LH too, given their relationship with Rimowa ?

thanks again everyone !!