Like other folks that originally signed up, I got an e-mail today from Gary German, the CEO. He says that most of the hundreds of thousands that signed up in 2015 were Nigerian scammers, or from outside the U.S., or folks that just wanted the free luggage for resale. He says the membership fee is to prove to sponsors that registrants are legitimate travelers, not scammers.
This time, he gives much more detail, such as photos of the carry-on with Orion logos, that they will be delivered as soon as mid-October, and that sponsors will start to jump on board to help repay for baggage fees, or even another free luggage, in Spring 2017. Big offer, very tempting, of course.
A couple of small red flags just from this e-mail, though. Thanks to the CAN-SPAM act of 2003, companies are required to "Tell recipients how to opt out of receiving future email from you," which his e-mail does not. The other thing I noticed is that their website displays an "Accredited A+ BBB business" image, but the BBB website lists them as unaccredited.
The claims are tempting, but I'd say it is too early to jump on board just yet. Need to see some valid, strong reviews first.