Yeah, I'm torn on whether to get the expandable or not. I rarely use the feature, but when I do, it sure is handy. I'm also thinking that this bag will fit in the bins even when using some of the expansion space. I am concerned that it seems so much smaller in the "depth" dimension than my Kirkland, and the expansion could help with that. I also wish this was available without the laptop and tablet sleeves, which I will never use and just take up space, especially since they're padded. I'm also not sure what that rear compartment is good for, other than getting caught on the overhead bin.