Great story!
I can't tell you how many airplane seats I've collapsed into panting, sweating and grinning because we'd made the flight with just seconds to spare thanks to long lines, insane delays and marathon routes for plane changes. Clearly, airports were designed with HIIT in mind and luggage is meant for circuit training.
So, Aquajock, the big question is: Are you asking for a ROLLING, carry on bag for xmas (or festivus ) this year?