Since it debuted in 2015, Away has develop into a preferred baggage firm with baggage which might be usually straightforward to identify in each nook of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It’s nearly just like the iPhone of carry-on baggage — easy, trendy and priced in a approach that walks that line of exclusivity whereas concurrently feeling reasonably priced sufficient for a lot of frequent vacationers. It probably would not damage Away’s reputation — and visibility — that just a few occasions a 12 months it unveils seasonally refreshed colours for its baggage, too.
Personally, I’ve bought three Away baggage: two child-size baggage (which might be not out there) and one grownup carry-on measurement from a limited-edition assortment impressed by the northern lights. Much to my shock, my northern lights Away bag, which was stunning when it first arrived at my door, hasn’t held up very nicely.
Still, I used to be in any other case impressed with my buy. Thinking my problem is likely to be a results of a quirk tied to the particular plastic coating of the northern lights bag as an alternative of a bigger design flaw, I wished to offer Away one other shot. So, throughout the previous few months, I made a decision to check out The Bigger Carry-On within the coast shade, which Away offered for product testing.
Now that I’ve had a while with the bag, here is what I’ve discovered about this Away carry-on possibility — and what I’ve to say about whether or not the model’s baggage are value shopping for.
Away baggage limited-time sale: Until Nov. 28, 2022, get $50 off once you purchase two Away suitcases or $100 off for those who purchase three.
What you need to search for in a carry-on bag
The greatest carry-on baggage have just a few issues in frequent. Notably, they’ve a sturdy deal with and are straightforward to roll, not solely on easy airport surfaces but additionally on some barely imperfect surfaces. Sometimes taking that prepare to town middle and strolling the remainder of the best way to the resort whereas pulling your bag is one of the best plan of action — and your bag wants to have the ability to deal with that journey.
Ideally, carry-on baggage has some compartments to assist maintain your belongings separated and make the act of bodily closing and opening the bag a bit simpler. No one desires all of the gadgets that had been so rigorously packed exploding all over the place because of gravity throughout the zipping and unzipping course of.
The greatest carry-on baggage do not waste a ton of weight on the bag itself and slot in airline overhead bins, pushing proper as much as that most restrict allowed so you’ve got as a lot packing area as doable. They’re additionally constructed to carry as much as the cruel realities of continuously flying with out turning into the ugly ducking on the baggage carousel shortly after shopping for them.
Related: Keep calm and keep on: TPG shares its favourite journey carry-on baggage
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Why we like Away’s The Bigger Carry-On
Spoiler alert: After just a few months of utilizing this Away carry-on, I’m a fan.
While I nonetheless love my Rimowa carry-on baggage that I’ve used for nearly a decade, there isn’t any query that the Away bag is extra purposeful in just a few methods — which is why it’s now closely in my rotation.
The mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one facet of the bag is certainly one of my favourite elements, as it’s so helpful for preserving issues organized and in place. The different facet of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it straightforward to pack, unpack and maintain all the pieces collectively.
Purchase hyperlink: Away The Bigger Carry-On
The zippers themselves are sturdy and straightforward to maneuver, even when you could have barely overpacked and are leaning on the suitcase to get it to shut when you zip it up.
The 360-degree spinner wheels have made shifting by the airport, alongside sidewalks and extra principally a dream, too.
Some of this perceived rolling enchancment over what I’ve been utilizing stands out as the operate of the Away bag I’m testing being just some months outdated versus the various years and miles I’ve logged on my Rimowa, however there is not any query the Away bag is simple to maneuver.
As somebody who would slightly drink cup after cup of yucky airplane espresso than verify a bag, I’m notably keen on the marginally bigger measurement of Away’s normal carry-on bag. The Bigger Carry-On means that you can add in an additional set or two of garments or yet one more pair of footwear with out having to float into that “should verify a bag” state of affairs. We’ll get extra into the precise dimensions in a bit, however this little additional room makes a noticeable distinction when packing.
Related: Carry-on baggage showdown: Away vs. Rimowa
Things to learn about The Bigger Carry-On from Away
While this bag will be thrown out and in of a cab and dragged off a carousel with out a fear by way of performance, be ready for some scratches on the shell. (If you actually wish to see the sturdiness in motion, soar to the 3-minute mark of the “Kids Away Luggage overview video” on the finish of this text to see how we tried to destroy that bag.)
Even with regular put on and tear, scuffs can completely be seen on the matte materials. I discovered some on my take a look at bag after 4 flights and one prepare journey.
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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Additionally, I’ve found that this coast shade is kind of well-liked, as I’ve been in just a few conditions now the place a number of individuals have had the very same bag. Without one thing clearly figuring out the bag as yours, you are risking bag mix-ups, so think about getting some form of particular identifier (equivalent to a colourful baggage tag) and toss an Apple AirTag in for good measure, simply in case. Or, merely select a non-traditional shade that fewer individuals may have.
Know, too, that with this bag, you will have the choice so as to add on an ejectable 37-watt lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the deal with for $20. I’m not personally a fan of the function, as I’m not organized sufficient with my life to recollect to cost my bag’s battery pack, so the one which got here with my take a look at bag was barely wasted on me. I’d choose to make use of that additional pound of weight for gadgets I’m packing, so I’ve opted to pop the detachable battery out and depart it at house as an alternative of preserving it within the bag once I journey.
Related: 15 packing hacks for touring with only a carry-on
How Away’s carry-on measures up
Regularly priced beginning at $295, The Bigger Carry-On from Away is at present out there in 13 colours and is sized to slot in the overhead bins on most airways.
Some of the Away bag’s options embody:
- Durable polycarbonate shell.
- Leather detailing, together with a black leather-based baggage tag.
- TSA-approved mixture lock for additional security.
- 360-degree spinner wheels that guarantee a easy journey.
- Interior compression system.
- Hidden laundry bag to maintain soiled garments separate.
The Bigger Carry-On that I’ve been attempting out has the next measurements:
- Exterior: 22.7 by 14.7 by 9.6 inches.
- Interior: 21 by 14.5 inches.
- Weight: 7.4 kilos.
- Capacity: 47.9 liters.
For reference, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines all have posted most carry-on sizes of twenty-two by 14 by 9 inches, which is technically a hair smaller than this bag on all sides.
In observe, on most flights, a bag that may be a fraction of an inch over will nonetheless match within the sizer and within the overhead bin, however do know that there’s a chance that you could be must gate-check your bag.
Southwest Airlines at present has a most carry-on measurement of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches, which suggests this bigger carry-on does formally adjust to that service’s baggage dimension limits.
Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Bigger Carry-On
The two important variations between The Carry-On from Away and The Bigger Carry-On from Away are worth and measurement.
The normal Away carry-on bag is normally about $20 cheaper than the Bigger model, at $275 as an alternative of $295. Additionally, the standard Away Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, that means it’s smaller than the utmost carry-on measurement necessities for all main U.S. airways, not like the Bigger model. In the U.S., that distinction is not more likely to trigger points more often than not, although it could be problematic when flying carriers internationally.
As somebody who stuffs their carry-on to the brim, the extra capability in The Bigger Carry-On is value it. But for those who do not end up needing each sq. inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will prevent just a few {dollars} and remember to maintain you throughout the posted airline carry-on measurement limits.
Related: Carry-on vs. checked baggage: Which is the higher alternative?
Overall impression
Even with the scuff marks, this suitcase seems fairly good. The deal with is not the sturdiest factor round, however the bag rolls nicely in most makes use of, and I’m loving the additional area that comes with the marginally extra voluminous Bigger model. I’m additionally a sucker for the zippered facet of the bag that makes organizing — particularly at the side of packing cubes — a cinch.
If you are still on the fence about shopping for the bag, know that there is a 100-day trial interval, throughout which you may make a return with no questions requested. It is likely to be simply the excuse you should take an opportunity on a brand new piece of bags and see if it is the appropriate match for you.
Read on for extra recommendations on discovering the appropriate piece of journey gear for you:
Additional reporting by Isabelle Raphael.