Because it debuted in 2015, Away has turn out to be a preferred baggage firm with luggage which are typically straightforward to identify in each nook of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It is virtually just like the iPhone of carry-on luggage — 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 possible would not harm Away’s recognition — and visibility — that a number of occasions a yr it unveils seasonally refreshed colours for its luggage, too.
Personally, I’ve bought three Away luggage: two child-size bags (which are not accessible) and one grownup carry-on dimension from a limited-edition assortment impressed by the northern lights. A lot to my shock, my northern lights Away bag, which was lovely when it first arrived at my door, hasn’t held up very effectively.
Nonetheless, I used to be in any other case impressed with my buy. Considering my challenge is perhaps a results of a quirk tied to the particular plastic coating of the northern lights bag as a substitute of a bigger design flaw, I needed to provide Away one other shot. So, throughout the previous few months, I made a decision to check out The Bigger Carry-On in the coast color, which Away supplied for product testing.
Now that I’ve had a while with the bag, this is what I’ve realized about this Away carry-on choice — and what I’ve to say about whether or not the model’s luggage are value shopping for.
Away bags limited-time sale: Till Nov. 28, 2022, get $50 off whenever you purchase two Away suitcases or $100 off for those who purchase three.
What it is best to search for in a carry-on bag
The most effective carry-on luggage have a number of issues in frequent. Notably, they’ve a sturdy deal with and are straightforward to roll, not solely on clean airport surfaces but in addition on some barely imperfect surfaces. Typically taking that practice to the town heart and strolling the remainder of the way in which to the resort whereas pulling your bag is the very 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 hold your belongings separated and make the act of bodily closing and opening the bag a bit simpler. Nobody desires all of the gadgets that have been so fastidiously packed exploding all over the place because of gravity throughout the zipping and unzipping course of.
The most effective carry-on luggage 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 attainable. They’re additionally constructed to carry as much as the tough realities of regularly flying with out changing into the ugly ducking on the baggage carousel shortly after shopping for them.
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Why we like Away’s The Greater Carry-On
Spoiler alert: After a number of months of utilizing this Away carry-on, I am a fan.
Whereas I nonetheless love my Rimowa carry-on bags that I’ve used for nearly a decade, there isn’t a query that the Away bag is extra purposeful in a number of methods — which is why it’s now closely in my rotation.
The mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one aspect of the bag is considered one of my favourite parts, as it’s so helpful for maintaining issues organized and in place. The opposite aspect of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it straightforward to pack, unpack and hold every part collectively.
Buy hyperlink: Away The Bigger Carry-On
The zippers themselves are robust 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 via the airport, alongside sidewalks and extra mainly a dream, too.
A few of this perceived rolling enchancment over what I have been utilizing will be the operate of the Away bag I am testing being just some months outdated versus the numerous years and miles I’ve logged on my Rimowa, however there is not any query the Away bag is straightforward to maneuver.
As somebody who would reasonably drink cup after cup of yucky airplane espresso than test a bag, I am significantly keen on the marginally bigger dimension of Away’s commonplace carry-on bag. The Greater Carry-On lets you add in an additional set or two of garments or yet one more pair of footwear with out having to float into that “should test a bag” scenario. We’ll get extra into the precise dimensions in a bit, however this little further room makes a noticeable distinction when packing.
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Issues to learn about The Greater Carry-On from Away
Whereas this bag may be thrown out and in of a cab and dragged off a carousel with no fear when it comes to performance, be ready for some scratches on the shell. (In the event you actually wish to see the sturdiness in motion, bounce to the 3-minute mark of the “Children Away Baggage assessment 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 check bag after 4 flights and one practice journey.
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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Moreover, I’ve found that this coast colour is sort of common, as I have been in a number of conditions now the place a number of folks have had the very same bag. With out one thing clearly figuring out the bag as yours, you are risking bag mix-ups, so take into account getting some kind of particular identifier (resembling a colourful baggage tag) and toss an Apple AirTag in for good measure, simply in case. Or, merely select a non-traditional colour that fewer folks 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 am not personally a fan of the characteristic, as I am not organized sufficient with my life to recollect to cost my bag’s battery pack, so the one which got here with my check bag was barely wasted on me. I might desire to make use of that further pound of weight for gadgets I am packing, so I’ve opted to pop the detachable battery out and go away it at house as a substitute of maintaining it within the bag after I journey.
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How Away’s carry-on measures up
Usually priced beginning at $295, The Bigger Carry-On from Away is at present accessible in 13 colours and is sized to slot in the overhead bins on most airways.
A few of the Away bag’s options embrace:
- Sturdy polycarbonate shell.
- Leather-based detailing, together with a black leather-based baggage tag.
- TSA-approved mixture lock for further security.
- 360-degree spinner wheels that guarantee a clean journey.
- Inside compression system.
- Hidden laundry bag to maintain soiled garments separate.
The Greater Carry-On that I have been making an attempt out has the next measurements:
- Exterior: 22.7 by 14.7 by 9.6 inches.
- Inside: 21 by 14.5 inches.
- Weight: 7.4 kilos.
- Capability: 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 follow, 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 risk that you could be have to gate-check your bag.
Southwest Airlines at present has a most carry-on dimension of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches, which implies this bigger carry-on does formally adjust to that provider’s baggage dimension limits.
Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Greater Carry-On
The 2 predominant variations between The Carry-On from Away and The Bigger Carry-On from Away are value and dimension.
The usual Away carry-on bag is normally about $20 cheaper than the Greater model, at $275 as a substitute of $295. Moreover, the standard Away Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, that means it’s smaller than the utmost carry-on dimension necessities for all main U.S. airways, in contrast to the Greater model. Within the U.S., that distinction is not prone 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 Greater Carry-On is value it. However for those who do not end up needing each sq. inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will prevent a number of {dollars} and make sure you hold you inside the posted airline carry-on dimension limits.
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Total impression
Even with the scuff marks, this suitcase appears to be like fairly good. The deal with is not the sturdiest factor round, however the bag rolls effectively in most makes use of, and I’m loving the additional area that comes with the marginally extra voluminous Greater model. I am additionally a sucker for the zippered aspect of the bag that makes organizing — particularly at the side of packing cubes — a cinch.
In the event you’re nonetheless on the fence about shopping for the bag, know that there is a 100-day trial interval, throughout which you can also make a return with no questions requested. It is perhaps simply the excuse you could take an opportunity on a brand new piece of baggage and see if it is the proper match for you.
Learn on for extra recommendations on discovering the proper piece of journey gear for you:
Extra reporting by Isabelle Raphael.