Because it debuted in 2015, Away has grow to be 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 is virtually just like the iPhone of carry-on baggage — easy, trendy and priced in a manner that walks that line of exclusivity whereas concurrently feeling reasonably priced sufficient for a lot of frequent vacationers. It doubtless does not damage Away’s recognition — and visibility — that a number of occasions a yr it unveils seasonally refreshed colours for its baggage, too.
Personally, I’ve bought three Away baggage: two child-size bags (which might be now not accessible) and one grownup carry-on measurement 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 nicely.
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 an alternative of a bigger design flaw, I wished to offer Away one other shot. So, in the course of 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, here is what I’ve realized about this Away carry-on choice — and what I’ve to say about whether or not the model’s baggage are price shopping for.
Away bags limited-time sale: Till Nov. 28, 2022, get $50 off if you purchase two Away suitcases or $100 off if you happen to purchase three.
What you must search for in a carry-on bag
The very best carry-on baggage have a number of issues in widespread. 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. Typically taking that practice to the town middle and strolling the remainder of the best way 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 maintain your belongings separated and make the act of bodily closing and opening the bag a bit simpler. Nobody needs all of the objects that had been so fastidiously packed exploding in all places because of gravity in the course of the zipping and unzipping course of.
The very best 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 will have as a lot packing house as attainable. They’re additionally constructed to carry as much as the tough realities of ceaselessly flying with out turning into the ugly ducking on the baggage carousel shortly after shopping for them.
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Why we like Away’s The Larger 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 useful 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 one among my favourite elements, as it’s so helpful for protecting 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 maintain the whole lot collectively.
Buy hyperlink: Away The Bigger Carry-On
The zippers themselves are robust and simple to maneuver, even when you will 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 mainly a dream, too.
A few of this perceived rolling enchancment over what I have been utilizing stands out as the operate of the Away bag I am testing being only a few months outdated versus the various years and miles I’ve logged on my Rimowa, however there isn’t any query the Away bag is straightforward to maneuver.
As somebody who would relatively drink cup after cup of yucky airplane espresso than test a bag, I am significantly keen on the marginally bigger measurement of Away’s commonplace carry-on bag. The Larger Carry-On permits you to add in an additional set or two of garments or another pair of footwear with out having to float into that “should test 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.
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Issues to learn about The Larger Carry-On from Away
Whereas this bag might 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. (When you actually wish to see the sturdiness in motion, bounce to the 3-minute mark of the “Youngsters Away Baggage 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 practice journey.
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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Moreover, I’ve found that this coast shade is sort of in style, 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 think about getting some form of particular identifier (corresponding 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 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 take a look at bag was barely wasted on me. I might want to make use of that additional pound of weight for objects I am packing, so I’ve opted to pop the detachable battery out and depart it at house as an alternative of protecting 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.
Among the Away bag’s options embody:
- Sturdy polycarbonate shell.
- Leather-based 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.
- Inside compression system.
- Hidden laundry bag to maintain soiled garments separate.
The Larger Carry-On that I have been attempting 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 could 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 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 Larger Carry-On
The 2 most important variations between The Carry-On from Away and The Bigger Carry-On from Away are worth and measurement.
The usual Away carry-on bag is often about $20 cheaper than the Larger model, at $275 as an alternative of $295. Moreover, the normal 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 Larger model. Within the U.S., that distinction is not prone to trigger points more often than not, although it might be problematic when flying carriers internationally.
As somebody who stuffs their carry-on to the brim, the extra capability in The Larger Carry-On is price it. However if you happen to 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 maintain you throughout the posted airline carry-on measurement limits.
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Total impression
Even with the scuff marks, this suitcase appears 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 house that comes with the marginally extra voluminous Larger 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.
When 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 it’s essential take an opportunity on a brand new piece of baggage and see if it is the best match for you.
Learn on for extra recommendations on discovering the best piece of journey gear for you:
Extra reporting by Isabelle Raphael.