Since it debuted in 2015, Away has grow to be a preferred baggage firm with baggage which can be typically simple to identify in each nook of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It’s virtually just like the iPhone of carry-on baggage — easy, trendy and priced in a approach that walks that line of exclusivity whereas concurrently feeling inexpensive sufficient for a lot of frequent vacationers. It seemingly would not damage Away’s recognition — and visibility — that just a few occasions a yr it unveils seasonally refreshed colours for its baggage, too.
Personally, I’ve bought three Away baggage: two child-size baggage (which can be not out there) and one grownup carry-on dimension 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 properly.
Still, I used to be in any other case impressed with my buy. Thinking my concern could be 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 within the coast shade, which Away offered for product testing. Now that I’ve had a while with the bag, this is what I’ve realized 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 while you purchase two Away suitcases or $100 off should you purchase three.
What it’s best to search for in a carry-on bag
The finest carry-on baggage have just a few issues in frequent. Notably, they’ve a sturdy deal with and are simple to roll, not solely on clean airport surfaces but in addition 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 the most effective 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 preserve your belongings separated and make the act of bodily closing and opening the bag a bit simpler. No one needs all of the objects that have been so rigorously packed exploding in all places due to gravity throughout the zipping and unzipping course of.
The finest 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 often flying with out changing 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
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.
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While I nonetheless love my Rimowa carry-on baggage that I’ve used for nearly a decade, there isn’t a query that the Away bag is extra useful in just a few 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 conserving issues organized and in place. The different aspect of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it simple to pack, unpack and preserve every little thing collectively.
Purchase hyperlink: Away The Bigger Carry-On
The zippers themselves are robust and straightforward to maneuver, even when you’ll have barely overpacked and are leaning on the suitcase to get it to shut whilst you zip it up.
The 360-degree spinner wheels have made shifting by the airport, alongside sidewalks and extra mainly a dream, too.
Some of this perceived rolling enchancment over what I’ve been utilizing could be the perform of the Away bag I’m testing being just some months previous versus the numerous 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 verify a bag, I’m significantly keen on the marginally bigger dimension 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 another pair of footwear with out having to float into that “must check 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 find out about The Bigger Carry-On from Away
While this bag might 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. (If you actually wish to see the sturdiness in motion, leap to the 3-minute mark of the “Kids Away Luggage review 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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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 may have the choice so as to add on an ejectable 37-watt lithium-ion battery situated 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 objects I’m packing, so I’ve opted to pop the detachable battery out and depart it at residence as a substitute of conserving it within the bag after 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 presently out there in 13 colours and is sized to slot in the overhead bins on most airways.
Some of the Away bag’s options embrace:
- 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 clean journey.
- Interior compression system.
- Hidden laundry bag to maintain soiled garments separate.
The Bigger Carry-On that I’ve been making an attempt 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 presently 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 service’s baggage dimension limits.
Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Bigger Carry-On
The two fundamental variations between The Carry-On from Away and The Bigger Carry-On from Away are worth and dimension.
The normal Away carry-on bag is often about $20 cheaper than the Bigger model, at $275 as a substitute of $295. Additionally, the normal Away Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, which means it’s smaller than the utmost carry-on dimension 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 should you do not end up needing each sq. inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will prevent just a few {dollars} and you’ll want to preserve you inside the posted airline carry-on dimension 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 properly in most makes use of, and I’m loving the additional house that comes with the marginally extra voluminous Bigger model. I’m additionally a sucker for the zippered aspect of the bag that makes organizing — particularly along with 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 can also make a return with no questions requested. It could be simply the excuse it’s worthwhile to take an opportunity on a brand new piece of bags and see if it is the best match for you.
Read on for extra tips about discovering the best piece of journey gear for you:
Additional reporting by Isabelle Raphael.
Source: thepointsguy.com”