When it comes to carry-on luggage, I am always on the hunt for the perfect bag to fit as much as possible while still squeezing overhead or under a seat. That’s why I was super intrigued by the Away brand luggage.
Away encourages buyers to purchase “the gift of modern travel.” What exactly does that mean? The company is shifting the idea of what luggage is by aiming to be a travel and lifestyle brand instead of just a luggage brand. And I think it’s working.
Top features of Away carry-on luggage
Several top features of Away carry-on luggage are worth reviewing if you’re considering one of their bags. For the purposes of this article and our taking into consideration our readers’ demographics, we took a close look at The Carry-on for this Away luggage review.
- 360 spinning wheels – So you get that smooth ride feeling everywhere you go.
- Optional battery – Integrated into the suitcase that can keep all of your electronics charged while you travel.
- TSA approved lock – Every bag comes with a TSA approved combination lock so you can be confident that all of your belongings are safe for the duration of your trip.
- Hard shell – The external material of The Carry-on is made from a durable polycarbonate shell, so you won’t have to worry about the contents being damaged if your luggage is tossed around a bit.
- Comes in 13 different colors – You might argue that color and style don’t matter, but Away makes the point that it does. And let’s be honest, when you’re spending $200 plus on a new piece of luggage, you’ll be happy to see that it comes in golden ombre.
- Extra details – A few of the nice-to-have extras include an internal compression system to pack more efficiently, a built-in laundry bag, and matching leather luggage tags.
Durability and warranty
One of Away’s main selling points is that they are “built to last.” They stand by this claim with their generous warranty. When you buy any product from Away, you’ll receive:
- Lifetime warranty – All bags are covered by a lifetime warranty, so you can purchase your bag with confidence. This covers damage to the shell, wheels, zippers, bag handles, or any other part that impacts the luggage’s function.
- 100-day free trial – what does a free trial mean when it comes to luggage? You can try any bag you like for 100 days and return it for a full refund or exchange it for another bag. This essentially means that you have a little more than three months to decide if Away was meant for you or if you will be sending it…back.
- Free shipping – Away offers free UPS ground shipping and returns, so you don’t have to worry about paying for a bag that you decide to return. These policies are meant to create a risk-free purchasing mentality with their clients, and it’s fairly effective.
Reviews of Away luggage found on various websites consistently mention the durability and quality of these bags. You have the option to purchase a hard shell version of many of these bags. The “hard shell” is made from a scratch-resistant polycarbonate material (that sounds tough, right?).
Size and dimensions
There are many different styles, sizes, and options from which to choose. You can see these listed on the Away suitcases page. Some of the most popular models include:
The Carry-on
Weight: 7.1 lbs
Capacity: 39.8L
Exterior measurements: 21.7” x 13.7” x 9”
Interior measurements: 20” x 13.5”
The Bigger Carry-on
Weight: 7.4 lbs
Capacity: 47.9L
Exterior measurements: 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”
Interior measurements: 21” x 14.5”
The Expandable Carry-on
Weight: 9.28 lbs
Capacity: 37L
Capacity when expanded: 42L
Exterior measurements: 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9.2″ (expanded depth: 10.9″)
Interior measurements: 18.4″ x 13.5″
These measures include the wheels and meet the carry-on size requirements for most airlines, but you will want to confirm for good measure.
Is an Away bag worth it?
Away is not quite a luxury brand, but their prices are not low either. So the question remains – is an Away bag worth it? There are a few different things to consider when answering this question:
Construction and Durability and the knowledge that your bag will not get in the way of your trip. There are a lot of nice features with this bag. The internal battery is a great add-on, and Away luggage has been thoughtfully designed to overcome the many obstacles that we run into at the airport.
The experience of purchasing a bag, and the confidence of knowing you can return The Carry-on for up to 100 days after purchase. Away’s website makes it easy for the indecisive buyer to select the bag that’s right for them by clicking on the “help me decide link.” It couldn’t be easier. And as any avid traveler will tell you – the experience is just as important as getting to your destination.
Some of the negatives to consider – The hardshell carry-on doesn’t have any external pockets, making it challenging to store items you may need to access quickly. Additionally, many airlines won’t allow a battery pack in your carry-on. So check with your carrier before bringing this on your trip.
Other carry-ons similar to Away
We know that Away isn’t the only player in the game, although they do seem to be winning the “modern” traveler over at the moment. Some of the other carry-ons that are similar to Away luggage include:
CALPAK luggage
Similar price point, style, and design as Away, but the reviews are not as consistently positive.
Samsonite Freeform carry-on
Samsonite is a well-known brand that has been around for many years. They’re famous for their durability and smart design.
Paravel Aviator carry-on
These bags look like they were pulled out of a Wes Anderson movie, which is almost reason enough to purchase one. Paravel is dedicated to creating carbon-neutral luggage, a smart correlation to offsetting carbon produced from air travel.
Bottom line
Connecting with consumers is the key to success with a company like Away. They’ve taken a lot of time to do their market research and identify what resonates with modern travelers. With this information, they’ve created a bag that is designed for those who connect with the travel community as a whole. Away is more than a line of luggage, although they do this piece quite well. They are also a resource for those looking for adventure and need the perfect suitcase to get started.
All photos by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy.