The pile of luggage in the basement attests to my pursuit of the perfect carry-on suitcase. I knew I wanted a light-weight roller bag, but I wasn’t sure that hard sided luggage would allow me to pack everything I needed for a trip.
My first failed carry-on purchase was a light-weight, fabric soft sided piece that was very expensive. Truth be told, I purchased multiple sets of this soft-sided luggage in various sizes in a beautiful cherry red. I loved the color and knew it would be easy to spot the larger pieces at baggage claim. Well, the very first time I checked one of these suitcases, I had no problem spotting my formerly beautiful bag that now was covered with dirt and grease stains. On another trip, I watched as my gate checked soft sided carryon sat on a baggage carrier on the tarmac…in the pouring rain…getting soaked.
Despite my investment, I decided that I needed a hard side carry-on. I did my research and bought I nice, sleek, light-weight, reasonably priced bag. I was surprised how much I could get into the bag. Years later, it still looks good. The bag is tapered—dropping about 2” at the top. I was happy with that bag, but then I saw the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on. I bought it immediately, and fellow travelers at the airport routinely asked about my cool new bag.
Here’s why I love it:
- I love the overall size. The size (22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”) is perfect. I love that the depth doesn’t change from bottom to top. While this bag fits most US airline sizers, it may be too large for international flights. I have traveled on multiple international with this carry-on and had no issues. (Away Travel does make a smaller version).
- I love that it is light-weight but very sturdy. It weighs 7.8 lbs. which is a little more than my previous hard-sided bag but not by much.
- I love that the sturdy 360º wheels can easily take on curbs and escalators with ease.
- I love that the extending handle is sturdy and comfortable.
- I love that if I want to lock the bag I can. The carry-on features a TSA-approved combination lock.
- I love that the interior compression system allows me to pack a lot in, much more than I thought possible in a hard-sided carry-on.
- I love the hidden laundry bag that is great to keep clean clothes and laundry separated.
- Finally, I love the battery pack that allows me to charge my phone and iPad on the go.
Well, I loved my Away carry-on until about two months ago. Flying on a smaller plane meant I needed to gate check by bag. No problem I thought. Then, the gate agent announced that the lithium battery needed to be removed. I had no idea how to do that. I quickly checked the Away Travel web-site and learned it is easy to remove with the small tool that was included with the carry-on. As a person who never reads user manuals, I didn’t know I would need to keep that little tool in the bag. The gate agent was very matter of fact: if you can’t remove it, you can’t fly. Thankfully, I saw a woman with the same carry-on, and unlike me, she had the tool in her bag. She kindly walked me through the process of removing the battery. It wasn’t hard at all—if you have the tool. However, it was inconvenient to have to unpack my bag on the airport floor to get to the battery pack.
Away Travel recognized that this is a problem. It’s the down-side of me being an early adopter. You can learn how you can replace battery module on the original bags here. I will be replacing the battery module on my first Away carry-on, but I couldn’t wait to get the new Away carry-on with an ejectable battery. It is perfection. On a recent flight, I was able to eject the battery from my bag stored in the overhead compartment mid-flight and charge my phone.
I love everything about this bag. The Away Travel Bigger Carry-on comes in nine colors. Being a cautious person, my first carry-on was in the bold color: asphalt. (Ha!) For my second carry-on, I went with the choice of black, and apparently, I am not alone living on the color spectrum edge. It seems every other bag on my last flight was a black Away Carry-on. Everyone had to check the numbers on the gate check claim tickets. I now wish I had purchased a fun color, and I am jealous every time I see someone with the sky-blue carry-on. Maybe my next one. (Pro tip: You can exchange your Away Travel carry-on for another color within 100 days of purchase.) The thing is this bag has an unbreakable polycarbonate shell; it’s virtually indestructible. So, I may need another excuse to purchase a new one in a fun color. I’m sure I’ll think of something.
If you are interested in learning more about these awesome carry-ons and other Away Travel products, click here.
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I love to share products and services that I have found that enhance my life at home and on the road. Any products used or reviewed in a post are those I have purchased myself unless I have stated otherwise. If I ever actually figure out how to use affiliate links that generate commissions and include them in a post, I will disclose that within the post. Unless otherwise disclosed, all content on emptynestandcarryon.com is solely my opinion and my own original material.