Is the Away Bigger Carry-On Really Worth the Hype?

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When Away debuted its direct-to-consumer luggage in 2015, I noticed a vibrant array of hardshell suitcases taking over airports across the U.S. Finally, in August 2017, I decided to invest in the Away Bigger Carry-On in white to discover if it truly lived up to the buzz.

After six years and over 100 flights, it has become my trusted carry-on for trips lasting four to seven days. Here’s why the Away Bigger Carry-On is hailed as the ultimate best carry-on luggage by Dinogo.

The price point (along with a complete redesign)

At $295, this bag is a great deal, especially when compared to luxury brands that list polycarbonate carry-on luggage at $500 or more.

Even with its lower price, the bag exudes a sleek design and has recently undergone a complete redesign in 2023, influenced by customer feedback over the years. The updated Away suitcase still retains its signature hard polycarbonate shell with horizontal lines, four spinner wheels, a removable laundry bag, and TSA-approved locks.

Additionally, it now features an underside grab handle, making it easier to lift and retrieve the bag from overhead bins or baggage carousels. Furthermore, the TSA-approved combination lock now has a more streamlined design that sits flush with the shell, and the zipper pulls have been redesigned with a new curved shape that swivels and locks more smoothly. Away has also improved the trolley handles on its suitcases for greater comfort and stability. Although it’s a minor detail, the top and side handles now lay flat against the shell for a neater appearance. Fortunately, Away has kept its Hinomoto wheels—often regarded as the best in the luggage industry, equipped with ball bearings for an ultra-smooth ride.

However, one feature has been removed: fans of the removable USB battery packs from the original carry-ons might be disappointed to discover that these are no longer offered as optional extras.

A spectrum of color choices

The polycarbonate shell is now offered in various matte colors, including black, green, and navy. Additionally, with the 2023 redesign, Away has made its high-shine gloss finish a permanent feature of its core luggage line. However, due to its popularity since its August 2023 launch, the only gloss color currently available for the Bigger Carry-On is Wave, a vibrant ultramarine blue. While the gloss finish typically comes at a premium, the Wave Bigger Carry-On is currently discounted to $252 from $315.

In contrast to the black interiors of the original suitcases, the redesigned versions now boast color-matched interiors and dyed-to-match luggage tags available in both matte and gloss finishes. The updated interior lining and mesh are crafted from 100 percent recycled polyester, while the luggage tags are made from 50 percent recycled leather.

Although it's no longer offered, I originally picked a white matte-finish bag back in 2017 because it's a distinctive color that stands out on baggage carousels. I was correct about that, but I underestimated how quickly a white suitcase can show dirt (very quickly). Luckily, a few swipes with a Magic Eraser easily remove the scuffs. If you’re concerned about keeping your suitcase looking pristine, you might want to avoid the gloss finish, as it's more prone to scratches than the matte finish.

It holds a lot, yet remains lightweight

Measuring 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches and weighing 7.9 pounds, the Bigger Carry-On reaches the maximum limits for a carry-on bag without being overly heavy. While its dimensions slightly exceed the carry-on luggage restrictions for most domestic airlines (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches), I've never encountered an issue bringing it aboard any U.S. flight.

The Bigger Carry-On by Away offers an impressive 47.9 liters of capacity, making it my preferred suitcase for trips lasting four to seven days. It unzips like a traditional clamshell suitcase and features two spacious compartments on either side. The right side, designated for my clothes, is secured by a mesh compression system that was enhanced during the redesign to include wider and sturdier straps, allowing me to compress my belongings more effectively. Additionally, the compression system now has two smaller mesh pockets in the front and one larger slip pocket in the back.

On the left side, there remains a mesh zippered compartment to secure loose items like toiletry bags and shoes when closing the suitcase. It now also includes an additional zipped pocket for enhanced organization.

Inside, there's a small zippered compartment that features a laundry bag to keep your clothes separate during your travels. In the redesign, Away enlarged the laundry bag, and it now has a drawstring closure instead of the previous zipper, allowing you to hang it out of the way.

Over the past few years, the Away Bigger Carry-On has accompanied me on various trips, including a week-long winter getaway to Paris (with room for souvenirs), several long weekend ski trips requiring bulky gear, and even a 10-day adventure to the Galápagos, where I had multiple tight connections and wanted to avoid the risk of lost luggage.

It fits easily in overhead bins

Yes, the Away Bigger Carry-On fits in the overhead bins of most domestic airlines I’ve flown with during the six years I've owned this bag. The only time I’ve been asked to gate check it was on smaller regional flights where most wheeled suitcases wouldn’t fit in the compact overhead compartments.

If you’re making international connections, be aware that this bag exceeds the size limits set by most overseas airlines. For instance, I once had a gate agent during a transfer from Frankfurt to Paris stop me and say it surpassed her airline’s dimensions, but she allowed me to take it on with a warning. It did fit in the overhead bin, however.

Away Carry-On vs. Bigger Carry-On

Away’s standard carry-on offers all the same features as the Bigger Carry-On; it’s simply more compact. The Away Carry-On measures 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches (about an inch shorter on each side), weighs 7.5 pounds (0.4 pounds lighter), and has a capacity of 39.8 liters (8.1 liters less). It is priced at $275—$20 less than the larger version. Given that its cost and weight are only slightly lower than the Bigger Carry-On, I’d recommend the smaller bag only if you frequently travel outside the United States, where airlines enforce stricter carry-on size and weight regulations.

The Away lifetime warranty

Along with a generous trial period that allows you to return your bag for any reason within the first 100 days, Away’s limited lifetime warranty covers damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, and more for all of its suitcases.

I had to test this warranty policy myself last year. After stacking five other suitcases on top of my original Bigger Carry-On during a car ride to the airport, a three-inch crack appeared in the top corner of the hard-shell exterior. (I estimate there were about 200 pounds on my bag during that hour-long trip.)

This could have been a significant drawback for the bag, but when I reached out to Away’s customer support via email, a representative replied within 20 minutes. Since my original white bag was out of stock, they allowed me to choose any available color and shipped it to me at no cost. The new bag arrived exactly one week after my email. To assist their team in understanding the issue with my original bag, they included a prepaid shipping label for me to return the damaged suitcase for inspection. While I appreciate their efficiency, I do wish they had a repair program instead of merely replacing damaged bags with new ones to enhance sustainability.

Bottom line

Although my Away Bigger Carry-On’s hardshell exterior did unfortunately crack after years of regular use, I found Away’s customer service and lifetime warranty to be incredibly efficient and user-friendly, making me feel positive about my investment in this product. With all the updates and a price tag still under $300, it’s a great deal compared to other hard-shell spinner bags.

This article was initially published in 2022; it was updated on December 22, 2023, to include information about the refreshed Away Bigger Carry-On.