Review of the revamped Away The Bigger Carry-On: Same great bag with enhanced features

Since its launch in 2015, Away has emerged as a favorite luggage brand, with bags that are easily recognizable at airports, from lounges to baggage claim. It's akin to the iPhone of carry-on luggage—sleek, stylish, and priced to strike a balance between exclusivity and affordability for many frequent flyers. Away's visibility is likely boosted by its regular release of seasonal color updates for its bags.

Currently, you can snag Away bags at what may be the best deal of the year with 20% off for Black Friday. This Black Friday sale brings the price down to $236 for the Away The Bigger Carry-On and $220 for the Away The Carry-On. Additionally, if a current Away bag owner refers you, you can stack that discount for another 20% off.

My family currently owns five Away bags: two child-sized bags (now discontinued) and one adult carry-on from a limited-edition collection inspired by the northern lights, along with two more traditional styles. Although the northern lights Away bag was stunning upon arrival, its durability didn't quite meet expectations.

However, the Away The Bigger Carry-On in the coast color that I received for testing a year ago, along with the newly designed olive version, have both performed exceptionally well overall.

Having taken more than a dozen flights with the updated Away The Carry-On in olive and logged about 100,000 miles with the previous coast version over the past year, I'm ready to share my thoughts on the Away The Bigger Carry-On bags. I will also highlight the differences between the latest model and earlier versions.

Key features to look for in a carry-on bag

The best carry-on bags share several key traits. They typically have a robust handle and are easy to maneuver—not just on smooth airport floors but also on slightly uneven surfaces. Sometimes, taking a train into the city and walking to your hotel with your bag is the most practical option, and your luggage should be up for that challenge.

Ideally, carry-on luggage includes compartments to help keep your items organized and simplify the process of packing and unpacking. No one wants their carefully arranged belongings to spill out due to gravity when zipping or unzipping the bag.

The best carry-on bags are lightweight and designed to fit snugly in airline overhead compartments, maximizing your packing space by reaching the allowed weight limit. They are also crafted to endure the rigors of frequent travel without quickly becoming worn or looking shabby at the baggage claim shortly after purchase.

Reasons to love Away's The Bigger Carry-On

Spoiler alert: After a year of using Away The Carry-On (often in place of my cherished Rimowa), I’m officially a fan.

Although I still cherish my Rimowa carry-on bags that I've had for nearly a decade, it's clear that the Away bag offers greater functionality in several respects—which is why it has become my go-to luggage.

One of my favorite features is the mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one side of the bag, as it helps keep everything organized and secure. The opposite side is perfect for packing cubes and similar items, making packing and unpacking a breeze while keeping everything neatly contained.

In fact, the updated carry-on model launched in summer 2023 includes even more pockets and reinforced zippers. It also features redesigned handles that are easier to grip and upgraded 360-degree spinner wheels.

Purchase link: Away The Bigger Carry-On

The zippers are robust and glide smoothly, even when I've slightly overstuffed the bag and am pressing down hard on the top to zip it closed. I do this frequently and am always amazed by how much I can fit inside.

The 360-degree spinner wheels make navigating through the airport, along sidewalks, and more a complete pleasure.

As someone who tries to avoid checking bags, I really appreciate the slightly larger size of Away's standard carry-on.

The Bigger Carry-On gives you the flexibility to pack an extra outfit or another pair of shoes without falling into the "must check a bag" dilemma. We'll dive into the specific dimensions shortly, but this added space truly makes a difference when organizing your luggage.

Key details about The Bigger Carry-On from Away

This bag can handle being tossed in and out of cabs and pulled off carousels without any issues, but expect some scratches on the surface. (For a demonstration of its durability, check out the three-minute mark in the "Kids Away Luggage review video" at the end of this article to see our attempts to put this bag to the test.)

Even with regular use, the matte finish shows noticeable scuffs. I spotted some on my test bag after just a few flights.

I've also noticed that this coastal color is quite trendy; I've encountered several instances where others had the exact same bag as mine.

If your bag lacks a clear identifier, you risk mixing it up with others. It's wise to add a unique identifier, like a vibrant luggage tag, and consider slipping in an Apple AirTag for extra security. Alternatively, opt for a unique or limited-edition color that stands out from the crowd.

A notable change with the Away carry-on bags is the removal of the detachable battery, which I view positively. I often get stopped during boarding to remove mine from bags that still have that slot. The bag we received in the summer of 2023 does not feature that battery slot, marking an improvement.

Comparing Away's carry-on performance

The regular price starts at $295 for the Away The Bigger Carry-On, which comes in 12 colors (although some may be temporarily out of stock or are limited editions) and is designed to fit in the overhead compartments of most airlines.

Here are some features of the Away bag:

• Sturdy polycarbonate shell
• Leather accents, including a black leather luggage tag
• TSA-approved combination lock for added security
• 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless maneuverability
• Interior compression system
• Hidden laundry bag to separate dirty clothes
• New underside grab handle (introduced in the 2023 model)

The Bigger Carry-On I’ve been testing has the following dimensions:

• Exterior dimensions: 22.7 inches x 15.4 inches x 9.6 inches
• Interior dimensions: 20.9 inches x 15 inches x 7.9 inches
• Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Capacity: 47.9 liters

For context, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have established maximum carry-on dimensions of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, which are slightly smaller than this bag in every dimension.

In practice, most flights allow a bag that is just slightly larger than these dimensions to fit in the sizing devices and the overhead compartments. However, be aware that you might need to gate-check your bag in some situations.

Southwest Airlines currently allows a maximum carry-on size of 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches, so this larger carry-on meets that airline's baggage size requirements.

Comparing Away The Carry-On and Away The Bigger Carry-On

The primary distinctions between the Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On are their price and size.

Typically, the standard Away carry-on is about $20 less expensive than the Bigger version, priced at $275 compared to $295 (prices can vary based on color and model). Moreover, the standard Away carry-on measures 21.7 inches x 14.4 inches x 9 inches, making it compliant with the maximum carry-on size requirements for all major U.S. airlines, unlike the Bigger version. While this size difference usually won’t cause issues in the U.S., it might present challenges with international carriers.

As someone who packs my carry-on to the max, I find the extra capacity of The Bigger Carry-On to be invaluable.

However, if you don’t need to utilize every bit of space in your carry-on, opting for The Carry-On will save you some money while ensuring you stay within the specified airline carry-on size limits.

Overall assessment

Despite the inevitable scuff marks from regular use, my Away suitcases still look quite impressive.

I really appreciate the larger capacity of the Bigger version. The zippered side of the bag makes organization effortless, especially when using packing cubes. In fact, my kids almost exclusively choose the Away bags at the airport because they roll so much more smoothly than our other luggage brands.

The 2023 version is an even greater improvement, particularly with the convenient grip area for easy handling when placing it in or taking it out of overhead bins.

At this point, we’re essentially a full Away bag family, as they perfectly blend quality, style, durability, and affordability. I highly recommend them if you're looking for a new carry-on bag this year.

Continue reading for more advice on choosing the right travel gear for you:

• Carry-on luggage comparison: Away vs. Roam
• Check out these 11 best travel fanny packs for hassle-free journeys
• 10 essential travel accessories for under $15
• These are the checked bags used by TPG's staff
• Is premium luggage worth the investment?