So I have a hard time admitting when I am wrong. When I first saw the AWAY suitcases popping up, I didn’t believe the hype. I just thought so what?? How can you really make luggage any different than what it has been for the past 20 years?? It’s a box that holds your stuff inside a bigger box (the plane). I have been using my Bric’s Bellagio Spinner Trunk for a while now. It’s oh so pretty, but my only complaint is that since it is an international brand, the size is made to comply with international airlines. Note – it’s small. When I was preparing for my trip to Vietnam, I wanted a carry-on suitcase that would fit 2 weeks worth of clothes. I pondered, did a lot of research, bit the bullet and ordered the AWAY Bigger Carry-On, and I haven’t looked back!
So let’s do a quick AWAY comparison. AWAY makes 2 carry-ons and I’ll compare them below:
The Carry-On
21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″
Carry-On for all domestic flights and most international flights
$225
The Bigger Carry-On
22.7″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″
Fits major airline sizes
Carry-On for all domestic flights and international flights under U.S. carriers (i.e. mine fit in the overhead bin of ANA, which is under United)
$245
I decided to go with the Bigger Carry-On and take my changes on the International flight. As I mentioned above, I took ANA airlines from Dulles International Airport to Tokyo, Japan. ANA is under United, and the airplane was very large. My Bigger Carry-On fit perfectly in the overhead bin. When it came to flying within Vietnam, all the planes are very small, and honestly, everyone checked their bag. On these tiny, international flights, the amount of luggage allowed is minimal, so expect to check it. If you’d rather not check your bag, like ever, you’d better go with the original Carry-On.
The Bigger Carry-On is only about an inch larger for each dimension, but boy does it make a huge difference. For my 2 week trip to Vietnam, I packed 6 dresses, 3 yoga pants, 4 tanks/t-shirts, a pair of jeans, bathing suit, riding boots, 3 sandals, a pair of sneakers, a bag of toiletries, tons of under garments, and a few other extras.
Along with the size, here are a few other reasons the AWAY suitcase won my heart.
- The unbreakable polycarbonate shell is so tough. I didn’t worry about it at all when I had to check it. It does get scuffed up, but you can just wipe it clean.
- It comes with an ejectable battery that charges your phone. It’s not the best charger, but it will do for an easy and convenient option. If you have to check it, REMEMBER TO REMOVE THE BATTERY. You can’t check lithium batteries, so don’t forget!
- The middle separator acts as a compression. You put all your clothes, soft items in the right side of the luggage and then strap the compression system down. All your shoes and non-compressionable items go on the left side.
- Their customer service is second to none. AWAY offers a 100-day trial for suitcases, and they truly mean it. You can bring it with you on a trip, and if you’re not feeling it, return it for a full refund. At first, I went practical and ordered the Bigger Carry-On in Sand, which is a taupe color. I brought it to Las Vegas with me and loved the size and durability of it. However, the color just wasn’t me. I returned it and got the Blush, which, you will probably agree, better suits my style.
If you are looking to upgrade your luggage game, definitely consider checking out AWAY. The hype was and is totally real.
Want $20 off your purchase at AWAY? Click here to get $20 off your AWAY Carry-On or anything else at their online store. *You have to create an account, and then your $20 off will popup in your cart*
Happy Travels! Let me know if you have any questions!
-Jacqueline
*If you click the link to get $20 off your AWAY purchase, I will also get $2o to use at AWAY, so we both win!*
