I was looking for a new suitcase, one that was not black, carry-on sized, and that I could navigate easily with through an airport. Initially, I had this vision of a brightly colored, unique looking piece of luggage that wasn't going to be confused for anyone else's on the baggage carousel. I debated between going with something cheap that may last a few trips or going with something that might hold up a little longer but may be a little more pricey. I searched dozens of luggage websites, googling "unique luggage" and "quality colorful luggage" and eventually ended at Amazon looking at orange, hard shell luggage, preferably priced under $75. Fortunately, my search didn't end there, and I I found an article that picked the ten best hard shell carry-ons of 2017. One listed was from the carry-on from Away and I was immediately intrigued when I read about the built in battery and decided to take a look.
As I read through the product descriptions and discovered the option of adding stickers to customize your luggage even more, I was quickly convinced Away was the way to go. Here are the key points that made me decide to buy an Away suitcase.
They offer a limited lifetime warranty. If anything breaks that ruins the functionality of the suitcase (zippers, wheels, etc), they will fix it.
Price - the Carry-on costs $225, which is more than the cheap $75 suitcases I found on Amazon, but half the price of similiarly sized high-end brand pieces...plus, see #1
Color selection - when I was in the market, they had a bright minion yellow that caught my eye (although, as I write this, that color is no longer available), and since joining the mailing list, I've discovered they add new colors with special collections they release. From what I can tell, these collections are limited run, so if you want one of these special colors, its important to not wait when it has been released.
Built-in battery - a battery that could charge my phone during a layover?! Sign me up!
Leather sticker collection - I could buy a leather sticker of an adorable Boston terrier and really customize my suitcase.
The Rashida Jones collection was released while I was ruminating on which color to purchase. Her collection added three new colors to my options: clay - a dusty pink-orange, cactus green - a pastel teal-green, and violet - a cool purple. The green was a color that wasn't obnoxious, but still would stand out in a crowd, so I decided on cactus green and placed my order for the standard carry-on size.
The suitcase arrived in a large box, and when I opened it, I was surprised by a colorful Scandinavian design. My initial reaction was "this wasn't the green I ordered, but this is even better!" I then quickly realized it was a protective canvas bag, and my actual cactus green carry-on was nestled inside. I was equally thrilled by the color I actually ordered and was shocked by how light the suitcase was - a mere 7.6 lbs. I guess since it has a hard shell, I was expecting it to be heavier.
It has four 360 degree wheels, so you can roll it next to you or drag it behind you. The pull-out handle, locks at three different heights, although I sometimes find it difficult to lock at the lowest height. When rolling through an airport, I tend to just pull it out to a comfortable height, which is not usually in a locked position, and let it slide up and down as I walk.
The zipper pulls lock into a TSA-approved combination lock, which is great if you need to check your bag or if you like to lock up your things from the possible prying eyes of hotel housekeeping.
Inside, the top or left side of the suitcase has a mesh flap that is secured with a zipper around the perimeter, while the right side has a removeable mesh zipper pocket. Two straps with side squeeze buckles secure the pocket to the suitcase, and also allow you to tighten the pocket on your items to keep them in place. After using the suitcase a few times, I figured out what fits best where for me, and I tend to store shoes on the left and pack in clothes on the right. The pocket is sometimes a hassle, so I use the left side for items I want to access quicker. I always seem to forget to grab something from the right side, and only realize it after I've gone through the process of buckling and tightening the straps. But really, once you undo the buckles, you can easily flop the pocket to the left and out of the way.
According to the Away website, the Carry-On size is good for a 3-5 day trip. I've used it for a 10 day trip and had plenty of space for everything, including hiking boots (but it should be known, I am a light packer). They also have a larger carry-on size which follows the size of the carry-on sizer not the airline regulations. It fits the sizer of Delta, United, American, and JetBlue. If the carry-on size is still not large enough for your needs, they do have a medium and large suitcase available.
Ive had this suitcase for 10 months, and taken it on several road trips, and eight flights (Southwest, Delta, American, and JetBlue) for trips ranging from three to ten days. When it comes to airlines, I haven't had any issue with its size, but I have had to gate check it a few times due to limited overhead space. When it gets checked, the battery does need to be removed, but I found every airline employee seems to know what an Away carry-on looks like and will kindly remind you to remove the battery when necessary.
My suitcase has received a few scuff marks and scratches from being checked, but it can definitely take a beating. With a darker color, I'm sure you wouldn't even notice, but if you choose to go with a lighter color, expect to be able to see those cosmetic imperfections.
It rolls smoothly and easily across hard surfaces, but it does take a little more effort on some carpet you find in airports. I like to walk with it rolling next to me on all four wheels, but on a good incline or thick carpet, I'll just drag it behind me on two wheels. It turns well and I've been able to quickly weave in and out of crowds without hitting anyone.
I found it's also a useful bag to have when you're waiting for a flight at the gate. I like to use it as a foot rest while I charge my phone, or a table when I need to grab a quick bite. Overall, it's a great suitcase at a reasonable price with a great warranty, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a bag that will last. If at any point something on it breaks, I will be sure to update this post with that information.
If you're looking to purchase an Away suitcase, you can use this refer a friend link to receive $20 off your purchase. (disclosure: I also receive a $20 credit when you purchase using this link)
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