First Impressions of The Carry-On by Away

Hi there! This suitcase review has a one-year update. You can find that right here.

My last suitcase hasn’t totally bitten the dust yet, but I’m starting to get more nervous about taking it on long trips as its zippers are starting to get wonky.

I waffled not only on choosing when to replace it but with which suitcase. After reading about Away’s many luggage features and their 100-day guarantee, I figured it was a great place to start.

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After scoring my last suitcase on clearance for about $60 several years back, I was hesitant to spend $225 (now $275) on my next one. But I forged ahead and placed my order for The Carry-On and five days later a large box appeared at my doorstep. When I crouched down to pick it up (bend with your knees, not your back!) I nearly toppled over because the package was so much lighter than I expected.

The suitcase arrived nicely packaged with a dustbag over it and also included a wall charger, cord, and a small booklet detailing the features of the suitcase. Away advises storing the suitcase in the dustbag when not in use, and charging it up the night before you leave on a trip.

The accessories that came with my Away suitcase - an instruction manual, USB plug, cord, and screwdriver — Booklet, USB plug, cord, and screwdriver to remove battery pack if needed.

A closeup of the TSA-approved lock on the Away Carry-On — Away’s TSA-Approved Built-in Lock

As soon as I popped the zipper’s lock open, I knew that my new suitcase would come with its own set of challenges, namely, learning a new way to pack. My old piece has one large compartment as well as two pockets on the outside and two pockets on the inside; I’ve been using packing cubes to sort items by category (tops, bottoms, etc.) and “filing” them vertically into the suitcase.

Now, I’m going to have to learn to divide my items into the two sides of the clamshell in a completely different packing method. I’m also coming to terms with the fact that this size suitcase is slightly smaller than my previous one (and actually within the dimensions allowed by international flights for carry-on items. I’ve been eeking my slightly-larger-than-allowed suitcase past scrutinizing gate agents’ eyes for years, though it’s always fit in the overhead bin).

For my first test run, a quick weekend away in Miami, Michael and I both packed our items into the Carry-On. My items went into the side with the compression pad, and his went into the zippered mesh side. I tried to “KonMari” my items by filing them, but I don’t think I’ve quite got it down pat. I also placed items on my side of the suitcase that I would likely normally place on the other side (makeup, curling iron, etc.). We’ll get there though!

The interior of the Away Carry-On — Left – Mesh Pocket; Right – Compression Pad and Laundry Bag (bottom)

Other than a primer in packing, here are my initial thoughts on the Carry-On from Away:

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE AWAY CARRY-ON

The suitcase is so light

As in, “Are you sure this is as durable as they say?” light. Time will tell if it really is as durable as they say.

It rolls so smoothly

I’ve been using a four-wheeled suitcase for a few years now, but this one could turn on a dime, and it doesn’t curve to the side when rolling like my other suitcase.

The battery pack

It arrived fully charged, but since we were driving everywhere, we didn’t need it. However, I think it will be really useful when waiting on planes and riding on trains (or when trying to find a wifi spot at 3% while walking in a new city).

Edit: Away suitcases no longer come with a portable rechargeable battery

The TSA-approved lock

I love that the lock is built-in. My heavy lock is part of the reason the zipper on my old suitcase is breaking, and to be honest I would sometimes be too lazy to lock it. With a lock right on top, there’s not much of an excuse to not lock it.

The built-in laundry bag and compression pad

The laundry bag rolls down to fit in its hold when empty, and the compression pad works to eliminate bulk in half of the suitcase. See them in action on Away’s Instagram.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO OR IMPROVED UPON

Storage for the wall charger

One of the corners at the top would be perfect for creating a small (maybe lockable?) nook for the plug and cord to sit in without compromising much space inside.

An international wall plug

The suitcase is an international size, and the plug converts the voltage of the outlet you are using, so why does it only come with the standard US two-prong plug?

A hand-hold between the wheels

To be fair, I never would have thought of this if my old suitcase didn’t have one, however, I find it super helpful for hoisting bags into the overhead bin. Again, this is a small but very handy addition that wouldn’t eat up too much space inside.

Edit: This feature has been added to newer models

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY FIRST TIME PACKING THE AWAY CARRY-ON

So those are my initial thoughts after a quick weekend away! I’ll be interested to see how I feel after packing (and re-packing) it for a longer journey. Hello from the future! My updated review is now available.

Curious what all the buzz is about as well? If you sign up and checkout using this referral link, you’ll score $20 off your first purchase, bringing the total cost for The Carry-On down to ~~$205~~ $255.

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Do you own an Away suitcase? How is it treating you and where have you taken it? I’d love to know!

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