I get tons of questions regarding my Away suitcases, specifically my Bigger Carry On Bag. I originally had the Original Carry On, before the Bigger Carry On bag came out.
I mainly travel with the Bigger Carry On now, so I thought I’d share my take on both of the bags with you! I’ve since purchased two additional Bigger Carry On bags, one for Michael and one for Weldon. We also have two of the Large Bags as well (see full review here), and Michael and I both have our own Everywhere Bag that we use as our personal items when traveling (Michael uses his as his work bag on a daily basis as well!).
Away Carry On Bag Review
Both Away Carry On Bags Have Similar Features
Spoiler alert, essentially, size is the only differentiator between the bags.
Both carry on bags have the following features:
- Two inside compartments. One with adjustable clip-straps that help to compress items on that side. And one with a full, mesh, zip closer, which also assists in compressing clothes and items packed on that particular side. See the photo below.
- A hard outer shell. Surprisingly, the shell is quite flexible but doesn’t break (and if it does, there’s a lifetime warranty for cracks or breaks in the shell!).
- Four spin wheels. If you’re not working with four wheels on your carry on luggage, you’re doing it all wrong!
- A TSA approved lock. Honestly, I never use this feature, but it’s nice to know I could if I wanted to.
- An external charger that has two USB ports. This is a feature that I use all the time; it comes in super handy! Keep in mind that TSA requires you to remove the battery pack when carrying on your bag.
- A nylon laundry bag, which I really appreciate!
The Difference Between the Original Bag and the Bigger Bag
- Size.
- The Original Away Carry-On is 21.7” x 13.7” x 9”
- The Bigger Carry On is 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”
- I can easily fit 2 more pairs of shoes and around 2-3 more outfits in the Bigger bag.
- The only con of the Bigger Carry-On and pro of the Original Carry-On is that the Bigger Carry-On bag will not fit in most international flight overhead bins, but the Original Carry-On will!
My Experience Traveling Abroad
On a recent trip to Europe, I flew United from DC to London and back via Amsterdam to DC. The Bigger Carry-On fit perfectly in the United overhead bin for the transatlantic flight. However, when traveling from city to city in Europe (Paris to Barcelona to Berlin to Amsterdam), I flew on budget airlines (Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Transavia). I had to check my Bigger Carry-On as they said it wouldn’t fit in the overhead bins (although I’d beg to differ). So I did have to check it on the budget airlines.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I flew to Thailand last year from NYC on Cathay Pacific airlines, and the Bigger Carry-On bag did not fit in the overhead bins on that transatlantic flight, their overhead bin space is tiny! With that said, the Original Carry-On bag wouldn’t have fit either.
I travel a lot, but I only go out of the country once or twice a year. So for me, the Bigger bag is a better buy. It fits in the overhead bins of every U.S. carrier.
Final Verdict
- I highly recommend the Away Bigger Carry-On Bag. It’s the main bag I use.
Check out this post for a review of the Large Away Bag!
Questions? Shoot me an email at ashlee @ cobaltchronicles.com.
Thanks for the review! When you have taken your recent trips to Europe, did you have to check the Bigger Carry-on? We are going to Italy for 10 days and are looking to order Away luggage, but would love to just carry on our bags. Hoping we could do this with each of us using the Bigger Carry-on.
Hi Lucy!
Great question – I just added a section to the post explaining this in more detail so thanks for bringing it up!
On my recent trip to Europe, I flew United from DC to London and back from Amsterdam to DC. The Bigger Carry-On fit perfectly in the United overhead bin for the transatlantic flight. However, when traveling from city to city in Europe (Paris to Barcelona to Berlin to Amsterdam), I flew on budget airlines (Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Transavia). I had to check my Bigger Carry-On as they said it wouldn’t fit in the overhead bins (although I’d beg to differ). So I did have to check it on the budget airlines. (One side tip on this – If you end up doing this, be sure to pre-pay online to check your bag before arriving at the airport. They will up charge you if you wait until arriving at the airport and will up charge you even more if you bring your rolling bag through security to the gate and then end up having to check it.)
One caveat – I flew to Thailand last year from NYC on Cathay Pacific airlines, and the Bigger Carry-On bag did not fit in the overhead bins on that transatlantic flight, their overhead bin space was tiny! I think you should be good on any American carrier that flies transatlantic though.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks Ashlee this was so helpful! I’m going to go with the bigger carry on in the navy color (just like yours)! Thanks so much for the $20 off! Xoxox Lauren
You’re going to love it! Talk soon!
This is so helpful because it’s hard to tell how they compare without looking at them in person! I never realized how much bigger the larger one is, haha. Definitely filing away for the next time I’m luggage shopping!
I know, right?! When you see the Original bag in person, it’s hard to imagine how much bigger the Bigger one could really be, but it’s actually quite a bit larger, while still being carry-on size!
Great review! They look so similar in size, but when you open them I can totally see the difference! I really appreciate that you explained how it might not fit in the international flight overhead bins. I’m in the market for a new carry on bag (mine is a dinosaur with 2 wheels and just ain’t cutting it!) and I will definitely consider Away!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thanks Roxanne! That’s how I was before Away – I didn’t know how big of a difference 4 wheels would make!
Thanks for the great comparison recap! I decided to order from Away (I got the Bigger Carry-on) a couple of weeks ago after reading your posts. I’m excited to use it for my trip next month so thanks again for the recommendation 🙂
Hi Christy! No problem! I love mine (obviously), I know you’ll love traveling with the Bigger one!
You’ve definitely convinced me to buy my first Away bag. So excited for the credit!! How long is the credit available for us? Hoping I can wait two weeks until my next paycheck to make the purchase. Thanks!
Hi Annie! You’re going to love it! It doesn’t expire, so you can use it anytime!