The Carry-On Away Bag, A 3 Year Review

My parents were kind enough to gift me an Away bag for Christmas. It’s been my go-to carry-on since. This bag has been on road trips, weekend cabin stays, beach houses, and, of course, many domestic and a few international flights. I’m not an expert but I know enough. So, here’s The Carry-On Away Bag, A 3 Year Review.

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The Carry-On Away Bag, A 3 Year Review

I genuinely can’t believe I’ve had this bag for 3 years already. This pandemic really warped time but, luckily, I just got back from a domestic flight. So, everything I love about this bag is fresh.

Why “The Carry-On” bag was my first choice

Like you, I read a lot of reviews before putting this bag on my Christmas list. Previously, my bag was about 15 years old. I got it before I went to college and took it everywhere with me. It was also a light pink, which, I will say, you cannot lose a bright suitcase.

With the Away Bag, I wanted an upgrade in itself but what immediately drew me to it were the different sizes. I love that there is one call The Carry-On and its approved for all international overhead compartments. Where are the “Bigger” Carry-On works only for domestic and some international overhead compartments.

I had a lot of people try to talk me into the bigger model but I went with my gut. I got the smaller one and I’m thrilled with it, and here are many reasons why…

What I’m loving

Some of these are very very basic upgrades. If you’re like me, and use things til they die… well, you’ll understand how monumental these upgrades are!

The hard case

I love this hard shell and all the different colors it comes in. I loved the color “sand” and am thrilled I got it. It’s shockingly easy to wipe down and clean after flights. It still looks new. It’s exceptionally well made and closes EVERY SINGLE TIME. No matter what I’ve put in it! I love that it comes with a storage bag to keep the dust away in between adventures.

The hidden pockets

There is a laundry bag that has a hidden pocket. I keep little things in there that come with me on every flight, like tiny emergency kits, etc.

The four wheels

Omg, this was one of the biggest game changers. I am so happy with the 360* roll and how my bag is always upright. It’s so easy to move around the airport.

The interior mesh compression

Holy smokes, this is wonderful. Especially when I use my packing cubes with it. The compression really pushes everything down with ease. It also has a mesh pocket for easy access to essentials you might need for a quick an over night somewhere.

The separate waterproof laundry bag

Also so helpful. I hate having dirty socks and unmentionables out for TSA to see. This helps keep everything separate and also from smelling!

The 7.1 lb weight

I think my old bag was 10 lbs. Haha! I really don’t know but it was heavy and not, at all, industrial. This suitcase feels like you can throw it and make a dent but not enough to hurt someone.

The double sided compartments

One side is a big pocket, the other has the compression. I love how separate they are. I always keep my shoes, blow drier and toiletry bag on the large zipper side.

The added goodies

You get a cleaning sponge (to keep it spotless) and international travel plug adaptors! Which is so handy. They also come in a great little black mesh case to keep them all together.

What could be improved

Not everything is perfect, obviously. I went from a bag with two wonderful front pockets to none! However, I love the smooth exterior and I always travel with a backpack that has tons of accessible pockets.

The Away battery pack

When the Away bags first came out, they didn’t have an external battery pack slot. So, the weight of the bags were less. There also wasn’t a bulge in the packing interior where the slot now is, on the exterior. Which is fine and adaptable.

However, 75% of the time I’m at the airport the battery is never in the slot because most airlines ask you to remove it while going through take off and landing. Thus, the battery lives in my backpack. Which kind of defeats the purpose, I think. I almost wish I was able to get the bag without the battery slot.

That said, throughout the year, it lives in the slot. This way, I don’t lose it. It’s also the best and fastest external battery I have. Like, it’s seriously amazing.

The button that connects the laundry bag to the interior

Literal wear and tear. The button was quick to come undone but it still fits in the hidden pocket perfectly.

Thank you for reading my post on The Carry-On Away Bag, A 3 Year Review!

Please note, I’m not sponsored by Away. It’s genuine love of the bag and I know many people are always looking for reviews. This bag is super chic and I honestly keep thinking that I’m going to invest in the medium but I really don’t think I need to! The Medium Bag would almost be too much and I’m a person who never checks a bag, unless I’m bringing wine back from Napa.

Happy travels, dolls!