up and away travel reviews

Review Of Up And Away Adventures Box For Kids

by Mommy And Me Travels | Product Review

Up And Away Adventures is a bi-monthly travel box subscription for families. It was started by two friends who love to travel and learn about different cultures. The company is focused on curating a family friendly and educational experience.

We love world boxes that allow us to travel from home in-between our family vacations. Up And Away Adventures international subscription boxes do just that by getting the entire family involved through sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and things to touch. We also featured it in our list of Travel Subscription Boxes For Family .

We also invite you to check out our full list of fun recommendations of Travel The World Subscription Box For Kids here .  Make sure to check out our list of best TV shows about traveling that your kids are sure to love. The cute characters in each of these shows will continue to build the inspiration for travel at home in your kids.

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this article.   Click here to see my disclaimer . 

What To Expect From Your Up And Away Adventures Geography Subscription Box

Up And Away Adventures is a geography subscription box that will focus on a different country in each suitcase. You can expect to receive each world travel box bi-monthly. Your adventure box is packed full of family fun activities focusing on the culture, cuisine, people, and geography of that months suitcase. There is enough items in each world box that your family will enjoy the fun and educational experience over two days (recommended 2-day itinerary included). Click here to get yours now !

Benefits Of Up And Away Adventures Box

Travel subscription boxes are a wonderful way for you to teach your kids about the world. Here are a few benefits that we enjoy about the Up And Away Adventure Box:

• Your child will get to learn about different countries and cultures through travel without leaving home.
• These suitcases are a great addition as a homeschool subscription box. Even if you don’t homeschool your kids, they are bound to learn something amazing.
• Each world box is educational!
• Great activity that promotes screen free time.
• Perfect to give as a gift on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays.

Our Experience With Up And Away Adventure Travel Box Subscription

We were gifted an Up And Away Adventure box that was focused on the country of Brazil. This actually is quite perfect because we are planning a family vacation to Brazil after the pandemic is over. This got my boys super excited to dig into the activities so that they can help with planning our family vacation from what they discover this geography box. We spent hours and hours enjoying the crafts, toys, cooking, and videos.

Inside Our Welcome To Brazil Kids Travel Box

Our Brazil kids travel box really was multi-sensory and included all of the smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and things to touch just like the company claimed it would. This travel subscription box really is guaranteed to stimulate all of your children’s senses.

• Coconut Smell – Yes our box smelled like coconuts when we opened it.
• Passport/Sticker – This is a fun quick activity that teaches your kids that you need a passport to travel to international countries. The sticker is the “stamp” to enter the country through immigrations.
• Brazil Flag – My son loved the large flag that was included. He has seen our countries flag many of times and he was very interested how different the Brazil flag is.
• Postcard – Pictured on our postcard as The Christ Redeemer statue. This picture is unmistakably one of Brazil’s most well known treasures.
• Memory Card Game – Both of my boys enjoyed this game. While playing they were able to learn 10 exciting facts about the sights and activities in Brazil.
• Carnival Mask – Brazil is well known for its annual carnival festival. The boys loved wearing the mask provided and learning about this remarkable festival.
• Maracas – What child doesn’t love to shake maracas? I know this included toy was the absolute favorite for each of my boys. As a mom, I loved that there was 2 included which meant no fighting, LOL.
• Videos – Included with your box is a link and passwords to videos about the destination. These videos really do enhance the experience and everyone in the family enjoyed them.
• Candy – Our Brazil kids travel box included 2 pieces of Pacoquinha snack. This was a ground peanut candy roll that is a favorite snack in Brazil. We have never had this before and so it was a special treat for my boys.
• Recipe Cards – Our family loves to cook! We even get Around The World Food Boxes delivered every month. The recipes included in our box covered the vibrant cuisine in Brazil and was a favorite weekend treat when we made them.

Things To Touch

• Salt Dough Map – This was a fun activity that my youngest especially enjoyed when creating and learning about Brazil while constructing the map.
• Wooden Airplane – As a traveling family, my boys loved the toy airplane. While it is recommended to watch the video about the “Father Of Aviation”, my boys much preferred the painting of the airplane.
• RainForest Activity Set – This set is great for kids of all ages to include toddlers. The set comes with coloring pages, color pencils, and a sticker book.
• Soccer Fidget Spinner – This is a super cute toy. My boys love fidget spinners and they really enjoyed that it was shaped as a soccer ball since they boy enjoy the sport so much. Fun Fact: Soccer in Brazil is called Futbol.

Watch Grayson as he unboxes our Brazil Up And Away Adventure Box For Kids here:

Wrap Up Of Our Review Of Up And Away Adventures Box For Kids

We really enjoyed the Up And Away Adventure box that we received to review. If you are looking for a multi-sensory box or a fun homeschool subscription box addition, you definitely want to check out the Up And Away Adventure travel box. Click here to see all of the available options!

Quick Recap – On a Bi-Monthly basis you will receive a carefully curated and researched case filled to the brim with information and entertaining items surrounding that month’s particular country. Each travel subscription box suitcase is packed full of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and things to touch, guaranteed to stimulate your children’s senses. Get your Up And Away Adventure Box now!

Once you are ready to take off on your next family adventure , check out all of our tips and tricks for planning your next family vacation .   You can even get our tried and true family travel hacks , learn how our kids fly free , and discover everything you need to know for a road trip with kids on our blog Mommy And Me Travels .

If you haven’t joined our Facebook Group: Little World Adventure Travelers yet then don’t wait.   You will get to hear about all types of places around the world and ask questions to make sure you aren’t missing anything as you take off to build your next adventure.   Join our private Facebook Group…. Little World Adventure Travelers .

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The 7 Away Luggage Pieces We Recommend Most

By Rachel Chang

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I distinctly remember the moment I first laid my eyes on an Away suitcase . One of my coworkers had been talking nonstop about her new carry-on, and before heading out of town one day, she rolled the hard-shell spinner into the office. Like a proud new homeowner, she took our team on a tour through its features, leaving me mesmerized by its built-in compression straps and portable battery pack, as well as its stylish and sturdy design.

Though awestruck, I didn't immediately purchase my own; I was never one to invest in baggage—and the introductory price—$225 when it first hit the market—was beyond what I thought luggage was worth at the time. Following an ill-fated journey to Australia , in which I found my checked bag split open on the baggage carousel, the zipper having burst after I overstuffed it, I knew it was time to upgrade.

My first Away bag was The Bigger Carry-On , and despite having previously thought of luggage as glorified boxes to transport my travel essentials, I was immediately obsessed. For an overpacker, I was surprised how much I could stuff into the suitcase. Constantly slipping in “just one more” thing in, the zipper always held tight and the shell showed no signs of bulging. While on the go, the light glide of the wheels could tackle any surface, even cobblestone streets. Plus, the sleek, minimalist design just jived with me.

Shown in green

Being the space hog I am, I later upgraded to The Bigger Carry-On Flex , which added an extra 2.25 inches of expansion, meaning even I was able to go on a two-week trip with just a carry-on . As much as I’ve banged it around and overstuffed it, it’s remained impervious to my abuse.

These days, I often see other brands trying to mimic Away's features—a sign of just how much it’s changed the luggage industry. What makes it all the more surprising is that Away is still a relatively new company, having roared onto the market in 2015, with one simple goal: understanding travelers.

“From the beginning, we set out to expand the conversation around travel, solving real world travel pain points by keeping an incredibly close pulse on our customer’s needs,” Away’s chief marketing officer Carla Dunham says. “We dissected and developed a solution to all of the common headaches of travel while revolutionizing what it meant to be a travel brand.”

Founded by two female former Warby Parker executives, including Jen Rubio, who still serves as the CEO, Away was sparked by her own broken baggage disaster, noticing there was a hole in the market for luggage that was fun and functional.

After talking to hundreds of travelers, the initial carry-on was designed to meet all the most common needs—a lighter and stronger hard-side with an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell that moved easily with premium 360-degree wheels, with thoughtful features like a snap-in mesh laundry bag to keep clean to separate clean and dirty laundry, and a removable battery pack to eliminate the fight for the airport outlets.

The result wasn’t just success—the brand quickly entered the zeitgeist. Stars from Margot Robbie to Mandy Moore were spotted toting them , and Meghan Markle is believed to have given 17 Away bags as party favors at her baby shower. They've turned up on screen, too. Dunham says her favorite pop culture moment was when Portia tossed her Away away in The White Lotus. “It seemed so natural that she had an Away suitcase and that spoke to the brand’s unique position in culture and continued relevance.”

Since launch, the price points for the standard editions—which now start at $315 for The Carry-On and go up to $475 for the newly introduced The Trunk —have gone up, and are a notch above what casual or new travelers may be used to paying, but are still fairly reasonably priced for the suitcases' quality.

The brand has ventured into other travel accessories since launch, too, with both hits ( packing cubes ) and misses (travel pillows, now discontinued)—and added an outdoor collection, F.A.R., last year . It continues to evolve based on the needs of the moment. With the growing number of power outlets available on flights and around airport terminals these days, Away just phased out its distinctive built-in battery charger from its core product last month, as part of its first major refresh of its original classics line .

“Each update is incredibly intentional—from the improved features like a redesigned zipper shape, additional interior organization, and an updated trolley system, to the fresh color palette and new gloss finish, underscores how we obsess over every detail to make the journey smoother for our customers,” Dunham says.

As the brand continues to evolve, more updates and new products are sure to come, but some of the products remain staples. Here, we round up the Condé Nast Traveler team’s most-used Away bags and accessories.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10" Capacity: 47.9L

A recent convert from a larger suitcase that often had to be checked, editorial assistant Jessica Chapel says the refreshed Bigger Carry-On suitcase “does wonders,” especially since she can fit almost as much in this more compact hardside spinner, which she recently took on a five-day trip with plenty of room to spare. She’s already traveled with the 7.9-pound bag by plane, bus, and car, and put it to the test when delays allowed her only 15 minutes to get between gates. She swiftly pulled the bag out of the overhead compartment thanks to “the perfect mix of convenient handle placements and the texture of the luggage,” put the bag on top of her head—an unconventional carrying method, to be sure—and sailed through the crowd. “It's the little things, including the unique placement of the luggage's underside handle—with a small dash of adrenaline—that certainly does the trick for easy access without any shuffle, which is exactly what's needed in an airport rush,” Chapel says. (She made her connecting flight in the knick of time.)

Also notable, she says: the interior lining, mesh, and drawstring laundry for dirty clothes (no longer snapped, as part of the refresh), are made of recycled polyester. Deputy global editorial director Jesse Ashlock concurs, having depended on the classic version for more than three years now, calling it a “solid workhorse polycarbonate bag that suits a lot of different trip styles.” I recently tried the updated version of The Bigger Carry-On, and was able to pack enough for a weeklong California getaway; I am especially loving the additional inner pockets to keep my essentials more organized.

Weight: 10.4 lbs. Dimensions: 26" x 19" x 11" Capacity: 68.8L

During a two-week car trip to Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard, destinations editorial assistant Charlie Hobbs brought along the “perfectly light” 10.4-pound medium check-in sized hardside, able to fit enough in to not have to do laundry the entire getaway. The interior of the upgraded version—which he found “unassuming”—includes more storage pockets: The compression flap, which used to have just one large zipper mesh compartment, is now divided into two zippered sections on one side with an added large pocket on the backside. Additionally, the zipper closure for the top half of the suitcase now has a zippered pocket on it. He also noticed what’s perhaps the most commonly called-out downfall of Away’s hardsides: “Despite only ever being in the car, this bag is already quite scuffed up,” he said. (When I was in Estonia with two other travel writers last month, looking at our three Away bags, we commented the same thing.) Each suitcase does come with Away's own version of a Magic Eraser that helps remove light scuffs, though a bit of elbow grease might be needed to get them out. That said, Hobbs found the 360-degree wheels rolled “perfectly well” and appreciated the new ergonomic curved zippers. Like Chapel, he found the luggage easy to lift up in a bind, when he had to put it on the roof of a Toyota for a ferry ride, noting it was easy to sling it up, “thanks to the side handles.”

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (not expanded) Capacity: 39.8L

“The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” global director of audience development Lara Kramer says. At 8.15 pounds, this model has the expandable 2.25-inches of zipper space going from 39.8 liter capacity to 46.7 liters, providing “the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed,” she adds. She and her husband both use it as their carry-on suitcase—in part because it moves so well, “gliding smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels.” Otherwise, she finds the other features “pretty straightforward,” also noting the issue of the exterior scuffing “very easily,” especially noticeable on a dark suitcase. “They're generally surface scuffs and not hard to buff out, but against the black color, it can look pretty jarring,” she adds. That said, Kramer says, “I still truly love this piece and it has continued to hold up despite many uses.”

Weight: 2.45 lbs. Dimensions: 12" x 6" x 18" Capacity: 20L

Simplicity comes first with this water-resistant nylon backpack, available in five subtle monochromatic shades, that CNT editors have called “functional” with “a classic look that you won’t tire of.” As a freelancer whose backpack is her office, that timeless look also means the backpack strikes the right balance of being professional (I’ve toted it to business meetings and events), travel-friendly (I’ve also taken it on day trips to the Jersey Shore and Long Island), and casual (it’s also doubled as my exercise bag for spin class). When I got caught in the rain at the US Open in New York, the raindrops wicked right off, and the bag's contents stayed dry. But my two favorite magic tricks of this bag are the extended clamshell-style zipper, which opens the main compartment and makes it just as easy to take something out of the bottom as the top, and the bag's weight distribution. Whether it’s the padded straps or the mesh back panel, it somehow makes the contents feel lighter—I’ve stopped at least twice to make sure my laptop was actually inside the 15-inch sleeve. Plus, the thoughtful number of pockets are great for storing little essentials.

Weight: 1.74 lbs. Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8" Capacity: 26L

When it comes to travel backpacks, I’m far pickier than with luggage. I need an uber-spacious main compartment and every zipper and pocket needs to be just in place—so much so that I used the same ratty old Vans Off the Wall one for well over a decade. While I recently tested out a new Tumi backpack, I never liked the placements of its pockets. Enter the F.A.R. Backpack 26L. The main compartment is deep and wide open, yet still has a slip pocket in the back for my laptop. Hidden behind it is another zippered compartment that fits a 15-inch device. The front pocket is surprisingly roomy too, with tons of organizational pockets—plus, there are two water bottle side pockets, each able to hold a 32-ounce container. Add to that the fact the entire bag is only 1.74 pounds and it still fits under the seat in front of me on planes.

While the Everywhere Zip may be sufficient for day trips, personally, I do need the space of the 26-liter bag to fit my basic travel essentials for anything that includes an overnight stay. Plus the shell is tougher for more rugged travels, whether it's outdoor adventures or multi-stop itineraries, where it may be subject to more use. That said, I am still learning to trust mine completely. On two occasions, the zipper has opened on its own and I didn't realize until contents spilled out. But both times were when I was leaving hotels in a rush, so it's possible I didn't properly zip it.

Weight (full set): 0.7 lbs.

Dimensions: Small: 10" x 4" x 8" Medium slim: 10" x 4" x 4" Medium wide: 13" x 4" x 10" Large: 13" x 4" x 7"

Before I tried Away’s packing cubes, I was a skeptic of the travel accessory as a whole. Other cubes I had seen were either bulky, or felt rough, cheap, and pointless. Admittedly, when I first saw this innocuous set from Away, I was still doubtful. But as it turns out, this set of four nylon water-resistant zip bags with one mesh side are as subtle as they are useful. In the smallest one, I’m able to stuff in all my “just in case” accessories—a foldable running cap, beanie, scarf, gloves, and swimsuit, and tuck it into a teeny corner of the suitcase. The medium slim is perfect for organizing my underwear, packing them vertically, Marie Kondo–style , while the medium wide fits my bras, tanks, and socks. The final one, the large slim, rotates between storing pairs of shoes or other bulky items. They all fit together like Legos in my suitcase, weighing a combined 0.7 pounds—well worth it for keeping me organized on the go.

Weight: .8 oz. Dimensions: 6" x 8" x 3" Capacity: 0.5 gal.

When I first got this bag, I didn’t think I’d ever use it. It wasn’t quite a dry sack, it wasn’t quite a travel pouch. It was an in-between hybrid that I saw no practical use for. But then one day when I was running out the door, holding too many chargers in my hands, I tossed them in there—and it’s become my go-to tech accessories bag, traveling with me both on trips and in my everyday life. Made of water-resistant recycled ripstop nylon, it repels accidental spills (mostly coffee, in my case), but is so thin and sturdy that it doesn’t take up much space. The recycled nylon handle also makes it easy to grab when I’m trying to fish it out of my bag. Use it for chargers and cords, toiletries, or any other odds and ends, and know that there are small and large versions if you want a full set.

Up and Away Travel

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1010 Vermont Ave NW

Washington, DC 20005

N K St & N 15th St

Downtown, Logan Circle

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Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

We put the internet's favorite suitcase through hours of testing to determine if it's worth buying.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

What I thought of the Away Carry-On

Should you buy away carry-on luggage, other types of away suitcases, more away travel products we like.

As an analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I have personally tested dozens of travel products, from carry-on luggage and smart suitcases to hardside luggage and travel backpacks . After putting the Away carry-on through our rigorous Lab evaluations — which include using specialized equipment to analyze scratch and water resistance, as well as an obstacle course to measure wheel performance and maneuverability — I was blown away by this bag for being impressively lightweight, scratch resistant, easy to maneuver and fitting everything in our packing tests. In fact, it landed the top spot for carry-on luggage in our roundup of the best luggage brands of 2024 .

The bottom line: Away luggage is absolutely worth investing in.

What is Away luggage?

Away is a travel gear brand that offers a variety of travel accessories, including checked suitcases , backpacks , packing cubes and weekender bags . The brand originally went viral for its carry-on featuring a removable battery that can charge your phone on the go, but Away has since stopped offering battery packs with its suitcases as most people already own portable chargers .

Away's Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On are the brand's two most popular items — they are made from the same materials and have the same features but in two different sizes. In the brand's most recent update to its luggage line, the standard Carry-On now has a slightly larger packing capacity and is a bit heavier than the previous model. I put the new standard Carry-On to the test in the Textiles Lab and I used the Bigger Carry-On during a recent vacation to find out if Away luggage is actually worth buying.

Away The Carry-On

Away The Bigger Carry-On

When it comes to luggage material, polycarbonate reigns supreme over other hardside materials like plastics. Away carry-ons are made with polycarbonate, which is extremely durable and more lightweight than metals like aluminum.

Polycarbonate bags typically ace our drop tests, which involve GH pros filling a suitcase with a set weight and releasing the luggage from a 3-foot height. We repeat this test at various angles and note any damages and imperfections. As suspected, after I dropped it from different angles using our drop tester, the Away carry-on showed no dents, damages or changes in appearance .

During testing, we also use a wire to scratch the surface of the suitcase and then rate any scuffs or marks left behind. Compared to other suitcases, Away's carry-on aced our scratch-resistance testing, showing very minimal scuffs and remaining in great condition . Because marks and scuffs are inevitable on hardside luggage, the suitcases also come with a magic eraser sponge, so you can easily buff the outside of your suitcase when scuffs appear to keep your luggage looking fresh trip after trip.

I gave Away's handles lower comfort scores, compared to the other carry-ons I tested. They felt a bit wobbly and less sturdy than other carry-on handles, and they don't offer any padding at the grip. The newest iteration of the brand's carry-on luggage features an additional underside grab handle near the wheels to help make it easier to stow and retrieve from an overhead bin.

The 360º wheels rolled easily over a variety of different surfaces when I was at the airport, including linoleum, tile and carpet. Testers agreed, finding this suitcase easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and over different floorings.

A carry-on absolutely has to hold everything you need for your vacation. Away carry-ons have massive interiors , clocking in at 39.8L for the Carry-On and 47.9L for the Bigger Carry-On. When you open the suitcase, there's equal packing space on both sides. One side is a large zippered compartment, and the other is open with compression straps to keep everything in place. There are also zippered pockets for smaller items, so nothing gets lost at the bottom of your suitcase. For ultimate organization, pair the suitcase with the brand's mesh packing cubes , which excelled in our recent packing cubes test and fit perfectly in the carry-on.

I was impressed with just how much I could fit in the Bigger Carry-On — enough for a whole week's vacation without needing a checked bag. It was easy to keep all my belongings organized, and I especially loved the included laundry bag that kept my dirty clothes separate. This bag came with a stylish leather luggage tag in a similar color to the suitcase that keeps my contact info accessible if my luggage gets lost. (Remember not to put your home address on your luggage tag and instead just your email address or phone number.) Away luggage also features TSA-compliant locks to keep your belongings protected.

Starting at $275 for the Carry-On, Away luggage isn't cheap. But for the cost, you get a sleek suitcase made with durable high-quality materials and a well-organized interior for easy packing. At a similar price to our other top-tested luggage brands, like TravelPro and Samsonite , Away carry-ons aren't the most expensive suitcases I've tested either. (Both Tumi and Rimowa carry-ons start at $650, for example.) The brand also boasts an impressive 100-day return period on unused products, so you have lots of time to decide if it's the right fit for you. Note that personalized products and final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.

If you love its chic appearance and durable polycarbonate shell, Away luggage can be worth the investment. But if you're ultimately in the market for something more affordable, I suggest checking out our top-tested picks from Target and Amazon Basics .

Besides the famous carry-ons, the brand offers a few other styles of suitcases. There are checked sizes of the polycarbonate luggage as well as aluminum styles. The checked bags are made with the same durable polycarbonate material as the carry-ons and match in appearance if you're looking to create a stylish set.

I haven't yet tested Away's aluminum carry-ons , but I am wary of the higher price tag (starting at $675) and additional weight (10.1 lbs compared to 7.5 lbs for the polycarbonate version). Beyond that, it does feature an overall similar design with 360° wheels and a telescopic handle.

Away also offers Flex styles of its polycarbonate suitcases. These suitcases expand for an additional 2.25" of space to fit all the extra goodies you bought on vacation. However, when the suitcase is fully expanded, it no longer works as carry-on luggage and must be checked. Note that this style has a higher price tag than the brand's traditional polycarbonate carry-ons.

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away The Medium

Away The Large

In addition to the brand's suitcases, GH analysts have tested a variety of travel products from Away. We were especially impressed by Away's Everywhere Bag (available in standard , medium and large sizes), which held an impressive amount in our Lab tests and was a favorite among testers for its sleek look and roomy, well-organized interior. The brand recently launched a trendy quilted version too!

Away The Large Everywhere Bag

Away The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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Reviews 2.5.

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They do not honor return policy

I did not like the suitcase they sent me - the quality for the price just didn't seem to be there. To my surprise, their "100 day worry free" return policy was completely ignored and despite the fact that the item was unused and still in the box, they would not accept any returns. Total waste of money and terrible customer service / experience.

Date of experience : January 03, 2024

Delayed refund and terrible customer service

I returned a suitcase 4 weeks ago and have not received a refund. I expect better customer service, especially at this price point. There is no number to contact customer support, just an online chat which typically has no live help and just an email follow-up. I have reached out multiple times and this still hasn’t been resolved. I would never buy from this company again and would not recommend it to anyone due to there being a lack of ability to speak to customer service and get the issue resolved. I reached out after 2 weeks and was told there was an issue processing my refund and that it had been escalated. It’s now another 2 weeks later and I have still not received my refund or any further updates. Each time I reach out I get a generic email follow up and nothing else seems to happen. Still no refund and no explanation as to what the issue is. Would not recommend this company.

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Amazing customer experience

Amazing customer experience. The suitcase wouldn’t open, and they replaced the lock at no charge in their shop. I’ve bought cases from them several times, and the aftercare is superb. As are the cases! Thank you to the team there

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Stay away from Away cases

I spent £140 for an Away case. Totally wasted money. The case bottom scraps the floor when being carried using two wheels instead of four. The general feel and quality of the case is not great really. I was expecting something worth the price but definitely won’t be buying again

Date of experience : January 23, 2024

A few issues

A few issues. First you cannot review a product given to you as a gift. Even if you do get it yourself and you get the survey you only have 60 days to write a review. So if any issues arise after 60 days there is no way to review it on their website. Furthermore, the stitching on the side is coming undone and is not covered by their "lifetime warranty" even though this is obvious a defect and not wear and tear. For the price, this is nowhere near the quality and customer service I would expect.

Date of experience : January 15, 2024

The worst customer service model I’ve…

The worst customer service model I’ve ever seen. It’s obvious why Away doesn’t provide a phone number. Couldn’t even rectify a small problem on an exchange but would rather me return an entire 3 piece order. If that was their customer service at time of sale, you can imagine their lack of interest a year or 2 later if there was a warranty issue. My advice: no phone number, no sale.

Date of experience : November 30, 2023

EXPEDITED DELIVERY IS A JOKE

EXPEDITED DELIVERY IS A JOKE ! I ordered online 2 Away trunks on Wednesday 7th February paid extra $100 for 2 days delivery. I chatted with customer service on Thursday to track delivery as I would be travelling back to the UK on the 12th February and was informed that there is a 2-5 days processing period after which I would receive an email with a tracking number THEN the delivery date would be stated . Every online retailer that I have ever paid extra for a stated express/ expedited delivery have been able to deliver as stated ( next day or 2 days) I tried to cancel the order but to no avail! Today is Saturday 10th February I have not received any email as the “processing” is still ongoing!!!!! I finally called the Chicago store on Friday (8th), paid for 2 new trucks, paid for courier delivery (approximately $25) and the trunks were delivered today(9th) . I have to wait for the delivery of the initial purchased ones and return them or whatever! I am out of over $1,000 because AWAY has a deliberately worded express policy which they charge an additional fee for. If I do not receive my full refund ( no trunks delivered as yet)I will make a claim through my credit card company.

Date of experience : February 07, 2024

So disappointing

Away's warranty leaves so much to be desired. They say they care about their customers, but don't do right by them. I own 4 suitcases and will not be purchasing again from them in the future. Make your policies make sense.

Date of experience : February 08, 2024

Brutal customer service

While I love their product, their customer service is nonexistent. I returned luggage on December 2. It is now January 3 and I have not received a credit for the return. I have emailed them numerous times and always receive the same response, that they will follow up to see what the delay is. I finally gave up and have contacted my credit card company. Not impressed with Away and will certainly never buy from them again.

Date of experience : December 01, 2023

Pleasantly surprised

For some reason, I checked the reviews *after* my purchase. I therefore had low expectations (3.3 average at the time of writing this review). However, the products (packing cubes) came in 2 days, are of good quality and are lightweight. Perfect. I'll perhaps remain cautious of some of the items given others' reviews, but I'm a happy customer.

Date of experience : June 11, 2023

Love this brand

Love this brand, style and colours. Every detail has been thought about, which might not matter to all, for e.g love the lock position. I purchased the Medium Suitcase and The Everwhere Bag. For me personally, the medium was ideal for short haul holidays for about a week. Longer trips I need to consider buying an extra carry-on case or getting a Large. Haven't used many times yet, but hopefully last a lot longer than my samsonites ever did!

Date of experience : July 30, 2022

DO NOT PERSONALIZE!

The suitcase itself is beautiful. Do NOT pay $50 for the initials or personalization. It looks nothing like it shows online and in fact makes an expensive suitcase look very cheap. I’m so upset that I paid $50 and got a literal sticker slapped on my suitcase. Plan on scraping it off, that’s how disappointing it looks. Company won’t accept returns or exchanges now either. Terrible customer service.

Date of experience : June 16, 2023

Sent a used, damaged case sold as new

Ordered a bigger carry on with pocket case, sold as new for full price online. When the case arrived, the box was damaged and bound by tape, the case inside was extensively scuffed with no internal panel, a damaged zip and no tag. It had clearly been used and returned then re-sold as a new item. Looking at the other reviews, it appears this is a fairly common occurrence. Given the premium price that Away cases sell for, this is completely unacceptable. The case is being returned and I will not be purchasing from Away again.

Date of experience : September 25, 2023

Highly recommend this carryon!

Fantastic suitcase! Packed seven days of clothing, footwear and personal items. Used as my carryon for my whole trip. Love the quality, durability and color! Although this suitcase costs more than the average carryon, it is worth the investment. Numerous friends have Away carryons and we all love them! Received my order in three days.

Date of experience : August 11, 2022

Everyone needs an Away bag!

I absolutely adore my larger carryon flex! It is pretty, lightweight, wheels easily and is the perfect size. The zip out lining is a fantastic feature. The retail store was clean, bright and helpful friendly professionals helped me pick the right bag for me. My husband loves his larger carryon, and has us aiming to skip the baggage check lines on our next trip. Everyone needs an away bag!

Date of experience : August 31, 2022

Very disappointed with their Customer…

Very disappointed with their Customer Service. I received my order, not only the wrong color but also wrong size. I tried to do an exchange, instead I was asked to send more photos after photos of the product I received. I finally gave up and decided to keep the bag I ordered. I will never order from this company ever again.

Date of experience : December 13, 2023

Used to be Good, but not any more.

"Nothing gets better, everything gets worse," is the motto of my cynical best friend. Sadly, in this case, she's right. While AWAY used to be great -- it's buyer beware now. The prices are still very high, but the products are worse. And, of course, they know it because they no longer stand behind them. They recently changed the return policy from 100 days no questions asked to 100 days unused. Unused = untested They love to brag up that 100 day policy and the devil is in the details. Make no mistake, they know the product is awful now and they changed their warranty to reflect that. :-(

Incredibly disappointing luggage

Incredibly disappointing luggage. I ordered the bigger carry on after hearing rave reviews for Away luggage. Unfortunately I used it for the first time after the 100 day refund window. My biggest disappointment are the wheels. They work beautifully on smooth flat surfaces, on anything else the bag gets caught and wants to tip over. Also the outside of the bag had deep scratches and dings after one checked flight. This product is way too expensive for the poor quality and performance. Don’t buy one!

Date of experience : April 26, 2023

Perfect for a week long trip

Perfect for a week long trip! After being satisfied with The Medium on a 12 day trip around Ireland last year I was looking to upgrade my carry on luggage for shorter trips. Enter the Bigger Carry-on. Same great storage and compression, lightweight, easy to lift into overhead bin. I have taken it on two separate week long trips, one to Disney and another on a work trip and it has more than delivered. Fit all my clothes plus three pairs of shoes. Plus I love how it fits inside my Medium, for easy storage.

Date of experience : May 24, 2022

Shoddy service, Zero customer care

I purchased quite an expensive washbag from Away as a Christmas gift. On opening the delivery it was clear they had sent me the wrong colour, which meant I had to source another gift at short notice, as there was no time to get a replacement shipped. I must note, even if I had received the correct colour I was disappointed in the quality of the product for the money paid; cheap fabric, and loose threads is not expected when paying £65+. When I asked for my purchase to be refunded (including £10 shipping) they refused to cover the shipping - this is despite the error being entirely their fault! So in summary: shoddy service, mediocre overpriced products and zero customer care. I won't be purchasing from them again...

Date of experience : December 20, 2023

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The Best Away Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Away is one of the best brands in the business, so we tried more than 20 pieces to see why.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Other Away Luggage We Liked

Our testing process.

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

If you look around any airport, you'll likely see at least one Away suitcase in the crowd of travelers hustling to catch their flight. Our team of travel editors is often asked if Away luggage is worth it, so we tested various pieces of Away luggage in our Travel + Leisure lab and on our travels to find out if it's worth the hype.

We packed each suitcase and bag, wheeled them through obstacle courses, threw them off of tabletops, and hit each bag with a baseball bat. We also recreated an airplane in our lab to lift carry-ons into overhead bins and place personal items underneath seats. After we completed our rigorous testing, it was clear which bags stood out and which fell flat, and we will continue testing each bag for a period of six months to make sure our favorites hold up. From carry-ons and checked bags to duffels and backpacks, here is the best Away luggage, according to testing.

Best Carry-on

Away the carry-on.

The bag is compact, but it can fit a surprising number of items.

It's not expandable, so you have to be intentional about what you pack.

Away has several different carry-on options, but nothing is as good as the original. The brand's iconic carry-on bag blew us away in testing due to its inconspicuously large interior that fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We were able to neatly organize and pack enough clothing, shoes, and accessories for a week-long trip. The clamshell-style suitcase has two spacious compartments with a compression flap on one side and a large mesh pocket on the other flap. Measuring 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches, this carry-on is more compact than others on the market, but the tough polycarbonate exterior has plenty of give to pack it full, despite not having expandable zippers. The lightweight suitcase rolls like a dream with 360-degree spinning wheels, and the handles on the top, side, and bottom make it a breeze the lift the bag in the most convenient way. If you're in search of a carry-on, this champion bag is worth every penny in our opinion.

The Details: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.5 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Checked Bag

Away the medium flex.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The expandable zipper adds extra space when needed.

It scuffed a bit during testing.

While Away has several sizes for checked bags, we are obsessed with the Medium Flex after it proved to have superior versatility compared to other sizes. It's small enough to not feel cumbersome to roll or lift, but the expandable zipper adds tons of space if needed for a longer trip. We had no issues packing the bag with enough clothing for up to two weeks of traveling with the help of the expanding zipper and compression flap on one side of the clamshell suitcase. When the bag was packed full, the 360-degree spinner wheels rolled effortlessly across smooth and rough surfaces, and the adjustable handle was sturdy enough to push and pull the packed bag with ease. The polycarbonate exterior sustained a few minor scuffs in testing, but luckily, the suitcase comes with a sponge to buff out scuffs, so we still applauded the durability of the bag. The bag is quite popular since its recent launch, so it's currently out of stock but will come back soon.

The Details: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | 10.8 pounds | 68.8-liter capacity; 75.7-liter capacity when expanded | Polycarbonate | Expandable

Away The Trunk

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5

The unique 30/70 design makes it easy to pack bulky items in the deeper section of the bag.

With a 107-liter capacity, it's easy to overpack the bag with more than 50 pounds.

Don't let the unique shape of Away's trunk prevent you from giving it a try because once you start using it, you might not want to go back to a regular checked bag (trust us, we know from experience). The 30/70 split design means one side is much deeper, which is super helpful for packing bulky items like jeans, shoes, and jackets, or filling it with packing cubes . The tall, narrow shape makes the bag impressively easy to maneuver between obstacles, and it's much easier to store in a storage closet since it takes up less room. Best of all, it has a whopping 107-liter capacity for storing enough items for a two- to three-week-long trip. However, you'll want to keep an eye on the baggage weight as you pack since it can be easy to go over the 50-pound limit with the massive capacity.

The Details: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 12.1 pounds | 107-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Aluminum

Away the bigger carry-on: aluminum edition.

Away Travel

• Organization 4.8 /5
• Maneuverability 4.8 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

The aluminum material is protective and effortlessly stylish.

Aluminum is prone to denting and quite heavy.

If you're looking to travel in style, this stunning aluminum carry-on is the perfect balance of polished and protective. In testing, we found that the bag could fit everything in our packing list for a week's worth of traveling, and while it is spacious, you cannot overpack it because it has latches instead of zippers, so it doesn't have any expandability. This suitcase also has impressive features like a charging port (USB charger included) to charge your portable devices and slow-release handles. Despite the heavier weight of the aluminum bag, the spinner wheels handle the extra bulk with ease, and the suitcase rolls just as smoothly. When we hit the suitcase with a metal baseball bat to test durability, the shell dented fairly easily. However, since that is the nature of aluminum, we didn't shave off any points in that category because the material is also the most reliable and protective, so we deemed it a fair trade-off.

The Details: 22.7 x 14.5 x 9.6 inches | 11.2 pounds | 40.9-liter capacity | Aluminum | Not expandable

Best Weekender

Away the everywhere bag.

• Portability 3.5 /5

The bag is sleek, stylish, and lightweight enough to carry through a busy airport.

The 20-liter capacity might not be big enough for more than a weekend away, but it also comes in a larger size.

Whether used as a personal item or overnight bag, this duffel boasts the brand's minimalist and sleek aesthetic. Ideal for a night or two away from home, the 20-liter bag has a long zipper that extends down the sides, which makes it easy to see what you're placing inside the main compartment. The weekender has various pockets for staying organized, including a padded laptop pocket up to 15 inches wide, a key leash, and several slip pockets for earbuds or pens. Made with a lightweight but durable nylon material, this bag is extremely lightweight and comfortable to carry with the top tote handles or slung over the shoulder with the longer, removable strap. We included the 20-liter Everywhere Bag in this list, but it also comes in two larger sizes, so you can choose the size that is best for you.

The Details: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | 2.75 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 15-inch laptop pocket

• Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Duffel

Away f.a.r. duffle 70l.

• Organization 4 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

The recycled materials are designed to weather harsh conditions.

You may want to use packing cubes to organize items in the large duffel.

Away's F.A.R line — the acronym stands for "For All Routes" — offers excellent durability for use outside of leisurely traveling. Ideal for more rugged use like camping or safaris , the fully recycled polyester material boasts both water- and abrasion-resistant abilities to keep your belongings safe no matter what Mother Nature (or baggage handlers) throws your way. In the lab, we loved that the 70-liter bag could fit tons of clothing items for a lengthy trip, and the various pockets and internal compression straps helped pack items down. Due to the large size of the bag, we think using packing cubes would help travelers stay more organized. One of our favorite aspects of this duffel is that it's extremely lightweight — weighing just three pounds — but if it ever feels to heavy to carry with the tote straps, it comes with a trolley sleeve and removable backpack straps to effortlessly convert the duffel to a backpack as needed.

The Details: 5.7 x 27.5 x 11.8 inches | 3 pounds | 70-liter capacity | 100 percent recycled polyester

Best Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

The backpack has a wrap-around zipper to open it up clamshell-style.

It could have a bit more padding for comfort.

Simple, sleek, and functional, this backpack features nearly everything we look for in a high-quality backpack. In testing, we appreciated the various pockets on the interior for staying organized — a feature particularly helpful for commuting or air travel. The designated laptop pocket can store tablets up to 15 inches wide, and the interior boasts a water bottle-specific pocket and numerous other pockets for smaller items. The best part of this backpack is the wrap-around zipper to open up the bag like a clamshell suitcase for packing the main compartment with ease. During our durability tests, the water- and abrasion-resistant nylon showed zero signs of damage after we tossed it off a table several times. While the back panel and straps could use a bit more padding, the backpack was still comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The Details: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | 2.45 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 15-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Convertible Bag

Away f.a.r. convertible backpack 45l.

It's the perfect backpack for carrying your belongings with ease.

It felt a bit bulky to carry when packed full.

If your future travels include multiple legs or moving accommodations frequently, then this convertible bag should go in your cart ASAP. The 45-liter pack is basically a mini suitcase with superior portability since you can toss it on your back for hands-free travel thanks to the hidden backpack straps. In testing, we loved that the straps can easily be tucked away without hanging out so you can choose to carry it as a tote or duffel bag with a removable shoulder strap. We fit clothing, shoes, and accessories from a week-long packing list and there was even room left for a few extra items, so don't be fooled by the seemingly small look of the bag. Best of all, after we tossed the backpack on the ground many times, the laptop (dummy, of course) didn't get physically damaged, so the ample padding is helpful for both protection and comfort.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Recycled polyester | 15-inch laptop pocket

Away The Packable Carryall

The lightweight bag can pack down to a fraction of its original size.

The nylon material is thin, so the bag may look lumpy when full.

This packable tote from Away lives up to its name as the perfect "carry-all" bag to use while traveling. It folds up into a tiny pouch so you can toss it into your suitcase without worrying about it taking up space, only using it if necessary on your return journey. Or you can use it as a gym bag, a beach bag, or a shopping bag. Since the bag can be packed down so small, it doesn't offer much structure. We think it's worth it to be able to bring the tote along with you on all types of adventures. After testing the bag for several months, our favorite feature is the zipper top that ensures the packed items are safely tucked away whether around your shoulder or in an overhead bin.

The Details: 15 x 19.7 x 9 inches | 8 ounces | 43-liter capacity | Nylon | Not expandable

Best Pet Carrier

Away the pet carrier.

• Quality 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

The bag has both a trolley sleeve and car seat straps for any mode of transportation.

It's structured, so it takes up a decent amount of space to store it.

Traveling with pets isn't always easy (been there, done that), but Away's pet carrier makes the trip pass by much more smoothly for both pets and owners. It boasts both a trolley strap and car seat straps for locking in the carrier to a suitcase in the airport or into a car for road trips. The carrier is water-resistant to help with any accidents, and there is a removable, washable faux-shearling bedding inside for extra comfort. The nylon exterior is super durable and easy to clean after a long trip, and the tote straps and longer shoulder strap make it actually comfortable to schlep a pet through a crowded airport. One thing to note is that the carrier is structured, so it's a little difficult to store, but it does come with a handy dust bag to keep it in tip-top shape before the next trip.

The Details: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | 4.3 pounds | Nylon, leather

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Packing Cubes

Away the insider packing cubes.

• Design 3 /5
• Quality 3 /5

The cubes are specifically designed to fit into Away suitcases.

They don't feature any compression abilities.

Away's packing cubes are specifically designed to fit inside the suitcases, which is a huge perk for staying organized while traveling. The set of four cubes comes in varying sizes so you can pack an array of clothing types in the cubes or you can pack by outfit to stay extra organized. Our favorite part of the cubes is that they are made with a lightweight and durable nylon material with mesh opening flaps so we could easily see what was packed in each cube. While they aren't compression packing cubes , they make it easy to save space and stay organized.

The Details: 10 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches (Small); 10 x 4.1 x 8.25 inches (Medium); 13 x 4.1 x 10 inches (XL); 13 x 4.1 x 6.9 inches (Large) | 8 ounces combined | Interior capacity varies | Nylon

Here are some other notable options from Away that we tested.

Away The Carry-on Flex : We love that this suitcase has expandable zippers to add extra space, but the wheels didn't roll as smoothly as other suitcases going over rough surfaces like carpet.

Away The Bigger Carry-On : This is a seriously spacious carry-on bag, so it's perfect for a longer vacation, but you'll want to check with airlines on carry-on restrictions since it could be too large.

Away The Large : This massive bag was surprisingly easy to maneuver through obstacles and over rough surfaces, but we thought the medium size was a little more manageable to stay under airline weight limits. One thing to note is that the glossy finish of this suitcase scuffed and scratched more easily during our tests when compared to the matte style, but it's available in both.

While we've tried plenty of Away luggage between dozens of tests for suitcases and travel accessories, we performed a test specifically for Away luggage in our New York City lab. After trying an additional 13 pieces of Away luggage, we were able to compare and contrast the older and newer luggage collections to update this article accordingly.

We packed each bag full of items from designated packing lists and wheeled the bags through various obstacle courses and over different floor textures to make sure the wheels and handles worked smoothly. We tossed the bags off of tabletops and hit each one with a baseball to check the durability.

We lifted carry-ons into overhead bins on our airplane set to get a feel for how heavy or light they felt and to try out special features like Away's underside grab handles. From carry-ons and checked bags to backpacks and duffels, the highest-scoring Away luggage earned spots in our list for the very best Away luggage to shop, according to our thorough testing.

Tips for Buying Away Luggage

Think about where you travel the most.

Picking the right size suitcase for your intended travels can be the most difficult part of luggage shopping. For those who fly airlines with relatively strict regulations, you may want to opt for the Carry-on, Convertible F.A.R Backpack, or the small Everywhere Bag since those are smaller pieces of luggage. For a bit more versatility, consider getting the Carry-on Flex or Medium Flex suitcases that boast expandable zippers for adding more space when needed. And of course, overpackers or those embarking on a longer trip should opt for the Medium, Large, or Trunk to get the most room in a suitcase.

Consider organizational features

Most of the Away suitcases have an extremely similar layout when it comes to organization. Only one side has a compression flap with a pocket or two and the other has a zipper closure with a pocket. The only exception to this is the aluminum collection that boasts a dual compression system. In general, the duffel bags have several pockets for storage, but you may want to get packing cubes to stay extra organized. We found that the weekender bags and backpacks offered excellent organization for commuting and traveling.

Classic versus Flex collections

Before buying an Away suitcase, be sure to browse the various collections the brand offers. The Classic collection includes Away's original suitcase designs with two sizes of carry-ons, a medium checked, a large checked, and the newly launched trunk. The Flex collection is most notable for featuring expandable zippers on every size of the Classic suitcases except the trunk. And of course, the stunning Aluminum collection features two sizes of carry-ons — a medium and a large — with latch closures.

Away luggage is only sold by Away, either online or in one of its brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and in Toronto, Canada. You can find the list of in-person stores here .

Start by deciding between carry-on and checked bags — which are you more likely to use? Overall, we think it's a great idea to have one of each. (Plus, the carry-ons nest inside the checked bags, so you don't need to worry about finding extra storage space at home for a second bag.) Also, be sure to check your preferred airline's restrictions on sizes to get a better idea of which suitcase would be best if you're between the carry-on or checked bag sizes offered by Away.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at T+L where she writes most of the team's tested content. She has tested dozens of suitcases and personally owns Away's The Trunk and the Pet Carrier. Anna spent the day in the lab testing Away luggage and combed through testing notes to compile this list of the very best Away luggage.

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The Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket Is the Smart Luggage I'd Buy

The Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket is a well-designed smart suitcase with plenty of room and a removable battery for charging your gadgets.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Away is one of the biggest brands in the newly burgeoning Smart Luggage category. Yes, even the suitcase you take on vacation is getting tech-y features. The standard feature on all smart bags is a portable battery that snaps into the suitcase, so you're not scavenging for an outlet at the airport if you need to charge your phone. Away also sells an optional accessory that allows you to track your bag in case it gets lost.

The new Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket ($295) adds an incredibly sensible feature: a nylon pocket. Why is this simple adjustment so important? It enhances the convenience factor of Away's suitcases, which feature an easy-to-use portable power supply for charging your phone, so you can keep your laptop and important documents within close reach.

On the downside, this pocket costs $50 extra, and that version of the Away isn't available in as many colors. Still, I found the Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket to be an excellent, albeit pricey, way to travel.

What about that TSA ban on smart luggage?

So, you might have heard about American Airlines , Delta and Alaska Airlines instating bans on smart luggage at the end of last year. But fear not, traveler, not all smart suitcases are banned, only the ones with non-removable batteries. That means the current set of Away's luggage is free to fly the friendly skies, as its battery is easily ejected.

Away's luggage has long stood out for its elegant minimalist designs and for an ever-changing series of hues that were either eye-catching or elegant. Although I liked the dark, restrained blue (the pocket-bearing Away's colors  come in only black or blue) of the bag I tested, I'm a much bigger fan of the purple tone they've used in luggage released in partnership with Kode With Klossy, the coding summer camp from model/entrepreneur Karlie Kloss.

I tested the Bigger Carry-On format of the Away luggage, which measures 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches, weighs 7.3 pounds and has a capacity of 46 liters. That means it's larger, lighter and roomier than Muji's Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase (21.3 x 14.6 x 9.3 inches, 7.7 pounds, 35 liters). The smaller, heavier and less-spacious Raden A22 Carry -on (22 x 14 x 9 inches, 8.4 pounds and 35 liters) is the other smart suitcase with an ejectable battery that's ready for flight.

The Away's shell is made of a durable-feeling polycarbonate material that the company calls "unbreakable." A leather hinge on its spine reinforces the connection between its halves. Its 360-degree wheels did an exceptionally good job of rotating to the correct position, which I admit is kind of a challenge when you carry your luggage as hurriedly as I do. The rubber handles at the top and right of the Bigger Carry-On feel reliable. Raden loves to promote the durability of its luggage, with video of someone standing on it, and leaning in, seemingly trying to break it.

The Away's pocket is a nylon sleeve that measures 16.5 x 11.25 x 1 inches. That's big enough to fit my 2012 15-inch MacBook Pro, which is thicker than current models, but I instead opted to store my shampoo, body soap and face wash container bag in that sleeve, as that's equally important to have at the ready. The Muji and Raden bags have no such pockets.

After you unzip the Bigger Carry-On, you'll notice a mesh window can zip up the front half, and that there's a flat divider between both sides that offers a zipper-closed pouch. So, if you buy the Carry-On or Bigger Carry-On without the exterior pocket, you still get a place to store sensitive materials, but it's less accessible. Two buckles can secure that flat pocket against whatever is under it.

The insider lining of the suitcases are nylon, with zippers that run from the top to the bottom. This is because Away suitcases come with a lifetime warranty, and the nylon and zippers cover up the panels where Away's repair technicians  access handles and feet, if a repair is ever needed.

What's in the box

When I opened the large cardboard box with the Away Bigger Carry-on, I was pleasantly surprised to see the luggage came inside a canvas bag. While it seems like a great way to keep the Away clean while it's stored away, I could also see college students using it for an oversized laundry bag.

MORE: Best Smartphones on the Market Now

Inside the bottom half of the Bigger Carry-On, you'll see a small buttoned-up pouch containing a small bag, which I used for laundry during the trip. My extensive testing showed that this bag can fit two dress shirts, five T-shirts and five pairs of socks and briefs. Also, Away includes a USB-based power adapter and a micro-USB-to-USB cord, for charging its battery.

Portable Charger

The major perk of the Away luggage is the 37-watt, 10,000 mAh portable charger that sits conveniently in a slot below the handle, with a cover to protect its ports from spills A 10,000 mAh battery has enough juice to refuel most flagship smartphones completely, and some of them twice. The charger is easily ejectable; you just push down until it clicks, and it then jumps up. The Raden A22's power supply has a smaller capacity of 7,800 mAh.

It draws power from a micro USB port and features dual USB 3.0 ports for charging, with one being a 2.4-amp fast-charging port and the other a 1-amp standard-speed port. Personally, this was a lifesaver at the airport, as it meant I didn't have to run around the terminal, looking for an outlet so I could fill my phone up before a flight.

After I drained my iPhone 8 Plus of its charge, the Away charger's 2.4-amp port refueled 16 percent of the phone in 15 minutes, and 32 percent in 30 minutes. These numbers are similar to the fastest-charging portable charger we've tested, which filled 17 percent in 15 minutes and 33 percent in 30 minutes.

The portable charger was a lifesaver at the airport, as it meant I didn't have to run around the terminal, looking for an outlet so I could fill my phone up before a flight.

Also, dual ports means you can charge both your phone and your Bluetooth headphones, or one of your devices and one that belongs to a friend, if you're  kind and not traveling solo.

Bigger is better?

My biggest concern with the Away Bigger Carry-On was that Away was sure that the bag would be allowed on flights. I was not as confident, because the bag's measurements exceed the advertised baggage limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches  that airlines declare online and at the gates, where they present the small compartment to check your bag's size.

Away says the bag would fit and be allowed on most planes, because the bin you check your bags in is larger than the advertised measurements. After a series of emails with a Delta employee named Michael, who couldn't clear up this question, I bit the bullet and decided to test the Bigger Carry-On to find out what would happen if I tried to get it on a plane. My concern was for naught, as the flight attendants on my Delta plane from New York to New Orleans didn't bat an eye at my luggage.

The Bigger Carry-On's capacity is 6.2 liters more than that of the Carry-On, and as someone whose suitcase was packed to the brim upon his return — I had to bring back beignet mix from the world-famous Café Du Monde — I was happy to have that space.

TSA-Friendly Lock

If you're worried about prying hands opening your checked luggage, you've probably breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the TSA-approved combination lock.

I had no trouble setting a three-digit combination code on the lock, and locking the suitcase is as easy as snapping its zippers into the dual grooves at the top of the suitcase, near the keyhole that TSA agents can easily unlock. The Raden and Muji bags have similar locks.

Bluetooth location tracking

Away has partnered with the Bluetooth tracker-maker Tile for a $30 Tile Luggage Tag, which works by logging its location when its within 100 feet of the paired smartphone, and when any other Tiles come within that  range. From Tile's app, you can set your tracker to ring when it comes within the range, or instruct your phone to send a push notification when the Tile tracker is found.

At the baggage claim, I got a notification on my phone shortly before it appeared on the carousel, and could hear the tag's ringing chime as it came out of the entrance.

After I checked my bag for my return flight, I set it to alert me when the bag's location was next detected. I got my first notifications when the flight was getting closer to taking off, as the suitcase was loaded into the belly of the plane. At the baggage claim, I got a notification on my phone shortly before it appeared on the carousel, and could hear the tag's ringing chime as it came out of the entrance.

The Muji suitcase has no battery or location tracking, while the Raden includes built-in location tracking, and uses a similar group-based GPS tracking. The Raden can also weigh itself, which is helpful for those who overpack but also want to reduce fees at check-in.

Bottom Line

While you could place a Tile tracker and a portable charger inside  any suitcase, the Away Bigger Carry-On with Pocket streamlines the process completely. The amount of care that's gone into this design shows, and the simple move of adding an easy-access pocket has made the bag all the more convenient.

The Muji bag is a more-affordable $160, but it carries less luggage and doesn't include the portable battery or a place to easily access it. The $295 Raden packs more built-in smart features, but isn't as spacious. The Away, though, especially with the Tile tag, does a lot to take the pain out of going to the airport.

Credit: Tom's Guide

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• > Road Tests

Away Travel Carry-On Review :: Road Test

We are living in a very 2.0 world right now. Whether it’s Uber disrupting the taxi market, Warby Parker offering an alternative to Luxottica, or Tesla proving that making electric cars can be viable – the result is consumers have demanded options and now they’re receiving it. Not to be left out of the conversation, Away Travel is truly a Luggage 2.0 company. Let’s see if they managed to distinguish themselves clearly enough from the stalwarts of the industry, and whether their bags are worthy of your attention.

It might surprise some that Away was founded by two former Warby Parker employees, who joined the spectacle company in the early days. They no doubt took what they learned from Warby Parker and applied it to Away. Let’s take a minute to talk about why this new generation of luggage companies are important. Like many other industries, luggage has historically been dominated by a few large players and there was little innovation to get excited about. Luggage from 2005 was not much different than 1995. Slowly, startups started appearing and while Away was not the first “2.0” luggage company, I’d consider them the face of the movement.

What is 2.0 luggage? Well, for starters, it’s about options and it’s about changing to adapt to the modern traveler; features like built-in USB charging, integrated TSA-approved locks, and clever organization. It’s also about vibrant colorways and the agility to pivot quickly and introduce new lines or collaborations. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about, and late last year Away was kind enough to send me their Carry-On to try out.

The model I tried is their Carry-On. They now offer The Bigger Carry-On and of course two checked bags. Since I travel out of a regional airport and am often flying on smaller planes, I didn’t want to risk having any overhead restrictions with The Bigger Carry-On. The Carry-On measures 21.7” x 13.7” x 9” which should be within most airline limits. It weighs 7 lbs and is made of a thin, flexible polycarbonate material that has a slightly rough texture that seems to help hide scratches and scuffs.

It also features four Hinomoto 360 wheels for easy maneuvering, a built-in TSA-approved lock, YKK zippers, a built-in laundry bag, and of course a removable 10,000 mAh battery (more on that later).

Who It Suits

With 38 liters of capacity, the Away suits the type of traveler who values efficiency. If you are a frequent visitor to the site and follow our tips on packing , you’ll comfortably fit a week’s worth of clothing in this pack. I consider myself a pretty minimalist traveler that makes the occasional accommodation for comfort so I easily traveled 4-6 days with the Away. I’ve taken it on short trips around California, and to Portland, Salt Lake City, New York, and DC.

The Carry-On would also appeal to someone who needs to be constantly connected and would enjoy the convenience of having a battery pack on-hand. I have seen people ask what’s the difference between just carrying a battery pack and having one in your suitcase. The answer is simple: convenience. Usually when I am waiting at a gate, it’s quicker to plug my phone or tablet into the built-in USB ports, rather than pull out a pack. It’s not a huge difference but not having to hunt for a free outlet or dig up your battery pack buried in your day pack is nice.

Who It Doesn’t

Due to its thin carbonate construction, the Carry-On sits between a traditional hardshell suitcase and a flexible nylon/canvas one. That means there’s some wiggle room for packing but you really need to respect its boundaries. Taking this into consideration, the Carry-On is not suited for a traveler who does not pack efficiently and/or needs to carry a lot of extra comforts (ie multiple pairs of shoes, lots of toiletries, extra layers, etc). For those folks, consider the Bigger Carry-On but make sure you think about what sort of airplanes you typically fly in and their restrictions.

By the looks of it, you should also be able to conclude that the Carry-On is not fit for expedition types of trips. I would not pack my scuba or safari gear into a case, and definitely not any expensive film or photography equipment, especially if I was going to check it in. It is a hard shell but offers less protection than its more sturdier counterparts.

For starters, I think the Carry-On is a good looking kit. Most luggage is black with a bulging overstuffed silhouette and indistinguishable from the rest. Away offers the Carry-On in multiple colorways and if their Instagram feed is any indication, they are constantly doing short promotional runs whether it’s for an event or a partnership with a celebrity. Their marketing is on point and they just look cool. It’s subjective, but I actually feel like a jetsetter when I roll through an airport with the Carry-On.

Speaking of rolling, the Japanese Hinomoto wheels are great. I have always used 2-wheeled luggage, so to have a set of four 360-degree spinners makes traversing with the Carry-On a breeze. They spin effortlessly and I can push the suitcase with a finger if needed. These wheels are often found on more expensive cases so to have them on the Carry-On is a treat.

Sorry about the dust here…

The battery is 10,000 mAh which is enough to recharge your iPhone X three and a half times. It is topped off using a micro USB port and has two Type A ports for output. It’s fully removable in case you need to check the bag ( due to new TSA regulations ) and it has a nice set of sharp LEDs showing you the charge level of the pack.

There is also a built-in combination lock which I really like because I always thought that putting a separate lock on your zippers was too cumbersome. I also find the combination mechanism to be a lot smoother and more stable with it built into the top of the suitcase, compared to a lock I have to fumble with to get open. And, since it’s TSA-approved, an agent can get into it if needed.

To round it off, there are some small conveniences that make life a little easier. For example, there’s a built-in laundry bag so you have a tidy place to keep your dirty clothes during a trip. There are also two types of compartments – a large zippered one on the left and on the right there’s a large open area with double compression straps and a semi-rigid panel on top. This gives some flexibility but also direction on how to pack.

The Not So Good

I have a small set of quibbles with the Carry-On that don’t break the experience but makes for a less than ideal one. First is the durability of the Carry-On. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a thin polycarbonate material which means it’s pretty flexible so if you were to sit on it or step on it, it would definitely give. I definitely don’t think the shell would break but when I imagine being forced to check it in under the carriage on a small regional flight or it falling off a transport, it’s a little worrying. But maybe that’s just me, there’s no cracks or alike showing yet, so ‘the flex’ hasn’t become an issue.

I also wish the zippers were weather resistant. In the Raden, the entire zipper is water-sealed. I don’t expect to drag my suitcase through a monsoon but I have traveled to rainy locales every year and it’s inevitable that you’re caught in the rain. Sure, it’d take a while for water to actually soak through and leak onto your belongings but there’s much less chance of that with a sealed zipper.

The last annoyance I have in regards to durability is the most impactful and it has do with the handles. I appreciate that they are telescoping with specific stop points and that they are easy to extend and retract. What I don’t like is how wobbly they are. They work fine but there is so much play that it doesn’t make you feel confident in the suitcase. To me, it’s the difference of fit and finish between, say, how a luxury car door closes versus an economy car. Do you know what I mean? How when you get out of a nice car and close the door, it makes a solid thump? The handles on the Carry-On rattle and wiggle so much and it might not bother someone using it in isolation, but if you had it next to the Raden, for example, it’s a night and day difference. Does this affect day-to-day usage? Well yes and no. Yes, you can still roll it around and pull it over curbs, but each time you interact with it, it feels unfinished.

The other issue I have with the Carry-On is the battery itself. I know what you’re thinking – I listed it as positive. You’re right, it’s also one of the things that qualifies the Carry-On as a 2.0 luggage. However, battery technology is tricky. You have a lot of variables at play – the cable itself, the device being charged, the battery and charging circuit. I had a major issue where the two ports could not handle a sustained large output with two items plugged in, especially if one of them is high draw. For example, if I plugged both an iPad Mini and a phone, one would stop charging altogether.

The issue is that the ports are dependent on each other and the battery does not have the ability to provide a sustained amperage on both. The best I saw was 7.5W of charging which is 5V at 1.5 amps. I tried testing for an hour using two different USB charging meters to quantify the performance but the best I can leave you with is: don’t expect to charge two devices quickly, at the same time. You may be able to charge two low draw devices slowly, or one high draw device slowly. Some devices are also very picky and if they don’t get the minimum amperage, they’ll refuse to charge at all (some iPads, Sony Vita, etc). Also, it goes without saying that the battery does not support Power Delivery, or any Quick Charge capabilities.

Others to Consider

The smart luggage market is not very crowded but Away is certainly not the only player. The obvious competitor here is Raden, which we covered last year . They both are really similar except the Raden has extra features (built in scale, Bluetooth tracking), which you pay for.  The Raden also has better construction and feels more sturdy during use.  The G-Ro is worth mentioning too; they take a different approach (two over-sized wheels, soft sided) approach to things and might be good for a traveler that tends to overpack.

When I got the Away Carry-On, I actually threw away my other suitcases. That means I’ve used the Away quite extensively much of 2016 and all of 2017. I think that it represents an important milestone in travel and it’s what the industry needs. I view the Carry-On the same way I view Apple products (I am an Android guys) – it’s what I recommend to all my friends and family, not because it’s the best but because it’s the best for most people. Most folks would be really happy with the Away and may not even realize or have issue with the things I found fault with. At $225, it’s a palatable price-point and with the different colorways available, styling, and features, you can see why it’d be an easy recommendation.

IN THIS ARTICLE

SENIOR EDITOR

David gets right into the details, in a way that few can. He prefers carry gear that lets him get active. He rides bikes, eats good food, and has a digital footprint approaching a yeti.

The Breakdown

Geek (performance), space & access, organization, style (design), look & feel, build, materials & hardware, stoke (experience), warranty & support, brand experience, reader's review.

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A couple of wishes

I have the small carry one and the midsize. Love them both. Just bought the bigger carry on with pocket and the everywhere bag. Can’t wait to use them. I travel often (last year almost weekly, mostly domestic with intermittent international locations).

The Good: The suit cases are virtually indestructable. , The sides

The Not So Good: All the suitcases could use a handle on the bottom., It would be nice if the battery poped out from the top, instead of the bottom, meaning you don't have to open your suitcase to remove the battery when planes change unexpectedly., Wish the aluminum case came with a pocket and with a matching everywhere bag.

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Review of the updated Away The Bigger Carry-On: Same great bag, revamped features

Editor's Note

• The Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On bags offer high-end luggage looks and features.
• Standout features include a handy mesh laundry compartment, fun colors, optional ejectable battery and 360-degree spinner wheels.
• However, the bag does scuff, and there are some elements to be aware of before spending close to $300.

Since it debuted in 2015, Away has become a popular luggage company with bags that are often easy to spot in every corner of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It's almost like the iPhone of carry-on bags — simple, stylish and priced in a way that walks that line of exclusivity while simultaneously feeling affordable enough for many frequent travelers. It likely doesn't hurt Away's popularity — and visibility — that a few times a year, it unveils seasonally refreshed colors for its bags, too.

Right now, you can purchase away bags for what is likely the best deal of the year with 20% off for Black Friday . This Black Friday sale drops the price to $236 for the Away The Bigger Carry-On and $220 for the Away The Carry-On . And if someone with an Away bag refers you, that can drop the price an additional 20% as those discounts stack.

Personally, my family now has five Away bags: two child-size bags (that are no longer available) and one adult carry-on size from a limited-edition collection inspired by the northern lights as well as two of the more traditional colors and styles. The northern lights Away bag, which was beautiful when it first arrived at my door, didn't hold up very well.

But the Away The Bigger Carry-On in the coast color that Away provided for product testing a year ago and, more recently, the revamped design in olive, have both held up wonderfully overall.

Now that I've flown more than a dozen flights with the revamped Away The Carry-On in olive and spent a year and about 100,000 miles with the previous version in coast, I'm here to share my review of the Away The Bigger Carry-On bags. I'll also talk about some differences between the most recently released version and previous iterations.

What you should look for in a carry-on bag

The best carry-on bags have a few things in common. Notably, they have a sturdy handle and are easy to roll — not only on smooth airport surfaces but also on some slightly imperfect surfaces. Sometimes, taking that train to the city center and walking the rest of the way to the hotel while pulling your bag is the best course of action, and your bag needs to be able to handle that journey.

Ideally, carry-on luggage has some compartments to help keep your belongings separated and make the act of physically closing and opening the bag a bit easier. No one wants all the items that were so carefully packed exploding everywhere, thanks to gravity during the zipping and unzipping process.

The best carry-on bags don't waste a ton of weight on the bag itself and fit in airline overhead bins, pushing right up to that maximum limit allowed so you have as much packing space as possible. They're also built to withstand the harsh realities of frequently flying without becoming the ugly duckling at the baggage carousel shortly after buying them.

Related: Keep calm and carry on: TPG shares its favorite travel carry-on bags

Why we like Away's The Bigger Carry-On

Spoiler alert: After a year of using Away The Carry-On (often instead of my beloved Rimowa), I'm a fan.

While I still love my Rimowa carry-on bags that I've used for almost a decade, there is no question that the Away bag is more functional in a few ways — which is why it is now the primary bag in my rotation.

The mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one side of the bag is one of my favorite components, as it is so useful for keeping things organized and in place. The other side of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it easy to pack, unpack and keep everything together.

In fact, the updated carry-on model released in the summer of 2023 has even more pockets and sturdier zips. It also has redesigned handles that are easier to grip and refreshed 360-degree spinner wheels.

Purchase link: Away The Bigger Carry-On

The zippers themselves are strong and easy to move, even when you may have slightly overpacked and are leaning all your weight on the top of the suitcase to get it to close while you zip it up. I absolutely do this all the time and am continually impressed at how much I can cram in there.

The 360-degree spinner wheels have made moving through the airport, along sidewalks and more basically a dream.

As someone who avoids checking a bag as much as possible, I'm particularly fond of the slightly larger size of Away's standard carry-on bag.

The Bigger Carry-On allows you to add an extra set or two of clothes or one more pair of shoes without drifting into that "must check a bag" situation. We'll get more into the exact dimensions in a bit, but this little extra room makes a noticeable difference when packing.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Rimowa

Things to know about The Bigger Carry-On from Away

While this bag can be thrown in and out of a cab and dragged off a carousel without a worry in terms of functionality, be prepared for some scratches on the shell. (If you really want to see the durability in action, jump to the three-minute mark of the "Kids Away Luggage review video" at the end of this article to see how we tried to destroy that bag.)

Even with normal wear and tear, scuffs can absolutely be seen on the matte material. I found some on my test bag after just the first few flights.

Additionally, I've discovered that this coast color is quite popular, as I've been in a few situations now where multiple people have had the exact same bag.

Without something clearly identifying the bag as yours, you're risking bag mix-ups. Consider getting some kind of special identifier (such as a colorful luggage tag) and toss an Apple AirTag in for good measure, just in case. Or, choose a non-traditional or limited-edition color that fewer people will have.

One thing that's no longer an option on the Away carry-on bags is the removable battery, which I think is a good thing as I get stopped frequently when boarding flights to ensure mine is removed on the bags we have that still have that slot. The bag we got over the summer of 2023 does not have that battery slot, which I consider an improvement.

Related: 15 packing hacks for traveling with just a carry-on

How Away's carry-on measures up

Regularly priced starting at $295, the Away The Bigger Carry-On from Away is currently available in 12 colors (though a few are temporarily sold out or are limited-edition options) and is sized to fit in the overhead bins on most airlines.

Some of the Away bag's features include:

• Durable polycarbonate shell
• Leather detailing, including a black leather luggage tag
• TSA-approved combination lock for extra safety
• 360-degree spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride
• Interior compression system
• Hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate
• Underside grab handle (new to the 2023 model)

The Bigger Carry-On that I've been trying out has the following measurements:

• Exterior: 22.7 inches by 15.4 inches by 9.6 inches
• Interior: 20.9 inches by 15 inches by 7.9 inches
• Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Capacity: 47.9 liters

For reference, Delta Air Lines , American Airlines and United Airlines all have posted maximum carry-on sizes of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, which is technically a hair smaller than this bag on all sides.

In practice, on most flights, a bag that is a fraction of an inch over will still fit in the sizer and in the overhead bin. Still, know that there is a possibility that you may need to gate-check your bag .

Southwest Airlines currently has a maximum carry-on size of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches, which means this larger carry-on does officially comply with that carrier's baggage dimension limits.

Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Bigger Carry-On

The two main differences between the Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On are price and size.

The standard Away carry-on bag is usually about $20 cheaper than the Bigger version, at $275 instead of $295 (prices vary by color and exact model). Additionally, the traditional Away The Carry-On measures 21.7 inches by 14.4 inches by 9 inches, meaning it is smaller than the maximum carry-on size requirements for all major U.S. airlines, unlike the Bigger version. In the U.S., that difference isn't likely to cause issues most of the time, though it may be problematic when flying carriers internationally.

As someone who stuffs their carry-on to the brim, the additional capacity in The Bigger Carry-On is worth it.

But if you don't find yourself needing every square inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will save you a few dollars and be sure to keep you within the posted airline carry-on size limits.

Related: Carry-on vs. checked bags: Which is the better choice?

Overall impression

Even with the scuff marks that just happen over time, my Away suitcases still look pretty good.

I love the more voluminous Bigger version. I'm also a sucker for the zippered side of the bag that makes organizing — especially in conjunction with packing cubes — a cinch. And in perhaps the best test of all, my kids will pretty much only pull the Away bags on the rare occasion that some of our other bags are in the mix at the airport because they roll so much easier than all of our other luggage brands.

The new version that came out in 2023 is even better, especially with that handy spot to grip when pulling in or out of the overhead bins.

We're pretty much a fully Away bag family at this point, as they are the right balance of quality, style, durability and price. I give it a big thumbs up if you are in the market for a new carry-on bag this year.

Read on for more tips on finding the right piece of travel gear for you:

• Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Roam
• These are the 11 best travel fanny packs for easy, hands-free travel
• 10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15
• These are the checked bags carried by TPG's staff
• Is expensive luggage worth it?

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Away Travel Carry-On Luggage Review [Worth Buying?]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

755 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3034 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Away Travel Luggage

Style and look, size and compartments, durability and materials, lock and zippers, warranty and customer service, away carry-on alternative sizes, away travel luggage with a pocket, kids’ carry-on, the aluminum range, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Luggage these days is much more than just a way to carry your stuff from home to the hotel and back again. Rebooted and redesigned, suitcases are now more stylish than ever, with smart features and sleek upgrades that have made them Instagram-famous and utterly desirable.

American luggage brand Away has gone back to basics with bags and cases that are designed to work with you and offer creative solutions that help you enjoy your travel experience better.

Every piece in its collection has been thoughtfully designed to function perfectly and provide practical solutions to real-life travel problems.

From carry-ons to checked luggage and daypacks to a garment bag, every piece from Away has an attractive minimalist aesthetic on the outside, complemented by interiors that will transform the way you carry your belongings.

Bottom Line: With compression compartments to maximize your luggage load, hardshell exteriors that can be thrown around and still look super chic, and even a hidden battery to charge your devices on the go, the people at Away may just have created the ultimate suitcase.

Away Travel Carry-On Luggage Review

With a hard, impenetrable shell, The Carry-On looks sleek and minimalist , and will never be out of place being pulled through any cosmopolitan metropolis or high-tech airport.

Unlike most monotone hipster carry-alls, The Carry-On is available in a range of colors, including navy, coast grey, sky blue, green, asphalt, white, sand, blush, and violet. Finding the right color to suit your personality shouldn’t be a problem.

Sized to fit in the overhead luggage compartments of most major airlines , this is practically the perfect carry-on . Measuring 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches on the outside, you can stow above or below every time you fly.

On the inside, you’ll find 2 separate compartments. A large zippered compartment to one side will deftly house your shoes, toiletries, and other hard objects. While to the other side, there is an impressively large open space for your clothing. The internal measurements are 20 x 13.5 inches with a total capacity of 39.8 liters.

Want to fit more in? One of the absolute best bits of the Away brand cases is the unique interior compression system .

Much more than just a couple of straps to pull around a bulging clothes pile, this offers an entire semi-rigid panel on top that squashes down to give you those all-important extra inches of interior space when you need it.

If that wasn’t enough, the case also comes with a washable laundry bag that folds up when not in use. While the bag isn’t huge, it’s fine to keep dirty items separate over a long weekend.

Made from an impenetrable shell that bends under pressure, but never breaks, The Carry-On offers first-class construction.

The sturdy, hard-wearing polycarbonate outer shell can take its fair share of knocks and bangs, while the softly lined interiors and genuine leather luggage tags and hinges give it a luxury feel that belies its functional form and price tag.

Bottom Line: By cleverly blurring the lines between a traditional hardshell suitcase and a flexible nylon/canvas one, The Carry-On offers rigid durability alongside complete adaptability.

This smart little case can charge cell phones, tablets , e-readers , and anything else that’s powered by a USB cord. With enough energy tucked away to fully charge your iPhone up to 4 times, The Carry-On is the ultimate companion for the tech-savvy traveler.

You can even fly with your electable suitcase battery as it’s compliant with current airline policies, FAA, TSA, and DOT regulations and meets UN/DOT 38.3 requirements. When you reach your destination, plug it in and let it recharge before you set off once again.

Be aware that while it can be carried in the cabin, checked luggage cannot contain lithium batteries. The Carry-On battery can be removed in a matter of seconds and carried with you in the cabin.

These sorts of design features add value to you as the passenger and set the Away brand miles apart from the competition.

Hot Tip: If the charging capability isn’t your thing or you already own a power bank, you can opt to purchase the case without a battery, which will make the case lighter and increase the interior space. Just know that if you opt for this you can’t add a battery later on.

With 4 360-degree spinning Japanese Hinomoto wheels, The Carry-On makes light work of long runways and endless terminal buildings. Agile and incredibly easy to maneuver, you can guide the case with just a single fingertip should you need to.

The pull-along handle is light and smooth and effortlessly extends or retracts to suit the height of the carrier. Made from superior materials, the telescopic handle is just like any other suitcase handle, only that bit better.

With not one, but 2 zippers for easy opening and closing, The Carry-On does away with the need for separate locks by offering an integrated combination lock. Just activate a 3-digit combination and the mechanism secures the zippers in seconds.

As the lock is part of the actual suitcase, you never run the risk of losing your travel lock again, and even more impressive, the lock is TSA-approved to allow agents access when they need it.

All Away Carry-On cases come complete with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs the luggage.

The electronic components are guaranteed for 2 years. That said, the good folks at Away do offer replacement batteries should you experience any issues outside of this warranty period.

Impressive credentials and an even more impressive Instagram campaign have made the Away cases some of the most sought-after in the travel sector. But, while they may be both pretty and practical, there are just a couple of really tiny downsides, too.

If you want to recharge your case to keep your phone topped up, you’re realistically looking at an overnight charge in your hotel before it has enough power to start charging your devices again.

While these cases are incredibly durable and designed to last a long time, they’re best suited to vacations and tourist travel . What is essentially a lifestyle brand with an excellent social media following, it attracts travelers who want to see the world without roughing it.

Globetrotting adventurers who plan to stray from the road less traveled may find a backpack or duffel bag more practical and hard-wearing.

Finally, the telescopic handles are a bit on the shaky side. While adept enough to wheel your case through the airport, you can still feel a slight tremor when you walk.

Bottom Line: All of these are minor gripes, and for the most part, The Carry-On from Away is an excellent suitcase that delights in providing both form and function to give you a good-looking case with on-trend extras.

Other Away Travel Luggage

Concerned that The Carry-On isn’t right for you? Away offers a full collection of luggage essentials to suit every traveler and every journey.

• The Bigger Carry-On — This carry-on is just like the standard one, but is a little bit bigger. Measuring up at 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches, this little beauty was designed to squeeze into the cabin bag containers found at check-in and to give the user some all-important extra internal inches. It also has just over 8 liters of extra space compared to the standard-sized The Carry-On.
• The Medium — This midsize suitcase is designed to be checked in the hold when you travel and offers enough space for all those extra outfits, as well as the same unique compression system and high-quality polycarbonate construction. It measures 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches and has 68.8 liters of storage space.
• The Large — Away’s biggest suitcase yet, this full-size family case has the same attractive and durable polycarbonate shell, interior compression system, and removable laundry bag. Just as impressive as The Carry-On, only much bigger! It measures 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches and has 99.2 liters of storage space.

• The Carry-On with Pocket  — Like a regular carry-on , only better, this is still the perfect size for overhead storage bins, but with an extra, useful pocket. The nylon front pocket is big enough and protective enough to carry your boarding passes and travel documents, without eating into that all-important interior space.
• The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket — This suitcase offers an external nylon pocket that’s perfect for carrying your vacation documents, magazines, or other useful bits of kit close by your side when you travel.
• The Daily Carry-On with Pocket — A new release by Away, this carry-on is slightly smaller than its other carry-on counterparts and is geared towards short trips and business travel. The pocket provides easy access to your daily essentials.

Make it a family affair with The Kids’ Carry-On . Just like the regular version, your mini-me can enjoy a shell that never breaks, a battery that charges their phone or tablet, and a versatile interior with a compression system and separate laundry bag.

This is the very same as the grown-up version but is just a little bit smaller in size at 18 x 12 x 9 inches with a 31-liter capacity.

• The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition — Made with a durable aluminum shell and leather-wrapped, slow-release handles, this little beauty offers the same standards as the regular The Carry-On, but this time is made of even more robust stuff.
• The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition The Carry-On — Sized up but still made from aluminum, this is the bigger of the 2 carry-on cases. It offers all the same great features but in a slightly larger package.
• The Medium: Aluminum Edition — With the same beautiful curved lines and an attractive aluminum shell, the medium-size case is perfect for those who want more than a carry-on but don’t crave a full-size case.
• The Large: Aluminum Edition — With enough room for all the family, the trusty aluminum shell will protect everything inside. Shoehorn even more in with the interior compression system, and as you have come to expect, bring home your dirties in the removable laundry bag.

Modern-day luggage is fast becoming a reflection of the way we travel and indeed, where we travel to.

Away not only creates beautifully designed, cleverly crafted suitcases and bags that are more than fit for purpose, but it is also one of the few brands that take a holistic approach to modern-day travel. It offers practical solutions to the rigors of reaching your next destination with ease.

Hardshell exteriors, internal compression systems, and the ability to charge almost every kind of device on the go makes the Away cases some of the very best, and most thoughtful, on the market today.

For reviews on other types of luggage and travel bags, check out these pieces:

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Is away luggage tsa-approved.

Away luggage is compliant with the FAA and is TSA-approved as the lithium batteries can be ejected and removed from the luggage during your flight.

How much does Away luggage cost?

The standard carry-on luggage by Away costs $225 and includes an ejectable battery. The bigger carry-on costs $245 and the medium and large checked luggage costs $275 and $295 respectively.

Is Away luggage banned?

Most airlines instituted a ban on smart luggage in 2018. This means that luggage with a lithium battery that cannot be removed is banned. However, Away luggage comes with an ejectable battery which means you can check your luggage and take the battery with you as a carry-on.

How much does The Carry-On from Away weigh?

The Away Carry-On weighs 7.6 pounds, but if you opt for one without a lithium battery it weighs 7.1 pounds.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Away luggage review: The 6 best Away suitcases and travel accessories we've tested

Posted: November 16, 2023 | Last updated: November 16, 2023

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First founded in 2015, Away luggage has become a staple among millennial travelers in particular thanks to the brand's sleek designs, smart added features like built-in TSA-approved locks and Instagram-worthy color options from pale pink to coastal blue.

Away makes some of the best carry-ons and best luggage , but the brand has also expanded its offerings far beyond classic suitcases. From totes to pet carriers, Away has a wide range of chic and useful bags and travel accessories to consider. 

We pulled together the best Away luggage and travel accessories worthy of your consideration — all put to the test by our team of trusted product experts and travelers.

Here are the best Away suitcases and travel accessories:

The Carry-On

I've owned the classic Away Carry-On for five years now and it remains one of my favorite pieces of luggage. I've taken it on numerous week-long trips and it can fit all my essentials and then some. Even after years of use, it's held up remarkably well, with only a few marks to its name. The spinner wheels are smooth and easy to maneuver and handy bonus features like the built-in laundry bag make it stand out from competitors. — Hannah Freedman, former associate travel editor 

One of the first things my husband and I registered for when we got married was a set of Away's carry-on bags. I love all the smart details: a built-in lock, an interior compression system, a fold-away laundry bag. It's truly a joy to travel with and the perfect size for shorter trips. I'm a little upset that the brand did away with the option to add a removeable battery. I thought that really set Away luggage apart from others, but I can see why they did, since airlines are really cracking down on having batteries in the luggage hold and overhead bins. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Like Lauren, I had my eye on the Away carry-on for a while before finally purchasing it. When Away had their a sale several summers ago I finally purchased it and was blown away by its quality and useful accessories. I chose a fun brick shade to make it easier to spot my bag in the airport. — Maliah West, former home & kitchen reviews fellow

Read our full Away Carry-On review .

The Bigger Carry-On

While my husband opted for the smaller Carry-On, I sized up to the Bigger Carry-On because I tend to travel with more stuff. It's not a dramatic difference in the sizing over the Carry-On, but I love that it has all the same features and offers me a bit more room when packing.  — Lauren Savoie, senior editor

As a notorious overpacker, I've experienced many trips that involve me attempting to maneuver several suitcases down large flights of stairs, through crowded airports, and on to  small overnight trains. So it's safe to say that I need all of the space I can possibly get when traveling. I purchased the Bigger Carry-On at the same time as the smaller Carry-On and I love that the bigger version offers slightly more space while still being able to fit in the overhead compartments of most major airlines. I've already taken this carry-on with me on several small getaways over the last year and can't wait to travel with it internationally. — Maliah West, home & kitchen reviews fellow

The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)

I'll admit it: I always thought packing cubes were pointless. I instead chose to just fold my clothes in categorized piles so that I'd be able to spot what I needed right away. I stubbornly stuck with this approach for my entire life until it was time to pack for a month-long trip for my destination wedding and honeymoon. There were just too many things to organize, so I tried Away's Insider Packing Cubes Set.

With six options in varying sizes, I was able to use each cube for a type of clothing — dresses used a large cube, swimsuits a smaller one. During the course of this trip, I stayed in seven hotels, and seven times the cubes not only helped me find what I wanted to wear, but made it easier to pack up quickly when it was time to move on. And, when I overpacked and had to remove items from my Large (see below), all I had to do was pull out a cube and throw it in my carry on to remove weight quickly. For long trips especially, this packing cube convert thinks these are totally worth it. — Emily Hochberg, travel editor

Similar to Emily, I used to be a packing cube skeptic, but now I don't travel anywhere — even for 1-2 night trips — without them. Away's are flexible and stretchy and keep all my different clothes neatly organized. I own them in black, but if I could go back I'd choose one of the lighter colors so it's easier to spot the contents behind the mesh cover.  — Connie Chen, senior reporter 

As a digital nomad, I've found Away's packing cubes to be an easy way to stay organized. They are spacious and feature a sturdy mesh lining to keep your clothes fresh (and also to let you see what's inside). Best of all, these bags can really fit a lot of clothes. I own the set of four , which comes with two slim and two wide cubes and is just right for most of my trips. Together they weigh just 0.32 kg, so they don't add much weight and can be stored flat. — Jamie Ditaranto, Insider Reviews contributor 

Read our Away packing cube review .

The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

I love this carry-on so much I named it the best aluminum luggage in our guide to the best carry-on luggage . Built to last, this bag is seriously sturdy and has come out of several trips completely unscathed. What most impressed me, though, was the huge amount of packing space. I took this bag on a weekend ski trip and was able to fit my long underwear, sweaters, ski pants, gloves, and a light jacket on just one side. I easily fit a weekend's worth of everyday clothes on the other side. The only downside is the weight. At just under 11 pounds, this bag is heavy, so I tend to use it more for car and train trips. — Hannah Freedman, former associate travel editor

I've been using The Large Away suitcase for about five years as my main checked bag. Though I tend to try to fit everything in a carry-on whenever possible, there are times that's just not feasible, and this bag has come in seriously handy for everything from month-long treks through Asia to big ski trips in Europe when I needed to fit all my gear, plus my clothes. Checked bags in particular need to be durable since they get tossed around, and though it has a few marks and scratches, this suitcase has held up really well. I also like that the Carry-On nests inside of it for easy storage.  — Hannah Freedman, former associate travel editor

The Pet Carrier

Away's sleek Pet Carrier has a roomy interior fitted with a plush sherpa mat and privacy screens, and plenty of pocket space on the exterior to hold essentials. Its padded shoulder strap is comfortable and you can slip its luggage strap over the handle of a carry-on for easy rolling through an airport or train station. Best of all, this carrier is as safe as they come: it's been both crash tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety . I ended up naming it the best for car travel in our guide to the best cat carrier . — Shoshi Parks, Insider Reviews contributor

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Elevating your travel

Review: The Unbreakable Away Travel Carry On

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Who are we listening to here?

The next totally fair question is usually along the lines of…

Have they even tried the thing they’re talking about?

I bought my Away Travel Carry On more than three years ago, and as an incredibly frequent traveler, have put it through its paces on every continent, on countless planes and over every kind of bumpy street you can imagine.

It’s still with me, still completely functioning, and in a one word review, it’s outstanding. In fact, I added a couple to the repertoire, which are much newer and still fantastic. No problems, yet. Here’s everything you need to know…

Buying My Away Travel Carry On

The first thing I loved about the Away Travel Carry On was price. At $225 it’s a lot more than the $40 carry on I once used from Amazon, but it’s still less than half the price of many more popular high end carry ons, which if anything, have largely compromised on quality.

It’s worth noting that my old budget carry on eventually broke, didn’t carry a lifetime guarantee, spin on four wheels, have USB charging capabilities or at all compress my luggage, let alone conform to perfect airline bin dimensions.

I bought my carry on as a two piece set, in combination with the full sized piece of luggage. If you’ve got the bandwidth, this is a savvy move to save a bit, if you foresee a time when you’ll need both.

At the time, I purchased the Away Carry On because it looked cool, but mainly because it had USB charging ports. Now, they’re a hindrance to some, but that’s easily solved, because you can eject the power bank with one button. In other words, you can make the case compliant with one touch. You can even buy it without a battery at all in the first place now.

If you do want the battery, it can be incredibly handy in transit, and can just slip into your personal item during flight, to stay above board.

These days Away Travel does some pretty cool colabs , and that means standard colors are not always the limit. One week it might be a Serena Williams collaboration and the next something totally different. I got a really cool limited edition camouflage leather backpack to add to my set.

I say this, because these bags have rightfully become incredibly popular, and I love the limited edition stuff as a way to take advantage of truly great luggage, without looking the uniform travelers of old.

When I opened mine for the first time, I was somewhat surprised by the material. I knew it was a semi hardshell, but unzipped and unfilled, it felt more giving and maybe even a bit more flimsy than I expected. It turns out, this is entirely by design and is the reason you’d need seriously impressive skills to ever crack it.

Don’t judge it until you actually pack it and use it.

The case is designed to protect your stuff via extremely durable edges but  give enough to keep it from snapping. Ever. I may or may not have tried. And maybe a few times.

I’ve shipped wine, glass and other valuables in it, and they’ve always come back in tact. Even better, the case does too. I can’t help but find it amusing when I see a $1000 carry on from a famous competitor which looks like it got stomped out in a prison riot after just a couple uses.

Traveling With The Away Carry On

A lifetime guarantee is great, but a carry on which doesn’t break is better.

The wheels, handle and zip on the carry on have been simply remarkable. Even when jamming things to the brim the zip has always been extremely resilient and has never come closes to tearing. Again, I’ve really tried.

I always fit in more than I can imagine.The wheels are also smooth as silk.

As a four wheel spinner, I can have it up right or angled and it rolls straight, without any clicking, catching or slow down. You can give it a quick shove, and effortlessly pass it to a valet.

Properly packing a carry on is life changing, and I make every effort to always travel carry on only by rolling my clothes and maximizing my additional personal item . I personally use the standard sized version and the space is phenomenal.

I know people love the oversize version, but I find the sizing just a bit too risky for me, since I occasionally end up on budget airlines in Europe and Asia with very-very tight margins and sometimes no sense of humor! I’ve never seen one turned away in the US though.

Hot tip: When packing, always unlatch the toggle and spread them outside the case. Once you’ve finished packing a side: roll, push down and then pull the toggles over. When you pull on the tab you’ll compress your gear down as much as possible.

Final Thoughts On Away Carry On

This case has flown around the world more than 35 times, been in rain, snow, heat and frozen tundra and is still going strong. I actually find myself feeling bad for it when I walk over cobbled or bumpy streets, but it never seems to mind.

Storage and functionality is a treat, it looks great and its highly dependable. The only other case which I occasionally take on the road with me is the ROAM luggage, because I like the ability to customize colors. I’d try to think of something controversial to say, but my family likes my Away stuff so much, they bought their own.

Check out the Away Travel Store , where this built in code (should) get you $20 off.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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10 Comments

I never found the appeal for Away. Their options are limited, the looks is very flimsy and cheap. I don’t think designer luggages are ideal either but the mid-range options, Tumi, Brics, etc just look and feel so much sturdier.

Great luggage. Purchase after reading your review. Loved it. Please share my link for $20 off your entire purchase. Great buy! http://refer.awaytravel.com/v/zarijoseph_1

better still away have a promotion with marriott ATM (Certain products will be available at 30% off regular retail prices) https://www.awaytravel.com/shop/marriott-bonvoy-week-of-wonders

Alternatively, use Gilbert’s link above as he went to the trouble of actually writing this article

Don’t disagree Ed, but 30% off (its not a referral) shouldn’t be sniffed at..

Happy for whatever anyone does! I already own too many of them, so I just give them to friends when readers buy them over time hah!

Apologies babyg. Comment directed at ‘joe’

• Pingback: Review: The Unbreakable Away Travel Carry On - Thinklyn

Is there a promo code that works or link that works. Doesnt seem to work for me.

Interesting..as a travel nanny I am about to buy my “last suitcase” and Away has caught my attention. I have never spent much as almost all last 3 years regardless of abuse. By then I will see a new feature introduced and have no qualms giving up the old suitcase. If I spent ridiculous sum for a Bric or Tumi, I would be “stuck with them”. Men reviewers may mock me but a woman who has more than one pair of shoes will understand. Hopefully, when stock is back I shall go and take a look at Away options. They will let me test their packing abilities from the common traveler’s view. They are not with flair, maybe a bit dull in look but I can dress them up with a Coverlugg. It is the inside that counts. Mostly, it is there try it for a 100 days that excites me! Only TravelPro has a similar deal. So hopefully in a month I shall see how much it can really pack!

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Flights to Miami for less than $100? Cheap airline tickets to nab this Spring and Summer

Sometimes you just need to get away.

This spring and summer, there are a plethora of destinations with affordable roundtrip airfare, from bustling cities to sun-soaked beach paradises – both domestic and abroad. Think Puerto Rico, Ireland or Las Vegas.  

Travelers should start looking at prices at least three to four months in advance for domestic trips, and the best prices generally will be one to two months before the departure date, according to travel app Hopper.

International trips require more planning, with flights to Asia and Oceania booked between five and seven months in advance. However, people going to Europe or elsewhere can wait until three and six months for the lowest rates.

As always, flexibility allows for better deals. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday could save travelers up to 30% compared to a weekend trip, Hopper said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

According to data from fellow travel platform Kayak, the most popular U.S. cities for travelers to depart from between March and September are New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Washington, D.C. 

Travel platforms Hopper, Kayak and Expedia shared with USA TODAY the destinations with the cheapest roundtrip airfare this spring and summer from the most popular U.S. cities. 

This Florida airport had the most delays The best, worst airports for spring break travel

The cheapest flights, according to Hopper

The best spring deals

• Depart New York to Tampa for as low as $157.
• Depart New York to Ponce, Puerto Rico, for as low as $129.
• Depart New York to Charleston, South Carolina, for as low as $50.
• Depart Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for as low as $140.
• Depart Los Angeles to Salt Lake City for as low as $90.
• Depart Boston to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for as low as $72.
• Depart Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for as low as $173.
• Depart Chicago to Miami for as low as $66.
• Depart Chicago to Cancun, Mexico, for as low as $194.

The best summer deals

• Depart New York to Oranjestad, Aruba, for as low as $257.
• Depart New York to Nassau, the Bahamas, for as low as $239. 
• Depart Los Angeles to San Juan, Puerto Rico for as low as $380.
• Depart Los Angeles to Denver for as low as $110.
• Depart Boston to Orlando, Florida, for as low as $170.
• Depart Boston to Cancun, Mexico, for as low as $165.
• Depart Chicago to Denver for as low as $96. 
• Depart Chicago to Bogota, Colombia, for as low as $356.

The cheapest flights, according to Kayak 

The best deals between March and September:

• Depart New York to Atlanta for $215 on average.
• Depart New York to Charlotte, North Carolina, for $237 on average.
• Depart Boston to Philadelphia for $155 on average.
• Depart Boston to Washington, D.C., for $222 on average.
• Depart Washington, D.C., to Atlanta for $207 on average.
• Depart Washington, D.C., to Boston for $210 on average.
• Depart Denver to Phoenix for $191 on average.
• Depart Denver to Chicago for $194 on average.

The cheapest flights, according to Expedia

The best spring deals:

• Depart New York to Detroit for $133 on average.
• Depart New York to Atlanta for $174 on average.
• Depart Los Angeles to Las Vegas for $85 on average.
• Depart Los Angeles to Phoenix for $179 on average.
• Depart San Francisco to Phoenix for $129 on average.
• Depart San Francisco to Seattle for $198 on average.
• Depart Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for $132 on average.
• Depart Atlanta to Tampa, Florida, for $143 on average.

The best summer deals:

• Depart New York to Chicago for $200 on average.
• Depart New York to Tampa for $300 on average.
• Depart Los Angeles to San Francisco for $100 on average.
• Depart Los Angeles to Las Vegas for $100 on average.
• Depart San Francisco to Las Vegas for $100 on average.
• Depart San Francisco to San Diego for $150 on average.
• Depart Atlanta to Chicago for $150 on average.
• Depart Atlanta to Houston for $200 on average.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

• Electronics
• Smartphones

The SIM Card Is Going Away. That Might Be Annoying.

Most people rarely think about SIM cards, the tiny plastic circuit boards inside cell phones that contain the phone number. And soon no one will be thinking about them—the days of the physical SIM card are numbered.

Phone makers, led by Apple, and wireless carriers are making the move to embedded SIMs, or eSIMs, which are essentially digital cards that let you activate a new phone number through a carrier either locally or internationally. Newer iPhones sold in the US don’t support physical SIM cards at all.

Meanwhile, Google is now prompting Pixel owners to move their phone numbers to eSIMs, and Samsung’s latest flagship phones often default to eSIM when you buy your handset from your carrier. Embedded SIMs promise to make your life easier for international travel and switching phone numbers, among other benefits, but they can also be frustrating to use. Here’s what you need to know.

What is an eSIM?

SIM cards, which have been around since the 1990s, were once the size of credit cards but are now the size of a pinky nail. The gold contacts that occupy one entire side of the especially small nano SIMs allow your phone to talk to the embedded chip, which contains your subscriber ID. An eSIM does the same job, but you can’t remove it from your phone.

In the age of big SIMs, it was common to store contacts on the card as well, which allowed you to move your address book along with your phone number. Now that everyone has the internet on their phones, there’s no reason to do that, as your contact list lives in the cloud. Today, SIM cards serve only to store your account information, and that’s a minuscule amount of data, small enough to be downloaded to an eSIM over even the weakest internet connection.

How eSIMs make life easier and more secure

Traveling is simpler, because you can activate multiple numbers on the same phone. In the past, only those phones with room for two SIM cards, also known as dual-SIM phones, could have multiple phone numbers. Such devices were rare in the US, but eSIMs have now changed things because they’re fully programmable. For instance, current iPhones support eight stored eSIM phone numbers and two active ones, so if you’re traveling, you can simply download a new SIM to your phone. And if you change carriers or just want to change your number, you can do that as many times as you want, though how simple the process is depends on your carrier and your smartphone manufacturer. If you have multiple numbers or travel frequently, an eSIM should make your life a lot easier.

An eSIM can make it harder for attackers to steal your phone number. For many people, their phone numbers have increasingly become a key identifier, as a way to receive two-factor login codes and password-reset links. If your phone is lost or stolen, the ease with which a person can remove its physical SIM card becomes a security issue. Once someone moves that card to another phone, they own your phone number for all intents and purposes. A determined fraudster with control of your phone number can do a lot of damage in a short time. And as for your phone, without a SIM card, tracking it or remotely resetting it becomes difficult. With an eSIM, in contrast, there’s no card to take, so your phone number is subject to fewer risks . And if your phone is locked with a password, no one has any way to transfer that SIM to another device.

But eSIMs can cause new frustrations

If you break your phone, the eSIM is also toast. That means you can’t transfer it to a new device. With traditional SIM cards, you can simply remove the card from your broken phone. You can then plug the card into another phone and be up and running in mere moments, and you never have to sit on hold for assistance while you do it. With an eSIM, you’ll probably have to talk to your carrier about your busted phone.

Carriers have more control over eSIMs. Using a nano SIM works the same way on every phone: Stab the SIM drawer with a pin, pull the card out, and slot it into a different phone. The process for downloading an eSIM is anything but universal. For example, buying a new phone from your carrier should make the eSIM transfer seamless and instant, but if you buy an unlocked phone or you just want to use a different device that you already own, you may have to sit on hold with your provider or deal with other inconveniences.

Downloading a new eSIM is still hit-and-miss. If the built-in download menu fails, you’re at your carrier’s mercy. Apple, on iPhones, is the closest to standardizing the use of eSIMs; when you buy a new phone, if your phone number isn’t automatically transferred during setup, you can go to the cellular settings to download it manually. All major US carriers support this process. Some Android phones, such as the Google Pixel models, include a transfer tool, but it often gives people error messages telling them to contact their carrier. For Verizon and T-Mobile Android phones, you may have to call customer service (on a different phone) and read off a 15-digit phone identifier. Meanwhile, AT&T has a self-service website where you can log in with a PC and scan a QR code with the phone to download your eSIM. If you don’t have another phone or a PC handy, you might not be able to move your eSIM phone number.

eSIM can’t stop phone-number theft at the carrier level. Keeping your phone number on a non-removable eSIM is helpful should you lose your phone, but that isn’t how most people get scammed. The most common way criminals compromise phone numbers is with “SIM jacking.” That’s when the attacker convinces (or pays) a carrier employee to transfer your phone number to a device that they control. Moving to eSIM doesn’t prevent this tactic—your carrier needs to enact and enforce good security practices, and carriers sometimes miss the mark by giving outsourced customer service too much control over your account and not requiring a PIN or password for SIM changes.

Get ready for eSIMs

Even if you prefer to use a physical SIM card, that may not be an option the next time you buy a phone. Apple doesn’t sell any current-gen iPhones in the US with a SIM slot, and it’s only a matter of time before the same happens with Android. Transfers and activation still run into some inconsistencies on Android, but Google has started rolling out a more functional eSIM-transfer tool that should work even with phones from different manufacturers.

The pain points will decrease as eSIM becomes the default way that everyone manages their phone number. eSIMs offer real benefits, too.

It just might be a little annoying when you first make the switch—and you won’t have a choice.

This article was edited by Arthur Gies and Caitlin McGarry.

Meet your guide

Ryan Whitwam

Further reading

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by Eleanor Ford and Justin Krajeski

After extensive research and testing, we think the 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best SD card for use in digital cameras or other devices.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

Bug Control Gear That Actually Works

by Harry Sawyers

Here are the pest repellents and traps that experts agree can effectively keep bugs away.