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I have posted a review for a similar bag from Chester that is about $50 less than this AWAY bag (and you can use my 10% off promo code TRUEHEART at checkout for additional savings). Read my review and check it out here.

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Hello fellow travelers! I’m excited to showcase my new AWAY Bigger Carry-On suitcase and give you an independent review of the product and its features. I’ve been in search of a new spacious carry-on suitcase. The AWAY Bigger Carry-On is one of the largest available that fits in the overhead bin of full-size planes (I checked that it fits in the airport sizers of United, Delta, and American Airlines). It also has some great features that I’ll review in this post.

Why I Like the Bigger Carry-On

First of all, the Away Bigger Carry-On is stylish and handles well and has a smooth ride on its 4 swivel wheels. It has a hard shell to protect the contents, and it has top and side handles for lifting. But the important benefit of this bag is the additional storage capacity you get. Look how it compares to my previous carry-on suitcase.

NOTE: I prefer to use a carry-on and avoid waiting around for my luggage after flight arrival. I can’t even count the number of times that my checked luggage didn’t arrive when I did! So many times I waited at the luggage turnstile for my wayward luggage, only to have to file paperwork with the airline for my lost luggage. Then I’d wait for my luggage to be delivered in a few days. Ugh! Having a BIGGER CARRY-ON (and packing efficiently) is the solution.

An awesome feature of this bag is that it has a battery to charge my phone for those crazy-long layovers. Now I don’t have to sit on the floor next to the only plug in the airport! Charge the suitcase battery at home, and its 10,000 mAh capacity will charge most phones up to 5 times (2 phones can be charged at the same time). NOTE: The battery must be removed if you want to check your suitcase, but it’s simple to do by pushing on the battery and it pops up (older models required a screwdriver to remove the battery).

UPDATE: After flying many times with this bag, I have been asked to show the battery or remove it before boarding by almost every gate agent. Some airlines will not allow it stowed in the overhead bin.

UPDATE: After many trips with this bag, the compression pad and straps have become a nuisance. Strapping down the pad does create more space, but you have to work with it!

Another great feature of this suitcase is the compression pad. Clothes and soft items are placed on one side of the suitcase and then the compression pad is placed on top and strapped down tightly to create more space. The pad has a mesh, zippered compartment for books, magazines, or tablets.

The other side of the suitcase is for bulky items like shoes and toiletries and has a zippered mesh enclosure.

There’s a nylon laundry bag in the small zipper pouch. Just roll out the bag and fill with your dirties. The laundry bag can be placed under or over the compression pad.

This carry-on is not only lightweight (7.3 lbs) and sturdy, but it’s easy to maneuver on the 4 Hinomoto double swivel wheels. It also handles well with my purse or a bag attached to the handle.

If you decide to check this bag, you’ll be happy it has a TSA-approved lock built in. AWAY also sells a tracking device called the Tile if you want to keep close tabs on your suitcase using an app.

Pro Tip: Gotta have Packing Cubes

Another travel TIP that helps you pack to the max with your carry-on suitcase is using packing cubes. The packing cubes allow you to organize your clothes and eliminate the chaos that usually happens as soon as you open your suitcase!

Some people roll their clothes and then insert them in the cubes (to reduce wrinkling). I prefer to travel with clothes that don’t wrinkle, fold them flat, and stack them in the cubes. When you zip the cube to close it, you will be surprised how much the cubes can hold!

Select the cube sizes that work with your clothing and that will fit snugly in your suitcase. Then you can maximize your space and keep everything in place. When you arrive at your destination, your packed cubes can go from your suitcase to the dresser drawer or to the shelves in the hotel closet. Voila!

I love this Set of 6 Packing Cubes from Amazon. The set includes 3 sizes and is available in 12 colors. Traveling with the family? Get a different color for each family member!

AWAY Bigger Carry-On | Discount

The Bigger Carry-On is $245 and includes free shipping in the U.S. If you’re interested in purchasing AWAY luggage, order here using my referral link for $20 off your first order. Your discount will be applied at check out. I no longer earn commissions, but I am offering you the $20 discount.

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UPDATE: For a carry-on similar to the AWAY, Chester offers a bag with a similar shell, wheels, handles, and TSA lock. The new Chester Carry-On is a little smaller than the Away BIGGER and easier on the pocketbook. The Chester has an introductory price of $195, and you’ll receive an additional 10% off by using my promo code TRUEHEART at checkout. Click here to see the colors available on the Chester website.

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When I ordered my new carry-on, I received it in about a week. It came with a canvas storage bag. This is how it arrived.

AWAY luggage has a lifetime warranty covering the wheels, the handle, and the hard shell. And, there’s a 100-day trial period on all AWAY suitcases, so it can be returned if you’re not pleased with it.

Overall, the AWAY Bigger Carry-On bag is a spacious bag with lots of great features including a phone charger. However, after traveling with the bag for a year, I feel the phone charger is less of a benefit because of the hassle of showing or removing it to airline personnel. I also do not prefer the compression pad because of how challenging it is to use the straps to tighten it down.

If you like the look of the AWAY, check out the Chester here. Happy travels!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I may receive an advertising fee at no additional cost to you. NOTE: I am no longer receiving an advertising fee from AWAY, but I still offer the $20 discount through my blog for my readers to enjoy.

Making a packing list is one of the stressful parts of preparing for a trip. Reduce some of the stress and simplify your travels by using my free Travel Packing Checklist. Take your travels from StressFUL to StressLESS!! Sign up below. More StressLESS ideas coming!