Away Travel Luggage?

[preppy]

Does anyone have luggage from away travel? Both DH and I travel a lot for work and we’ve been using the luggage we got as a wedding gift 7 years ago and it’s on its last leg. We want to invest in nice hard side luggage and these look like a great option, I love the mobile charging station. Has anyone purchased this brand? Looking for some reviews on the quality. Thanks!

[broadsheet]

I don’t have any experience with it, but I know a bunch of airlines won’t allow “smart luggage” as carry-on bags unless the charging battery can be fully removed. So be mindful of that when shopping!

[ewall]

I looked at it this time last year when I needed a new carry on for work. I was really interested in the compression system. Plus, it's such nice looking luggage! I had a difficult time finding non-sponsored reviews. And the mobile charging seemed like it would be more hassle for me than it's worth. I fly mostly regional jets so it always has to be gate checked. I didn't want to fool with having to possibly remove the battery. I ended up with a hard-sided spinner from a different brand that I'm really pleased with. Can't go wrong with hard-sided this time of year - so easy to wipe off the salt and ice grossness!

[preppy]

Jan 21, 2018 13:12:08 GMT -5 ewall said:

I looked at it this time last year when I needed a new carry on for work. I was really interested in the compression system. Plus, it's such nice looking luggage! I had a difficult time finding non-sponsored reviews. And the mobile charging seemed like it would be more hassle for me than it's worth. I fly mostly regional jets so it always has to be gate checked. I didn't want to fool with having to possibly remove the battery. I ended up with a hard-sided spinner from a different brand that I'm really pleased with. Can't go wrong with hard-sided this time of year - so easy to wipe off the salt and ice grossness!

All the reviews I am seeing are sponsored as well! What did you end up going with?

[ewall]

preppy I bought an eBags Fortis 22" spinner. Similar specs as the Away, not as premium looking because it has a shiny finish vs. the matte. I probably would have gone with the Away if I could get it without the battery. But the eBag has held up great over a year of travel.

[goldengirlz]

I know someone who bought this luggage and was complaining about how easily it got dented. The company wasn’t very responsive.

That turned me off to it. I know it’s a pretty trendy brand these days.

[gastro]

Yes, we have two away bags - one in carry on size and one in kids size. For checked luggage it might be great but as a carry on it’s not. With the hard case and zipper you have to open the entire thing to get at something in the bag.

Edit: quality wise I have no complaints and the carry on size has traveled 100k + miles.

[minionkevin]

Having had both hard and soft sided luggage, I will never buy another hard sided piece. Easily dented and discolored, hard to get at items, etc. DH has the Travelpro crew 11 21” with suiter and I’m looking at the 22” spinner for myself. I got his on luggagepros for like $110 and it’s held up amazing. It holds so much, it fit all of his stuff for a 6 day Disney trip. Highly recommend! It has a spot for a power bank so you can charge items via USB, but it is not it’s own battery like Away.

[tiki]

I've traveled exclusively with Away bags for almost 2 years. I have the Carry On and the Medium. No regrets.

[tiki]

Jan 21, 2018 15:24:47 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

I know someone who bought this luggage and was complaining about how easily it got dented. The company wasn’t very responsive.

That turned me off to it. I know it’s a pretty trendy brand these days.

FWIW, I've checked both of mine on domestic and international flights and they do get scuffed (I have a light color) but definitely no dents. 

[goldengirlz]

Jan 22, 2018 13:27:47 GMT -5 tiki said:

Jan 21, 2018 15:24:47 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

I know someone who bought this luggage and was complaining about how easily it got dented. The company wasn’t very responsive.

That turned me off to it. I know it’s a pretty trendy brand these days.

FWIW, I've checked both of mine on domestic and international flights and they do get scuffed (I have a light color) but definitely no dents. 

It was probably United’s fault.

[tiki]

Jan 22, 2018 13:29:45 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Jan 22, 2018 13:27:47 GMT -5 tiki said:

FWIW, I've checked both of mine on domestic and international flights and they do get scuffed (I have a light color) but definitely no dents. 

It was probably United’s fault.

LOL. I hear they break guitars!

[y4m]

I'm not familiar with this brand, but I'd shy away from embedded power. It seems cool, but in reality that's going to add weight and cost and make things less convenient. Just get yourself an Anker USB backup battery and call it a day. That way you can use it on a plane without having to pull your whole bag down, hand it over to a colleague, etc.

[preppy]

Jan 22, 2018 13:54:16 GMT -5 y4m said:

I'm not familiar with this brand, but I'd shy away from embedded power. It seems cool, but in reality that's going to add weight and cost and make things less convenient. Just get yourself an Anker USB backup battery and call it a day. That way you can use it on a plane without having to pull your whole bag down, hand it over to a colleague, etc.

I imagine more using the battery on the go like in an uber or in the airport, usually the plane would have a USB port at my seat for use.


Their website says since the battery is removable its OK for carry on but you only have to take it out if you check your luggage. I typically wouldn't check my luggage so I am thinking it wouldn't be an issue but maybe I am overlooking something?

[steamboat185]

I’d rather have a separate power bank that I can keeep in my purse or laptop bag.

[y4m]

Jan 22, 2018 14:15:43 GMT -5 preppy said:

Jan 22, 2018 13:54:16 GMT -5 y4m said:

I'm not familiar with this brand, but I'd shy away from embedded power. It seems cool, but in reality that's going to add weight and cost and make things less convenient. Just get yourself an Anker USB backup battery and call it a day. That way you can use it on a plane without having to pull your whole bag down, hand it over to a colleague, etc.

I imagine more using the battery on the go like in an uber or in the airport, usually the plane would have a USB port at my seat for use.


Their website says since the battery is removable its OK for carry on but you only have to take it out if you check your luggage. I typically wouldn't check my luggage so I am thinking it wouldn't be an issue but maybe I am overlooking something?

What you are overlooking is this: In an uber, your bag is in the trunk and therefore you don't have easy access to use it.  In a plane, it's in the overhead.

Contrast that with the Anker handheld I am recommending.  It's in your purse or wherever you keep your laptop - so it's conveniently located.  And as the battery dies (and these backup batteries weaken over time just like your cell phone or laptop battery) - you can just replace it with another one.  If it's part of your bag, you are stuck with it.

[hbomdiggity]

I would think the separate power bank would be much more useful than the luggage one. I was looking at something similar with the Victorinox brand, but I'm glad I decided against it.

Our next piece will be from tumi.

[tiki]

I actually did pull the power bank out so I can use it in more situations and check my carry on size bag if I feel like it. It's a 10000 mAh (aka huge, enough to charge a phone several times) flat battery that slips really nicely into a purse.

IMO, the only reasons not to buy from this brand are if you don't travel enough to justify the price tag ($200 is more than I've ever spent before) or if you're a person who likes to get stuff out of your carry on bag a lot in airports (aka you need pockets and whatnot on the outside).

[preppy]

I think I will go for it. I am decided on hard sided and wouldn't typically access my stuff in the airport - I really put anything I need to access in my tote. I do have smaller travel battery chargers that I use in my purse so I totally get what everyone is saying about that being more useful. THanks!

[tiki]

preppy, Cool! Let me know what you think of it! Also, I think I might be able to send you a $20 coupon, PM me if interested.