I’ve only logged about 14k miles on my Aluminum Away rollaboard but it’s done really well, holds enough for 3-5 days of travel without having to do laundry and a pleasure to use. I agree with you, this is a phenomenal higher end bag.
Had the aluminum bag since mid-December and have made 10+ flights in that time. I fly weekly and gave this one a try. Here's the one catch- if you fly a lot of regional jets where you need to gate check the bag, be prepared to see a LOT of damage on this bag. It's so bad, I finally asked the gate agent who won the bag toss after my last flight. There are multiple dents, huge scratches, and even one dent so deep it nearly punctured the bag shell. Clearly, the folks handling the bags do their level best to destroy these things. Love the bag, you just need to be prepared to have it look like they threw it down 40 flights of stairs after the first few flights.
Todd Nye I already have a violet carryon and regret buying the matching checked bag bc it’s sold out. I’m considering buying the dark aluminum med checked bag but am hesitant about the denting. In your opinion, is all the denting worth the money? Do you think the darker finish would hide the damage better? Also, you may be able to use your lifetime warranty to get a new bag!
@@queendeche4555 thanks for the question. It's hard to say if it's worth it, but I will say that the bag gets beaten up very badly in routine travel. I'm finally at the point where there are so many dents/scratches that I can't see the new ones as they occur, so maybe once it develops the "patina" mentioned in the video, it won't bother you. To be clear, I'm not OCD about my bags, but I don't want them looking like they went thru the Iraq war either. If you plan to check it, I'd avoid the aluminum if dents and scratches will bother you.
Not sure if this would help decrease any scratches or dents, but I've put my luggage sometimes in one of those cheap packable duffel bags. It serves two purposes....prevents people from stealing my luggage because using a generic polyester foldable/packable duffel bag is low key. Also, it protects it from dirt and conveyer belt marks. something you may consider.
Thanks for the informational video! I love how you clearly point out all the necessary details and get things across in a straightforward manner. I hope your channel thrives because your content is great!!
Ok just received my Away Bigger Aluminum carry on so my 100 day trial has just started. In your experience how has the two latches held up since they’re made of plastic? Have they ever popped open by accident? Great content as always
This seems extremely nice. I am still on the fence, comparing this to the Briggs & Riley new Torq, Tumi tega-lite 2. I don't travel that often but I would like a nice piece.
I don't travel enough, but I I like a compact suitcase with 4 wheels. It came in handy on my last trip to London! My only problem is that I can fit my things in a small carry-on, but my wife has too much stuff so we're still stuck waiting for checked luggage.
Thanks for the reviews. What can you fit in the bigger carry on. How many shirts, pants, shoes, socks, blazers and so on? Can I fit: 3 mizzen shirts + 3 polos + 2 t-shirts + 1 gym shorts + 1 jeans + 2 lulu pants + 1 blazer + socks & underwear + 2 shoes + some toiletries?
Good budget aluminum case alternative compared to those who don’t want to pay Rimowa prices and on a budget, but Rimowa is the original and still the best.
How is the weight? My biggest hangup on switching to aluminum is sacrificing so much packing weight in lieu of bag weight...Polycarbonate hardly weighs anything you know?
Jon - The Away website shows the same external dimensions for the polycarbonate vs aluminum versions, but the internal dimensions look markedly smaller. The "bigger carry on" is about an inch smaller in each direction and about 40L internal volume on the aluminum vs 47L for the poly version. That feels like a lot. Did you notice less volume on the aluminum version? Did it matter?
This is a very odd question Jon, but how rigid is this case? Have you ever used this as a seat on the off chance were waiting someplace and didn't have a spot to sit?
I'd rather have the regular luggage. This hard case you cant stretch and make a pair of shoes in the outside pocket and a pair inside possible. Thats why most flight staff uses the regular cloth TravelPro brand.
I've been through two different aluminum bags with a squeaky handle. Has anyone else experienced this? Away was great in exchanging the first via the NYC store but I really don't want to ship my current bag back. I'm looking for micro lubricant applicators now that work to insert where the handle is but this is just annoying.
@@The_Kavalier Update: They did support me in exchanging it, and were great. On my second one I just ended up spraying the squeaky handle with WD40 (the silicone version) instead of waiting for another bag with what likely would have the same issue.
The ONLY reason one would get this over a Rimowa or Tumi 19 degree is the price... This is a personal thing, but if I'm gonna splurge for a luxury item, it is going to be proper luxury item. Either that, or I'll buy based purely on functionality and quality for the money like a quality aluminum carry on that you can get for $250 all day. These aluminum Aways are like the Coach of the luggage world, for someone who wants the prestige, but doesn't want to cough up the cash.
I personally liked aways aluminum interior over a rimowa. I enjoyed the pockets and love their customer service. Buying a $475 you could afford a rimowa lite soooo
What about an episode on shaving gear? Not necessarily creams and aftershave, etc., but more on hardware, i.e. double edge or straight razors. I've been using a DE razor for years and they are miles ahead of any cartridge razors available.
Hello! Thanks to your review I pulled the trigger and bought the aluminum bigger carry on. Now I need a checked bag... Would you recommend aluminum or poly? I assume a black poly would match the aluminum?
Did you end up getting an aluminum or poly checked bag? I just bought the gold aluminum medium and carry on and am curious as to how it holds up to checking.
On my last trip to US I saw more Away's than Rimowa's like mine! Now hesitating so badly if I should get an Away instead! haha Glad you highly recommend it! Keep up the good work Jon! Till next video!
Jon, is that the larger or standard carry on? My first away (old design) was a standard and I picked up the bigger version when the battery changed. These days my trips don’t exceed 3 days to the size seems overkill. Wondering if you’re getting use out of your bigger one anymore? Thx.
Don’t be fooled by the look from this carry on. The handle was broken on the first of my trip, the wheels were cheap made. The service line was terrible, someone finally talked to after put me on hold for 4 hours.
Hi, you said you're 6'4". So is my husband and his biggest complaint about suitcases is that the handles don't extend high enough. (I'm 5' so I have no idea what he's complaining about! LOL). Do you find the extension of the handle is sufficient for your height?
My question is relates to how a lot of airlines restrict how heavy a suitcase can be and this one according to away website is bit on the heavy side, so how much can you really back if the limit is 15 pounds and the suit case is already 10 pounds already?
I have done multiple RTW trips. To ensure that you can carry on outside the USA (or using American carriers) you had better try and keep your total weight ideally under 7 kg (15.4 lbs). There are web sites that post the restrictions for all the airlines. Last month I was on a Lufthansa flight where they spot-checked weights at the gate and forced everyone exceeding 8 kg to check their bags. The bag I use weighs under 3 lbs. The Away bags by any standard are very heavy. Great bags for USA domestic flights but not practical for serious international travel unless you are using only American carriers.
Based on the above, what would you suggest....I have a 5 week trip coming up, most flights on BA, a couple on SwissAir. I hate checking luggage.@@MrSteveCee
Richard Landis When I am travelling where a roller is practical I use the IT 2 wheel roller suitcase ( as does my wife) Its the lightest suitcase we have found When we are in places where a rolling suitcase is not practical we both use an EBag Weekender Junior Convertible. We pack clothes that can be washed and dried in the room. We fly with a carry on and our smaller personal item' bag which is where I put my camera stuff and electronics. If I am having a hard time making the weight restriction I will wear my Magellan multi pocket coat onboard and load up its pockets.
Thanks for your response...I read reviews of the IT 22" bag, and one guy complained that it's actually an 18" bag + wheels and handles, that takes it to 22". What size carryon bag are you using? I'm doing a 5 week trip (London/Zurich--both those flights are BA---then Nice on Swiss Air---then London/JFK---both those are back on BA. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards, Richard @@MrSteveCee
Richard Landis My IT bag is about 5 years old and is the 2 wheel version The bag dimension (exclusive of handle and wheels) is 20 in x 13.5 in x 8 in thick which is ample space Not sure about the current version of the IT 2 wheel version 21.8 inches but it appears to be more than enough for your needs On Amazon it sells for about $65 USD and weighs 4.8 lbs Heavier than what I have because they are now using a heavier material Mine is a light nylon I would never check mine even if it were offered free . Remember you are trying to keep your weight low. Enjoy Nice! One of my favourite places!
Ron Irvin Living One Day at a Time , this is my question as well. Apparently the construction of the Aluminum bags is different and stronger than the polycarbonate. So while it shows dings, it would hold up better with time. Have either of you bought one?
I got the poly carry-on XL. Definitely lacks the heft I would expect with and (my number one reason for liking the Aluminum) the clasps vs zippers. For the price and the fact that I don't really travel often I think the poly was the right buy for me. I would have loved to splurge for the Aluminum though...
@@CaptaenRon Hmmm sounds like a good choice. Since I'm buying one exclusively to check, I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and going with another poly. I too love the clasps and the look of the Aluminum more though.
I have bought the aluminum and wouldn’t recommend if you are buying it to check. It will remain in best looking condition to have it be a carry on. My bag hasn’t gotten dented yet but should it I’m planning on putting on silver stickers to keep the sleek-ness of the bag.
Whenever I see an Away aluminum now I just think.. someone who couldn't afford the real thing - a Rimowa. Either go with Delsey or Tumi. Away is just free luggage for influencers, otherwise its overpriced and breaks easily. Oh, and I've flown over 500,000 miles in the last 3 years.
@@The_Kavalier I would call it opinionated, not salty. I would be salty if I paid for it though. Granted I didn't even try to fix it, I just threw it away. I find the premise of the company to be totally fake - especially when they went into aluminum suitcases and copied Rimowa, but made the pattern horizontal instead of vertical.
Crazy to see the 35% price increase in just 4 years. It's now $645
Now its 665
Dam these use to be $420?
Would be great to see a Rimowa original carry on comparison vs the Away aluminum luggage case.
remora is the best
I’ve only logged about 14k miles on my Aluminum Away rollaboard but it’s done really well, holds enough for 3-5 days of travel without having to do laundry and a pleasure to use. I agree with you, this is a phenomenal higher end bag.
$495 in 2018 now its $665 in 2023. I dont see any justification for the price hike.
Had the aluminum bag since mid-December and have made 10+ flights in that time. I fly weekly and gave this one a try. Here's the one catch- if you fly a lot of regional jets where you need to gate check the bag, be prepared to see a LOT of damage on this bag. It's so bad, I finally asked the gate agent who won the bag toss after my last flight. There are multiple dents, huge scratches, and even one dent so deep it nearly punctured the bag shell. Clearly, the folks handling the bags do their level best to destroy these things. Love the bag, you just need to be prepared to have it look like they threw it down 40 flights of stairs after the first few flights.
Todd Nye I already have a violet carryon and regret buying the matching checked bag bc it’s sold out. I’m considering buying the dark aluminum med checked bag but am hesitant about the denting. In your opinion, is all the denting worth the money? Do you think the darker finish would hide the damage better? Also, you may be able to use your lifetime warranty to get a new bag!
@@queendeche4555 thanks for the question. It's hard to say if it's worth it, but I will say that the bag gets beaten up very badly in routine travel. I'm finally at the point where there are so many dents/scratches that I can't see the new ones as they occur, so maybe once it develops the "patina" mentioned in the video, it won't bother you. To be clear, I'm not OCD about my bags, but I don't want them looking like they went thru the Iraq war either. If you plan to check it, I'd avoid the aluminum if dents and scratches will bother you.
@@G8trfan85 Thanks for this response! I'll def think longer about it before making an impulse purchase.
Not sure if this would help decrease any scratches or dents, but I've put my luggage sometimes in one of those cheap packable duffel bags. It serves two purposes....prevents people from stealing my luggage because using a generic polyester foldable/packable duffel bag is low key. Also, it protects it from dirt and conveyer belt marks. something you may consider.
Like a carryon sized duffel? This a great idea !
Thanks for the informational video! I love how you clearly point out all the necessary details and get things across in a straightforward manner. I hope your channel thrives because your content is great!!
Loving the Parks and Rec breakfast foods poster in the background!
Ok just received my Away Bigger Aluminum carry on so my 100 day trial has just started. In your experience how has the two latches held up since they’re made of plastic? Have they ever popped open by accident? Great content as always
Amazing video as usual. Please do your top 5 wallets or wallet round up next
How does this measure up to the original and hybrid rimowa carry on in terms of build quality? Would you pay the premium for those ?
Thanks for the update. I’ve beEn waiting to see an update review before purchasing the aluminum version. I really like my other Away luggage.
This seems extremely nice. I am still on the fence, comparing this to the Briggs & Riley new Torq, Tumi tega-lite 2. I don't travel that often but I would like a nice piece.
What did you end up getting?
I don't travel enough, but I I like a compact suitcase with 4 wheels. It came in handy on my last trip to London! My only problem is that I can fit my things in a small carry-on, but my wife has too much stuff so we're still stuck waiting for checked luggage.
Thanks for the reviews. What can you fit in the bigger carry on. How many shirts, pants, shoes, socks, blazers and so on? Can I fit: 3 mizzen shirts + 3 polos + 2 t-shirts + 1 gym shorts + 1 jeans + 2 lulu pants + 1 blazer + socks & underwear + 2 shoes + some toiletries?
Good budget aluminum case alternative compared to those who don’t want to pay Rimowa prices and on a budget, but Rimowa is the original and still the best.
How do you know the wheels “go over European cobblestone so well” if you said at the beginning you’ve logged over 50K miles on domestic flights only
How is the weight? My biggest hangup on switching to aluminum is sacrificing so much packing weight in lieu of bag weight...Polycarbonate hardly weighs anything you know?
Jon - The Away website shows the same external dimensions for the polycarbonate vs aluminum versions, but the internal dimensions look markedly smaller. The "bigger carry on" is about an inch smaller in each direction and about 40L internal volume on the aluminum vs 47L for the poly version. That feels like a lot. Did you notice less volume on the aluminum version? Did it matter?
Great question. Not noticeable difference but sounds like a perfect video comparison to help illustrate
This is a very odd question Jon, but how rigid is this case? Have you ever used this as a seat on the off chance were waiting someplace and didn't have a spot to sit?
I bought an away carryon per your suggestions and I have not regretted the purchase
have you tried the Arlo Skye Bigger Carry On? I wonder what you think of those.
How is it holding up a year later? Do you still use it as your primary carry on bag?
I'd rather have the regular luggage. This hard case you cant stretch and make a pair of shoes in the outside pocket and a pair inside possible. Thats why most flight staff uses the regular cloth TravelPro brand.
what about all the reviews that say the wheels are junk? or that the bag was destroyed the first time it was checked?
Great review, keep it up!
I've been through two different aluminum bags with a squeaky handle. Has anyone else experienced this? Away was great in exchanging the first via the NYC store but I really don't want to ship my current bag back. I'm looking for micro lubricant applicators now that work to insert where the handle is but this is just annoying.
That’s sucks! Haven’t heard of that happening but support has been good for me when I’ve had other problems.
@@The_Kavalier Update: They did support me in exchanging it, and were great. On my second one I just ended up spraying the squeaky handle with WD40 (the silicone version) instead of waiting for another bag with what likely would have the same issue.
Kavalier can you do a video of packing it with clothes i want see how much it could fit 🙏🏼
Thanks for the great review! Just ordered one
Very clear explanation and wonderful video! Thank you very much! How does the After Sale service work at Away?
Sir i forgot the password og my luggage can u help me to unlock maybe u have an idea how to?
The ONLY reason one would get this over a Rimowa or Tumi 19 degree is the price... This is a personal thing, but if I'm gonna splurge for a luxury item, it is going to be proper luxury item. Either that, or I'll buy based purely on functionality and quality for the money like a quality aluminum carry on that you can get for $250 all day. These aluminum Aways are like the Coach of the luggage world, for someone who wants the prestige, but doesn't want to cough up the cash.
I personally liked aways aluminum interior over a rimowa. I enjoyed the pockets and love their customer service. Buying a $475 you could afford a rimowa lite soooo
I just bought mine and its on the way!!!
What about an episode on shaving gear? Not necessarily creams and aftershave, etc., but more on hardware, i.e. double edge or straight razors. I've been using a DE razor for years and they are miles ahead of any cartridge razors available.
Yes! I have a few ideas on this coming soon!
Not as shiny and gorgeous as Tumi 19 degree nor Rimowa classic flight but that battery pack is just brilliant!
thanks.... good review
Currently using Travelpro. Tends to tip. How does this bag fare in that repsect ?
Have you compared this bag to the MVST?
Is this the regular or bigger AL version?
how would you compare this to the Monos hybrid carry on?
Do you like away better than monos?
Great content as always! Will you be doing a review of the MVST luggage you opened on mail time? Very interesting buy at 325 vs the Away
Yes. Taking it to Morocco with me in a few weeks
😁
@@The_Kavalier Did you ever do the MVST review ?
Just purchased mine, thank you for sharing your thoughts and recommendations !
Hello! Thanks to your review I pulled the trigger and bought the aluminum bigger carry on. Now I need a checked bag... Would you recommend aluminum or poly? I assume a black poly would match the aluminum?
Did you end up getting an aluminum or poly checked bag? I just bought the gold aluminum medium and carry on and am curious as to how it holds up to checking.
In your unboxing you had the standard carryon, in this video is this the bigger carryon or the standard?
No I ended up sticking with the original size. Don't mind it!
On my last trip to US I saw more Away's than Rimowa's like mine! Now hesitating so badly if I should get an Away instead! haha
Glad you highly recommend it! Keep up the good work Jon!
Till next video!
Nice video. Hope Away are throwing you some bones. This video made me buy one!
Me too
Have you ever had to check it??
What's the battery for?
Charging devices via USB - phones, tables etc.
Are those the “Lincoln” shoes by Thursday Boots?
Yes. Did a video on them
Love that shirt! Where's it from?
Looks like Woodies but I don't see it in their selection.
It is, from last year’s collection. Good eye!!
i'm sold
Jon, is that the larger or standard carry on? My first away (old design) was a standard and I picked up the bigger version when the battery changed. These days my trips don’t exceed 3 days to the size seems overkill. Wondering if you’re getting use out of your bigger one anymore? Thx.
agreed, is this the standard carry on or the bigger carry on version?
is it worth $725?
Don’t be fooled by the look from this carry on. The handle was broken on the first of my trip, the wheels were cheap made. The service line was terrible, someone finally talked to after put me on hold for 4 hours.
Hi, you said you're 6'4". So is my husband and his biggest complaint about suitcases is that the handles don't extend high enough. (I'm 5' so I have no idea what he's complaining about! LOL). Do you find the extension of the handle is sufficient for your height?
Yes but my arms are quite long too (as his may be) but I have never even given the handle height a thought so I'd say not a problem.
My question is relates to how a lot of airlines restrict how heavy a suitcase can be and this one according to away website is bit on the heavy side, so how much can you really back if the limit is 15 pounds and the suit case is already 10 pounds already?
I have done multiple RTW trips. To ensure that you can carry on outside the USA (or using American carriers) you had better try and keep your total weight ideally under 7 kg (15.4 lbs). There are web sites that post the restrictions for all the airlines. Last month I was on a Lufthansa flight where they spot-checked weights at the gate and forced everyone exceeding 8 kg to check their bags. The bag I use weighs under 3 lbs. The Away bags by any standard are very heavy. Great bags for USA domestic flights but not practical for serious international travel unless you are using only American carriers.
Based on the above, what would you suggest....I have a 5 week trip coming up, most flights on BA, a couple on SwissAir. I hate checking luggage.@@MrSteveCee
Richard Landis When I am travelling where a roller is practical I use the IT 2 wheel roller suitcase ( as does my wife) Its the lightest suitcase we have found When we are in places where a rolling suitcase is not practical we both use an EBag Weekender Junior Convertible. We pack clothes that can be washed and dried in the room. We fly with a carry on and our smaller
personal item' bag which is where I put my camera stuff and electronics. If I am having a hard time making the weight restriction I will wear my Magellan multi pocket coat onboard and load up its pockets.
Thanks for your response...I read reviews of the IT 22" bag, and one guy complained that it's actually an 18" bag + wheels and handles, that takes it to 22". What size carryon bag are you using? I'm doing a 5 week trip (London/Zurich--both those flights are BA---then Nice on Swiss Air---then London/JFK---both those are back on BA. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards, Richard @@MrSteveCee
Richard Landis My IT bag is about 5 years old and is the 2 wheel version The bag dimension (exclusive of handle and wheels) is 20 in x 13.5 in x 8 in thick which is ample space Not sure about the current version of the IT 2 wheel version 21.8 inches but it appears to be more than enough for your needs On Amazon it sells for about $65 USD and weighs 4.8 lbs Heavier than what I have because they are now using a heavier material Mine is a light nylon I would never check mine even if it were offered free . Remember you are trying to keep your weight low. Enjoy Nice! One of my favourite places!
No one seems to have the black one
is that the bigger carry-on? Also, what does it weigh?
No.
Sturdy? Those bumps can be seen from the space mate 😂
If you take it down to the body shop they will repair your accident damage...
Cosmetic stuff aside, would you expect the aluminum edition to significantly outlast the polycarbonate in the long run?
Ron Irvin Living One Day at a Time , this is my question as well. Apparently the construction of the Aluminum bags is different and stronger than the polycarbonate. So while it shows dings, it would hold up better with time. Have either of you bought one?
I got the poly carry-on XL. Definitely lacks the heft I would expect with and (my number one reason for liking the Aluminum) the clasps vs zippers. For the price and the fact that I don't really travel often I think the poly was the right buy for me. I would have loved to splurge for the Aluminum though...
@@CaptaenRon Hmmm sounds like a good choice. Since I'm buying one exclusively to check, I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and going with another poly. I too love the clasps and the look of the Aluminum more though.
I have bought the aluminum and wouldn’t recommend if you are buying it to check. It will remain in best looking condition to have it be a carry on. My bag hasn’t gotten dented yet but should it I’m planning on putting on silver stickers to keep the sleek-ness of the bag.
How do you feel it stands compared to Amazon basics luggage.
Wow didn’t realize Amazon did private label luggage. Very skeptical of that extremely low price...
I'm going to save the money to buy the biggest aluminum carry on. One I get it I am going to do a unboxing.
How much did you get paid for this commercial?
Looks great but also looks worth stealing! A worthwhile consideration at airports I think.
Tome like !
The bags are great. The price will kill you.
I feel like this just screams Rimowa Topas wanna-be, but for a different demographic.
...and also aluminum
Looks like they just copied Rimowa design
it's just so ugly
Looks like a cheap Rimowa knockoff
Or is it an affordable Rimowa homage?
Whenever I see an Away aluminum now I just think.. someone who couldn't afford the real thing - a Rimowa. Either go with Delsey or Tumi. Away is just free luggage for influencers, otherwise its overpriced and breaks easily. Oh, and I've flown over 500,000 miles in the last 3 years.
Why so salty? I have a few Tumi pieces and this aluminum can hold its own for sure
@@The_Kavalier I would call it opinionated, not salty. I would be salty if I paid for it though. Granted I didn't even try to fix it, I just threw it away. I find the premise of the company to be totally fake - especially when they went into aluminum suitcases and copied Rimowa, but made the pattern horizontal instead of vertical.
The Young Travelier id call it stuck up acting like a bitch. Like you’re the only one who travels 🤣
Away? what kind of generic name is that. Can't respect a company with a generic name. good branding starts with a good name. Away is a terrible name.
They’ve built an incredible brand with that name. It’s impressive actually
@@The_Kavalier I guess it's not a bad name if they want to be one of those generic brands.