At Away, we're obsessed with travel and designing products that make every journey easier. We believe the easier travel is, the more we do it, and the better we all become. Designed by travelers, for travelers—like you—our products ensure that when it’s time to pack up and head out, you do it right.
While checked luggage has its place, today we're focusing on carry-on luggage (your travel BFF). A great carry-on suitcase helps you breeze through the airport and save on luggage fees. It also saves you from shedding tears over lost luggage and keeps everything you could ever need for your trip right there with you. Plus, it streamlines your packing list since there's only so much room in an overhead bin.
But knowing how to pack a carry-on isn't always as easy as it sounds. Limited space means you need to pack smart and use bags that work smart. At Away, we specialize in making travel more enjoyable. Our products, from our Carry-On suitcases to our Packing Cubes and Toiletry Bags, are designed to make sure every trip is as seamless as possible. Let’s dive into how to find the right suitcase, pack carry-on luggage, and transform your travels into unforgettable adventures.
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Choosing Your Carry-On Companion
Suitcase? Backpack? Duffle bag? So many options for carry-on luggage, so little time! Let's go over the details so you can find the right travel bag for you.
Suitcases: Lightweight and effortless, especially with 360° wheels that glide like a dream. Away’s Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On are award-winning and beloved by millions for good reason—not just for their custom 360 wheels but for their durable exteriors that withstand whatever the world throws at them. Away's Carry-Ons also come in polycarbonate hard shell and Softside to give you the perfect match.
Backpacks: For those who love hands-free adventures, a good backpack is a must. Of course, it also means you’ll feel every extra ounce on your back, so the lighter, the better. Look for lightweight, water-resistant fabric and comfy, padded straps like ours. Away’s backpacks also come with trolley sleeves and padded device pockets for the ultimate convenience. You’ll thank us later.
Duffle bags: Day trip? Overnight? Weekender? With plenty of sizes and shapes to choose from, you can pick a duffle for any adventure. They’re lightweight, collapsible, and fit into tight spaces—making them ideal for those spontaneous weekend getaways on a plane or to a cabin or lakeside retreat.
Size Matters
You’ve picked your perfect carry-on item. Now, let's be sure it meets your airline's size requirements (because no one wants to find out at the gate that their bag is too big). Every airline is different, so check the guidelines beforehand to be certain your bag will fit. However, most major domestic airlines like United, Delta, or American Airlines offer a little more wiggle room than international airlines, which typically have slightly smaller limits.
Away's Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On are designed to fit these standards. The Carry-On measures 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches, while the Bigger Carry-On is 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches, ensuring you're good to go no matter where your travels take you.
Here’s some insider news just for you: We've tested our bags at JFK, EWR, LHR, and LGW to be absolutely sure you've got the right fit. Cue sigh of relief: Away bags get the all-clear!
For domestic or international planes with smaller limits, opt for our Carry-On or a duffle to guarantee your luggage fits. Our Carry-On should fit most European and Asian airlines, but check the specific airline’s website before heading out.
Let’s Talk Tech Compartments
Whether going off the grid on your next trip or working remotely from Mexico City, chances are you're bringing some form of technology with you. Enter tech pockets. They keep your devices nearby when it matters most and give you easy access to alleviating airport boredom.
No one likes to be that person at the airport rummaging to find their phone in the security line or unzipping their carry-on to locate their laptop. That's why we make sure our suitcases and bags have all the interior and exterior pockets you need to house your tech essentials—like charging cables, phones, tablets, power banks, and more.
We’re All About Compression
You’ve packed everything, but the zipper won’t close. Here's our favorite carry-on packing tip: Away’s signature compression system. These interior compression straps compact your belongings and push out the air, giving you more room when you need it most.
When you simply can't choose between the two outfits, go ahead and pack both. Our patented interior compression pad system will maximize space so you can fit it all in.
Making Sure You’re TSA-Approved
Make it easy on yourself and travel security. With a TSA-approved toiletry bag and combination lock, you can get through the security line quickly and easily. We've got some of the best TSA-approved toiletry bags with multiple interior compartments to keep all your products organized and at the ready. Plus, each of our rolling Carry-On suitcases includes a TSA-approved combination lock to help you keep your belongings secure while adhering to travel regulations.
On the topic of regulations, you'll have a few more things to consider if you're traveling internationally. Be sure to check that country's airport security for their specific requirements. They may be different from your own, so it's always good to be prepared for any changes you'll need to make.
Now, what can you pack in carry-on luggage? Traveling with just a carry-on means you'll have to think carefully about what you can and can't pack. Luckily, most of the everyday items you use are allowed to go in your carry-on, making it easy to get through airport security without delay.
However, some things aren’t allowed. According to the TSA, here are some of the travel-related items you can’t put in a carry-on:
- Aerosol insecticide
- Bear or pepper spray
- Flares
- Hiking poles
- Shoe spikes
- Scissors/knives/other sharp implements
You should also follow the liquids rule for carry-ons. Known as 3-1-1, it requires that any liquids, creams, or gels you pack must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit into one 1-quart bag. Common products include all those cleansing and beauty essentials: shampoo, liquid soap, toothpaste, lotion, and other personal toiletries. To avoid the crime-scene-level mess of shampoo and foundation spilling all over your clothing, get yourself a handy TSA-approved toiletry case that meets security regulations while keeping your products organized and contained.
How To Pack Your Carry-On
Whether you’re layering up for Stockholm's chilly streets or keeping it light for a sunny Cyprus getaway, your clothing choices define your travel comfort. Seasons, destinations, occasions, and lengths of trips all shape our packing lists.
Keeping Outfits Versatile
Even when traveling to colder destinations, you should always try to pack as light as you can. One of the best ways is to keep your outfits versatile. Make it easy to mix and match your clothing by bringing plenty of choice without the bulky weight. Plus, mixing and matching can be a fun way to use your wardrobe in ways you never thought possible. And we're not talking color and pattern clashes, either—unless that's your personal style, of course!
You should also create a carry-on packing list that details how many tops, bottoms, socks, underwear, and other clothing you plan to take. In general, you’ll want twice as many socks and underwear as tops and bottoms. Remember: You might be able to buy some clothing at your destination too.
Make sure your packing list includes other essentials like medication and glasses. You might also want to add items to keep you occupied during airport travel—think headphones or a fun vacation novel. Set the list aside and look at it a few hours later with a critical eye. Does it seem reasonable and complete? Adjust the list until you’re comfortable with it and know the items will fit easily in your suitcase and personal item.
Fitting It All In
Many of us have heard the packing tip to roll our clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and organization. It does work, though, saving space and helping you avoid those unwanted creases. But what have you heard about packing cubes?
Packing cubes are perfect for separating your clothing, toiletries, and gadgets. Away offers Packing Cubes and other packing organizers like our Shoe Cube, designed to keep your essentials neat and accessible from the mountains to the Maldives.
Stay tuned as we break these down in detail further on.