I learned the hard way that “small carry-on” doesn’t mean “no surprises.” On a 10-day trip I almost had to check a bag because my clothes were smashed into a cheap spinner. The 23-inch Away Softside Bigger Carry-On suitcase fixed that problem for me—right size, expandable, and airline approved. What saved me was making one change: I upgraded to a smarter carry-on. Why should you care?
Why This Earned a Spot in My Bag
If you travel like I do – short city hops, weekend road trips, and the occasional strict airline with carry-on rules – this bag solves a real problem. It meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines, so I don’t gamble with gate-checks or surprise fees. For 3 to 7 day itineraries it gives me more usable volume than most “standard” carry-ons without forcing me to check it.
I also use it for train travel and hostels where locker size matters. The softside build squeezes into tight trunks and under seats better than a hardshell, and the included TSA-accepted color-matching combination padlock keeps my stuff secure when I need to duck out for coffee. That’s practical security, not just a gimmick.
The Details That Matter On the Road
- Material and durability: High-strength nylon that tolerates scuffs and daily knocks better than cheaper fabrics, which means less maintenance and fewer tears on multi-leg trips.
- Size and airline approval: The 23-inch profile is engineered to meet carry-on requirements for most major airlines, so I rarely get told to gate-check.
- Expandable design: A modest expansion gives me room for souvenirs or last-minute purchases without blowing past airline rules most of the time.
- Spinner wheels: Four-wheel spinners make airport sprints and smooth cobbled streets tolerable – I can pull it upright or push it beside me without shoulder strain.
- TSA-accepted combination padlock: Color-matching and built-in compatibility with TSA inspections means I don’t have to awkwardly attach extra locks or remove everything at security.
- Packability and interior: Softside structure lets me shove bulky items into corners; interior pockets help keep cables, chargers, and toiletries organized.
How I’d Choose Between Similar Options
When I’m picking luggage I balance three things: usable space, maneuverability, and reliability. Here’s what I check before I commit.
- Does the size actually fit airline policies? A 23-inch carry-on like this one hits the sweet spot where you get extra capacity without usually triggering gate-checks.
- Softside vs hardside: Softside wins for squeezability and packing oddly shaped items. Hardside wins for rigid protection. I pick softside when I expect overstuffing or unusual shapes.
- Wheels and handles: Spinner wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle matter more than a designer logo. If you walk a lot between terminals, these are non-negotiable.
- Security features: A TSA-accepted lock built into the bag simplifies airport checks. I prefer that over aftermarket locks that rattle or get cut off.
- Maintenance and repair: Look for durable materials and simple seams. I avoid overly complicated pockets that fail quickly.
Quick Setup Before You Hit the Road
Here’s my personal checklist to get this bag ready fast. These steps save time and prevent damage.
- 1. Start with a flat base: Lay heavier items like shoes or a toiletry kit in a shoe bag on the bottom against the wheels so the center of gravity stays low.
- 2. Roll clothes and use compression cubes: Rolling reduces wrinkles and compression cubes exploit the softside’s flexibility for better packability.
- 3. Stash chargers and cables in the internal pocket: I keep an organizer pouch for charging cables and power banks – easy to grab at security.
- 4. Use the expansion only when necessary: Expand for souvenirs or bulkier sweaters, then compress on the way home if you need to fit under tighter airline rules.
- 5. Lock it up smartly: Set the TSA-accepted combination and test it at home so you don’t fumble at the airport.
If You’re Hesitating, Read This
I had doubts too. Here’s how they played out in real trips.
- “Is it too bulky for budget carriers?” For me it worked with most major airlines; I still check exact dimensions for the carrier I fly. It’s about risk management, not magic.
- “Softside won’t protect fragile gear.” True to an extent. I carry fragile items inside padded cases or my backpack. The softside gives flexibility, not armor.
- “Will the lock be a pain?” The TSA-accepted color-matching lock is actually convenient – less fiddling at checkpoints compared with aftermarket locks that can catch on zippers.
- “What about durability long-term?” The high-strength nylon held up on multi-leg flights and rough handling. I treat it like gear – clean stains, check seams – and it returns the favor.
- “Do I really need an expandable carry-on?” If you buy souvenirs or pack for variable weather, expansion buys you flexibility that a rigid 22-inch won’t.
In short: I pack this 23-inch Away Softside Bigger Carry-On when I want the flexibility of a softside, the confidence of airline approval for most carriers, and a TSA-friendly lock that doesn’t add bulk. It’s not for every single traveler, but if you value packability, spinner mobility, and the ability to expand on the fly, it earns its spot in my kit.
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