The Perfect Carry-On: AWAY Luggage at Nordstrom

by | Jan 16, 2019 | Travel | 3 comments

I have had my eye on the AWAY luggage for two years. It all started when I was preparing for my first trip to Europe and was trying to find that in between size–the size between carry-on and mid-size. It didn’t seem to exist. I was convinced the airlines and luggage companies were in cahoots. Well, in all honesty, they have to be. It would be frustrating to buy a suitcase that will not comply.

I’m referring to the fact that carry-ons just kept getting smaller. Or is it my imagination? I’d go to stores with my airline measurements and tape measure in hand, but oh they seemed small. I just couldn’t find what I wanted until I saw a Facebook ad for AWAY. I was quite intrigued because there at last was the BIGGER CARRY-ON.

AWAY LUGGAGE at NORDSTROM

Of course you can order every AWAY suitcase on their site but Nordstrom is doing a “Pop-in” with AWAY and accessories. This is a good thing for all of you Nordstrom card holders who want points to earn Nordstrom notes! What is a pop-in? What this means is certain stores in the company will actually have the pop in shop, but you can also order online.

In this case Jan 11-February 24  for AWAY. (gray and white available later this month)

(affiliate link for all AWAY pieces at Nordstrom)

In addition to that in between size, AWAY has some other really nice features.

–removable battery pack (can purchase without this feature to give even more packing room)

–lock system-TSA approved

–nylon laundry bag

–Life-time Guarantee!

What about the colors? I know that at first glance you may not attracted to those bright colors featured on the Nordstrom site. Gray–even with the stripe may seem too boring and white will be full of black marks after one trip. Call me crazy, but I do like the look of the white. Maybe the Magic Erasers will keep it clean?

I like the blue but would also go for the red. There is a Pop-In Shop at one of the large Nordstrom stores in Dallas. My son made a trip over to check out the exact shade of red for one of my clients. He took these pictures for you to get a better idea.

Away luggage at Nordstrom

Away luggage inside

 

I am pretty sure I’ve written about this story but I’m a huge fan of a bright color in a suitcase. Yes, the same Europe trip I spoke of earlier almost started with disaster. We were in Heathrow airport and my suitcase did not arrive. Can you imagine the thought of a day or more without luggage? Can you imagine standing in line in a foreign country having to fill out that paper work?

Yep, that was us. While my husband stood in line, I decided to walk around to every other carousel. On my way back to the line in the far distance I spotted my orange suitcase. Oh was I thankful I had chosen orange at Marshall’s a couple months earlier. ***Side note–my son bought a white one. We shook our heads, but honestly it stands out too!

If the AWAY system just isn’t in your budget…

I found this suitcase last summer during AMAZON Prime day. (Prices vary according to color.) I really feel like that it is just a touch larger, and it has the zip-out feature. With my packing folders I can get all my clothes in the one side. I fit shoes, makeup, and all other toiletries on the other side. If you would like to know more about the packing folders and packing cubes, REVIEW THIS POST.

Delsey luggage at Amazonamazon delsey luggage

Let’s compare dimensions:

Airline regulations  22 x 14 x 9 for a carry-on.  All the major carriers seem to be consistent with these measurements.

22 3/4″H x 14 3/4″W x 9 1/2″D: Bigger carry-on from AWAY

21 3/4″H x 13 3/4″W x 9”D: Regular carry- on from AWAY

21 ” H x 14.5 “W x 10″D: Amazon suitcase. (assuming the zip-out creates the extra inch)

As you can see there are slight differences in all three! I’m happy with what I have, but if I go to Europe again I’ll seriously consider the AWAY larger carry-on.

I hope this was helpful information. I will cover carry-on bag (under the seat) options in my next post.

Please know I haven’t forgotten to finish the Capsule Wardrobe. I have been trying it myself and wanted a little more documentation before reporting back. Please stay tuned for that!