August 26, 2026 · 12 bags tested
Gold Tested
We flew 50 flight segments with 12 carry-on bags. Wheel durability is what separates a good bag from a great one. We tested on cobblestones, airport carpet, and escalator grates. Half the bags had wheel problems by segment 30.
Away The Bigger Carry-On by Away
Away's Bigger Carry-On uses 360° Hinomoto wheels that were still smooth after 50 segments — only two other bags matched that. The polycarbonate shell survived our drop tests without cracking. The inte
We measured wheel smoothness on four surfaces, shell dent resistance with a drop test, zipper durability over 1,000 cycles, interior organization efficiency, and compliance with airline size limits on six carriers.
Away's Bigger Carry-On uses 360° Hinomoto wheels that were still smooth after 50 segments — only two other bags matched that. The polycarbonate shell survived our drop tests without cracking. The interior compression system fits 20% more than a standard packing arrangement.
Specifications
| Size | 22.7 × 14.7 × 9.6" |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Wheels | 4 × 360° Hinomoto |
| Lock | TSA-approved |
| Battery | Ejectable (optional) |
The Away The Bigger Carry-On earns our top pick because it outperformed the competition in the metrics that matter most. At an overall score of 9.2 against a category average of 7.3, the gap speaks for itself. If you are looking for the best in this category, start here.