The Carry-On Luggage 22-Inch is suitable for casual travelers who value mobility, but it poses durability concerns for frequent flyers. The shell flexes under pressure, and internal zippers are prone to failure. Frequent travelers should consider other options.
Scorecard
| Metric | Value |
| Average Rating | 4.60 |
| DVSS Score | 77.18 |
| Satisfaction Tier | Good |
| Dissatisfaction Score (DS) | 8.23% |
| Critical Dissatisfaction Rate (CDR) | 7.33% |
| Statistical Basis | 206 Ratings |
| Analysis Sample | 68 Verified Owner Reports |
Mobility System: 360-Degree Spinner Result
The wheel assembly provides near-zero resistance on both terminal flooring and thin-pile carpets.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 32% (22/68) |
| Performance Status | Strength |
| Comfort Limit | Two-finger glide |
- “Rolls smoother and effortlessly. The wheels are strong, durable, and glide easily.” — TravelPro Owner.
- “The rollability is like butter. Best wheels for any travel carry on.” — Verified Owner.
The spinner wheels are the most effective feature of this design. High-quality bearings enable smooth maneuvering in crowded terminals, even when fully packed. This system reduces drag, making the Carry-On feel lighter during transport.
Internal Compression: Pressure Pad Result
The mechanical compression plate reduces the volume of soft goods, extending trip capacity.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 26% (18/68) |
| Performance Status | Strength |
| Comfort Limit | 13-day packing capacity |
- “Compression pad really works wonders. I can squish everything down.” — 13-day Trip User
- “Unique pressure pads to hold your belongings in place. Holds a surprising amount.” — International Work Trip User
Compression plates distribute force more evenly than traditional straps, allowing users to pack up to 13 days of clothing in a 22-inch case. The tension system stabilizes the load and prevents shifting during travel.
Shell Integrity: Polycarbonate Flex Result
The thin-wall construction reduces weight but compromises structural rigidity and surface appearance.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 19% (13/68) |
| Performance Status | Mixed |
| Comfort Limit | Not Found |
- “Hard sides seem very thin and flimsy. Concerned that it may not last.” — Verified Owner
- “Chic but it came out very marked through baggage claim. Flimsy hinge.” — Verified Owner
Thinner material causes noticeable shell deformation and scuffing. Although the polycarbonate is designed to flex instead of crack, users report misalignment between the top and bottom halves during closure. The matte finish attracts marks and requires specific cleaning for upkeep.
Primary Closure: Zipper Realignment Result
Weak coil zippers are the most common mechanical failure point under tension.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 15% (10/68) |
| Performance Status | Weakness |
| Comfort Limit | Low-pressure threshold |
- “Interior zipper ripped on the second use. Not for frequent travelers.” — Weekly Traveler
- “Zippers (external and internal) are really weak and misalign/split with a small pressure.” — Tumi Owner.
Internal zippers do not have the strength to support the compression system. When the pressure pads are fully used, the lateral force can cause zipper coils to split or sliders to detach. One user reported that both zippers failed during initial use.
Integrated Security: TSA Lock Result
The built-in locking mechanism provides a streamlined security interface for the primary closure.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 9% (6/68) |
| Performance Status | Strength |
| Comfort Limit | Not Found |
- “Great quality, from the zippers to the TSA lock built in.” — Verified Owner
- “Locks are easy to set and use. Built-in security with zipper lock.” — Verified Owner
The TSA-approved combination lock is integrated directly into the chassis to minimize external snags. This design eliminates the need for third-party padlocks while ensuring the zipper sliders remain seated in place during transit. The setting process is reported as intuitive by 100% of users who mentioned the feature.
Telescoping Handle: Deployment Reliability
The handle system may develop mechanical sticking in a small percentage of units.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 4% (3/68) |
| Performance Status | Mixed |
| Comfort Limit | 3-month failure point |
- “The handle got stuck and I’ve only had it for 3 months.” — Verified Owner.
- “If a wheel breaks or something happens to the handle, Away will fix it.” — TravelPro Owner.
Telescoping tubes can develop alignment issues if the unit is overloaded or mishandled. While most users do not experience problems, some report handles that stick within 90 days, suggesting a possible issue with the locking pins. The lifetime warranty helps address this risk.
Legacy Hedge: Lifetime Warranty Performance
The manufacturer’s warranty acts as a primary value driver for users comparing this unit to high-tier legacy brands.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 7% (5/68) |
| Performance Status | Strength |
| Comfort Limit | Permanent |
- “The biggest pull for me was the lifetime warranty. That’s what sold me.” — TravelPro Owner.
- “Best warranty for luggage outside of Tumi and Briggs and Riley.” — Verified Owner
The lifetime warranty provides long-term value that compensates for the material limitations. Users view the warranty as an insurance policy that justifies the $275 price, making it competitive with brands like Briggs & Riley. This policy turns a potentially short-lived product into a lasting travel asset.
Maintenance Kit: Surface Restoration
The matte finish requires specific chemical or abrasive intervention to maintain aesthetic standards.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 4% (3/68) |
| Performance Status | Strength |
| Comfort Limit | Not Found |
- “Special is the starch sponge to buff out marks.” — Verified Owner
- “It looks fantastic and comes with a clean up pen to maintain its finish.” — Verified Owner.
Away provides a proprietary cleaning kit to address the polycarbonate shell’s tendency to retain scuffs. The included starch sponge and clean-up pen are essential for restoring the matte finish after travel. Without these tools, the Away Carry-On can show significant wear after just one trip.
Vertical Lift: Overhead Bin Result
The empty weight makes it more difficult for shorter users to stow the bag overhead.
| Metric | Value |
| Mention Rate | 12% (8/68) |
| Performance Status | Mixed |
| Comfort Limit | 5’0″ Height Threshold |
- “Hard to lift over my head when full. My lightweight Travelpro is easier.” — 5’0″ User
- “Easily get into the overhead bin without assistance despite the weight.” — 13-day Trip User
The height and weight of this carry-on make it challenging for users under 5’2″ to lift into overhead bins. Taller users report no issues, suggesting the design is better suited for those with a larger physical profile.
Who Fits the Carry-On Luggage 22-Inch?
The design prioritizes internal volume over structural rigidity, resulting in a trade-off between capacity and durability.
The Casual Vacationer: BUY
- Best Fit: Travelers taking 3-6 trips per year.
- Critical Limit: 10-day capacity.
The lifetime warranty offers protection against occasional failures. For non-professional travelers, the smooth wheels and internal organization outweigh long-term durability concerns.
The Professional Commuter: SKIP
- Best Fit: Weekly or international work travelers.
- Critical Limit: 6-8 trips per year threshold.
Frequent use quickly reveals weaknesses in the zipper and shell. Professional travelers should consider luggage made from ballistic nylon or higher-gauge aluminum to withstand the demands of regular travel.
The Shorter/Petite Traveler: SKIP
- Best Fit: Users under 5’2″ (157cm).
- Critical Limit: 5’0″ Height Threshold.
When fully packed, the Carry-On’s density creates a high center of gravity, making overhead stowing difficult. Shorter users find it harder to manage compared to lighter fabric options.
Can the Carry-On Luggage 22-Inch Hold Your Gear?
The internal dimensions are optimized to meet TSA and international overhead bin requirements.
| Accessory or Sizing Item | Status | Technical Conflict/Result |
| Packing Cubes | Fits | Synergy with a compression pad increases density. |
| Overhead Bins (TSA) | Fits | 22-inch height complies with standard domestic bins. |
| Wet Bag | Fits | Integrated snap-in system for soiled garments. |
| Laundry Bag | Fits | Free cloth bag included for interior organization. |
| Luggage Stand | Fits | Small footprint allows for compatibility with hotel stands. |
The internal layout is optimized for compressing soft items rather than storing hard cases. Using third-party packing cubes and the included laundry or wet bags is recommended to prevent shifting during travel.
Should You Buy the 22-Inch Carry-On Luggage?
This carry-on offers excellent mobility but is limited by low-durability closure hardware. Most issues stem from zipper failures and shell flex.
BUY the Carry-On Luggage 22-Inch if:
- 5-10 Day Trip Frequency: You prioritize internal organization for week-long travel.
- Spinner Priority: You require the lowest possible rolling resistance on terminal floors.
- Warranty-Focused: You value a repair guarantee over initial material durability.
SKIP the Carry-On Luggage 22-Inch if:
- Weekly Travel Schedule: Internal zippers cannot withstand continuous high-pressure cycles.
- Vertical Lift Constraints: You have limited upper-body strength or are under 5’2″.
The zipper coil is the critical failure point. If the internal load exceeds its tension limit, the Away Carry-On becomes unusable, even with the lifetime warranty.
