This post is all about why I love the Away Weekender Bag as my carry on or personal item when travelling abroad. The main questions I will answer are: What makes it better than a traditional duffel bag? Does it fit under most airline seats? Can I use the Away Weekender as a personal item?
I purchased the Away Weekender two years ago when I was in the market for a new duffel bag that could be used on top of my Tumi carry-on luggage. I explored a lot of brands, and landed on the Weekender for the reasons listed below.
What makes the Away Weekender better than a traditional duffel bag?
- Structured bottom and trolly sleeve which makes it simple and easy to transport on top of my carry on luggage
- Practical compartments, which keep any clothes folded and not wrinkled. It feels like the inside of a roller bag versus the bottomless pit of a regular duffel.
- Durable fabrics as well as sturdy zippers. My bag has now been through many airports, rental car rides and hotel stays, and there are no visible blemishes or stains.
- Due to the structure, it is so versatile in what fits. On our way to Europe this Summer, I filled it with clothes, but on the way home, I used it for odd shaped souvenirs I did not want to put in a checked bag and risk getting lost or broken.
Does the Away Weekender fit under most airline seats?
The away weekender, fully packed will likely not fit comfortably under your airline seat. If you would like this feature, I think you would be better off with the Everywhere or Overnight sizes from Away (see comparison here). If not fully packed, you may be able to keep the bag at your feet – especially depending on class you are flying or if flying as a family. For example, my toddlers do not use the room under their seats so I use that space for my larger bag and keep their smaller backpack at my feet for long haul flights. In general, I put my Away Weekender in the overhead compartment to maximize the space I have in my airline seat.
Can I use the Away Weekender as a personal item?
The Away Weekender is not marketed as a personal item, but it can be leveraged as one. The pockets are oriented to have easy access to your laptop, phone, wallet, etc., and it fits easily on top of your roll away suitcase. However, due to its size, it may not fit comfortably under your airline seat for the whole flight so I recommend having overhead space for it. I always travel with a small belt bag to keep my valuables close, so I recommend using the belt bag to corral the items you may need handy at your seat. The belt bag can be stored in the duffel when boarding if you do not want it counted as your personal item.
Related Post: Simple Airplane Snacks for Toddlers
In summary, the Away Weekender bag as been such a much loved piece of our luggage. It is functional on its own for a weekend getaway, or the perfect companion on a longer international trip. Happy Travels!
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