The Bigger Carry-On vs. The Medium

Away Bigger Carry-on vs The Medium: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right suitcase starts with thinking about how you travel. Whether you like to pack light and breeze through the airport or prefer having room for extra outfits and souvenirs, the right size can make every trip feel easier.

The Bigger Carry-On and The Medium are two of Away's most popular suitcases, but they're designed for different types of travel. One is built to maximize what you can bring without checking a bag, while the other gives you the flexibility and packing space that longer trips often require.

While dimensions and airline restrictions are important, the decision goes beyond the numbers. It's about trip length, your packing style, and how you like to move through your journey. In this guide, we'll compare The Bigger Carry-On and The Medium to help you choose the suitcase that's the best fit for your travels.

Side-by-Side Specs

Same destination, different philosophy. Here's how to find your bag.

 

The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase at a Glance

If you're looking to maximize every inch of carry-on space, The Bigger Carry-On is designed to help you pack more without checking a bag. It's ideal for travelers who want to fit just a little extra while still enjoying the convenience of traveling carry-on only.

The Bigger Carry-On is a great choice if you’re looking tot:

• Maximize packing space in a carry-on

• Skip the baggage claim and head straight out of the airport

• Avoid checked bag fees whenever possible

• Pack for longer trips without sizing up to a checked suitcase

• Bring an extra pair of shoes, bulkier layers, or a few more outfits

• Fit approximately 6–9 outfits, depending on your packing style

For travelers who primarily fly domestically or take trips lasting up to a week, The Bigger Carry-On offers valuable extra capacity over a standard carry-on. That added space gives you more flexibility to pack the items that matter most—whether that's an extra sweater for changing weather, workout gear, or room to bring home souvenirs—while still keeping the convenience of traveling with just one bag.

The Medium Suitcase at a Glance

If you prefer having plenty of room to pack without making tough decisions, The Medium gives you the space and flexibility that's ideal for longer trips. As a checked suitcase, it's designed for travelers who want to bring everything they need—and a little extra.

The Medium is a great choice if you want:

• To take your time with a checked bag

• More packing capacity for week-long or extended trips

• Space for 10–12 outfits, depending on your packing style

• Room for bulkier items like jackets, boots, or special occasion outfits

• Flexibility to pack souvenirs or shopping finds on the way home

• A durable checked suitcase built to handle frequent travel

Whether you're packing for a week-long vacation, an international itinerary, or simply prefer having more options once you arrive, The Medium makes it easy to pack confidently. With significantly more capacity than a carry-on, you won't have to leave behind your favorite outfits or spend time strategically squeezing everything into a smaller bag. It's built to handle the demands of travel while giving you the freedom to pack what you need for the journey ahead.

Shared DNA: What Stays the Same

No matter which size you choose, you'll get the same thoughtfully designed travel experience. Both suitcases feature our signature 360° spinner wheels for smooth navigation through airports and city streets, plus our patented interior compression system to help maximize packing space and keep everything organized.

Both bags come with our thoughtful design made with durable, lightweight 100% polycarbonate shells and best-in-class interior organization. Our patented compression system is designed to help you maximize space, regardless of the size of your bag.

Finally, both pieces are secured with TSA-approved combination lock safeguards to keep your essentials secure without slowing you down at security.

And both bags come with Away LifetimeCare™ Coverage, which includes repair support for the life of your suitcase and covers functional damage from manufacturing defects or unexpected rough travel. For the first five years, repairs are complimentary. If we're unable to repair covered damage, we'll provide up to one replacement within that period. After five years, repair support continues, and round trip shipping stays on us. Learn more. 

Capacity & Packing Style

If you’re "Team Carry-On," you’ll love the dimensions of the Bigger Carry-On. It’s perfect for a 4–7 day trip if you’re a savvy packer. It’s for the person who wants to spend less time in the airport at baggage carousel and get straight to the next attraction.

The Medium is better suited for the long haul, think 1–2 weeks and 10-12 outfits as the sweet spot. It’s for the traveler who needs three pairs of shoes, bulky winter gear, or enough extra space to bring back a suitcase full of souvenirs. A word of caution however, watch the weight; it’s much easier to accidentally hit that 50lb airline limit when you have 68 liters of space to play with.

Which Type of Traveler are You?

• The Nomad: You’re likely reaching for the Bigger Carry-On. You need to get off the plane and back on the go without waiting 40 minutes for a bag that may not have made the connection.

• The Vacationer: If you’re heading to a wedding or a multi-city international tour, The Medium is your best friend. It lets you pack without needing to leave any of your favorite outfits at home.

• The Hybrid: Who says you have to choose? The Bigger Carry-On and The Medium make the perfect pairing, giving you the flexibility to pack the right suitcase for every trip. Together, they create a versatile luggage set for everything from weekend getaways to extended vacations, and like all Away suitcases, they're designed to nest neatly inside one another for easy, space-saving storage. If you're looking to build your collection, explore our luggage sets to find curated combinations designed for every type of traveler.

Owner Satisfaction: A Few Tips & Considerations

1. Maneuverability: A loaded Medium is heavy. If your trip involves a lot of cobblestone streets or four flights of stairs, the agile Bigger Carry-On wins the day.

2. Scuffing Likelihood: Every trip leaves its mark. While our hard shell is built for durability, checked luggage naturally goes through more handling during travel, so The Medium may show signs of wear sooner than a carry-on. If you'd like to minimize the appearance of scuffs over time, consider choosing one of our darker colorways.

3. 2026 Trends: Airlines are getting stricter. While the Bigger Carry-On fits most US domestic sizers, it may not be the right choice for international flights or if you’re hopping on a tiny puddle jumper in Europe as you’ll likely have to check it. 

Ultimately, whether you choose the streamlined efficiency of the Bigger Carry-On or the larger capacity of The Medium, you are investing in a suitcase built to withstand the rigors of the modern travel landscape. The Bigger Carry-On offers mobility for those who value a quick exit from the airport, while The Medium provides the dependable, generous space required for longer trips. Both models feature Away’s signature durability and thoughtful organization, ensuring your belongings stay secure and your travel remains effortless. By selecting the size that aligns with your personal packing philosophy and preferred style of travel, you can move through any terminal with total confidence.