The TSA has just dropped new carry-on rules that are catching even frequent flyers off guard. And yes, they’re denying bags at the gate because of them. We’re talking confiscated power banks, smart luggage getting banned, and even snacks triggering security alerts.
If you are a fan of the Beis vs Away debate, you likely know that Away is a top contender. But is your Away Bigger Carry-On actually safe from the gate agents? The TSA now enforces a strict one carry-on plus one personal item rule in 2025. While airlines set size limits, TSA supports it. Oversized bags not fitting through the X-ray tunnel may be rejected at security and sent back to check.
Today, we are diving deep into the rules, the bag itself, and how to ensure your favorite suitcase stays by your side.
The 2025 Rules: Why Bags Are Getting Denied
If you’re still following the same old airport routine from last year, you might be one rule away from losing your favorite gear or missing your flight.
Size Matters More Than Ever
Standard dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. The Away Bigger Carry-On is designed to maximize this space, but you need to be careful. Oversized duffles hiding under purses won’t cut it. If you land in a small regional jet, even standard carry-ons might be gate checked.
TSA has started sending folks back to repack if they arrive with too many items. Also, with CTS 3D scanners becoming more common, bags must fit into standard bins. Oversized items may get bulked even before scanning. Bottom line: fit the box, follow the count, and know your aircraft. That’s the simple roadmap to avoid baggage denial at the checkpoint or gate.
The Smart Luggage Crackdown
Smart luggage is getting banned if it doesn’t meet specific criteria. Smart suitcases are handy, but as of mid-2025, TSA and airlines have a strict “no non-removable battery” policy.
If your smart bag has an internal lithium battery you can’t remove, it’s outright banned with no carry-on or checked allowance. This crackdown aims to prevent fire hazards from hidden batteries.
How to Stay Compliant with Away:
One of the more notable features about the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on is its built-in USB charging bank. This in theory should be a game-changer for travelers who rely on their devices to stay connected while on the go. Simply plug in a portable battery pack, which is an optional extra, and you can charge your phone, tablet, or other devices right from the suitcase itself.
However, here is the critical rule: Choose smart bags with removable batteries. Those are permitted, but only under conditions. If the battery remains in the bag, you must carry the entire suitcase on board with no checked baggage allowed. Preferably, remove the battery before checking the bag.
Without compliance, TSA and airline staff can deny your luggage at check-in or gate, causing major hassles and possibly missing the flight. Smart luggage is only smart if it follows these updated rules.
Review: The Away Bigger Carry-On in Action
Today I’m reviewing the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on suitcase which I’ve been using for the past year. This suitcase has been with me to Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Primošten, Croatia; Malaga, Spain; Cape Town, South Africa; and now I’m using it in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Can It Really Fit Everything?
Spoiler ahead: In hot weather countries, I could live permanently out of this suitcase. It’s like a black hole. Whenever I think I’ve packed it to its maximum capacity, I keep finding new ways to pack it and fit more things in.
The internal compression straps have been a game-changer for me. I can fit as much into this carry-on as I used to fit into a medium checked luggage, finding very efficient ways to pack it. I really couldn’t be happier with this suitcase.
My Packing List for Las Palmas:
Having lived in Las Palmas before, I knew exactly what to bring for this trip and have managed to pack:
- Five polo shirts
- One linen short sleeve shirt
- One short sleeve Henley
- Three undershirts
- Two crew neck tees
- Two training crew neck tees
- One pullover sweater
- One long sleeve Henley
- One lightweight biker jacket
- A packing cube with underwear, pants, and socks
- Four pairs of trousers (including linen trousers, jeans, combat trousers, and chinos)
- A pair of shorts
- A pair of swim shorts
- A full tracksuit (both the zip top and the tracksuit bottoms)
For my footwear, I’ve managed to include my workout athleisure trainers, a smart pair of loafers, and flip flops. This also doesn’t include the pair of Chelsea boots that I wear on the plane. I can also fit my electric shaver and my spare pair of glasses into the suitcase itself.
Durability and Design
When I first saw this suitcase online, yeah, they got me with Instagram ads. I was immediately drawn to its sleek and modern design. The hardside exterior is made from a durable polycarbonate material that’s designed to withstand the rigors of travel. And the color I went for, I think it’s called Cobalt, feels stylish and sophisticated.
In terms of durability, the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on has held up exceptionally well over the past year. Despite being knocked and thrown around by me multiple times, it still looks relatively new, although I could do with cleaning it a bit.
What’s also really good about Away as a company is a lifetime guarantee for repairs. I actually dropped this suitcase down the stairs when getting off the plane in Croatia and chipped the handle. Away replaced it for me free of charge. I just dropped it off at the London store and picked it up a week later. Easy as that.
Wheels and Maneuverability
One thing that sets the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on apart from other suitcases I’ve used in the past is the quality of its four spinner wheels. These wheels make it exceptionally easy to maneuver through crowded airports and train stations, and they allow me to easily roll the suitcase alongside without having to lift it. I’ve used other suitcases with four spinner wheels before, but none have performed quite as smoothly as this one has.
Strategies to Avoid the “Denied” Stamp
Even with a great bag, you need to be smart. If you are flying SAS Go Light, remember that restrictions can be tighter.
1. Manage Your Electronics
In 2025, TSA is laser-focused on lithium batteries, especially power banks. The new rule: your portable charger must be labeled with watt-hour rating and be under 100 Watt-hours. If it’s unlabeled or oversized, TSA now confiscates it on the spot.
Although I did purchase the upgrade for the Away bag, I didn’t realize the battery pack did not have USB-C at the time, so I have not used it. It comes with micro USB, which is just one more charging cable I don’t want to have to carry with me. Instead, I use the zip case for my current charge kit, which includes an Apple Dual USB-C charger and a Xiaomi charging bank.
To comply, carry your spare power bank and batteries in your carry-on, not checked luggage. TSA isn’t playing. Batteries between 100 to 160 Watt-hours are allowed only with airline approval, rarely granted by most travelers.
2. Organize Your Liquids and Food
Liquids: Yes, the famous 3-1-1 liquids rule is still fully in effect in 2025. Each container must be 3.4 ounces or less, all fitting in one quart-sized clear zip-top bag, one per passenger. The TSA defines a liquid broadly. Any substance you can spill, spread, or pour counts. This now officially includes everything from shampoo to peanut butter, sunscreen, gel deodorant, nail polish remover, and even snow globes.
Food: TSA’s newer focus on efficiency has led to agents routinely asking travelers to remove food from bags before scanning. Opaque food blocks can obscure hidden items on X-rays. Granola bars, cheese blocks, and oddly shaped snacks often trigger visual alarms, prompting manual checks. To smooth your journey, pack food in a separate clear bag on top. It makes inspection faster and less stressful.
3. Pack Smart Inside
This has not been an issue for me personally, but this could be a minor issue for some in that this suitcase doesn’t really have as many organizational pockets. While there are a few small pockets on the inside of this suitcase, to get the most out of the space, it helps to use packing cubes to keep everything in place.
I opted for Away’s large shoe cube and a set of packing cubes. Again, I couldn’t be happier with how much stuff this suitcase actually fits. The lack of interior pockets isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who likes to have lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your belongings into.
For those looking for something even larger for check-in, you might consider the Rimowa Trunk vs Trunk Plus for maximum capacity.
Is It Worth the Risk?
So, would I recommend the Away Travel Bigger Carry-on suitcase to others? 100% yes.
It’s held up well after a year of use, and I appreciate the size and maximum carry-on capacity. If you’re in the market for a reliable and stylish carry-on suitcase, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The “Away Safe” Checklist
To ensure you don’t get denied, follow this checklist based on the 2025 rules.
| Item/Category | Rule Compliance | Action Item |
| Battery Pack | Must be removable & <100Wh. | Eject battery if forced to gate check. |
| Bag Size | 22x14x9 inches. | Measure at home; fit in sizer if asked. |
| Liquids | 3-1-1 Rule still applies. | Use clear quart bag; separate at security. |
| Food | Solid foods = Go. Spreads = No. | Pack snacks separately for X-ray. |
| Electronics | Larger than cell phone = Bin. | Remove laptops/tablets unless Pre-Check. |
| Personal Item | Must fit under seat. | Don’t overstuff; keep it small (18x14x8). |
Now, let’s talk about the price. I paid 330 UK pounds. This included the packing cubes, which I think are an essential to get the most out of this suitcase, and the USB charging bank. This isn’t the cheapest suitcase on the market, but I do think it’s worth the investment. The durability, the build quality, the style, and just how it maximizes space is, in my opinion, worth the price.
When everyone’s tossing their lotion or scrambling to remove gadgets, you’re already boxed up, bag zipped, ID in hand, and on your way. Until next time, safe travels and zero checkpoint drama. Happy flying.