"It went from Heathrow, and made the trek over to dublin," said Stackhouse. "So I guess since we weren't there, it went back. Then it said it went to Dubai, and then it went back to Heathrow, and then it went back to Dubai and Heathrow, and at one point since I've been home it's gone to New Delhi."
The airline originally told her it would only take a few days to get her luggage back, but she is still without it.
Comparing the Away Carry-On (left) vs. Monos Carry-On (right) luggage. Photos via Instagram/Away, Instagram/MonosTravel.
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When it comes to purchasing luggage, there are many factors that can impact your decision: design, price, unique product features — and of course, reviews.
However, in recent years two luggage brands have risen to the top and have taken over social media feeds with their iconic designs. You've likely already come across Away and Monos's durable and eye-catching luggage, whether through ads, influencer posts, or simply strolling through the airport.
For years I've been using the Monos Carry-On (from $275) as my go-to for domestic and international travel, but before my last vacation to Portugal, I decided to get Away's Carry-On (from $345) as an upgrade for my fiancé's old rolling suitcase.
I've now had a chance to put both of these popular carry-ons to the test, and am breaking down what you need to know if you're deciding between the two.
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Away Carry-On (left) vs. Monos Carry-On (right). Photos by Kate Mendonca.
Monos vs. Away: What you need to know
At first glance, Monos and Away seem pretty similar — especially since both brands offer their own take on premium luggage and travel essentials. Both offer an assortment of carry-on and checked luggage, plus accessories like backpacks and packing cubes.
The popular carry-on suitcases are both made with a durable polycarbonate hard shell, and feature interior compression panels, four 360° rolling wheels, and a TSA-approved combination lock. They each also come with a laundry bag that makes it easy to stay organized on the road.
However, there are some key differences between the two brands, namely that Monos is a Canadian company. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the brand was founded in 2018, while Away was founded in 2015 and is based out of New York City.
If you're looking to create an entire luggage wardrobe, here's where Away shines. Their line makes it easy to mix and match suitcases, packing cubes, toiletry cases, or tote bags, without worrying whether they will work together. They have all been thoughtfully designed to fit seamlessly together, making travel a breeze.
Away also offers their suitcases with an optional ejectable battery, which can be added on for an extra $30 CAD. The power bank can charge any phone up to four times, so you’ll always be able to check your maps, email, or Slack messages.
Where Away loses
While it could just be that I got lucky with a patterned suitcase, I found that the textured surface of the Away Carry-On was more prone to scuffing than the smooth Monos exterior. It was only used once and already has a few scrapes and scuffs, but it's mostly cosmetic since there doesn't appear to be any dents or structural integrity issues.
The suitcase is also pretty pricey, as it starts at $345 CAD. You should also expect to pay the full $375 CAD for the battery version of the suitcase, as lately it seems like the version without the charger included is completely sold out.
If you're looking for a premium suitcase that's slightly easier on the wallet, the Monos Carry-On wins hands down. The suitcase starts at $306 CAD but frequently goes on sale — right now you can score one for $275 CAD. I've also found that Monos has slightly more availability in terms of colour selection than Away does, so you won't have to settle on a suitcase shade you don't love.
Since every last gram counts when you're packing (nobody want to be slapped with an overweight luggage fee) Monos also beats out Away's Carry-On in terms of weight. It weighs in at 7 pounds, while the Away version comes to 7.5 pounds when you add on the battery pack.
Where Monos loses
Monos's product assortment isn't as vast as Away's, which means you may be left lacking if you're hoping to find an entire matching travel set from a large checked suitcase down to the smallest accessories.
The verdict
Given that both suitcases have become instant successes with customers, it's hard to go wrong with either one.
When deciding between both carry-on options, you'll want to ask yourself: Do you care about a built-in battery pack? If not, you may be better off with Monos's Carry-On and saving yourself $100.
If the carry-on is just the first piece in your growing luggage collection, then I'd recommend going with Away's version instead. The brand's vast assortment of coordinating luggage and travel accessories will ensure that all your vacation essentials are on point.
A high-quality piece of carry-on luggage from a trustworthy luggage brand is one of the best investments you can make as a traveler. Whether you’re flying domestically or taking your first long-haul flight to Asia, your carry-on will always be with you — so choosing a piece that’s stylish, practical, and easy to lift and maneuver is a must.
There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new piece of luggage, including size, brand, cost, and functionality. Is it expandable? Does it roll well? What colorways does it come in?
Consider which factor is most important to you, and use that to narrow your search. For example, I sometimes travel with delicate photography equipment, so buying luggage with a hard shell is necessary to give me peace of mind that my equipment is protected.
The best suitcase for you will depend on your own personal travel habits and preferences. Consider what matters most to you when traveling, and make your purchase based on those factors.
Pro Tip: If you’re investing in hard-shell luggage, packing a Magic Eraser and being prepared to put in a little elbow grease is an absolute must for managing scuffs along the way.
Speaking of hard-sided carry-on luggage, my all-time favorite carry-on piece is the hard shell Away Carry-On.This spinner suitcase has a protective polycarbonate shell, essential for keeping my delicate camera equipment safe, and it comes in nine different colors.
It also boasts sturdy YKK zippers, a built-in USB charger, and 360-degree spinner wheels, which I personally love — there’s nothing quite like having to walk through an airport terminal pushing a suitcase with sticky or jammed wheels.
With the Away Carry-On, I feel a sense of confidence in my luggage that helps make the stress of the airport a bit more bearable. Its telescopic handle and built-in luggage tag make traveling a breeze.
Like every Away suitcase, the Away Carry-On is backed by a lifetime warranty. The warranty combined with the relatively low cost is what really sealed the deal on this bag for me — it’s high-quality but not pretentious. If I had to choose one piece of carry-on luggage forever, it would be this one.
If you preferrollaboard luggageto spinner suitcases, it doesn’t get much better than the TravelPro Platinum Elite. At 22 by 13.5 by 9 inches, this suitcase is definitely pushing the maximum size for a carry-on but will still fit in the overhead bin, unless you find yourself on a smaller two-seat-per-side plane. In that case, you might be pushing the size limitations.
It’s also an expandable spinner and boasts a bit more extra space than the standard spinner version. So ifyou tend to be an over-packeror are going on a longer trip, this is a great carry-on option for you.
I love TravelPro luggage because the quality speaks for itself. The TravelPro Elite comes with a detachable toiletry bag and garment bag, a built-in USB port, and details like leather handles that make this piece of luggage feel like a luxury product. While I find rollaboard pieces a bit more tricky to maneuver through a busy airport, there is a spinner version of this same bag that I might try someday soon.
Rimowa products are pretty far out of what my usual budget would be for a luggage set. But in this case, the price tag is absolutely worth it.
Something about the quality of the wheels and the storage capability practically feels like magic: How does it glide so well, even after years of being tossed into overhead bins? How does a hard shell carry-on fit so many clothes?
I’m not a Rimowa engineer, so I don’t have the answers. But if you’re looking for the highest-quality carry-on bag on the market and don’t mind a splurge, there is no better option than the Rimowa Essential Cabin Case.
The lightweight polycarbonate shell, removable flex-dividers, and built-in TSA-approved combination lock are bonuses on top of the sheer maneuverability of this bag, which is by far the best feature.
This ROAM hardside spinner is another pricey piece definitely worth the investment, especially if you like your luggage more on the luxurious end. The bag’s shell is made of 100 percent U.S. virgin polycarbonate, which means you can buff away the scuffs and scratches that inevitably accumulate on a hard shell. (If you’re a neat freak like me, the polish-ability of that finish is a huge selling point!)
ROAM suitcases are also completely customizable, from the colors and the stitching to the zipper pulls. If you aren’t picky about the stylishness of your bag, it might not be compelling enough to get past the high price point.
But if luxury is a big priority in your traveling style, this might be the bag for you. Your carry-on is with you during your whole travel journey from the airport to hotel check-in, so it makes sense to get a piece you feel excited to bring with you everywhere you go.
TravelAwaits’ managing editor Linsey Stevens recently traveled with her first piece of ROAM luggage, The Carry-On, and was “blown away” by how much she was able to pack thanks to ROAM’s innovative compression board system (think everything from a vintage quilt and silicone sand toy set for her 1-year-old to multiple packing cubes worth of clothing, two portable fans for staying cool at the beach, and even an IKEA zipper bag to check on the way back home).
She also says the suitcase is the smoothest she’s ever rolled through an airport (thanks to ROAM’s ball-bearing wheels). The only hiccup: unknowingly testing the limits of the expandable zipper option. She found herself thanking her lucky stars that a very capable Southwest flight attendant was able to zip her luggage down after it initially failed to fit in the overhead compartment. Packing lesson learned!
If you’re in the market for asmaller tote-sized carry-on, your best option is the Tecovas Weekender. The high-quality, waxed-canvas bag is lighter than I expected. Clocking in at just 5 pounds, it’s one of the roomier duffel bag options on the market.
It was designed to hold a pair of Tecovas cowboy boots, so assuming you leave those at home, you’ll have plenty of space to pack enough outfits and toiletries for a weekend trip.
It also comes with a padded removable shoulder strap, which is an absolute must for any tote or duffel-style carry-on. At this stage in life, I want my airport experience to be as comfortable as possible.
We all know there’s nothing less comfortable than waiting on the jet bridge with the full weight of a carry-on digging into your shoulder via a thin, low-quality shoulder strap. The added quality of little details like the padded shoulder strap adds up to make the Tecovas Weekender my favorite option for a tote-style carry-on.
I purchased this style of bag when I was in college, broke, and wanted to travel without paying for a checked bag. It hasn’t failed me since.
The Osprey Fairview is a much more inexpensive and low-frills option than the previous bags. If you’re looking for a backpack carry-on, it doesn’t get much better. Osprey has been around for over 40 years, and they certainly have perfected their art.
I love this bag because of all the design details that make it so versatile. It has two front pouches, including a laptop compartment, so I can easily reach all of myin-flight essentials. It unzips clamshell-style so that you can pack and unpack it the way you would a suitcase.
With hideaway zippers and compression straps that clip across the front of the bag, it feels more secure than a normal backpack — I’ve worn it in cities across the world and never felt at risk of being pickpocketed.
Osprey: Travel Bags For Women
This was the first time I purchased a travel bag specifically designed for women, and it made me wish more brands included the same type of thoughtful details. The shoulder straps curve in to suit a narrower frame.
Plus, the padded hip belt is designed to sit comfortably above your hips, taking the strain off your back and shoulders. The dimensions are perfectly suited for a woman of average build, although all of the straps are adjustable.
But the best part of the Fairview is that it easily converts into a duffel bag. A compartment on the bottom of the bag hides material that can be unfurled and zipped around both the shoulder straps and hip belt.
The bag comes with a removable shoulder strap that clips onto loops at the top and bottom. Once converted, the bag looks like it was originally designed to be a duffel — the cover perfectly matches the rest of the backpack and neatly hides away all the straps.
While not nearly as luxurious as the Tecovas Weekender, this backpack is a superb option for those on a budget or looking for something a little more versatile.
Spinners Vs. Rollaboards
One of the first decisions you must make when purchasing a new carry-on is to decide if you want a spinner suitcase or a rollaboard. Spinners have four wheels on the bottom and are pushed alongside or in front of you as you walk; rollaboards have two wheels and are designed to be pulled. Rollaboards also typically tend to have a little more room than spinners.
The best suitcase option for you depends on your own personal preferences and travel style. For instance, if you typically find yourself walking a lot between destinations with your suitcase, a rollaboard will be easier to maneuver on uneven city streets and pavements than a spinner carry-on luggage suitcase.
On the other hand, if the first thing you do when your flight lands is call a taxi to take you to your hotel, that might not be a concern.
Picture the suitcase you have now, and if you tend to find yourself pulling it or pushing it through the airport. What feels the most comfortable to you? The answer to that can inform whether a spinner suitcase or rollaboard is the better option for you.
Hard Shell Vs. Softside Luggage
Choosing between hard shell and softside luggage is another important decision to make when selecting a carry-on suitcase. The benefit of a hard shell is protection for any delicate belongings inside, as well as a firm limitation on how big that bag can get.
With softside luggage, you can squish in your belongings until the bag nearly exceeds carry-on size limitations. If you think you run the risk of stuffing your suitcase until it’s too big for the overhead bin, perhaps a hard shell is a better idea.
Travel With Confidence
It’s 2022, and carry-on suitcases have never been so thoughtfully or creatively designed. You can’t go wrong with any of these best sellers, but before you commit to a bag, spend some time thinking about what qualities are most important to you in a suitcase.
After all, your carry-on will be along your side for your entire travel journey, including hurrying through the airport to make that connection (although hopefully, this is a less frequent occurrence).
Choose a bag that will meet your personal needs and make your life easier, not harder. You deserve it.
Moe Abdollahi and his wife and two sons returned to Canada from Iran on an Air Canada flight at Pearson Airport in Toronto on August 15.
They discovered that two of their six bags were missing, and say that after a two-hour wait at the lost baggage claim, they were told they would be getting their bag in two days.
However, after numerous calls to the customer service lines over the past two weeks, Abdollahi says the family still has not received their bags and has no idea when they will be returned.
"The money is important, but I'm talking about the customer service," said Abdollahi, a pizza place owner. "Nobody respond to us. Nobody says sorry. It mean they don't care."
To make matters worse, Abdollahi says one bag contained a laptop worth about $1,500 as well as a $580 gaming console.
Abdollahi says his teenage son Amir needs the computer for school next week, so Abdollahi is faced with having to buy a new one.
"We call like ten times a day. Just one time they answered the phone and then they said your luggage is going to come after four or five hours. Like you know this happened like three or four times. Now today is like two weeks still we didn't get our luggage and then we don't know what to do," said Abdollahi's wife, Kimia Pirmoradi.
Moe Abdollahi, right, stands with his family members, next to one of the bags lost on a recent trip on Air Canada. (Submitted by Kimia Pirmoradi)
Other items missing include clothes and souvenir items purchased in Iran while visiting family. Abdollahi estimates the value at around $3,000.
Industry expert John Gradek says incidents like these are all too common this summer and this delay in getting luggage returned is par for the course. He says since the family changed planes in Dublin, Ireland on the way back from Iran through Istanbul, the luggage is most certainly still in Dublin.
"There is a major problem in Dublin. Dublin's baggage handling for connection passengers has been troublesome all summer. There are just too many bags connecting at Dublin," said Gradek, who is the academic co-ordinator of the aviation management program at McGill University.
"Dublin is very much an originating airport, not an airport that you have a lot of connections over, except for this summer where Turkish and Ryanair and EasyJet just put a lot of capacity into Dublin."
Gradek suggests the family could put in a claim with Air Canada for the monetary loss. He says there is also the Air Passenger Rights group that can help people like Abdollahi, but he expects it will take another week before the luggage is retrieved. However, he has heard of luggage taking two months to be returned from Dublin.
He suggests buying Apple AirTags for your luggage when travelling so you know where they are anywhere in the world.
CBC reached out to Air Canada about Abdollahi's luggage, and were told the company deals directly with customers, but that the "file remains open."
"Generally, we can also add that most customers do arrive with their baggage and avoiding baggage delays is a top priority for us. We know very well delays are disruptive and inconvenient for our customers," the company said in an emailed statement.
In an August 19 letter to Abdollahi obtained by CBC News, the airline has apologized for the delay, saying "due to the higher number of current requests, it may take as long as 45 days for an Air Canada representative to get back to you."
However, the airline made a contradictory statement about baggage handling in an August 17 news release on the company's website that read: "During the week of June 27, mishandling rates per 1,000 customers were approximately 2.5 times the same number in 2019. As of the week of August 8, this rate has fully recovered to 2019 levels with a baggage handling success rate of 98 per cent."
Abdollanhi said if he doesn't get the luggage back he will put in a claim to get reimbursed for the loss.
Both he and his wife say they would not use the airline again after their experience, and would pay more money to fly with another airline.
Unfortunately, it's impossible to control the status of your flight or security wait times.
Travelers crowd Terminal 1 departures hall while queueing at check-in counters in Humberto Delgado International Airport on July 09, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal.Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
But if your biggest fear is losing your bags while on vacation, there's a small $29 hack that could provide you with some much-needed sense of security: Apple's AirTags.
The silver part of the AirTag is a cap that unscrews to reveal the battery.Dave Johnson
Both airline employees and frequent travelers have recommended using the small Apple device to keep track of checked luggage while flying.
In late July, I tried this highly touted advice during a three-day work trip where I traveled across three states on a flight, two long bus rides, and several Lyft rides.
Brittany Chang/Insider
And although I never misplaced my luggage, the sense of security I got from my AirTag has convinced me I'll never travel without one in my baggage again.
The coin-sized device won't prevent an airline from losing your bags but at least you'll always have a live view of its location.
Brittany Chang/Insider
And in some instances, this up-to-date tracking has helped expedite the return of lost bags, according to anecdotal stories floating around the internet.
Unclaimed luggage piles up at London Heathrow Airport on July 8, 2022.Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
