Bag Fit Guides
Does the Away Softside Carry-On fit on Alaska?
Short answer: yes, it fits. The Away Softside Carry-On clears Alaska's 22×14×9" carry-on limit at 21.5×14×9", with the tightest margin being 0" to spare.
You love your Away Softside Carry-On for its sleek design and smooth ride, but will it slide past Alaska's gate agents?
Short answer: yes, it fits. The Away Softside Carry-On clears Alaska's 22×14×9" carry-on limit at 21.5×14×9", with the tightest margin being 0" to spare.
Yes, the Away Softside Carry-On fits within Alaska Airlines' published cabin-bag limit of 22 by 14 by 9 inches. The bag's longest side clears with just half an inch to spare, while the middle and shortest sides hit the limit exactly.
How the Away Softside Carry-On measures up against Alaska
| Dimension | This bag | Limit | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longest side | 21.5" | 22" | 0.5" to spare |
| Middle side | 14" | 14" | Exactly at the line |
| Shortest side | 9" | 9" | Exactly at the line |
What counts toward the size
Airlines measure your bag at its largest points, and that includes the wheels, handles, and any bulging front pockets. The numbers above (21.5×14×9") are the bag's external dimensions, so that's exactly what a gate agent's sizer sees. Don't count on squishing it or tucking in a handle to gain space, what's on the spec sheet is what gets measured.
What happens at the gate
Fits, but it's snug; an overstuffed or expanded bag could push it over. Pack light and avoid bulging zippers to keep it under the radar.
What you're paying for
The Away Softside Carry-On is a popular choice for its stylish look and smooth-rolling wheels, but how does it hold up against Alaska's sizer?
- Owners rave about the bag's lightweight build and durable materials, making it a reliable travel companion.
- The 21.5-inch length leaves just half an inch of wiggle room, so pack mindfully to avoid overstuffing.
- Reviewers appreciate the bag's multiple compartments for organized packing, even if it means sacrificing a bit of space.
Better options that fit Alaska
If you're looking for other options that fit Alaska's sizer, consider these alternatives:
- Samsonite Voltage DLX Global Carry-On Spinner (22×14×9", $125.99). See it →
- Travelpro Maxlite® 5 Rolling Underseat Carry-On (16×13×8", $135). See it →
- Calpak Luka Mini Carry-On Luggage (16×12×8", $185). See it →
Does the Away Softside Carry-On fit other airlines?
You booked Alaska this time, but bags outlive itineraries. Here's how the Away Softside Carry-On (21.5×14×9") stacks up against other major carriers' cabin limits.
| Airline | Cabin limit | Does it fit? |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 21.6×15.7×7.9" | No (over by 1.1") |
| easyJet | 22×17.7×9.8" | Yes (0.5" to spare) |
| Wizz Air | 21.6×15.7×9.1" | Tight (0.1" to spare) |
| British Airways | 22×17.7×9.8" | Yes (0.5" to spare) |
| Jet2 | 22×17.7×9.8" | Yes (0.5" to spare) |
| Lufthansa | 21.7×15.7×9.1" | Tight (0.1" to spare) |
| American / Delta / United | 22×14×9" | Tight (0" to spare) |
| Southwest | 24×16×10" | Yes (1" to spare) |
Frequently asked questions
Will the Away Softside Carry-On fit as Alaska's free personal item?
No. At 21.5×14×9" it's a full-size carry-on, not a personal item. Personal items have to fit under the seat (much smaller, roughly 18×14×8" or less), so the Away Softside Carry-On travels as your cabin bag.
Does overpacking or expanding the bag change whether it fits?
Yes, watch it. The bag fits at its listed size with only 0" to spare on its tightest side, so an expansion zipper or an overstuffed bag can push it over. Pack it flat.
Bottom line
The Away Softside Carry-On clears Alaska's carry-on limit, but its snug fit means you'll need to pack strategically. If you prefer more wiggle room or a different style, check out the alternatives above.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our verdict, our measurements don't care who pays us.
