All about the battery

Note: Our Classic suitcases no longer come with a battery, and the current design does not accommodate adding a battery. The information on this page only applies to our Classic suitcases sold prior to July 2023 with a battery already included.

Some Away Carry-Ons have a removable 37-watt lithium-ion battery located underneath the handle. The battery is allowed in the cabin and can be carried onto any flight.

We know that plans (and airline policies) are subject to change, which is why we designed the battery to be quickly removable from the start, making it compliant (and convenient) at any airport in the world. As more people traveled with our Carry-Ons and told us about their experiences, we learned that many of our customers wanted to be able to remove the battery even faster, so we developed a battery that could be instantly ejected.

If you have a Carry-On with our original battery module and would like to install an ejectable battery module in it, we have 3 free ways for you to make the switch. Learn more here.

Why would I need to remove the battery?

• If you're checking your Carry-On
  If you check or gate-check your Carry-On, you are required to remove the battery and bring it into the cabin with you (where you can keep using it to charge your devices).
• If you’re flying out of Asia
  We recommend removing the battery before you go through security in Asia—they have different airport security regulations, so this will make your trip a little smoother. You can replace it once you’re through.
• If you’re carrying on a Delta or United Airlines flight
  If you are carrying onto a Delta or United Airlines flight, the gate agent may ask you to demonstrate that the battery is removable. You can easily remove the battery from our Carry-Ons and bring it into the cabin with you (where you can keep using it to charge your devices).

How do I remove the battery?

Our current Carry-On has an ejectable battery—just open the port, press down on the battery, and release. It will pop right out.

If you have a Carry-On with our original design, the battery doesn’t eject but it can still be removed in seconds. Just unzip the interior lining and use the included TSA-approved screwdriver to open the port and slide the battery out. If you need any help or a new (free!) screwdriver, let us know at help@awaytravel.com

Want to get an ejectable battery installed in your Carry-On for free? We have three ways for you to make the switch, so you can instantly remove your battery anytime for any reason.

Can I update the battery module in my Carry-On with an ejectable one?

Yes! If you purchased a Carry-On with our original battery module, we have three free ways to switch out the module in the Carry-On you already own and love with a new ejectable one (and two options for non-US customers too). Click here to pick the one that works best for your travel schedule.

Is this approved to fly?

All the way. Every Carry-On is approved to be carried on to any flight (with the battery in place) or to be checked (with the battery removed) and complies with all regulations from individual airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Department of Transportation (DOT), and meets UN/DOT 38.3 requirements.

What if the airline asks me about the battery?

Since these policies are still new, everyone at the airlines (or in line at security) might not be as up-to-date as you. If an employee ever has a question about your bag (or the rules), you can find the policies of the major US airlines below.

American Airlines
"You can travel with these bags as a carry-on bag. If the bag needs to be checked or valeted you must remove the battery and carry it with you."
From American Airline's policy page as of February 1, 2018.

Delta
"Customers checking a smart bag with a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it and take it with them into the cabin. Customers carrying-on a smart bag containing a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it from the designed enclosure prior to boarding the aircraft. This is consistent with Delta's policy today requiring customers to place spare lithium-ion batteries in their carry-on luggage."

"Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage."
From Delta Airline's official statement and from their policy page as of February 13, 2018.

United Airlines
"Effective July 9, lithium batteries that are installed in any checked or carry-on baggage must be removed by the customer. Once removed, these batteries can be transported on board."
From United Airline's policy page as of July 9, 2018.

To learn more on how to use your battery safely, click here.