Away Luggage Review: Hype or Worth It?

Away Luggage is probably the most disruptive luggage brand on the market today. They offer beautifully designed, high-quality, durable suitcases that come with one of the best warranties currently offered by any luggage brand out there.

They gained immense popularity through their strong social media presence, with a myriad of influencers and celebrities promoting the brand on social media platforms.

But is Away Luggage really worth the hype? Or are they just really good at marketing?

In this Away Luggage review, I put their products to the test to determine whether or not they’re a good investment.

(Spoiler: yes, Away luggage is stylish, functional, and durable, but I believe Monos luggage offers better bang for your buck because it offers a very similar product—with some improvements in features and quality—at a much better price.)

Away Luggage First Impressions

I first learned about Away in my Instagram feed. Their marketing is undeniably great! They are notoriously known as the suitcase brand that took over Instagram.

I was drawn to their products even before I knew much about the brand. They do a great job of communicating their vision of thoughtful travel and the way their suitcases can help you live out that vision.

When I finally got one of their cases (the Away Carry-On), the first thing that stood out to me was how good it looks in person. I mean, these look great on the website, but when I got mine, I was amazed at how sleek and stylish it looks. I couldn’t wait to take it on a trip.

Beyond looks, it also just feels well-made. The polycarbonate shell is robust, and it has a nice matte texture that feels great and will hopefully help hide scratches over time. The telescopic handle feels very sturdy and confident wheeling it around (unlike some cheap rattley ones I’ve use). The wheels rolled super smooth and whisper-quiet around my kitchen.

Lastly, when I opened it up the amount of organization features made me smile. I’d been using a cheaper suitcase for a while that had one mesh pocket and a few flimsy straps to hold things in place. The Away Carry-On (like all Away cases) was loaded with dividers, pockets, and a beefy compression system that works awesome at keeping everything neat. There’s even an included laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate!

Away Luggage Pros and Cons

Away luggage has a lot going for it. It’s beautiful, durable, and packed with features. Away owas one of the first startup direct-to-customer brands that aimed to sell luxury-level polycarbonate suitcases at more affordable price, and the value of their suitcases is impressive.

At the same time, however, Away might not be for everyone. More brands have stepped into the scene and are are offering very similar hardside suitcases at even better prices.

Who is Away Luggage?

The company was founded in New York City by two women, Jen Rubio and Steph Korey. In fact, it’s one of the highest-funded female-backed startups to date.

After Jen had a suitcase fail catastrophically in a Swiss airport, she started searching for more reliable luggage. When she couldn’t find anything that met her expectations, Jen teamed up with Steph Korey from Warber Parker to develop a hard-shell suitcase that is both beautiful and durable: Luggage for the modern traveler.

Away’s approach to luggage design is influenced by their real-world experiences as travelers. They aim to understand the needs of modern travelers and create products that cater to these needs.

Away Luggage Review

Materials

Away suitcases are primarily offered in two materials: polycarbonate and aluminum.

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that is highly resistant to impact and scratches. It is a lightweight material that is also flexible, which means it can absorb the shock of bumps and knocks during travel.

Polycarbonate suitcases are lightweight and highly durable, making them ideal for frequent travelers who want a reliable suitcase that is easy to carry. 

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is highly resistant to damage and wear. It is heavier than polycarbonate, but it provides a level of protection that is unmatched by other materials.

Away’s aluminum suitcases are heavier and very expensive, but they provide more protection and a more premium appearance. I don’t recommend buying an aluminum suitcase unless you really must have the most luxurious and sophisticated suitcase for their travels.

Away finishes of their material choices with an ultra-soft stain-resistant internal lining fabric, high-quality YKK zippers, and genuine leather trim, including a black leather luggage tag. These little details really round out the overall high-end look and feel.

Aesthetic

Away bags are known for their stylish and modern appearance. The brand has become a popular choice for anyone who wants luggage that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

There are nine standard colors to choose from—navy, petal, and asphalt are my favorite. With all the options it’s pretty easy to find a color that matches your personal style.

The brand’s signature suitcases have a hard-shell exterior, with a minimalist design and a smooth and ribbed finish that gives them a sophisticated look.

I do think there are other brands that have a more minimal, dialed-in aesthetic, though. Monos luggage looks less cluttered and clunky and has a more sleek appearance overall.

Organization

Away luggage is designed with a thoughtful organization system intended to make packing and traveling more efficient. It’s not the most innovative and misses a few features that other brands deliver, but it works pretty well.

The suitcases are designed with a variety of internal compartments and pockets, which you can use to keep everything organized and accessible.

The interior of the suitcase features a zippered compartment, which you can use to store smaller items such as toiletries, socks, and underwear.

There is a mesh panel on the interior of the suitcase to separate items and prevent them from shifting during travel.

Away luggage also includes compression straps. This is great for maximizing space in your suitcase.

In addition to the interior compartments and compression straps, some Away carry-on bags (like the Carry-On with Pocket) also have an exterior pocket, which you can use to store items that need to be easily accessible, such as passports, boarding passes, or electronics.

Durability

In the past few years, Away luggage has built a reputation for its durability and high-quality construction, in addition to its design.

My experience with the carry-on luggage, specifically their original Away Carry-On, exceeded my expectations. After over a year of use, the luggage still looks practically new! This really shifted my perspective of the brand; it’s more than just a nice-looking suitcase.

The brand’s signature hard-shell suitcases are made from high-quality polycarbonate and are designed to withstand the wear and tear of travel. It is lightweight yet strong. Away also created a custom scratch-resistant texture on their shells, which can help the suitcase maintain its appearance even after frequent use.

The smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels are designed to stand up to impacts and long-term use. However, they definitely would not be my first pick if I’ll be traveling over cobblestone streets in Europe. They just feel a bit too light and cheap for use on really rough surfaces.

Away does offer a limited lifetime warranty for its suitcases, which is a testament to their confidence in the durability and longevity of its products. 

Value

If you’re shopping for new luggage, price is going to be an important factor in your decision. You want to make sure you get a suitcase that delivers the best bang for your buck.

Away was specifically started to offer the same quality and features you see in luxury-level luggage, just at a more attainable price. Companies like RIMOWA and Briggs & Riley have been offering polycarbonate suitcases since the early 2000’s, but you have to pay an arm and leg for them. Away luggage uses the same material, same manufacturing methods, and similar features, but their luggage is half the cost.

Until recently, I’d say that Away was the best option for a high-value modern suitcase, but now other brands have stepped into the market. Monos is another brand that started a few years later than Away and makes a very similar product. Everything between these two brand is very comparable (Monos even has some advantages in organization and quality testing), but Monos is significantly cheaper.

So, does Away offer good value? Yes, but it isn’t the best anymore.

Away Luggage Dimensions & Specifications

Away’s core collection is available in 5 different sizes. This includes The Daily Carry-On, The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, The Medium, and The Large. 

To get technical, here’s the exact comparison of models based on their dimensions:

Several of the models are also available in a “flex” size. For example, you can purchase The Carry-On Flex. This means that the suitcase can be expanded using an exterior zipper to accommodate more items when needed. 

Away Luggage Features

When I think about luggage features, I want to find elements that enhance the use of the luggage. These could be unique storage or packing systems, different handles, and straps, or any creative solutions the manufacturer adds to the product.

Smooth-Rolling Wheels

Away’s 360-degree spinner wheels are a key feature of the brand’s checked and carry-on luggage. They are designed to provide a smooth and quiet rolling experience, and can rotate in any direction. 

If you’re coming from more basic luggage brands, you’ll immediately notice the difference with these wheels. These high-end wheels are whisper-quiet and very well built. They feel very premium compared to the flimsy plastic wheels you’ll find on cheaper luggage.

Compression System

Away’s interior compression system allows you to pack more efficiently and with less effort. It consists of a folding divider with a set of straps that can be tightened to compress the contents of the suitcase.

By compressing your clothes and other items, this system holds them securely in place and helps create more space in your suitcase, allowing you to pack more efficiently. This was especially helpful when I was packing bulky items like sweaters or jackets, which tend to take up a lot of room.

I found the Away compression straps in my carry-on very easy to use. I simply packed my items in the suitcase as I normally would, then covered them with the interior divider and used the straps to compress the contents.

Removable Laundry Bag

The Away removable laundry bag is a special feature of Away’s larger suitcases (checked luggage bags). This removable laundry bag is a convenient way to keep your damp or dirty clothes separate from the rest of your packed items.

The laundry bag is basically a removable pouch that attaches to the interior of the suitcase. It’s made from a water-resistant material to prevent any moisture or odor from spreading to other items in your luggage. It’s perfect for holding any dirty or damp clothes, such as bathing suits or workout clothes.

Built-In Battery

The built-in battery pack is probably my favorite feature. The battery pack is built directly into the Away carry-on bag and can be accessed through a convenient external USB port.

With this feature, you can easily charge your phone, tablet, or other electronic devices while on the go. It has enough capacity to fully charge a phone several times. I can’t tell you how much more convenient this is than hunting for an open outlet in the airport. I love being able to plug in my phone no matter where I am.

It’s worth noting that this feature is available only on the Away Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On models. 

The battery pack is designed to comply with all major airline policies and is TSA-approved. You can take it with you on your travels without any concerns about security or restrictions.

In the case that you decide to check your Away carry-on, the battery pack can be removed. The system is very easy—it comes out by simply clicking the eject button.

Exterior Pocket

If you’re looking for a luggage model that has an exterior pocket, you’ll want to go for the aptly named Away “Carry-On with Pocket.”

This carry-on suitcase includes an exterior pocket to provide additional storage space for anyone who needs quick access to essential items during their journey. The pocket is located on the front of the suitcase and is secured with a durable zipper.

There is a padded sleeve for a laptop or tablet, which can hold a device up to 15 inches in size. This pocket is lined with a soft, protective material that helps to keep your device safe and secure during transit.

In addition to the laptop sleeve, the exterior pocket also has a range of smaller compartments for storing items like phones, chargers, passports, boarding passes, and other travel essentials.

Away Luggage Accessories

If you’re interested in adding more functionality and style to your travel gear, Away has an assortment of accessories that can help you optimize your travel experience.

Packing Cubes

One of their most popular accessories are the Away packing cubes, which come in sets of four or six, and are designed to fit perfectly inside their suitcases. 

The sets include cubes of different sizes. This is important since you’ll want different options for your pants vs. your socks. 

They are designed with a mesh panel on top, making it easy to identify the contents inside without having to unpack or open everything. This is great for when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to disrupt the rest of your packed items.

The biggest advantage of the packing cubes is their compatibility with Away suitcases. The cubes are designed to fill an Away suitcase and work with their compression straps, so you can really maximize your packing space.They can also be stored flat when not in use, which is a great space-saving feature.

Although packing cubes are not necessary for everyone, they definitely make the packing process more convenient and less stressful for me. 

Garment Sleeve

Another accessory offered by Away is the garment sleeve, which you can use to store and transport formal wear or other delicate clothing items. 

Made with water-resistant nylon, this garment sleeve is perfect for protecting  suits, dresses, or any other hanging clothes that you want to keep wrinkle-free. If you’re traveling with a suit, this is a perfect addition to any men’s luggage. The material also feels durable and well-made, giving me confidence that my clothes will be safe and protected during transit.

One of the things I appreciate about the garment bag is its ability to clip inside The Bigger Carry-On luggage. This is a game-changer for those of us who like to keep our luggage organized and tidy. No more struggling with multiple bags or having to carry an additional garment bag. 

The organizational details of the bag also help keep everything in its place, with tiered loops that can fit multiple hangers and two zippered pockets for storing accessories or jewelry.

Another feature I love about this garment sleeve is its internal structure. It helps to keep clothes secure and wrinkle-free during transit. The bag opens vertically, making it easy to pack and access my clothes without having to dig through layers of clothing. 

The metal hook on top also comes in handy for easily hanging the bag up upon arrival.

Shoe Cube

If you’re like me, packing shoes can be a bit of a challenge when traveling. That’s why I was excited to try out the Away Shoe Cubes. 

Like the packing cubes and garment bag, the shoe cubes are also made from water-resistant nylon.

One of the features I appreciate about the shoe cubes is the collapsible divider, which allows you to store and separate multiple pairs of shoes. This makes it easy to keep your shoes organized, clean, and easy to access when you need them. The handle is also a nice touch, making it easy to carry or hang the cubes when needed.

I’ve just used a plastic bag for years, and this is a huge upgrade overall! 

The last thing worth noting is that the shoe cubes can be stored flat when not in use. Although, I find myself using the storage bag in my closet at home, even when not traveling. 

Toiletry Bag

The Away Toiletry Bag is a small zippered case that exhibits Away’s functional design and attention to detail. It has an array of features that make it perfect for keeping your toiletries organized on the go.

One of the features I appreciate about the Away Small Toiletry Bag is its exterior zip pocket. This is great for storing grab-and-go items, making them easily accessible during your travels.

The water-resistant nylon body and coated wipeable interior make this bag easy to clean in case of any spills.

Inside the bag, there are two separate transparent and mesh interior pockets, perfect for keeping your products organized and easy to access. The clamshell opening also makes it easy to pack and access your essentials quickly and efficiently.

While this is the small version of the toiletry bag, it still has plenty of space for most of my travel-sized toiletries. It’s also lightweight, which is important when you’re trying to keep your luggage weight down.

It’s worth noting that Away also sells a larger version and a hanging version of this toiletry bag. These are great if you travel frequently or needs a bit more space for your toiletries.

Where to Buy Away Luggage

Overall, purchasing from Away’s website is the easiest and most direct way to buy their luggage. Their suitcases can be purchased directly from their website. 

Away offers free shipping on all orders within the United States, as well as free returns within 100 days of purchase.

While Away is primarily an online store but they do have retail locations in major cities around the US and UK. If you happen to be in a large city like New York or London, it can be fun to pop into the store and get a feel for the luggage in person. You can check out the full list of their physical locations on their website.

Away Luggage Alternatives

Away has become a popular luggage brand in recent years, but there are several alternative options available if you’re looking for similar products.

The top brands I would recommend looking into as alternatives are Monos, July, and Samsonite.

Away vs. Monos

Monos offers a range of hardside suitcases that are very comparable to Away. While Away suitcases are great, Monos outperforms them in almost every way. Monos luggage is tougher, has better internal organization, and even costs less across the board.

Both brands’ suitcases are remarkably similar in the features they offer. Both have interior organization systems with folding dividers and compression straps, well-engineered spinner wheels, integrated TSA-approved locks, and sturdy aluminum handles. Both use high-quality materials such as polycarbonate for the hardshell exterior of their suitcases, but Monos also uses aircraft-grade aluminum reinforcement for added strength.

All in all, I think you’ll be much better off with a suitcase from Monos than one from Away. Monos puts their suitcases through some ridiculous durability testing, and the difference really shows in the quality. If you want a suitcase that will last forever, Monos is a better choice than Away.

To learn more, check out our full Monos luggage review.

Away vs. July

In terms of design, Away and July bags have a similar look but there are some subtle differences between them as well. For instance, Away suitcases are ribbed while July suitcases are less textured and have a smooth exterior with one dividing line. Additionally, July luggage has a wider range of color options available and a little bit of a sporty feel, while Away offers a minimalist subdued color pallet.

Both Away and July bags come with several convenient features such as built-in USB chargers and TSA-approved locks.

One feature that sets July apart is personalization. When you purchase a bag from July, you can request a custom personalization printed on your carry-on or checked bag. This could be your name or a fun word to be printed on your bag. The personalization will always make it easy to find your bag on the baggage carousel.

When it comes to cost, Away’s products are slightly cheaper than those from July.

In my eyes, there’s no clear winner when it comes to comparing Away and July luggage – it depends on your individual needs and preferences. 

Away vs. Samsonite

Away and Samsonite are two popular luggage brands with distinct differences in price, design, and features. 

Samsonite is a well-established brand that has been around for over 100 years, while Away is a newer brand that has gained popularity in recent years.

Samsonite tends to be more affordable than Away. Samsonite offers a wide range of luggage at different price points, including budget-friendly options. In contrast, Away’s luggage tends to be more expensive, with prices starting around $200 for their most basic carry-on suitcase.

Design-wise, both brands offer a range of options, but their aesthetics are very different. Samsonite’s designs tend to be more traditional and conservative, with a focus on durability and functionality.

Away’s designs are more modern and stylish, with a focus on minimalism and practicality. Away’s luggage features hard-shell exteriors in a range of colors, while Samsonite offers both hard and soft-shell exteriors and comes in more old-school styles and colors.

Overall, Samsonite luggage is a good option for those looking for affordable, traditional luggage with a focus on durability. Away is a good option for those looking for stylish, modern luggage with unique features to make travel more convenient.

Away Luggage FAQs