Hey there, fellow traveler! If you‘ve been anywhere near social media lately, I bet you‘ve spotted those sleek, colorful Away suitcases rolling through airports and train stations across your feed. The trendy luggage brand has skyrocketed to popularity over the past few years, thanks to its modern design, celeb collaborations, and promise of a seamless travel experience.
But with prices starting at $200+ for a carry-on, you‘re probably wondering if Away suitcases are really worth the hype (and the cash). As a bona fide travel junkie who‘s tested my fair share of luggage over the years, I decided to get my hands on a few of Away‘s bestselling pieces and put them through their paces.
In this brutally honest Away luggage review, I‘m giving you my unfiltered take on the brand‘s quality, features, style, and overall value. I‘m dishing on the good, the bad, and everything in between to help you decide if Away deserves a coveted spot in your travel collection. So buckle up and let‘s dive in!
Who is Away, Anyway?
First, a quick crash course on the brand behind the ‘Gram‘s favorite suitcases. Away was founded in 2015 by business babes Stephanie Korey and Jen Rubio, whose goal was to create "first class luggage at a coach price." Before launching Away, Korey and Rubio had backgrounds at trendy startups like Warby Parker, and it shows in the brand‘s hip, minimalist aesthetic and savvy digital marketing.
Away started with a single product, The Carry-On, and has since expanded into checked luggage, bags and travel accessories ranging from packing cubes to pet carriers. The brand still primarily sells online to keep costs down, but has opened a few sleek brick-and-mortar stores in cities like New York and London.
In addition to disrupting an old-school industry with its DTC model and affordable-yet-premium approach, Away is known for its creative collabs and capsule collections. They‘ve released limited-edition lines with celebs like Serena Williams and Rashida Jones, as well as niche brands like Flour Shop and the NBA. Basically, they‘re the luggage equivalent of that ultra-cool girl you desperately want to be friends with.
Another fun fact I love: from the beginning, Away has pledged to donate a portion of their profits to the non-profit Peace Direct, which works to build peace in areas of conflict around the globe. As an eco-conscious travel lover, I‘m always excited to see brands using their platform (and funds) to make the world a little bit better.
Okay, enough background info – let‘s get to the goods! Here are my honest reviews of Away‘s most popular suitcase styles and sizes:
Away The Carry-On Review
Price: From $295
Let‘s start with the OG Away suitcase: The Carry-On. Available in both standard and "Bigger" sizes, this is the bag that launched a thousand flat-lays (and the brand itself).
The stats:
- Exterior measurements (including wheels): 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"
- Interior measurements: 20" x 13.5"
- Weight: 8.1 lbs
- Capacity: 39.8L
- Available in 7 standard colors and frequent limited-edition hues
So how does it feel in action? In a word: dreamy. The first thing you notice is how surprisingly lightweight the polycarbonate shell is – even when stuffed to the gills, it‘s never a struggle to hoist into the overhead bin. Yet the bag still feels reassuringly sturdy, like it could survive being flung across the tarmac by ruthless baggage handlers (not that you‘ll ever have to gate check it, of course).
The 360° spinner wheels are hands-down the smoothest I‘ve ever used; they make weaving through crowded terminal hallways and uneven city sidewalks a breeze. Other standout features include the TSA-approved combination lock, interior compression system, and hidden laundry bag that keeps grubby clothes separate.
And speaking of the interior, can we talk about how huge it is?! For a carry-on, The Carry-On has a deceptively cavernous main compartment that easily swallows an entire vacation‘s worth of outfits and shoes. The zippered mesh compartments and buckled compression straps keep everything tidy and in place during transit.
The one feature I‘m slightly torn on is the ejectable battery that comes built into the suitcase for on-the-go phone charging. It‘s undeniably convenient when your battery hits the red zone mid-flight, but it‘s also one more thing to remove at security and remember to put back in before boarding. Some travelers may find the battery more hassle than it‘s worth.
Aesthetically, The Carry-On is a stunner. The sleek, gently-tapered silhouette and range of sophisticated colorways prove that you don‘t have to sacrifice style for function. I also appreciate the luxe leather details like the luggage tag and top and side handles – they elevate the bag and help it stand out in a sea of generic black wheelies.
My honest take? If you‘re in the market for a practical, spacious carry-on that also makes a fashion statement, The Carry-On is an excellent pick and well worth the $200+ price tag. This suitcase should last for years of adventures and only look better with age.
Away The Bigger Carry-On Review
Price: From $295
All the same great features as the original Carry-On, just supersized! The Bigger Carry-On measures 22.7" x 14.7" x 9.6" including wheels – a smidge taller and wider than the standard size. That extra bit of space makes a big difference in terms of packability; I‘d estimate you can squeeze in 2-3 more outfits and an extra pair of shoes.
I personally reach for The Bigger Carry-On when I‘m taking shorter trips in the 5 days-2 weeks range and want to maximize my space without venturing into checked bag territory. Think: a 10-day Europe jaunt where you need a mix of city and country ‘fits, or a week at the beach where bulky items like towels and hats require more room.
One caveat: The Bigger Carry-On is just over most US airlines‘ 22" x 14" x 9" size limit for carry-on luggage. You won‘t have a problem in a standard overhead bin, but if you‘re flying on a smaller regional jet you may have to gate check it. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of!
Away The Medium Review
Price: From $375
Next up: Away‘s OG checked luggage. At 26" tall and with a roomy 68.8L capacity, The Medium is the perfect size for a 1-2 week trip, or if you need space for things like ski gear or super bulky items.
Feature-wise, The Medium has a lot in common with Away‘s carry-ons: a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate shell, interior compression system, laundry bag, and three zippered mesh compartments for organization. It also adds a couple handy details tailored for checked travel, like a leather luggage tag (essential for bag claim!) and a telescoping handle that tucks away flush with the bag when not in use.
As someone who chronically overpacks, I appreciate that the bag‘s clamshell design allows you to pack both sides evenly without things shifting around in transit. The zippered divider and compression straps keep clothes wrinkle-free. And the suitcase itself is surprisingly lightweight for a checked bag at just 9.9 lbs.
The one downside of The Medium is that it doesn‘t come with an ejectable battery; you‘ll have to BYO portable charger. But since you can‘t use the battery while the bag is checked anyway, I don‘t really see this as a huge loss.
Away The Large Review
Price: From $375
If you need serious space, The Large is your bag – this baby clocks in at a whopping 29" tall with 99.2L of packable space. It‘s honestly big enough to climb inside (not that I… uh, tried that).
The Large has all the same specs and features as The Medium, just with a little more wiggle room: polycarbonate shell, leather details, interior compression, zippered mesh compartments, the whole nine yards. It also includes a built-in TSA-approved lock to ensure your stuff is safe and secure in the hold.
Other than the obvious space upgrade, the main difference between The Large and The Medium is the weight – at 11.6 lbs, this suitcase is a bit more of a beast to wrangle off the luggage belt. But in the grand scheme of large checked bags, it‘s still pretty lightweight; I‘ve definitely struggled with clunkier 30"+ options.
The Large is ideal if you‘re traveling for multiple weeks, need to pack for multiple people/occasions, or are hauling home major souvenirs or shopping sprees. I also recommend it if you‘re moving across the country or studying abroad, as it‘s rugged enough to survive being checked and thrown around regularly.
The Verdict: So, Are Away Suitcases Really Worth It?!
Drumroll, please… in this Away luggage aficionado‘s opinion, YES, these suitcases are absolutely worth the investment for frequent travelers. Let‘s break down the pros:
- Lightweight yet ultra-durable polycarbonate shells and YKK zippers
- Smooth, quiet spinner wheels that glide over any surface
- Genius interior organization systems with compression, laundry bags, and zippered compartments
- Ejectable batteries for on-the-go charging in carry-on sizes
- Sleek, streamlined design in a range of chic colors
- Limited lifetime warranty on the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers
- Option for free monogramming to make your suitcase easy to spot on the carousel
While Away suitcases aren‘t cheap (you‘re looking at $300+ for most options), in my experience, they‘re an investment that will pay for itself in ease of use, peace of mind, and sheer longevity. I‘ve dragged my Carry-On across snowy tundras and cobblestone alleys alike, and aside from a few scuffs, it still looks and functions like new with years of use.
Plus, Away‘s affirming lifetime warranty and 100-day free trial help you feel confident that you‘re getting the best possible value for your dollar.That said, if you‘re more of an occasional traveler who takes 1-2 big trips per year, there are definitely more budget-friendly suitcase options out there that will suit your needs just fine (I‘m a fan of CalPak and Travelpro for affordable yet well-made pieces).
But if you‘re a digital nomad, road warrior, or just someone who values effortless functionality and durability above all else? Away is absolutely the way to go. And if you ask me, the pure, unadulterated joy you‘ll feel rolling up to the airport with your sleek, shiny Away in tow is worth the price tag alone.
Ready to Get Away?
So there you have it – the unfiltered scoop on Away‘s best-selling luggage, from someone who‘s put them through their paces around the globe. I hope this deep dive helped you decide if investing in an Away suitcase is the right move for your travel needs and aesthetic.
Of course, everyone‘s preferences and budgets are different, so there‘s really no universal "best luggage" out there. But if you‘re ready to trade your ratty old duffel for a beautiful, functional suitcase that will only look better with age and adventures? I can‘t recommend Away enough.
To sweeten the deal, here are a few insider tips for snagging your dream Away:
- Keep an eye out for Away‘s rare sales (usually around Black Friday/Cyber Monday and their anniversary in February)
- Check their "We‘re Having a Sale" section for deals on gently-used pieces and limited-edition colors
- Sign up for their email list for a heads up on new launches and collabs
- Consider investing in a set (like The Carry-On and The Medium) for a better value
- Opt for a less popular or limited-edition color to score a deal on resale sites like eBay or Poshmark
As a final thought – remember, a suitcase is so much more than a vessel for your stuff. It‘s a symbol of all the adventures, detours, and straight up magic that await you out in the great, wide world. And if you ask me? That‘s worth investing in.
Here‘s to many joyful journeys ahead, friends! If you have any Away questions I didn‘t cover or tips to share, leave ‘em in the comments. And if you do end up pulling the trigger on a new Away, tag me in your airport OOTD so I can live vicariously through your jet-setting!
Until next time – stay curious, stay kind, and never stop exploring.
Bon voyage!
[Your Name]
Away Luggage Statistics and Data
| Model | Exterior (in) | Interior (in) | Weight (lb) | Capacity (L) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Carry-On | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 | 20 x 13.5 | 8.1 | 39.8 | $295 |
| The Bigger Carry-On | 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 | 21 x 14.5 | 8.4 | 47.9 | $295 |
| The Medium | 26 x 18.5 x 11 | 24 x 17.5 | 9.9 | 68.8 | $375 |
| The Large | 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 | 27 x 19.5 | 11.6 | 99.2 | $375 |
Prices as of May 2023, exclusive of tax. Capacities are approximate based on Away‘s estimates.
