Years ago, while passing through Munich International Airport, I had a truly mortifying travel moment: my overstuffed, flimsy suitcase burst open on the baggage claim belt, sending my clothes spilling everywhere. I’ll never forget the older man who kindly handed me my underwear — his face marked by a look of secondhand embarrassment. After that, I made myself a promise: never again would I travel with a cheap suitcase.
When it came time to finally invest in quality luggage, I didn’t hesitate. About seven years ago, I bought my first piece from Away Luggage, and I haven’t looked back since.
The brand was founded in 2015 to create durable, stylish, and functional travel gear. They offer a range of hard-shell suitcases in various sizes, along with packing accessories and travel bags.
I started with the Bigger Carry-On in light pink (later upgraded to the expandable version in black), then added The Large in black for longer trips, and most recently, The Medium (also in black) — now my go-to whenever I need to check a bag. It’s safe to say I’m an Away loyalist for life.
From the cobblestones of Rome to the icy roads of Reykjavík, these bags have handled every kind of terrain, including choppy ferry rides in Bora Bora and dirt tracks of Patagonia — and they still look and work great.
Through it all, my Away luggage has never let me down. And on the rare occasion something did go wrong, their customer service made it right instantly — often replacing a part (or even the whole suitcase) with just one quick email or call.
For starters, you get incredibly durable and high-quality suitcases for a great price point. The brand’s original line of suitcases costs $395 or less. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and now have dozens of accessories such as packing cubes, tote bags and more that fit perfectly with all Away luggage.
Away offers a 100-day trial (or return policy) and an incredible lifetime warranty. It covers:
Pros:
Cons:
For those who prize stylish durability, you can’t go wrong with The Away Bigger Carry-On Flex. The expandable suitcase provides ample space for your belongings while remaining flight-compliant. Made with a polycarbonate hard shell and an interior compression system, it has 360-degree spinner wheels, a hidden laundry bag and even a TSA-approved lock for security. Whether you’re jetting across the world or only have a 2-hour flight, this carry-on suitcase will not disappoint in the functionality or style department.
Exterior Dimensions: 22.7 inches x 15.4 inches x 9.6 inches (expands to 11.2 inches deep) | Interior Dimensions (not expanded): 21 inches x 14.5 inches| Weight: 8.6 pounds | Capacity: 47.9 Liters (expands to 53.5 Liters)
Note: dimensions include wheels.
While I’ve tried a variety of Away models over the years, these days The Bigger Carry-On Flex, The Medium and The Large are on constant rotation depending on my travel needs.
For long weekends, I reach for The Bigger Carry-On Flex. When I’m checking a bag but still want to travel light, The Medium gives me the extra space without the bulk. The Large is my go-to for extended getaways, big moves, or trips where I’ll be planted in one or two places — like a tropical escape to Hawaii with stops on a couple of islands. But if I’m hopping between cities every few days, especially in Europe with cobblestones galore, I’ll stick with The Medium to avoid lugging too much around.
While you can pretty much throw your Away luggage across the room without worrying about real damage, like any hard-shell suitcase, expect a few scuffs and scratches after some use. When I was choosing my first Bigger Carry-On, I debated between classic black and light pink. In the end, I went with the fun choice: pink. Both the carry-on and my black Medium suitcase have their fair share of markings, but nothing that detracts from their overall look or quality. The structure has held up beautifully, and the cosmetic wear is just a sign of well-traveled bags.
As previously mentioned in this review, a few years later, I upgraded to The Bigger Carry-On Flex in black, not because of damage, but because adulting meant trading pink for black and finally admitting I always overpack.
The interior compression systems within each of Away’s luggage have been a game-changer when it comes to the number of items I take.
Just a few months before the pandemic hit, I traveled to Iceland for four nights in January 2020. (It was an unforgettable experience and my last international trip for nearly a year, though I’d recommend going in spring for longer daylight and more predictable weather.) I managed to pack snow boots, sneakers, two thick cable-knit sweaters, and all my other cold-weather essentials into my Bigger Carry-On.
Similarly, in 2024, I packed for two climates on a 2.5-week trip to Argentina using my Medium suitcase, which held thick sweaters, denim, rain boots, a puffer jacket, and more — no problem at all.
Other features include a durable polycarbonate shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved combination lock for enhanced security, an interior compression system to help maximize packing space, water-resistant polyester laundry bag, an additional grab handle (located on the underside for easy lifting) and my favorite spec of all, a nesting capability for efficient storage at home.
Away offers a couple of fun ways to make your suitcase feel more personal. For $50, you can add a hand-painted monogram (up to three letters) by New York artist Jen Mussari, with several font and color options to choose from. While this is my favorite customization feature by far, you can also add an engraved luggage tag for $10 if you’re looking for something more subtle.
All three suitcases were put through the wringer over seven years of travel, tested on multiple flights across a range of airlines, including tiny hopper planes in French Polynesia during my honeymoon. They endured hotel transfers, baggage claims, car rides, and plenty of overhead bin Tetris. Each was packed to full capacity (not a hard feat!) to assess space and structure. For the carry-on, I also ran it through TSA checkpoints to evaluate ease of laptop removal, liquid access, and bin compatibility.
Each bag was scored using the following criteria:
As a travel enthusiast and commerce journalist of nearly seven years, I’ve tried my fair share of suitcases over the years. Even when my sister worked at another luxury luggage brand for four years, I didn’t take advantage of her (very generous) family discount. My loyalty to Away runs too deep.
I love how sleek they look, how easy they glide and most importantly, how long they last! With 40 countries under my belt and plans to check many more off the list in the coming years, I can happily say that I won’t be letting go of my Away Luggage anytime soon.
Summary of why the brand is a standout:
Design: Away luggage is lightweight but sturdy, making it easy to carry but amazing for long trips where you find yourself rolling your suitcase for miles or going in and out of airports. The brand’s 360-degree spinner wheels are designed to roll forward, so they’re easy to maneuver, even when going over cobblestone, brick or uneven terrain. Suitcases also feature a side handle — a small feature that you’ll come to appreciate if you’re trying to place the bag overhead on a plane or train’s top rack. It also doesn’t hurt that Away Luggage is incredibly stylish; available in easy-to-spot but demure colors, it’s the ideal choice for the traveler wanting a sophisticated and modern option.
Durability: While Away Luggage has a variety of options, it’s really known for its high-impact shell suitcases. They’re not too heavy but are durable. I’ve experienced minimal scuffing on mine — and that’s after years of using them for multiple trips.
Warranty: Away offers a limited lifetime warranty. If the handle of your suitcase breaks, a zipper refuses to close or the outer shell cracks, you’ll receive a full refund. The date you purchased the suitcase matters, so make sure to read the brand’s warranty page for more info.
If you’re considering giving Away Luggage a try, you’ve got nothing to lose and all the world to see.
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