Away Carry-On Luggage Review: Is It Worth It?

Away Carry-On Luggage Review: Is It Worth It?

One of the most popular luggage brands on the market, Away carry-ons are good quality, stylish and worth the money for those in search of a reliable bag.

Sophia Mendel
by Edited by Robin Ratcliff updated

Advertiser Disclosure

Advertiser Disclosure: ValuePenguin is an advertising-supported comparison service which receives compensation from some of the financial providers whose offers appear on our site. This compensation from our advertising partners may impact how and where products appear on our site (including for example, the order in which they appear). To provide more complete comparisons, the site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

Jump to: Read full review

Quick facts

  • Exterior measurements: 21.7 inches x 13.7 inches x 9 inches
  • Interior measurements: 20 inches x 13.5 inches
  • Weight: 8.1 pounds
  • Capacity: 39.8 liters
  • Available in carry-on and checked baggage sizes
  • Available in eight colors
  • Carry-on starts at $225
  • 100-day trial (doesn't apply to personalized luggage)
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Designed for durability
  • Made from nylon, polycarbonate, and aluminum
  • Limited lifetime warranty covering damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers and other functional elements

Pros

  • Durable
  • Ejectable USB charging port
  • Comes in various styles and colors
  • Carry-on fits in most airline overhead bins
  • Lightweight
  • Water-resistant
  • Flexible interior compression offers more packing space
  • 360° spinner wheels
  • Hidden laundry bag

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Soft-side luggage tends to be more durable than hard-side.
{"backgroundColor":"butter","content":"\n\u003Cdiv class=\"full pad align-left clearfix\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"half pad align-left clearfix\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n \u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeList--title\"\u003EPros\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--icon-check-circle\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Durable\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Ejectable USB charging port\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Comes in various styles and colors\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Carry-on fits in most airline overhead bins\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Lightweight\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Water-resistant\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Flexible interior compression offers more packing space\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n 360\u00b0 spinner wheels\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Hidden laundry bag\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"half pad align-left clearfix\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n \u003Ch3 class=\"ShortcodeList--title\"\u003ECons\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--icon-times-circle\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Expensive\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n Soft-side luggage tends to be more durable than hard-side.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003C\/ul\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n","padding":"none"}

Table of contents

Is Away luggage worth it?

Away luggage is worth it for those who prefer to use hard-sided luggage and are looking for a suitcase that’s built to last.

Based on thousands of positive internet reviews and, on the whole, very few complaints, travelers of all types love the look and feel of the Away carry-on. It comes with a multitude of features including things like:
  • An ejectable USB charging port
  • A flexible interior compression system
  • A TSA-approved combination lock and more

Best of all, consumers get a 100-day trial, after which you can exchange your bag or return it for a full refund (however, if you choose to personalize your bag, the 100-day trial won’t apply). You'll also get a limited lifetime warranty with your carry-on, which covers damages to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers and other functional elements.

It's important to note that Away focuses primarily on hard-sided luggage. If you'd prefer a soft-sided bag, you may want to consider other brands like Samsonite or Travelpro.

Who is Away carry-on luggage best for?

Away carry-on luggage is best for travelers heading on a weekend getaway, work trip or quick vacation. Because it's built to fit in the overhead compartment of most airlines, this bag is perfect for travelers who want to avoid checking a bag. With its multiple compartments and unique additional features, this bag considers every element of travel, from charging your phone to giving you a little extra packing space.

However, for those travelers looking for a sturdy bag for longer trips, the Away carry-on may not be your best option. You should consider a larger Away bag to afford you more packing space, or another soft-sided suitcase that will handle getting jostled around more gracefully.

{"backgroundColor":"ice","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"who\"\u003EWho is Away carry-on luggage best for?\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EAway carry-on luggage is best for \u003Cstrong\u003Etravelers heading on a weekend getaway, work trip or quick vacation\u003C\/strong\u003E. Because it's built to fit in the overhead compartment of most airlines, this bag is perfect for travelers who want to avoid checking a bag. With its multiple compartments and unique additional features, this bag considers every element of travel, from charging your phone to giving you a little extra packing space.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, for those travelers looking for a sturdy bag for longer trips, the Away carry-on may not be your best option. You should consider a larger Away bag to afford you more packing space, or another soft-sided suitcase that will handle getting jostled around more gracefully.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E","padding":"double"}

Benefits

The Away carry-on includes a removable TSA-approved USB port to charge your devices. Chargeable devices include all cell phones, tablets, e-readers and any other devices powered by a USB cord. This bag's charger can charge a cell phone up to four times before needing to be recharged.

The only downside is that the bag's battery takes up to eight hours to fully charge, so you'll want to charge it overnight before your trip. The good news is that you can eject the battery easily whenever you need to.

The Away carry-on features an interior compression system to help you pack more into your suitcase. This includes a compression pad with two adjustable straps to help pack down your belongings for optimal storage.

You won't need to worry about safety with the Away carry-on, as it comes with a handy TSA-approved combination lock attached. Simple to use with just a three-dial combination, you won't have to think about losing a lock key. This extra safety feature can give travelers some additional peace of mind.

One of the major benefits of the Away carry-on is that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers damages to the shell, zippers, handles, wheels and other functional elements of the suitcase — so if anything on your bag breaks or gets damaged, Away will fix or replace it for you. Note that if your bag includes a battery, it's covered by a two-year warranty.

The Away carry-on comes with a 100-day trial period. For non-personalized bags, you have 100 days to try out your suitcase, during which time you can decide to return it for a full refund or exchange it for another product. For luggage that’s been personalized, the 100-day trial does not apply, as those items are not returnable.

Some of the major selling points of the Away carry-on are its durability and sleek style. Made from water-resistant nylon and a lightweight polycarbonate and aluminum hard shell, Away luggage is built to last. This suitcase also includes 360-degree spinner wheels for maximum maneuverability. It also comes in eight different colors: black, navy, coast (light blue), green, asphalt (grey), blush (pink), brick (dark red) and sand.

Drawbacks

  • Expensive: Away carry-on bags start at $225: This is expensive, though the pricing is comparable to competing brands like Monos and Muji. When it comes to luggage, you get what you pay for — so if you're looking for a suitcase you plan to use for years to come, it may be worth it to pay more for a reliable bag.
  • Not as durable as soft-sided luggage: Hard-sided bags are great for relaxing vacations or weekend work trips. However, heartier travelers heading on more serious trips may prefer to stick with soft-sided suitcases, which tend to be sturdier and more malleable

Since Away luggage is an expensive investment, you might consider signing up for travel insurance or using a credit card with travel insurance to insure your Away bag.

How does Away luggage compare to its competitors?

Away carry-on luggage vs. Muji

Verdict: Cheaper, but not as sophisticated as the Away bag

A comparable alternative to the Away carry-on is the Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase 36L from Muji. The Muji bag features many of the same features as the Away carry-on, including a TSA-approved built-in lock, a polycarbonate shell, an adjustable handle and a similarly chic look. It also comes with a wheel stop button to lock your wheels and keep your bag in place.

Starting at only $159, the bag is much cheaper than the Away version, but has many fewer reviews and comes in fewer colors than the Away bag. With Away's warranties and 100-day trial period, we would recommend sticking with it as the better-known brand to ensure long-lasting satisfaction.

Away carry-on luggage vs. Monos

Verdict: So similar that the choice between the two is a matter of preference

The Monos carry-on is more comparably priced to the Away carry-on, starting at $220. With its own sleek design and durable build, the Monos bag has nearly identical features as the Away suitcase.

In addition to the luggage bag, the Monos carry-on also includes two shoe bags. It's also slightly larger than the Away carry-on but weighs slightly less, and also includes a 100-day trial and limited lifetime warranty. Ultimately, whether you choose Away luggage or Monos luggage will depend solely on your personal preference.

Should you get Away carry-on luggage?

You should get Away carry-on luggage if you're a traveler who prefers hard-sided luggage and appreciates the many features that come with this bag. The majority of travelers who have reviewed this bag say that it's durable, good-looking and fits perfectly in the overhead luggage compartment of most airlines. If these fit your qualifications, then the Away carry-on is likely to be a perfect fit for you. This carry-on is appropriate for a weekend getaway, work trip or vacation for most travelers.

However, if you're someone who prefers soft-sided luggage, you may want to consider a different brand. If you'd rather have a good quality suitcase without all the additional bells and whistles of Away luggage, consider a brand like Samsonite, Travelpro or Briggs & Riley.

Away Luggage FAQs

Are Away suitcases worth the money?

Yes, we feel that for most travelers, investing in an Away suitcase will be worth the money. This type of luggage is known for being durable and long-lasting, ensuring you won't need to buy another suitcase for a long time.

Is Away luggage a good brand?

Away luggage is considered to be a good brand, with thousands of positive reviews and happy customers across the internet. Away specializes in durable, stylish, good-quality luggage that’s built to last.

Are Away suitcases sold in stores?

While some Away suitcases are sold in their retail locations, other suitcases are only sold online. We recommend checking online ahead of time if you have a specific bag in mind, so you know if they'll have what you're looking for in the store.

These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.

How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.

Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).

Table of contents