Why the suitcases are worth it…
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Years in the past, while passing through Munich International Airport, I had a really mortifying journey second: my overstuffed, flimsy suitcase burst open on the baggage declare belt, sending my garments spilling in every single place. I’ll never neglect 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 journey with a low-cost suitcase.
When it got here time to finally invest in high quality baggage, I didn’t hesitate. About seven years in the past, I purchased my first piece from Away Luggage, and I haven’t appeared back since.
The model was based in 2015 to create sturdy, fashionable, and purposeful journey gear. They offer a vary of hard-shell suitcases in numerous sizes, along with packing equipment and journey luggage.
I began with the Bigger Carry-On in mild pink (later upgraded to the expandable model in black), then added The Large in black for longer journeys, and most not too long ago, The Medium (also in black) — now my go-to whenever I need to test a bag. It’s protected to say I’m an Away loyalist for life.
From the cobblestones of Rome to the icy roads of Reykjavík, these luggage have dealt with every form of terrain, including uneven ferry rides in Bora Bora and filth tracks of Patagonia — and they still look and work great.
Through it all, my Away baggage has never let me down. And on the uncommon event one thing did go incorrect, their customer support made it proper immediately — often changing a half (or even the entire suitcase) with just one fast electronic mail or call.
What makes Away different?
For starters, you get extremely sturdy and high-quality suitcases for a great price level. The model’s unique line of suitcases prices $395 or less. They come in a selection of colours and sizes and now have dozens of equipment such as packing cubes, tote luggage and more that match completely with all Away baggage.
Away baggage guarantee
Away gives a 100-day trial (or return coverage) and an unbelievable lifetime guarantee. It covers:
Cracks or breaks in the shell
Wheels, handles, or telescoping handles that break off and are no longer usable
Zippers that can no longer be opened or closed
Fabric tears that render the entrance pocket cloth non-functional
Away
Pros:
Spacious and light-weight
Durable onerous shell
360° spinner wheels
Built-in detachable USB charger
The Flex model gives further packing space when needed
Interior options a compression system and a detachable laundry bag to help keep packing organized
Cons:
When flying on smaller planes or worldwide flights, the Bigger Carry-On (particularly the expandable model) could not match in all overhead bins
For those who prize fashionable sturdiness, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with The Away Bigger Carry-On Flex. The expandable suitcase supplies ample space for your belongings while remaining flight-compliant. Made with a polycarbonate onerous shell and an inside 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 won’t disappoint in the performance or type division.
Away Luggage Dimensions
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 kilos | Capacity: 47.9 Liters (expands to 53.5 Liters)
Note: dimensions embrace wheels.
My Away Luggage Review
While I’ve tried a selection of Away fashions over the years, these days The Bigger Carry-On Flex, The Medium and The Large are on fixed rotation relying on my journey wants.
For long weekends, I attain for The Bigger Carry-On Flex. When I’m checking a bag but still need to journey mild, The Medium provides me the further space without the bulk. The Large is my go-to for prolonged getaways, big strikes, or journeys where I’ll be planted in one or two locations — like a tropical escape to Hawaii with stops on a couple of islands. But if I’m hopping between cities every few days, particularly in Europe with cobblestones galore, I’ll stick with The Medium to keep away from lugging an excessive amount of around.
Pictured: The Bigger Carry-On Flex & The Large
Durability
While you’ll be able to just about throw your Away baggage across the room without worrying about real injury, like any hard-shell suitcase, anticipate a few scuffs and scratches after some use. When I used to be selecting my first Bigger Carry-On, I debated between basic black and mild pink. In the end, I went with the enjoyable selection: pink. Both the carry-on and my black Medium suitcase have their honest share of markings, but nothing that detracts from their total look or high quality. The construction has held up fantastically, and the beauty put on is just a signal of well-traveled luggage.
As beforehand talked about in this review, a few years later, I upgraded to The Bigger Carry-On Flex in black, not because of injury, but because adulting meant trading pink for black and finally admitting I always overpack.
Size and Space
The inside compression systems within each of Away’s baggage have been a game-changer when it comes to the quantity of objects I take.
Just a few months before the pandemic hit, I traveled to Iceland for 4 nights in January 2020. (It was an unforgettable expertise and my last worldwide journey for practically a 12 months, though I’d advocate going in spring for longer daylight and more predictable climate.) I managed to pack snow boots, sneakers, two thick cable-knit sweaters, and all my other cold-weather necessities into my Bigger Carry-On.
Similarly, in 2024, I packed for two climates on a 2.5-week journey to Argentina utilizing my Medium suitcase, which held thick sweaters, denim, rain boots, a puffer jacket, and more — no downside at all.
Pictured: The Bigger Carry-On Flex
Other options embrace a sturdy polycarbonate shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved mixture lock for enhanced security, an inside compression system to help maximize packing space, water-resistant polyester laundry bag, an further grab deal with (positioned on the underside for straightforward lifting) and my favourite spec of all, a nesting functionality for environment friendly storage at home.
Personalizations
Away gives a couple of enjoyable methods to make your suitcase really feel more personal. For $50, you’ll be able to add a hand-painted monogram (up to three letters) by New York artist Jen Mussari, with a number of font and colour choices to select from. While this is my favourite customization characteristic by far, you’ll be able to also add an engraved baggage tag for $10 if you’re trying for one thing more delicate.
How I Tested
All three suitcases have been put through the wringer over seven years of journey, examined on a number of flights across a vary of airways, including tiny hopper planes in French Polynesia during my honeymoon. They endured lodge transfers, baggage claims, car rides, and a lot of overhead bin Tetris. Each was packed to full capability (not a onerous feat!) to assess space and construction. For the carry-on, I also ran it through TSA checkpoints to consider ease of laptop computer removing, liquid access, and bin compatibility.
Each bag was scored utilizing the following standards:
Durability: Based on seen put on after repeated flights and handling
Functionality: Interior group, ease of transport, and built-in options
Design & Aesthetic: Style, colour choices, and social suggestions (yes, compliments rely)
Value: Overall high quality in contrast to price and opponents
Away Travel
Are Away suitcases actually worth it?
As a journey fanatic and commerce journalist of practically seven years, I’ve tried my honest share of suitcases over the years. Even when my sister labored at another luxurious baggage model for 4 years, I didn’t take benefit of her (very beneficiant) household low cost. My loyalty to Away runs too deep.
I like how modern they appear, how straightforward they glide and most importantly, how long they last! With 40 nations under my belt and plans to test many more off the checklist in the coming years, I can fortunately say that I gained’t be letting go of my Away Luggage anytime soon.
Summary of why the model is a standout:
Design: Away baggage is light-weight but sturdy, making it straightforward to carry but superb for long journeys where you end up rolling your suitcase for miles or going in and out of airports. The model’s 360-degree spinner wheels are designed to roll ahead, so they’re straightforward to maneuver, even when going over cobblestone, brick or uneven terrain. Suitcases also characteristic a facet deal with — a small characteristic that you’ll come to recognize if you’re attempting to place the bag overhead on a airplane or prepare’s top rack. It also doesn’t damage that Away Luggage is extremely fashionable; out there in easy-to-spot but demure colours, it’s the ultimate selection for the traveler wanting a refined and trendy option.
Durability: While Away Luggage has a selection of choices, it’s actually identified for its high-impact shell suitcases. They’re not too heavy but are sturdy. I’ve skilled minimal scuffing on mine — and that’s after years of utilizing them for a number of journeys.
Warranty: Away gives a restricted lifetime guarantee. If the deal with of your suitcase breaks, a zipper refuses to close or the outer shell cracks, you’ll obtain a full refund. The date you bought the suitcase issues, so make sure to read the model’s guarantee web page for more information.
If you’re contemplating giving Away Luggage a attempt, you’ve bought nothing to lose and all the world to see.
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