The Best Away Luggage, Tested and Reviewed

If you look around any airport, you’ll likely see at least one Away suitcase in the crowd of travelers hustling to catch their flight. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors (including limited-edition shades) so there’s something for everyone. Our team of travel editors is often asked if Away luggage is worth it, so we tested various pieces of Away luggage on our travels to find out if the brand is worth the hype and which bags we’d recommend most.

We packed each suitcase and bag, wheeled them through obstacle courses to test the wheels, threw them off of tabletops, and hit them with metal baseball bats to test durability. We also lifted the carry-ons into overhead bins and placed personal items underneath seats to see how lightweight and easy to maneuver they felt. After we completed our initial tests, we traveled with each bag for a minimum of six months to make sure our favorite pieces held up over time. We especially loved Away luggage’s smooth-as-butter wheels, durable exteriors, and built-in compression panels that made packing and traveling a breeze. Most of them come with laundry bags and luggage tags as well. From carry-ons and checked bags to duffels and backpacks, here is the best Away luggage, according to testing.

Credit: Away

We’ve tested all of Away’s different carry-on sizes, and The Carry-on Flex is our favorite because it’s the ideal size—not quite as bulky as The Bigger Carry-on, which has larger dimensions, but more spacious than the regular The Carry-on. It has a 41-liter capacity, which can be large enough for a five-day trip, and it expands to provide 2.25 inches of additional depth. It’s even our favorite expandable suitcase we’ve ever tested because the zipper expands even more than the average expandable luggage. Inside the bag, one side zips fully shut, and the other has Away’s signature compression system, which includes a panel you can buckle on top of your belongings to press them down.

We thought the wheels were some of the smoothest out of all the luggage brands we’ve tested. Using the sturdy handle and smooth wheels, we were able to glide the fully packed suitcase seamlessly over hard surfaces, though it was prone to slowing down on carpet. Its handle extends without sticking, and the weight remained evenly distributed as we maneuvered it. The polycarbonate shell can take wear and tear, showing just a few scuff marks after we repeatedly threw it off a table and hit it with a baseball bat. At 7.9 pounds, it didn’t feel heavy at all. It meets most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions—just keep in mind that this may no longer be the case when it’s fully expanded.

Credit: Away

While Away has several sizes for checked bags, we found a favorite with The Medium Flex after it proved to have superior versatility compared to other sizes. It’s compact enough to not feel cumbersome to roll or lift, but the expandable zipper adds additional space if needed for a longer trip. Away also has a larger checked bag, but we found we prefer this midsize one because it’s easier to stay within airline weight restrictions even when you pack the bag full. We had no issues packing the bag with enough clothing for up to two weeks of traveling with the help of the expanding zipper and compression flap on one side of the clamshell suitcase. When the bag was packed full, the 360-degree spinner wheels rolled effortlessly across smooth and rough surfaces, and the adjustable handle was sturdy enough to push and pull the packed bag with ease. The polycarbonate exterior sustained a few minor scuffs in testing, but luckily, the suitcase comes with a sponge to buff out scuffs, so we still applauded the durability of the bag. If you prefer a larger checked bag, keep reading to see the more spacious trunk below.

Credit: Away Travel

If you prefer softside suitcases, Away’s The Softside Large is a spacious—and space-saving—alternative to standard hardside luggage. Unlike hardside suitcases that open like a clamshell and must be splayed flat to access contents, this bag has a lid that opens to one big main compartment with a compression pad to keep everything packed down and secure. This is great if you’re traveling for longer periods of time or with bulky items, as there’s tons of packing space. Multiple pockets help with organization, including a zippered pouch, pockets inside the lid, pockets on the compression panel, and even a pocket on the outside of the bag—something that most hardside suitcases do not have.

At just under 15 pounds when empty, this is a heavy bag—in fact, it’s the heaviest suitcase on this list. Despite its heft, the wheels make maneuvering it easier. We thought they were easy to roll across hard floors and concrete, and we had no issue running them through tight turns, with only slight resistance on carpet. We’ve traveled with this bag for months on multiple domestic and international trips, and it’s held up well overall. The water-resistant nylon exterior does pick up scuffs and dirt, though most wipe away clean. Otherwise, the bag proved durable—we hit it repeatedly with a baseball bat targeting the wheels, frame, handle, and corner bumpers, and it held up well to the impact with no major damage.

Credit: Away

Away’s spacious trunk has a unique design, and you might not want to go back to a regular checked bag after trying it—especially if you’re an overpacker. This is our favorite trunk that we’ve ever tested, and it’s taller and thinner than some bulky checked suitcases, with a 30/70 split design that makes one side deeper that the other. This is helpful for packing bulky items like jeans, shoes, and jackets, or filling the trunk with packing cubes. The tall, narrow shape makes the bag impressively easy to maneuver between obstacles, like rolling it through a busy airport or train station. Best of all, it has a whopping 112-liter capacity for storing enough items for a two- to-three-week trip. However, you’ll want to keep an eye on the baggage weight as you pack since it can be easy to go over most 50-pound limits with the large capacity.

The Details: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 12.3 pounds | 112-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Credit: Away

A newer launch from Away, The Aluminum Edge Bigger Carry-on offers a spacious interior and organizational features—but with stylish latches instead of zippers, which give it a sophisticated look. The bag is not expandable, but we were able to pack enough for a five-day trip and still close it easily when packed full, thanks in part to a compression pad that packs down bulky items like sweaters. Made with a textured polycarbonate material that looks like pebbled leather and reinforced with an aluminum frame and corners, the bag is both beautiful and protective. The texture helps disguise scuffs better than Away’s glossy suitcases. That durability comes with some heft, though—lifting it overhead takes muscle since it’s on the heavy side for a carry-on. Despite the weight, the robust handles make pushing and pulling the bag easy. On the ground, it rolled smoothly across hard floors, though we struggled a bit on thick carpet. We found that tipping the bag to two wheels helped us navigate carpeted areas with more finesse, and the telescoping handle was secure at every height option while providing a comfortable grip for traversing rough surfaces.

The Details: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches | 10.8 pounds | 43-liter capacity | Polycarbonate, aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels

Credit: Away

We love seeing more brands offer suitcase options with front pockets and laptop compartments, like this carry-on. Though it’s one of Away’s smallest suitcases, it works well for flights with limited overhead storage space, and it has a padded front pocket that you can unzip for easy access to laptops, passports, and other small essentials. We loved having this option for when we needed easy-access to items while traveling without having to unzip our entire suitcase. The pocket has four smaller slip pockets inside of various sizes, plus one zippered pocket. It fits a laptop up to 14 inches. Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a layout similar to other bags from Away, with a compression panel on one side and a large zippered pocket on the other. There are also a handful of small zippered pockets on both sides, which we thought helped maximize space. The compression panel also helped us to cinch clothing down to make every inch count. We thought it was a little heavy for a carry-on, but it rolled and turned smoothly, and the three grab handles made it easy to lift. It’s a great option for anyone who likes the Away brand and wants a front pocket on their suitcase.

Credit: Away

Aluminum suitcases can be pricey, but Away’s The Carry-on: Aluminum Edition is a fraction of the price of luxury brands—and we found it to be on par in quality. We were able to fit enough clothing for a three-day trip, but be aware that this bag has latches instead of zippers, so it’s not flexible for overpacking. The compression panels did an excellent job of smushing everything down, especially when we pulled the straps tight. There are also pockets for small items and a packable laundry bag that offers a little more organization.

Weighing just over 10 pounds, it’s not the lightest carry-on, but it’s reasonable for an aluminum suitcase, which can average 12-15 pounds. It may require a bit more effort to lift into an overhead bin, though the grab handles come in handy—they’re large and sturdy for an easy grip. Even when the suitcase was heavy to lift, it glided effortlessly and turned smoothly in different directions when we rolled it over carpet, linoleum, and through tight spaces. Because this bag is made from aluminum, it’s prone to dents and scratches—and the suitcase did get scratched when we laid it down on the floor and on our travels. However, aluminum is incredibly hardy and hard to break, so the minor scratches won’t compromise the integrity of the suitcase—something to which we can attest after traveling with it for six months on multiple trips.

The Details: 21.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches | 10.5 pounds | 32-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels | Aluminum

Credit: Away

Whether you use this bag as a personal item or overnighter, this duffel boasts the brand’s minimalist and sleek aesthetic. Ideal for a night or two away from home, the 20-liter bag has a long zipper that extends down the sides, which makes it easy for us to see what we placed inside the main compartment. The weekender has various pockets for staying organized, including a padded laptop pocket up to 16 inches wide, a key leash, and several slip pockets for earbuds or pens. Made with a lightweight but durable nylon material, this bag was comfortable to carry with the top tote handles or slung over our shoulder with the longer, removable strap. We included the 20-liter Everywhere Bag in this list, but it also comes in two larger sizes so you can choose the size that is best for you.

The Details: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | 2.75 pounds (with shoulder strap) | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Credit: Away

Simple, sleek, and functional, this backpack features nearly everything we look for in a high-quality backpack. In testing, we appreciated the various pockets inside for staying organized—a feature particularly helpful for commuting or air travel. The designated laptop pocket can store laptops up to 16 inches wide, and the interior boasts a water bottle pocket and many other pockets for smaller items. The best part of this backpack is the wrap-around zipper to open up the bag like a clamshell suitcase for packing the main compartment with ease. During our durability tests, the water- and abrasion-resistant nylon showed zero signs of damage after we tossed it off a table several times. While the back panel and straps could use a bit more padding, the backpack was still comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The Details: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | 2.45 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

Credit: Away

If your future travels include multiple flight connections or moving accommodations frequently, then a convertible bag should go in your cart ASAP. The 45-liter pack can replace a carry-on suitcase but with superior portability since you can toss it on your back for hands-free travel thanks to the hidden backpack straps. In testing, we loved that we could easily tuck the straps away without them hanging out, then connect the removable shoulder strap to carry it as a duffel bag instead if needed. We fit clothing, shoes, and accessories from a weeklong packing list, and there was even room left for a few extra items, so don’t be fooled by the seemingly small look of the bag. It can feel bulky to carry at times, though, since it is on the large size. It’s durable as well: After we tossed the backpack on the ground many times, the laptop inside didn’t get physically damaged, so the ample padding is helpful for both protection and comfort.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Recycled polyester | 16-inch laptop pocket

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Other Away Luggage We Liked

Here are some other notable options from Away that we tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On: This is a seriously spacious carry-on bag, so it’s perfect for a longer vacation, but you’ll want to check with airlines on carry-on restrictions since it could be too large for some overhead bins.

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Away The Large: This massive bag was surprisingly easy to maneuver through obstacles and over rough surfaces, but we thought the medium size we recommended in our main list above was a little more manageable to stay under airline weight limits. One thing to note is that the glossy finish of this suitcase scuffed and scratched more easily during our tests when compared to the matte style, but it’s available in both finishes.

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Away The Outdoor Rolling Duffel: With an 85-liter capacity, this rolling duffel is spacious for packing bulky gear—and yet, it’s surprisingly lightweight. However, the two fixed wheels don’t rotate 360 degrees, which makes it a little tricker to navigate than other bags.

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Our Testing Process

We’ve tested 31 pieces of Away luggage, then compared and contrasted the older and newer luggage collections to choose our favorite pieces.

During testing, we packed each bag full of items from designated packing lists based on its size, looking for pockets, compression panels, and organizational features. We lifted carry-ons into overhead bins on our airplane set to get a feel for how heavy or light they felt and to try out special features like Away’s underside grab handles. To see how smooth the wheels felt, we wheeled each bag through various obstacle courses and over different floor textures. To make sure each bag is durable, we threw it from a table and hit it with a metal baseball bat, taking notes on how easily it scuffed or dented. After our initial tests, we sent each piece of luggage home with editors, who then traveled with the bags over the course of six months to take further notes on how they performed at airports and other forms of travel around the world. We continue to test more Away luggage each time the brand releases new collections.

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Tips for Buying Away Luggage

Think about what size you’ll need

Picking the right size suitcase for your intended travels can be the most difficult part of luggage shopping. First, think about whether you’re a light packer or a heavy packer. For those who fly airlines with relatively strict regulations, you may want to opt for one of the more compact carry-ons, like The Front Pocket Carry-On, or the Everywhere Bag since those are smaller pieces of luggage. For a bit more versatility, consider getting The Carry-on Flex or The Medium Flex suitcases that boast expandable zippers for adding more space when needed. And of course, overpackers or those embarking on a longer trip should opt for the largest sizes of checked luggage or a trunk to get the most room in a suitcase. We’ve listed the dimensions for all of the bags on our list. The carry-ons nest inside the checked bags, so you don’t need to worry about finding extra storage space at home for a second bag.

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Consider organizational features

Most of the Away suitcases have an extremely similar layout when it comes to organization. For most of the hardside suitcases, only one side has a compression flap with a pocket or two, and the other has a zipper closure with a pocket. There are a few exceptions, like the aluminum collection that boasts a dual compression system. The softside suitcases and the Front Pocket Carry-on offer outer pockets, which can be useful for quickly accessing important items on the go. In general, the duffel bags have several pockets for storage, but you may want to get packing cubes to stay extra organized. We found that the weekender bags and backpacks offered excellent organization for commuting and traveling.

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Browse Away’s different collections

Before buying an Away suitcase, be sure to browse the various collections the brand offers. The Classic collection includes Away’s original suitcase designs with two sizes of carry-ons, a medium checked, a large checked, and the trunk. The Flex collection is most notable for featuring expandable zippers on every size of the classic suitcases except the trunk. The newer softside collection is available in carry-on and checked variations, all featuring outer pockets and nylon material. And of course, the stunning aluminum collection features carry-ons and checked suitcases with zipperless latch closures (though they can be very heavy). The Aluminum Edge collection is one of the newest launches and is like a hybrid between polycarbonate and aluminum materials, with latches instead of zippers. Away even has compact suitcases and backpacks for kids, which come in fun colors (pictured below). There are also plenty of other travel bags and accessories to choose from. Be sure to look out for limited-edition colorways that come and go to find something that catches your fancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Away luggage?

Away luggage is available directly from Away—either on its website or in one of its brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and in Toronto, Canada. You can find the list of in-person stores here. More recently, you can also buy Away luggage at Amazon and Nordstrom.

Does Away offer a warranty?

Away luggage has a limited lifetime warranty, and the soft bags and accessories are covered by a limited one-year warranty. For suitcases, this covers cracks or breaks in the shell, damage to the wheels or handles that render them unusable, zippers that you can no longer open or close, and severe tears in the fabric of any front pockets. For smaller bags and accessories, the warranty covers manufacturing defects and ripped or torn handles, zippers, or fabric that makes them unusable. Like most luggage warranties, Away’s warranty does not cover superficial cosmetic damage that can occur during travel, such as dents, scuffs, or scratches. The warranties are only valid if you purchase your goods directly through an official retailer as opposed to a third-party reseller. You can find the full details and regulation on Away’s website.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate editor at T+L where she writes most of the team’s tested content. She has tested dozens of suitcases and personally owns an Away trunk, a medium checked suitcase, a backpack, and a crossbody bag. Anna tested multiple Away suitcases and bags and combed through testing notes to compile this list of the very best Away luggage.

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The Best Away Luggage, Tested and Reviewed

Other Away Luggage We Liked

Our Testing Process