Away luggage review: Is the popular hardshell worth the investment 10 years later?

When it comes to the bes t luggage , I've tested dozens of carry-ons , checked bags and duffels , evaluating everything from durability and maneuverability to packing capacity and ease of use. While new luggage brands seem to launch every month, one suitcase continues to show up in airports, hotel lobbies and recommendation lists: Away .

That made it an obvious candidate for a closer look. I put Away's signature hardshell through our rigorous luggage-testing process to find out whether it's still worth buying nearly 10 years after its debut.

The brand launched in 2016 with a single product: the Carry-On . It quickly became one of the hottest names in travel, thanks to savvy social media marketing, thoughtful features like a built-in battery pack (since discontinued) and a direct-to-consumer approach that helped reshape the luggage market. Before long, Away's sleek hardside suitcases seemed to be everywhere, from airport terminals to Instagram feeds.

Although dozens of new players have entered the scene in the past decade (including several dupes of the Away), the original, minimalist bags remain a fan favorite. Several Yahoo editors have even owned theirs for almost a decade — talk about faithful. But are they actually as good as they seem? We dove into years of real-world testing and feedback for this Away luggage review to see whether the hype has held up.

How we tested Away luggage

At Yahoo Shopping, we're experts in luggage testing and have reviewed hundreds of travel bags from top brands like Beis , Nobl , Solgaard, Cotopaxi and more. We approached our Away review with our standardized procedure, which starts with acquiring two units of the Away Carry-On and one unit of the Away Large . This consists of measuring and packing each bag before putting it through a set of durability, agility and maneuverability tests and obstacle courses that mimic the types of movement each one needs to be able to navigate for optimal airport performance.

Then, to get real-life feedback, six testers took their own units of Away luggage (three Carry-Ons, two Bigger Carry-Ons and one Medium ) on planes, trains, road trips and public transit. Each tester packed their bags for a variety of climates, from international summer trips to Bali to cold-weather trips to Alaska that required packing much bulkier items like winter jackets and snow boots. They gave us feedback on how the wheels performed over airport carpets and bumpy Italian cobblestone streets, where the bags have acquired the most scuffing over the years of use, and if anything got damaged in transit. All in all, we ended up with 60 data points from our six testers to inform this Away luggage review.

Away luggage reviews

Aesthetics

The Away bags are both understated and instantly recognizable. Each one has a minimal hardshell design and a sleek, simple polycarbonate exterior (a fairly standard material for a hardside suitcase ) with horizontal grooves running through the body. "This suitcase has a sleek, modern look," said one expert tester who has owned her carry-on for seven years. "I especially like the subtle ribbing on the exterior — it adds visual interest without being flashy — and it's available in a wide range of colors." It's an often-copied design — Quince (known for their clothing, accessories and luggage dupes) has a very similar offering that we tested and liked for its value but we found that the original Away felt higher-quality and more durable. "I think [the Quince bag] feels a bit less solidly/more flimsy than my Away," one tester noted.

There are around nine core color offerings primarily focused on matte, neutral shades: black, navy, forest green, gray and white, as well as a pretty baby pink and bright cherry red. There are also some limited-edition colorways that are only available in certain sizes — four Toy Story-inspired colorways in honor of the recent movie as well as a few shiny, non-matte neutrals, one rare striped offering and two exclusive designs from Away's collaboration with designer Willie Norris and a pearl white shade. And if you purchase your Away bag on Amazon , you can access two additional colors (baby blue and bright green) that aren't currently available on Away's website .

And yes, because the Away bag is pretty popular, you may see a few others at the baggage claim. One tester explains that picking a unique color and using recognizable stickers or luggage tags is an easy way to avoid grabbing the wrong bag: "I have the dark green, which is more distinct, and a bumper sticker from my favorite bookstore on the side," they said. And if you want to further personalize your bag, you can monogram three letters onto the top left, top center or back center of your suitcase for an additional $50. You can also monogram the included luggage tag for $10. Note that this option is not available for the standard Carry-On.

Design

While the Away suitcases don't have the flashiest design (there's no cupholder or purse hooks like the Nobl suitcase boasts, nor are there interchangeable wheels like the Cotopaxi Coraza has), the bags do have a small assortment of design features that add to its functionality:

• Compression straps:Perhaps one of the most important features a suitcase can have is some sort of compression system to really pack down your clothing before you zip up your bag. Away's bags have a full-size compression pad with two buckles that you secure over it that can be tightened to reduce the size of whatever is underneath. Out of the various compression systems we've seen (X-straps, packing cubes, etc) this is arguably the most effective format. Because the Away suitcase isn't expandable, this is an awesome way of helping you maximize your packing space.

• Helper handles: Most suitcases have a top handle and a side helper handle, making it easier to lift the carry-on overhead or load it into the car. But Away takes things a step further with an additional helper handle at the bottom of the suitcase that instantly elevates the bag from standard to extremely ergonomic.

• Nesting capabilities: Worried about having the space to store multiple suitcases? Both the standard Carry-On and the Bigger Carry-On are sized so that they can nest right into either the Medium or Large Checked bags for easy storage.

• Laundry bag and luggage tag: All Away bags come with a water-resistant laundry bag (sorting your dirty socks from your clean ones is the key to easy unpacking, folks) and a leather luggage tag that you can monogram for an additional $10.

Size

Away offers two sizes of carry-on suitcases: the Carry-On, which measures 21.7" x 14.4" x 9", and the Bigger Carry-On, which is exactly what it sounds like — a slightly larger version that measures 22.7" x 15.4" x 9.6".

Now, we typically recommend going no larger than 22" x 14" x 9", which is the carry-on size limit for airlines like American, Delta, JetBlue and United. The regular Carry-On is 0.4 inches wider, and the Bigger Carry-On is 1.4 inches wider, as well as taller and deeper. However, testers did not cite any issues with either fitting into overhead bins during their travels and one even wrote of the bigger size, "It's nice that it's bigger than other carry-ons [and] I've never had an issue with an airline accepting it."

Away also makes two sizes of checked suitcases: the Medium (26" x 18.5" x 11") and the Large (29" x 20.5" x 12.5"). Think of the Medium like your average checked bag — one tester wrote, "It's my 'I want options' suitcase," saying that the size is plenty large enough and that it's "the largest I can handle on my own." The Large is for anyone who is packing seriously bulky items, moving across the country or planning on living out of a suitcase for more than three weeks — it's beyond what you'd normally expect from a checked bag, offering serious capacity and spaciousness.

Capacity

The standard Carry-On has a 39.8 L capacity while the larger size has a 49 L capacity — so while the extra 2-3 inches that the Bigger bag offers may not sound like much, it actually gives you 10 more liters, which is almost a 25% increase in volume. To help you get an idea of what that actually means for your packing space, think of what could fit in a typical sling bag, medium-sized purse or small backpack, all of which are usually around 10 L.

"I found the compact space to be a little restricting when getting into four-day trips," wrote one tester of the Carry-On, who gave it a 4/5 for being able to accommodate everything she needed. "It was a great size for a quick trip or a summer trip, less great if you need to shove a coat inside," wrote another. On the other hand, Bigger Carry-On testers described their bags as "easy to pack" and "able to fit quite a bit inside."

The Medium has a 72-liter capacity — fairly standard for an average checked bag — while the Large boasts a whopping 104 liters, putting it squarely in the, well, large category. The Medium is probably sufficient space for most travelers, as well as the easier-to-handle size — one tester wrote of the Medium, "I have fit two weeks of outfits in that sucker." On the other hand, if you regularly go on extended trips and have the storage space to hold on to the large size, the sheer capacity of it is truly impressive and may come in handy for anyone who has to pack bulkier items.

And don't forget that all sizes boast a compression system to help you maximize your packing efficiency, no matter which size you choose. Pro tip: If you know you're going to buy souvenirs on vacation, try packing your bag without using the compression system on the way there and then compressing the contents on the way back to unlock additional space.

Weight

The Carry-On earned two 4/5s and one 5/5 from testers who were asked if the carry-on felt lightweight and easy to lift, even when fully packed, while both testers who had the Bigger Carry-On gave it 4/5. But there's actually barely a weight difference between the two bags — the standard size is 7.5 pounds, while the larger size is only slightly heavier at 7.9 pounds, a negligible difference. Compact suitcases are generally easier to wrangle and lift overhead compared to larger suitcases of the same weight, which may impact how you perceive the weight of each, but you can't go wrong with either — a sub-8-pound carry-on is pretty standard.

As for the checked bags, the Medium is 10.4 pounds, while the Large is 12.1 pounds. When held up to the rest of our top picks for the  best checked luggage , neither is overly heavy nor notably light. And the space increase you get when upgrading from the Medium to the Large well justifies the couple of pounds of weight allowance that you lose.

Durability

The all-important question, especially for checked bags that sometimes get thrown into the belly of the plane with a level of force that you can't control — how well will the suitcase actually hold up over time, and where does it show damage?

The honest answer: Wear-and-tear scoring from testers really, really varied across the board. We received honest feedback that the exterior had a tendency to get noticeably marked up — one person gave it a 1/5 for wear and tear, writing, "It's a gorgeous piece but it will get scuffed almost immediately." Another gave it a 2/5 for being "susceptible to scuffs and scratches," but noted they chose the Salt White colorway, which is more likely to show damage than a darker color. A tester who chose a bright blue shade didn't have such a negative experience, saying that their bag showed "minimal cosmetic damage."

But it's not doom and gloom — one tester who has had her bag for seven years wrote, "What I love most about this luggage is its durability." Huzzah! She continued, "I've literally dragged it through mud and sand in Bali, and while it's picked up a few scuffs along the way, it's held up impressively well over the years."

Overall, the Away bags earned an average score of 4.2/5 for durability, quality and sturdiness, so although they have a tendency to take on vanity marks, especially the lighter colors, the actual structure of the bag remains strong over several years of use. There were no issues with wheel or handle damage, nor did any testers report any dents or compromises to the bag's integrity. Each one has liked the quality and performance of their Away suitcases enough to keep using them — some even a decade later. Just take this as your fair warning if you're planning on purchasing a white, cream or light gray colorway and are particular about the exterior of your bags.

Stability and maneuverability

Each Away bag comes with a standard set of four spinner wheels designed for both upright rolling/pushing and two-wheeled pulling. Testers said the bag was easy to maneuver over hardwood floors, with two scoring it 4/5 and two scoring it 5/5 for ease of rolling. However, one tester gave it a 2/5, writing that the wheels aren't particularly smooth over airport carpets. "I really have to put some muscle into pulling it along, sometimes using both arms."

But when it comes to sidewalks and cobblestones? No problem. One tester took their bag to Italy and was able to wheel it around without any issues. Another wrote, "I've always found this suitcase easy to use on city streets."

Features

While Away's hardside luggage isn't the most feature-rich line, testers gave the features that do exist an average rating of 4.8/5. There are two helper handles on the sides and bottom of the bag, in addition to the top handle, to make picking up the suitcase easier. And the full-size compression panel with two adjustable straps will really shrink down the contents of your suitcase, coming in clutch for all those extra souvenirs you bring back.

Lastly, several testers noted that Away has made some updates to its bags since they acquired their suitcases. Old versions of Away's Carry-On featured a built-in battery pack, which was a huge draw at the time but is no longer allowed under updated FAA regulations . All batteries must be removed before boarding, as lithium batteries aren't allowed in overhead bins anymore due to fire risk. "I've also noticed they've added more compartments to the interior zippered mesh pockets, which is a smart upgrade for organization," another tester noted.

Away luggage FAQs

How is Away's customer service?

If you need to reach out to Away's customer service, there is a contact form on its website where you can enter your information to receive an email back. There's also an extensive FAQ page that may answer your question and eliminate the need to email. If you need to talk to someone quickly, there's a live chat that starts as an automated AI response, but upon asking for a live agent, I was able to connect with a specialist by providing my email address. This created a case, and an Away customer service agent joined the chat shortly after. For phone calls, Away doesn't list a number on its contact page, but some quick Googling (and an experimental call) revealed that 888-428-2118 is the best number for its customer support hotline.

There is some negative Reddit chatter about people running into issues with the brand's referral code system , where you can send a friend a $40 off link and if they purchase with your link, you receive a $40 off code as well. But responses on that very thread praised Away's reliable customer service — and one Redditor posted on a separate thread about using their Away warranty seven years after purchasing and having a positive experience receiving a replacement suitcase. All in all, it seems like Away's customer service is fairly reliable.

What is Away's return policy?

According to the brand's return policy , you can return or exchange unused items for free within the first 100 days of purchase. You can return or exchange your online purchase, as well as return an in-store purchase, via Away's website. You can also return your items in person at an Away store — there are 16 locations across America and the U.K.

As far as warranties : If you purchased your Away suitcase after April 14, 2026, you receive complimentary repairs for functional damage caused by rough travel or manufacturing defects for the first five years, as well as one complimentary replacement if the brand isn't able to cover or repair said damage. After five years, you can continue sending your bag in for repair for a fee. If you purchased your Away bag before April 14, 2026, it is covered by its former limited-lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Bottom line: Are Away suitcases worth it?

After numerous tests, dozens of flights, several scuffs and scratches and wheeling bags over hardwood, carpet, concrete and cobblestone, we were able to collect 60 data points across Away's suitcase offerings and the overall consensus is a resounding yes. With an overall satisfaction score of 4.2/5 and minor dings from external wear on the suitcases over time, it seems this member of the Old Guard has stood the test of time for a reason.

Now, if you're someone who likes to keep the exterior of your suitcase looking as pristine as possible, these might not be the bags for you. The smooth, matte exterior tends to show scuffs fairly quickly — especially if you choose a lighter color. It's not designed to ward off the natural wear and tear of travel, especially on checked bags. But overall, testers had no issues with the bags' durability or quality. Nobody reported any issues with wheels or handles breaking (two of the most vulnerable and common breakage points on a suitcase) and every tester has been using their bag for over a year, with some being decade-long fans.

The price point is notable too — we've tested suitcases that are double or even triple the price and while those bags tended to have more luxurious (and damage-resistant) exteriors, we found Away to be just as durable and functional as its more expensive counterparts. All of the Away suitcases we reviewed ranged from $295 to $375, so while they aren't the most affordable option out there, the brand is a great mid-tier option that won't break the bank and will last you years.

Although each of the sizes Away offers serves a purpose, we ultimately found that the classic, standard Carry-On was our top pick. It's properly sized to fit in most overhead bins, it won't retain as much external damage because it stays with you rather than being checked for most trips and despite the slightly smaller size, the excellent compression system allows you to fit a fair amount of clothing inside. It's a faithful bag that our editors have relied on for years and will continue to do so for years to come.