Travel luggage is one of those purchases where you usually get what you pay for. Cheap suitcases can look great online, but after a few airport transfers, uneven sidewalks, and overpacked trips, the wheels start sticking and the handles begin to wobble.
That is part of the reason Away Travel caught my attention.
The brand has built a huge following around minimalist luggage, clever organization, and a premium but not outrageous price point. But does the hype actually match the experience?
After looking closely at what Away offers, how its luggage performs, and how it compares with other popular suitcase brands, here is my honest breakdown.
What Makes Away Travel So Popular?
Away Travel launched in 2015 with a simple idea: make luggage that is practical, attractive, and designed around the way modern travelers actually pack.
The brand quickly became known for its clean aesthetic and thoughtfully designed interiors. Instead of making a suitcase that simply carries clothes, Away focused on details travelers regularly deal with keeping belongings organized, protecting the contents, and making the suitcase easier to move through busy airports.
Its popularity has also been helped by strong word-of-mouth and plenty of attention from travelers and celebrities.
But good branding alone doesn’t make a suitcase worth several hundred dollars.
So, let’s look beyond the Instagram-worthy appearance.
The Price: Is Away Expensive?
Away sits firmly in the premium luggage category.
Depending on the model and size, you’re generally looking at several hundred dollars for one of its core suitcases. That’s considerably more than a basic suitcase from a department store, but still below ultra-luxury brands such as Rimowa.
For someone who travels once every few years, spending that much might seem unnecessary.
For frequent travelers, however, the calculation is different.
A suitcase that survives years of trips, rolls smoothly, stays organized, and comes with a strong warranty can potentially be more economical than repeatedly replacing cheaper luggage.
The real question isn’t simply, “Is Away expensive?”
It’s whether you’re actually getting enough value for that higher price.
Why Travelers Keep Choosing Away
There are several reasons Away has managed to turn luggage into such a recognizable travel brand.
The first is the overall design. Away cases have a simple, modern appearance without looking overly flashy.
Then there is the functionality.
The interiors are designed with organization in mind, while compression systems and separate compartments make it easier to keep clothing under control. Smooth-rolling wheels are another major advantage when you’re pulling a packed suitcase through an airport terminal.
And then there’s durability.
A suitcase is going to get thrown around eventually. It may end up in a luggage compartment, dragged across rough pavement, pushed through crowded train stations, or squeezed into a tiny hotel elevator.
That’s where premium construction becomes much more important than appearance.
In a Hurry? Here Are Some Away Alternatives
Away isn’t the only luggage brand worth considering. If you’re comparing modern carry-ons before making a purchase, these four brands offer very different takes on design, durability, and price.
1. Monos Carry-On
Typical Price: Around $275–$350
Best For: Minimalist travelers
Monos is one of the closest alternatives to Away if you like clean lines and a premium hard-shell suitcase without moving into luxury pricing. Its luggage is built around a simple aesthetic, practical organization, and smooth-rolling wheels. Monos is also frequently compared directly with Away by travel publications.
Why Consider It?
Choose Monos if you want a polished, minimalist look similar to Away but want to explore another modern direct-to-consumer luggage option.
2. July Carry-On
Typical Price: Around $295–$425
Best For: Style-conscious frequent travelers
July has become a notable luggage competitor thanks to its lightweight construction, quiet wheels, color choices, and practical features. Recent testing has highlighted its maneuverability, durability, and thoughtful packing design.
Why Consider It?
July is a good pick if Away’s minimalist look appeals to you but you’d like more color and personalization options.
3. Briggs & Riley Baseline
Typical Price: Around $700–$900
Best For: Serious frequent travelers
Briggs & Riley takes a more traditional premium-luggage approach. Its Baseline collection is aimed at travelers who prioritize long-term durability, practical organization, and a premium warranty over trendy branding.
Why Consider It?
If you’re willing to spend considerably more than Away for luggage designed around long-term travel, Briggs & Riley is one of the strongest alternatives to investigate. Travel experts continue to rank the brand among the top options for frequent and international travelers.
4. Tumi
Typical Price: Around $500–$1,000+
Best For: Business and premium travelers
Tumi sits between mainstream premium luggage and true luxury brands. The brand is particularly popular with business travelers who want luggage that looks professional while offering practical organization and durable construction.
Why Consider It?
If your trips involve frequent business travel and you want something more executive-looking than Away, Tumi is worth considering. It’s more expensive, but the extra cost can make sense for travelers who value premium materials and business-focused features.
Away vs. The Competition
| Luggage | Approx. Price | Material | Best For | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Away Carry-On | ~$275–$300 | Polycarbonate | Modern frequent travelers | Design + organization |
| Monos Carry-On | ~$275–$350 | Polycarbonate | Minimalist travelers | Clean design + smooth handling |
| July Carry-On | ~$295–$425 | Polycarbonate | Style-conscious travelers | Quiet wheels + personalization |
| Briggs & Riley Baseline | ~$700–$900 | Premium materials | Frequent travelers | Long-term durability |
| Tumi Carry-On | ~$500–$1,000+ | Varies by model | Business travelers | Premium organization |
Prices can vary depending on the model, size, retailer, and current promotions.
What I Like About Away
The biggest selling point is the balance.
Away doesn’t try to compete directly with bargain luggage, but it also doesn’t ask you to spend four figures simply to own a premium suitcase.
Smooth Handling
One of the first things you’ll appreciate with good luggage is how easily it moves.
A suitcase with responsive spinner wheels can make a surprisingly big difference when you’re rushing through an airport or navigating a crowded train station.
Smart Interior Organization
Packing isn’t just about how much space you have.
How that space is divided matters too.
Away’s interior organization helps prevent everything from becoming one giant pile of clothing. Compression features can also be particularly useful for travelers who tend to overpack.
Clean, Timeless Appearance
Away’s minimalist design is one reason the brand has become so recognizable.
It’s stylish without being covered in logos, which means the suitcase can work just as well for a business trip as it does for a vacation.
Long-Term Warranty
A strong warranty is reassuring when you’re spending several hundred dollars on luggage.
The exact terms can depend on the product and current policy, so it’s worth checking the warranty details before buying.
What I Don’t Like
Away isn’t perfect, and pretending otherwise wouldn’t make for a very useful review.
The Price
There’s no getting around it.
You can absolutely find functional luggage for less money.
If you’re a very occasional traveler, an Away suitcase may be more of a luxury purchase than a necessity.
It Can Get Scratched
Hard-shell luggage rarely stays showroom-perfect forever.
After enough trips, you’ll probably notice scuffs and marks. That’s normal for luggage that actually gets used, but it may bother anyone who expects their suitcase to look brand-new indefinitely.
Customer Service Experiences Can Vary
As with many large consumer brands, customer experiences can differ.
Some travelers have positive experiences, while others have reported frustration when dealing with support or specific product issues. That’s another reason to understand the warranty and return policy before purchasing.
My Overall Experience With Away
What matters most with luggage isn’t how it looks when you first take it out of the box.
It’s how it feels after months of actual travel.
A good suitcase should handle airport floors, sidewalks, hotel corridors, public transportation, and being packed to the absolute limit without becoming difficult to use.
That’s where Away makes a strong case for itself.
The combination of smooth movement, organized storage, sturdy construction, and a minimalist design makes it particularly appealing to people who travel regularly.
It’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone, though.
If you’re focused purely on price, there are cheaper options. If you’re looking for the lightest possible suitcase, some soft-sided models may make more sense. And if you’re looking for luxury craftsmanship regardless of cost, Rimowa sits in another category entirely.
Away Travel: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish minimalist design | More expensive than basic luggage |
| Smooth spinner wheels | Hard shell can develop visible scuffs |
| Thoughtful interior organization | Not necessarily the lightest option |
| Good option for frequent travelers | Premium price may not suit occasional travelers |
| Strong warranty offering | Customer service experiences can vary |
So, Is Away Travel Worth the Money?
For me, yes especially if you travel several times a year.
Away isn’t selling a suitcase that you absolutely need. There are plenty of cheaper bags that will get your clothes from point A to point B.
What you’re paying for is the combination of design, convenience, organization, durability, and the overall experience of using the luggage.
If you travel frequently and want something that looks good while making packing and airport navigation easier, Away is one of the stronger choices in the premium luggage market.
If you only take one vacation every few years, however, I’d probably save the money and look for a less expensive alternative.
Ultimately, Away is worth the hype when its features match the way you travel.
A Few Clever Ways to Get More From Your Away Suitcase
Your suitcase doesn’t have to be useful only when you’re flying.
Turn It Into a Weekend Bag
For a short trip, a carry-on can easily replace a larger suitcase. Use packing cubes or the internal compression system to keep everything organized.
Create a Separate Laundry System
Keep worn clothing away from clean outfits throughout your trip. This makes unpacking much easier when you get home.
Use It for Business Travel
A well-organized carry-on can hold clothing, shoes, toiletries, and work essentials without requiring you to bring multiple bags.
Make It Your Long-Term Travel Companion
Instead of treating premium luggage as something you replace every couple of years, look after it properly and use it for multiple trips. That’s where the higher upfront cost can start to make more sense.
Final Verdict
Away Travel has earned its reputation for a reason.
It’s stylish, functional, thoughtfully designed, and positioned in a sweet spot between inexpensive luggage and ultra-luxury brands.
That doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right suitcase for everyone. Budget travelers can find cheaper alternatives, while luxury shoppers may prefer something like Rimowa.
But if you want a dependable suitcase with a polished design and useful travel features, Away is absolutely worth considering.
And if you’re ready to buy, don’t forget to check for the latest Away Travel discount codes and deals before placing your order. A good promotion can make a premium suitcase considerably easier to justify.
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