Away helped define what modern direct-to-consumer luggage looks like, turning a simple, well-built carry-on into one of the most recognizable suitcases in travel. Its latest Series 3 collection, described by the brand as ten years in the making, re-engineers the wheels, handles and hardside shell that made the original Away luggage a category favorite in the first place.
That focus on continuous, deliberate refinement is a big part of why Away has stayed relevant well past its early buzz. The brand has since expanded into a full ecosystem of hardside and softside luggage, bags, and accessories, all backed by LifetimeCare™ Coverage and a 100-day trial that lets customers test their purchase at home before fully committing.
Who is Away?
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey on the belief that the more people travel, the better we all become, and the company built its early identity around designing luggage by travelers, for travelers. That traveler-first approach shaped everything from the brand’s signature polycarbonate shell colors to the small, thoughtful details — like a built-in laundry bag or ejectable battery — that made its luggage feel considered rather than generic.
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Today Away sells a broad range of luggage, bags and travel accessories through its own site and more than a dozen physical stores across North America and the UK. The current lineup includes the flagship Series 3 collection, the Topside trunk-style case, the Aluminum Edge line, and a full range of companion bags, backpacks, duffels and packing organizers designed to work together as a system.
What Away does best
A handful of details explain why Away remains a go-to recommendation for modern travelers.
Series 3: a decade of refinement
Away’s newest luggage generation reworks the wheels, telescoping handle and hardside shell based on a decade of customer feedback and travel data, aiming to fix the small frustrations that accumulate after years of regular use.
ShockShield™ durability
The brand’s award-winning hardside shell is rigorously tested to absorb high-impact, heavy-pressure travel, giving it the structural confidence to survive repeated handling by baggage crews trip after trip.
Thoughtful hardware details
Features like StopLock™ wheel brakes, an Infinite Height telescoping handle, WhisperGlide™ wheels and Handsfree Hideaway Hooks™ solve small, specific annoyances that longtime luggage owners immediately recognize.
A coordinated travel system
Companion bags, packing cubes and totes are designed to pair with Away’s luggage sizes and color palette, so building out a full travel kit feels like one cohesive purchase rather than a patchwork of mismatched gear.
Color and personalization
Away regularly releases new shades across its luggage line, and customers can personalize select pieces with initials or luggage tags, a small touch that makes it easy to spot a bag on a crowded carousel while still keeping the design clean.
Products and pricing at a glance
| Product line | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| The Bigger Carry-On 3 | Signature expanded-capacity carry-on | $348 |
| The Medium Flex 3 | Expandable mid-size checked luggage | $448 |
| Topside Medium Trunk | Structured trunk-style checked luggage | $478 |
| The Commuter Backpack | Everyday and travel-ready backpack | $228 |
| Signature Weekender | Soft-sided weekend duffel | $278 |
| Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4) | Interior packing organizers | $48 |
What customers say
Away holds a strong reputation among verified buyers, with a public review score around 4.6 out of 5 across more than 3,000 reviews. Customers frequently highlight the durable design and smooth-rolling wheels, along with how efficiently the brand handles replacement parts or full replacements when something does go wrong.
Reviewers consistently call out the speed and helpfulness of Away’s support team, describing claims that are approved within days and replacement pieces that arrive quickly even years after the original purchase. Several long-term owners specifically mention using the same Away carry-on for upwards of six years and well over a hundred flights before needing any kind of repair.
Who Away is best for
Away is an easy recommendation for travelers who want a single, well-designed carry-on that can handle everything from a quick weekend trip to a week-long work conference, especially anyone who values color and style options alongside durability. It’s also a strong fit for shoppers who want to build out a full matching travel kit — backpack, weekender, packing cubes and all — rather than mixing and matching gear from different brands.
First-time luggage upgraders also do well with Away, since the brand’s physical stores and generous 100-day trial make it easy to see and test the product in person before buying, and the resale-friendly design means a well-kept Away case tends to hold its value if a traveler eventually upgrades again.
Price and value
Away’s pricing sits in the accessible-premium range, with the signature Bigger Carry-On starting at $348 and Topside trunk-style checked luggage reaching $478. Compared with legacy luxury brands that price similar polycarbonate hardside luggage well above $500, Away offers comparable materials and engineering at a more approachable price point.
LifetimeCare™ Coverage adds further value by including complimentary repairs for the first five years of ownership, with an optional LifetimeCare Pro upgrade available for travelers who want extended protection. Combined with the 100-day trial, the overall buying experience is built to remove much of the risk from a luggage purchase made online, which matters when customers are deciding between Away and pricier legacy luggage names.
Verdict
Away continues to earn its place as a modern travel staple, backing genuinely refined, durable design with LifetimeCare repair coverage that gives customers real confidence long after checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Yes u2014 customers consistently praise the durable build, smooth-rolling wheels and distinctive color options, and the brand backs every purchase with LifetimeCare repair coverage.
Yes, Away offers free shipping on qualifying orders along with a 100-day trial for unused items, giving customers time to test their luggage before deciding to keep it.
LifetimeCareu2122 Coverage provides complimentary repairs for functional damage during the first five years of ownership, with continued repair support after that and one replacement if a repair isn't possible.
Both are strong direct-to-consumer options; Away offers a wider color range and an extensive accessories ecosystem, while Monos leans further into minimalist design and a broader size lineup.
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey and has since grown into a global brand with stores across North America and the UK.
Customers can roll, test-pack and gently use their Away luggage indoors for up to 100 days, with free returns or exchanges if it isn't the right fit.
Yes u2014 Away operates more than a dozen stores across North America and the UK in addition to its online shop, giving shoppers a chance to see the luggage in person.
