Away
The direct-to-consumer brand that made premium hard-shell carry-ons mainstream
- Founded
- 2015
- Country
- United States
- Warranty
- Purchases from April 2026 are covered by "LifetimeCare": complimentary repairs and up to one replacement in years 1 to 5 (including travel/airline damage), then lifetime repair support; a paid Pro tier extends it. Earlier purchases carry the prior limited lifetime warranty. Cosmetic damage is excluded; all bags include a 100-day trial.
- Support
- Responsive direct-to-consumer support with free shipping on warranty claims; Away reports the large majority of bags never need a repair.
Overview
Away, founded in 2015, helped define the modern direct-to-consumer luggage category with well-built polycarbonate hard-shell suitcases at prices well below legacy premium brands. Best-in-class Hinomoto wheels, thoughtful interior organization, and a strong value story make it a default recommendation; the once-signature ejectable battery was discontinued around 2020.
Is it worth it?
Away is worth it for most travelers who want a durable, well-organized hard-shell with excellent wheels and a real warranty at a fair price. Those needing the lightest bag, strict international sizing, or in-bag charging should look closer at alternatives.
Away reports
All reports
Best HardsideAway
Away The Large
The Away The Large is the best-value hard-shell checked bag, and the suitcase that proves you don’t need to spend four figures. Its polycarbonate shell takes years of abuse, the WhisperGlide spinners roll beautifully, and the clamshell interior (compression panel, mesh pockets, a built-in laundry bag) is better organized than bags costing far more, all for $375 with Away’s LifetimeCare warranty. The honest caveats: the standard Large doesn’t expand (you’d need the separate Large Flex), there are no exterior pockets, light colors scuff, and the price has crept up enough to narrow its old value gap.
Best OverallAway
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Our Away Bigger Carry-On review lands on the brand’s best all-rounder: a roughly 49-liter polycarbonate hard-shell with Hinomoto wheels widely judged among the best-rolling in any suitcase, smart interior organization, and a strong warranty, all at $295, well below legacy premium names. The catches are that it is on the heavier side at 7.9 lbs, runs slightly over some airlines’ published size limits, and no longer offers in-bag charging.