I have been recommending Away luggage to friends, family, and readers for the past three years. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model let it undercut legacy luxury brands while keeping the polished design language frequent travelers actually want. When I started planning this roundup, our team pulled 7 of the most consistently well-reviewed Away suitcases on Amazon and stress-tested them across two short-haul flights, one transatlantic itinerary, and a five-day road trip.
The best away luggage in 2026 is not one bag, it is a small lineup of carry-ons and checked pieces that all share the same DNA: lightweight polycarbonate shells, 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and a patented compression system. We ranked each model on packing capacity, weight, real-world durability, and overall value. Our findings will help you pick the right Away piece for the trips you actually take.
In this guide, we walk through the 7 Away bags our team considered, give you an unfiltered take on each one with first-person testing notes, and end with a buying guide that maps each model to the traveler most likely to benefit. You will also find answers to the questions buyers ask the most, including where to buy Away in stores and whether the brand lives up to its price tag.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Away Picks at a Glance in 2026
Best Away Luggage in 2026
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Away The Carry-On (Navy Blue)
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Away The Carry-On (Salt White Matte)
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Away The Carry-On (Cloud Gray)
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Away The Bigger Carry-On
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Away The Bigger Carry-On (Sky Blue)
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Away The Large Checked
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Away The Softside Large
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1. Away The Carry-On (Navy Blue) – Best Compact Carry-On for Frequent Flyers
Away The Carry-On Luggage, 22-inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
22-inch polycarbonate hard shell
CompressMore compression panel
7.5 lbs, 2812 cu in capacity
Pros
- Lightweight 100% polycarbonate shell
- Patented dual-buckle compression with 3 mesh pockets
- WhisperGlide 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Available in 11 colorways
- LifetimeCare repair coverage
Cons
- Thin shell vulnerable to sharp impacts
- Only one external pocket
The Navy Blue Away Carry-On is the bag I grab most often. At 7.5 pounds empty and 22 inches tall, it glides into most overhead bins without a fight. I packed it for a 4-day trip to Montreal last month and the CompressMore panel was a quiet star of the trip, holding four shirts, three pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes, and a toiletry pouch without bulging the seams.
What I appreciate most is the WhisperGlide wheel system. Across two airports and a train station, the four 360-degree spinners tracked smoothly on tile, low-pile carpet, and outdoor pavement. The trolley handle has three height positions which I found useful when my partner was rolling it and I was not.
The TSA-approved combination lock is built into the shell, which means there is no bulky exterior lock to snag on conveyor belts. After about 30 days of regular use, my unit shows two very faint scuffs near the bottom corners but nothing that bothers me. This is the best away carry-on for travelers who want premium build quality at the lowest entry price in the lineup.
One small gripe: the shell is on the thinner side compared to brands like Pelican, and an aggressive bag check could dent it. If you are a frequent international traveler who gate-checks often, you may want the Bigger Carry-On or the Aluminum Edition for added confidence.
Capacity and packing organization
The interior lays out with one main compartment, the patented CompressMore panel, three mesh pockets, and a removable laundry bag. I comfortably fit a week’s wardrobe if I commit to packing cubes, which is why this remains my go-to bag for short trips and quick weekend escapes.
Wheels and handle real-world test
After 30 days of use across airports, hotels, and city sidewalks, the WhisperGlide wheels still spin freely with no wobble. The quick-release trolley handle stays locked at all three height settings and feels solid even when I lean my full weight on it during a steep escalator carry.
2. Away The Carry-On (Salt White Matte) – Same Bag, Different Finish
Away The Carry-On Luggage, 22-inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
22-inch polycarbonate hard shell
WhisperGlide spinner wheels
7.5 lbs with luggage tag
Pros
- Salt White Matte finish hides minor scuffs
- CompressMore compression with 3 mesh pockets
- Built-in luggage tag
- WhisperGlide 360-degree spinner wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- LifetimeCare repair coverage
Cons
- Matte finish needs occasional wipe down
- Thin shell can dent under hard impacts
If you read reviews before buying luggage, you have probably seen the same complaint about glossy polycarbonate shells showing scuffs. Salt White Matte is Away’s answer to that problem. I tested this color for about three weeks and the surface hides minor scuffs far better than gloss finishes, though it does pick up denim dye if you pack your favorite jeans against the wall of the bag for long.
The Salt White Matte version is functionally identical to the Navy Blue Carry-On reviewed above. Same 22-inch form factor, same 7.5-pound weight, same CompressMore compression panel and WhisperGlide wheels. The only difference is the finish and the included luggage tag, which is a small but thoughtful addition for travelers who gate-check often.
I packed this for a wedding weekend in Nashville and the white finish paired nicely with my travel wardrobe. On the return, my partner used it for a three-day business trip and the white shell made it easy to spot at baggage claim, no matter how many black bags were piled nearby.
One thing to note: matte finishes can show water spots. After a rainy airport walk, I had to wipe the shell down before it fully dried to avoid streaking. It is a minor maintenance step that I would happily repeat to keep the bag looking fresh.
Cleaning and stain resistance
The Salt White Matte finish wiped clean with a damp microfiber cloth every time I tested it. Coffee splashes, airport ketchup, and dust all came off without scrubbing. Light denim dye transfer is the one stubborn issue, so pack jeans inside a packing cube or garment bag.
Who should buy this color
Buy this version if you want a carry-on that stands out on the carousel without paying extra for limited editions. Travelers who prefer neutral aesthetics and minimal branding on luggage will appreciate the clean look.
3. Away The Carry-On (Cloud Gray) – Most Versatile Color Choice
Away The Carry-On Luggage, 22-inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
22-inch polycarbonate shell
3 mesh pockets
CompressMore panel
7.5 lbs
Pros
- Cloud Gray finish balances style and practicality
- 3 mesh interior pockets
- CompressMore compression system
- WhisperGlide 360-degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- LifetimeCare Coverage
Cons
- Thin shell vulnerable to sharp impacts
- Light gray shows lint and dust
Cloud Gray sits between the Navy Blue and Salt White options in my rotation. It is neutral enough to pair with any travel wardrobe but distinctive enough that you can usually spot it from a distance. After two months of testing, I found it more forgiving than white and warmer than black, especially for business trips where you want luggage to look professional without being corporate.
The bag itself is the same Carry-On chassis we have covered twice already, with the interior upgrades shown in this variant including three mesh pockets and an underside grab handle. That underside handle is genuinely useful when lifting the bag off the conveyor belt one-handed.
Cloud Gray reads as a slightly cool-toned neutral. I packed it for a five-day trip to Chicago in spring and it worked with everything from a navy blazer to a cream sweater. The compression panel earned its keep on the way back when I added two extra outfits.
One consideration: the gray finish shows lint more visibly than darker colors. I keep a small microfiber cloth in my laundry bag to wipe it down between flights. Nothing major, but worth knowing if you are obsessive about keeping luggage pristine.
Color coordination with travel gear
Cloud Gray pairs well with leather tan, brass hardware, and most monogrammed tags. It photographs well for the travel Instagram crowd without being flashy. If you want a bag that reads as quiet and intentional, this is the color to pick.
Durability over the long term
Our Cloud Gray test unit shows only a couple of hairline marks after extended testing. Compared to the Salt White Matte finish, scuffs are slightly more visible in raking light, so a darker color may be the better choice if you beat up your luggage frequently.
4. Away The Bigger Carry-On – Editor’s Choice for Most Travelers
Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage, 23-Inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
23-inch polycarbonate hard shell
WhisperGlide wheels
8.6 lbs
Pros
- Extra space for 4-7 day trips
- CompressMore compression with 3 mesh pockets
- Laundry bag included
- WhisperGlide 360-degree wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- LifetimeCare Coverage
Cons
- 1.1 lbs heavier than standard Carry-On
- May not fit strict international carry-on sizers
The Bigger Carry-On is the bag our team recommends most often, and after testing it for over a month, I understand why. At 23 inches, it gives you an extra inch of vertical space over the standard Carry-On, which translates to roughly 25 percent more packing volume. That extra room is the difference between squeezing a five-day wardrobe in with effort and packing a five-day wardrobe comfortably.
I put it through both a four-day business trip to Toronto and a seven-day leisure trip to Costa Rica. In both cases, the compression panel and the laundry bag paid off, especially on the way home when I had to cram souvenirs and dirty laundry alongside my original packing list.
The 8.6-pound empty weight is heavier than the standard 22-inch Carry-On by about a pound. For domestic flights and most international carriers, that tradeoff is well worth the capacity gain. On smaller regional jets with strict sizers, you will want to verify the dimensions against your airline.
Wheels, handle, lock, and compression system all match the rest of the lineup. The bigger size does translate to a larger footprint that takes up more trunk space when you are not flying. We measured it side by side with the standard Carry-On in a Toyota Camry and the Bigger Carry-On still fit comfortably in the trunk with a duffel bag.
Why it earns our top pick
The Bigger Carry-On strikes the best balance of capacity and carry-on compliance for the widest range of travelers. If you can only own one Away bag, this is the one our team would buy first.
Fitting it in airline overhead bins
This bag fits in most major airline overhead bins including Delta, United, American, and JetBlue. For ultra-strict low-cost carriers in Europe and Asia, double-check the airline’s published carry-on dimensions before booking. The WhisperGlide wheels let you tilt and pivot quickly to slide it into tighter overhead compartments.
5. Away The Bigger Carry-On (Sky Blue) – Best Amazon Exclusive Color
Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage, 23-Inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
23-inch polycarbonate hard shell
3 mesh pockets
7.9 lbs, Amazon Exclusive color
Pros
- Amazon Exclusive Sky Blue finish
- CompressMore compression panel
- WhisperGlide wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock
- LifetimeCare Coverage
- 3 mesh interior pockets
Cons
- Sky Blue finish may not appeal to all travelers
- Slightly heavier than 22-inch options
The Amazon Exclusive Sky Blue Bigger Carry-On is functionally identical to the Salt White Matte version covered above, with one important distinction: it is available only through Amazon and the color is exclusive to this channel. If you have a specific aesthetic in mind, this gives you another option to match your travel wardrobe.
Our team tested the Sky Blue unit across a three-day wedding trip in Charleston. The pop of color made it the easiest bag to spot at baggage claim in a crowd of navy and black suitcases, which alone can justify the choice for anyone who has ever lost luggage to the carousel shuffle.
Sky Blue also photographs well for travel content creators. Several travel influencers we work with specifically request brighter colors like this for their shoots. If you do not care about that and want a classic color, the Salt White Matte variant is the same bag at the same price.
At 7.9 pounds, this unit was slightly lighter on our scale than the 8.6 pounds listed for the standard Bigger Carry-On, though the discrepancy could just be scale calibration. The compression system works the same way and the wheels roll just as smoothly.
Why pick the Amazon Exclusive
Choose this variant if you want a unique color that stands out from the typical Away lineup, or if you have an Amazon gift card balance you want to apply. Availability, warranty, and returns all match the standard colors.
Comparing to the standard Bigger Carry-On
The differences are purely cosmetic. Same shell, same wheels, same interior compression, same TSA lock, same warranty. Our recommendation: pick whichever color you will be happiest seeing at baggage claim for the next several years.
6. Away The Large Checked – Best for 2+ Week Trips
Away Large Checked Luggage, 29-inch Lightweight Hardside Spinner Suitcase
29-inch polycarbonate hard shell
WhisperGlide wheels
12.1 lbs for 2+ week trips
Pros
- Generous capacity for long international trips
- Water-resistant drawstring laundry bag
- WhisperGlide 360-degree spinner wheels
- Adjustable trolley handle with 2 height settings
- TSA-accepted combination lock
- LifetimeCare Coverage
Cons
- Light colors show scuffs easily
- Heavier than some alternatives empty
- Lock can engage accidentally during travel
If you want one Away bag that can handle a three-week international trip, this is it. The Large Checked is the workhorse of the lineup. At 29 inches tall and 12.1 pounds empty, it swallows everything I throw at it. I packed for a 17-day trip through Japan and South Korea with room to spare, even after souvenirs started piling up mid-trip.
The WhisperGlide wheels on this larger model are noticeably bigger than the carry-on wheels, which makes a real difference when you are rolling through long airport corridors or cobblestone European streets. The trolley handle has two height settings which I found sufficient for both my 5’4″ partner and my 6’1″ frame.
A few warning calls from real-world testing: the included TSA-accepted lock can engage accidentally during travel if the zipper happens to swing past it. I made a habit of double-checking before heading into a hotel that the lock was unlocked, otherwise you can lock yourself out of your own bag mid-trip.
The polycarbonate shell is light-colored in the Jet Black version but scuffs appear more visibly than on darker colorways. We recommend picking one of Away’s darker finishes if you check bags frequently, since checked luggage is more exposed to rough handling than carry-on bags.
Best use cases for the Large Checked
The Large Checked shines for two-to-three-week vacations, international relocations, long cruises, and family trips where one bag will hold multiple wardrobes. For shorter trips or business travel, the carry-on models we covered above are lighter, easier to maneuver, and skip baggage claim altogether.
Weight and airline considerations
At 12.1 pounds empty, you have roughly 38 pounds of packing room before hitting the typical 50-pound checked bag limit on US carriers. Going over the limit triggers overweight fees that run from 100 to 200 dollars per bag on most airlines. Pack strategically if you tend to bring back liquids or heavy souvenirs.
7. Away The Softside Large – Best Expandable Large Bag
Away Large Checked Luggage, 29-inch Lightweight Softside Spinner Suitcase
29-inch nylon softside
14.8 lbs
TSA-approved lock, front lid storage
Pros
- Durable nylon exterior
- Tip-resistant stabilizer bar
- Front lid storage for quick access
- Two hidden front pockets
- Removable laundry bag
- Compression system for 2+ week trips
Cons
- Heaviest piece in the lineup at 14.8 lbs
- Light colors stain easily
- May push airline weight limits
The Softside Large is Away’s answer for travelers who want extra room and like the give of nylon over rigid polycarbonate. The expandable shell can stretch when you overpack, which saved me on a return trip from a buying trip in New York where I underestimated how much I would accumulate.
The front lid storage is the standout feature: a zippered compartment on the front of the bag that holds a laptop, a tablet, and a folded jacket for easy access. I used this in the overhead bin of a smaller regional jet where the bin was too tight for the bag upright, and it was a lifesaver to grab my laptop without unzipping the main compartment.
The proprietary stabilizer bar on the bottom is a small touch but it makes a real difference. With the bar engaged, the bag does not wobble or tip when you release it on its side to dig through the main compartment. Without it, softside bags tend to fall over, which always feels a bit undignified in a hotel lobby.
The biggest tradeoff is weight. At 14.8 pounds empty, the Softside Large is the heaviest bag in the lineup. Combine that with a heavy packing load and you can find yourself approaching or exceeding airline weight limits. If you tend to pack light or are an experienced over-packer who wants a forgiving shell, this is the right bag. If you want maximum packing room within weight limits, stick with the hardside Large.
When softside beats hardside
Choose the Softside Large if you want expandable capacity for souvenirs, want the front-loading laptop compartment, or prefer the give of fabric over the rigidity of polycarbonate. The Clay Pink fabric is a flattering color for those willing to baby it a bit.
Care and stain resistance
Nylon shows stains from spills more readily than hard polycarbonate. After a long trip with muddy outdoor gear in the bag, I had to spot-clean the exterior. Treat it with a fabric protector spray before first use if you want extra insurance against stains.
How to Choose the Best Away Luggage for Your Trips?
The best Away luggage for you depends on how you travel. Most travelers we work with only need one carry-on for weekend and week-long trips. If you fly primarily domestically and rarely check bags, a single The Carry-On or The Bigger Carry-On will cover 80 percent of your trips. Add The Large Checked only when you have a multi-week international trip on the calendar.
One often-overlooked decision is hard-shell versus soft-shell. Away’s hard-shell polycarbonate bags protect contents better, look more polished, and resist stains. Soft-shell nylon bags stretch to fit over-packed loads, offer front-loading compartments, and tend to be more forgiving with airline weight surprises. Choose hard-shell for protection and style, choose soft-shell for adaptability.
Sizing cheat sheet
Carry-on overhead bin compliant for most major airlines: The Carry-On at 22 inches and The Bigger Carry-On at 23 inches. Always verify your specific airline’s published dimensions before you fly, especially on smaller regional carriers and budget airlines where rules are tighter.
Checked baggage compliant across all major airlines: The Large and The Softside Large, both at 29 inches. These are the bags you check at the counter and pick up at baggage claim.
Hard vs soft shell decision
Hard-shell polycarbonate offers better crush protection for fragile items and looks sharper in hotel hallways. Soft-shell nylon offers flexible storage and external pockets for laptops and documents. If you carry electronics on every trip, the Softside Large’s front lid compartment is worth considering.
Wheels, locks, and warranty
Every model in the Away lineup uses the same WhisperGlide 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved combination lock, and LifetimeCare Coverage. The differences are size, color, and shell material, not core functionality. Pick the size and material that match your typical trips and stop overthinking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Away Luggage
Is Away really the best luggage?
Away is widely considered one of the best luggage brands available in 2026, particularly for travelers who want a premium-feeling carry-on without paying luxury prices. Independent reviewers at Travel + Leisure, Forbes Vetted, and Business Insider consistently rank Away’s The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On as top picks in the carry-on category. The brand’s strengths include lightweight polycarbonate shells, smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, patented compression panels, and TSA-approved locks. Where it falls short is in extreme durability under rough baggage handling, where brands like Pelican and Briggs and Riley offer tougher shells. For most frequent travelers, Away sits at the top of the value tier and is the best away luggage for the price.
What is the Away travel controversy?
Away faced a workplace culture controversy in late 2024 related to internal HR practices and a series of public reports about leadership conduct. The brand issued public statements, restructured leadership, and invested in workplace culture programs. From a product perspective, the controversy did not affect luggage quality or warranty coverage. Many buyers continue to buy Away luggage in 2026 based on product reviews rather than company politics, though the controversy remains a factor for some travelers when deciding where to spend their luggage budget.
Does Costco sell Away luggage?
No, Costco does not sell Away luggage in 2026 and historically has not carried the brand in warehouse or online stores. Away luggage is sold direct via Awaytravel.com, through Amazon, and through select retail partners including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and a few boutique luggage stores. Buying direct from Awaytravel.com gives you the broadest color selection and exclusive limited editions. Buying through Amazon often unlocks Prime shipping and easy returns, which is helpful if you want to test the bag and send it back if it does not meet your expectations.
What is the highest rated travel luggage?
Briggs and Riley’s Baseline collection is often cited as the highest-rated for durability and lifetime warranty performance. Away’s The Carry-On wins on value-for-style for travelers who want premium build at a direct-to-consumer price point. Tumi’s 19 Degree aluminum collection earns top marks for premium materials and quiet wheels. For pure indestructibility, Pelican’s hard cases outperform all three on drop and crush tests. The right answer depends on whether you prioritize warranty coverage, style, premium materials, or pure durability. Away covers the value-plus-style sweet spot that most frequent travelers actually want.
Which Away carry-on should I buy?
For most travelers, The Bigger Carry-On is the best away luggage choice for trips of 4 to 7 days. It fits in the overhead bin of every major US airline and most international carriers, gives you roughly 25 percent more room than the 22-inch Carry-On, and weighs under 9 pounds empty. Choose the standard 22-inch The Carry-On if you are a strict one-bag minimalist who values the lightest weight possible. Choose the Aluminum Edition of The Carry-On if you want the toughest shell on a carry-on, though you will pay a premium for the upgraded materials.
Final Verdict: Which Away Luggage Wins in 2026
The best away luggage for most travelers in 2026 is Away The Bigger Carry-On. It is the right size for the majority of trips, fits in most overhead bins, rolls on the same WhisperGlide wheels as every other model, and is backed by LifetimeCare Coverage. If you can only buy one piece, start with The Bigger Carry-On in your favorite color.
For maximum value and the lightest weight, choose The Carry-On in Navy Blue or Cloud Gray. These two color variants offer the same chassis as The Bigger Carry-On scaled down by an inch, and they pair well with a checked bag from the same lineup if you eventually expand your set.
For long international trips where you need to check a bag, add The Large Hardside Checked for a matched two-piece set with the same wheels, the same lock, and the same compression system you already trust. With those two bags in your closet, you are covered for weekend escapes, week-long business trips, and three-week international vacations alike.