Last updated: May 2026 | Editorial review based on verified information from awaytravel.com/en-gb and independent travel testing
Quick Answer: Away is a US-founded direct-to-consumer luggage brand launched in 2015, best known for its clean polycarbonate hard-shell carry-ons. The Carry-On measures 55.1 x 36.6 x 22.9 cm, weighs 3.4 kg, and holds 39.8 litres. Away backs its luggage with a strong warranty and a 100-day return window. The UK range sells directly at awaytravel.com/en-gb with free shipping on qualifying orders.
Editorial note: UK pricing, current warranty terms, and availability should be confirmed at awaytravel.com/en-gb before purchasing, as Away updates its collections and policies periodically.
Away built its following by solving a specific problem: affordable, well-designed hard-shell luggage in a market where quality options either looked corporate or cost too much. The polycarbonate Carry-On at roughly £225–£275 sits in a price bracket that RIMOWA ignores and that cheaper luggage brands cannot match on build quality.
However, the more interesting question is whether Away performs as well operationally as it looks aesthetically. This review focuses on that question — the compression system, the handle, the wheels, the warranty, and the honest limitations that affect real travel.
What Is Away?
Away is a New York-based luggage brand co-founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, launched as a direct-to-consumer alternative to traditional luggage retail. It sells polycarbonate, nylon, and aluminium luggage directly via awaytravel.com, with UK buyers accessing the range at awaytravel.com/en-gb.
Away’s core appeal at launch was straightforward: a clean, minimalist hard-shell carry-on at a price between the ultra-budget end of the market and the premium brands. By selling directly to buyers online, Away removed the retail margin and offered competitive pricing for polycarbonate construction.
Notably, Away’s early products included a built-in USB battery for device charging — a feature that attracted significant attention. However, due to aviation safety regulations around lithium batteries in checked luggage, Away removed the built-in battery from its current standard luggage lineup. Consequently, current Away suitcases do not include USB charging. Travellers who want integrated charging should look at alternatives like Horizn Studios M5 Smart or TUMI Alpha models instead.
The Away Range: Key Products in the UK
Away’s UK range covers carry-on and checked luggage in polycarbonate, aluminium, and nylon formats, plus backpacks, bags, and travel accessories. The core luggage range runs from The Carry-On through to The Large check-in case, with The Bigger Carry-On as the most popular volume upgrade from the standard carry-on.
The Carry-On and Bigger Carry-On
The Carry-On is Away’s original product and still its most-bought case. At 55.1 x 36.6 x 22.9 cm (21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″), it weighs 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) and holds 39.8 litres — enough for three to five days of efficient packing.
The Bigger Carry-On adds modest additional depth — approximately 9.9″ rather than 9″ — increasing capacity without significantly changing the footprint. In practice, this makes The Bigger Carry-On the more useful choice for travellers who pack for five to seven days or who find the standard model tight.
The Checked Range
| Model | Approx. Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Carry-On | 55.1 x 36.6 x 22.9 cm | 3.4 kg | 39.8 L | 3–5 day trips |
| The Bigger Carry-On | 55.1 x 36.6 x 25.1 cm | ~3.6 kg | ~47 L | 5–7 day trips |
| The Medium | ~68 x 44 x 28 cm | ~3.9 kg | ~61 L | 1–2 weeks |
| The Large | ~76 x 53 x 32 cm | ~4.5 kg | ~94 L | 2+ weeks |
Dimensions and weights should be confirmed at awaytravel.com/en-gb, as Away updates its range periodically.
The Aluminium Collection
Away’s aluminium case targets buyers who want the durability and aesthetic distinction of a metal shell at a price below RIMOWA. The aluminium range trades the slight flex-under-impact advantage of polycarbonate for greater rigidity and a distinctive metallic profile. However, aluminium is particularly susceptible to surface cosmetic damage — dents and marks that, while non-structural, accumulate visibly over time.
The Compression System: How It Works in Practice
Away’s interior uses a double-buckle compression pad that presses clothing flat against the base of the case. The system allows significantly more efficient packing than standard cross-straps, and it holds clothing steady during transit to reduce shifting and wrinkling. The compression pad also compresses the clamshell side of the case, allowing the zipper to close more easily when lightly overpacked.
Practical Packing Benefits
In practice, the compression system works reliably for clothing-heavy packing. Travellers who roll shirts and trousers and layer them under the pad find they can fit noticeably more into the 39.8 litres than the volume figure suggests — because the pad physically reduces air space between items.
Additionally, the compression pad keeps clothing organised during multi-stop trips where the case opens and closes repeatedly. Without it, folded items shift with every transit; with it, clothing arrives in roughly the same position it was packed.
The Interior Organisation System
Away includes several internal organisation features across its carry-on range:
- Double-buckle compression pad — covers the full main compartment width
- Three mesh pockets on the divider panel — for small items and toiletries
- One hanging pocket — for flat documents or thin accessories
- Included laundry bag — fabric drawstring bag for separating worn clothes
- Leather hinge panel — covers the clamshell hinge for a more refined interior finish
However, Away provides no external pockets on its standard polycarbonate models. Consequently, accessing documents, chargers, or boarding passes at the gate requires opening the full case. Travellers who value front-pocket access for airport security — removing a laptop or liquids without opening the main bag — will notice this absence immediately. In this area, TUMI Alpha and LEVEL8 Creator both hold a clear practical advantage.
Build Quality: Shell, Wheels, and Handle
Away constructs its standard carry-on from 100% polycarbonate — a durable, impact-absorbing shell material that resists cracking better than cheaper ABS alternatives. The 360° spinner wheels use a four-wheel system for multidirectional rolling. However, the telescoping handle on the standard carry-on offers only two height adjustments, which is notably limited compared to most competitors.
Shell Durability
Polycarbonate handles travel well for most buyers. The shell absorbs impact without shattering and returns to shape under moderate pressure. Multiple long-term Away users report the exterior holding up well after years of airline handling — the shells do not crack or deform under normal use.
That said, the smooth polycarbonate surface does show surface scuffs over time. Lighter colourways — white, blush, cream — accumulate visible marks more readily than darker colours. Away confirms cosmetic damage (scratches, scuffs) falls outside warranty coverage, since it does not affect functional performance.
Wheel Performance
Away fits 360° spinner wheels that roll smoothly across airport terminal tile and station concourses. In practice, the wheels perform well on smooth surfaces. However, independent testing notes that the wheels struggle more on carpeted surfaces when the case is fully packed — a limitation that applies to most standard four-wheel spinners and becomes more noticeable with heavier loads.
The wheel durability over years of intensive use receives broadly positive feedback — numerous buyers report the wheels remaining smooth after four or five years of frequent travel, which is a meaningful indicator of build quality at this price point.
The Handle: An Honest Limitation
The telescoping handle on Away’s standard Carry-On extends to two height settings. In contrast, TUMI Alpha offers four positions, Horizn Studios offers four stages, and LEVEL8 offers multi-step adjustments. For taller travellers — above 185 cm — the two-position Away handle may not extend to a fully comfortable rolling height.
Furthermore, Away’s handle uses a relatively basic mechanism compared to the aircraft-grade aluminium X-Brace system in TUMI or the wide-handle design in LEVEL8. In practice, this means the handle performs adequately rather than exceptionally — it locks firmly and extends smoothly, but it does not feel as engineered as premium alternatives.
Airline Compatibility: UK Travellers Need to Know This
The Away Carry-On at 55.1 x 36.6 x 22.9 cm fits comfortably within British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, and Lufthansa cabin allowances. However, its 22.9 cm depth exceeds Ryanair’s 20 cm Priority carry-on limit. The Bigger Carry-On at approximately 25 cm depth exceeds multiple carriers’ limits and suits primarily BA, Virgin, and full-service long-haul routes.
UK and European Carrier Compatibility
| Airline | Carry-On Allowance | Away Carry-On (22.9cm) | Away Bigger Carry-On (~25cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | ✅ Fits | ✅ Fits |
| EasyJet (hand baggage) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | ✅ Fits | ✅ Just within |
| Jet2 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | ✅ Fits | ✅ Just within |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | ✅ Fits | ⚠️ Check depth |
| Ryanair (Priority) | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | ⚠️ 22.9cm > 20cm limit | ❌ Too deep |
| TUI | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | ⚠️ 22.9cm > 20cm limit | ❌ Too deep |
Always verify current airline limits directly before travel.
The Ryanair and Budget Airline Reality
For Ryanair-primary travellers, The Carry-On’s 22.9 cm depth sits 2.9 cm over the Priority cabin limit. In practice, Away users on Ryanair routes report mixed experiences — many fly without incident, but strict gate checks on full flights create real risk of a hold fee.
Additionally, the Bigger Carry-On at approximately 25 cm depth does not fit Ryanair or TUI limits at all. Consequently, Away’s range suits frequent BA, EasyJet, and full-service carrier travel most reliably. Budget-airline-primary travellers should measure carefully before purchasing.
The Warranty: What Away Actually Covers
Away’s warranty position changed in April 2026. Luggage purchased before April 14, 2026 falls under Away’s limited lifetime warranty, covering manufacturing defects and functional damage for the life of the bag. Luggage purchased after that date falls under newer terms that buyers should verify directly at awaytravel.com.
The Pre-April 2026 Lifetime Warranty
For bags purchased before the April 2026 policy change, Away’s limited lifetime warranty covers defects in material and workmanship — specifically functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers. Away replaces or repairs the product at no cost to the buyer, and covers shipping in both directions.
In practice, Away’s warranty service receives strong feedback. Multiple verified buyers report receiving replacement cases quickly after zipper failures, wheel breakage, or shell damage — in some instances without being asked to return the damaged case. This level of warranty responsiveness is notably strong for the price tier.
However, the lifetime warranty carries real exclusions worth understanding:
- Cosmetic damage — scratches, scuffs, dents, stains, colour fading — is explicitly not covered
- The warranty applies only to the original purchaser or gift recipient — it does not transfer with second-hand sales
- Bags must be purchased from Away directly or authorised retailers — not through resellers
The 100-Day Return Period
Away offers a 100-day trial window for returns. Specifically, buyers can use the case on actual trips and return it within 100 days if unsatisfied. This removes the primary risk of buying luggage online without handling it in person first — and it is considerably more generous than the standard 30-day return windows most luggage brands offer.
Away vs Competitors: Where It Fits
Away competes most directly with Monos, BÉIS, July, and LEVEL8 in the direct-to-consumer polycarbonate carry-on market. Against premium brands, Away sits well below RIMOWA, TUMI, and Horizn Studios on price, construction depth, and features, but above budget alternatives on build quality and design.
| Feature | Away Carry-On | LEVEL8 Voyageur | Horizn Studios M5 | Samsonite C-Lite | RIMOWA Essential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell material | Polycarbonate | German Makrolon® | German polycarbonate | Curv® / polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Carry-on weight | 3.4 kg | ~3.5 kg | ~3.4 kg | ~2.3 kg | ~3.8 kg |
| Handle positions | 2 | Multi-step | 4-stage | Multi-step | Multi-step |
| Front pocket | No | No (Voyageur) | Yes (M5) | No | No |
| USB charging | No | No | Yes (Smart) | No | No |
| Compression system | Yes (double-buckle) | Cross-straps | Compression pad | Cross-straps | No straps |
| Lifetime warranty | Yes (pre-Apr 2026)* | Yes (functional) | Yes (non-cosmetic) | 10 years (varies) | Lifetime |
| UK carry-on price | ~£225–£275 | From £259.99 | From £360–£430 | ~£150 | From ~£595 |
Post-April 2026 warranty terms should be verified at awaytravel.com.
Honest Competitive Positioning
Away’s strongest position is price-to-quality at the entry point of the DTC carry-on market. The polycarbonate shell, compression system, and warranty together represent good value at roughly £225–£275.
Conversely, LEVEL8’s wide-handle system and bi-metal bearing wheels produce a noticeably superior rolling experience at a similar price. Horizn Studios M5 adds front pocket access and an integrated smart charger but costs roughly £175–£200 more. RIMOWA offers stronger brand prestige and aluminium options but at two to three times the price.
For buyers weighing exactly these brands, the decision simplifies to: if organisation features, front pocket access, or integrated charging matter — choose LEVEL8 Creator or Horizn Studios M5. If clean polycarbonate aesthetics, proven warranty service, and straightforward packing in a trusted DTC brand matter most — Away delivers on those priorities well.
Practical Traveller Scenarios
European City Breaks (BA, EasyJet, Jet2)
For a three to five day city break to Amsterdam, Lisbon, or Copenhagen on BA, EasyJet, or Jet2, The Carry-On covers most packing needs efficiently. The compression system handles four to five days of clothing comfortably; the included laundry bag keeps dirty and clean clothes separated through multi-city routes. Furthermore, the 3.4 kg empty weight leaves comfortable packing allowance on EasyJet’s 15 kg cabin limit.
On city streets — cobblestones, station concourses, hotel lobbies — the smooth-surface wheel performance holds up well. The limitation of two handle heights becomes most noticeable on longer walks between gates, where taller travellers find themselves rolling at a slightly stooped position.
Digital Nomad Travel
For remote workers moving between monthly stays on carry-on only, Away’s compression system genuinely earns its value. Specifically, packing and repacking at every location is faster with the double-buckle pad than with loose cross-straps — the pad compresses contents systematically rather than just securing them.
That said, the absence of a front pocket creates a daily inconvenience: accessing a laptop at cafes, co-working spaces, or on trains requires opening the full case. Consequently, most digital nomads who use Away pair it with a separate backpack or sling bag as a daily carry, keeping electronics accessible without opening the main case.
Long-Haul Travel and Checked Luggage
For long-haul routes where checked luggage is necessary, Away’s Medium and Large cases apply the same compression system to larger formats. The Medium covers one to two week holidays comfortably; the Large handles two-plus week stays or family packing without the severe overpacking risk of cheaper expanded-format cases.
Similarly, Away’s warranty service record — particularly for long-term users who eventually need zipper or wheel replacement after years of checked travel — reflects well on the brand’s after-sales reliability.
Hybrid Business-Leisure Travel
For travellers who split time between work trips and leisure travel, Away’s neutral colourways (slate, black, navy, midnight) read as professional without feeling corporate. The minimalist exterior suits conference rooms and client meetings; the compression system and laundry bag handle weekend leisure packing efficiently.
Moreover, the TSA combination lock is built in across all Away cases, removing the need for a separate padlock at US entry points and internationally where TSA locks are accepted.
Is Away Worth It?
Away delivers strong practical value for frequent leisure travellers, city-break regulars, and digital nomads who want a durable, well-designed carry-on with a proven warranty at a mid-market price. For business travellers who need front-pocket laptop access, or frequent Ryanair users, Away’s limitations become more operationally significant.
Who Benefits Most
- Strong fit: Frequent leisure travellers on BA, EasyJet, and full-service routes; city-break regulars who pack for three to seven days; digital nomads who carry a separate day bag for electronics access; buyers who value the 100-day return window and warranty service record
- Reasonable fit: Occasional travellers ready to invest in durable luggage that lasts years; buyers for whom clean aesthetics and a trusted brand matter; anyone buying a matched set across sizes
- Less ideal: Ryanair-primary travellers (depth dimension issue); business travellers who need front laptop access at security; anyone wanting a USB charging port; taller travellers frustrated by two-position handle
The Honest Price Assessment
At roughly £225–£275 for The Carry-On, Away occupies a genuine sweet spot for buyers who want better-than-budget quality without TUMI or RIMOWA pricing. The compression system, included laundry bag, lifetime warranty service, and clean polycarbonate shell together justify the price against comparable mid-market alternatives.
Additionally, the 100-day return window means the financial risk of discovering the two-position handle or the absence of front pockets is low — buyers who dislike these features can return the case before the window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Away Luggage
Brand and Range
What is Away luggage? Away is a US direct-to-consumer luggage brand launched in 2015. It sells polycarbonate, aluminium, and nylon luggage directly via awaytravel.com, with UK buyers accessing the range at awaytravel.com/en-gb. The brand built its following through clean minimalist design, a compression packing system, and strong warranty service.
Does Away luggage have a USB charging port? Current Away standard luggage does not include a built-in USB battery or charging port. Away removed the integrated battery from its standard lineup due to aviation safety regulations around lithium batteries. Travellers who want integrated device charging should consider Horizn Studios M5 Smart or TUMI Alpha carry-ons as alternatives.
Size, Airlines, and Dimensions
Does Away Carry-On fit Ryanair’s cabin sizer? Not reliably. The Away Carry-On measures 22.9 cm in depth, which exceeds Ryanair’s Priority cabin limit of 20 cm. On busy flights where gate agents use the sizer, the Away Carry-On does not pass the Ryanair depth check. Furthermore, The Bigger Carry-On at approximately 25 cm depth is too deep for Ryanair entirely. Away suits British Airways, EasyJet, and Jet2 cabin requirements comfortably.
What is the capacity of the Away Carry-On? The Away Carry-On holds 39.8 litres. The Bigger Carry-On holds approximately 47 litres. The double-buckle compression system allows more efficient use of the stated capacity than uncompressed packing — many travellers fit noticeably more than the volume figure suggests when using the pad correctly.
Warranty and Returns
What does the Away warranty cover? Away’s warranty covers functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers — specifically anything that impairs the luggage’s use for travel. Cosmetic damage (scratches, scuffs, dents) falls outside coverage. Additionally, the warranty applies only to the original purchaser or gift recipient, and only to luggage bought from Away directly or authorised retailers.
Is Away’s warranty a lifetime warranty? Away offered a limited lifetime warranty on luggage purchased before April 14, 2026. Luggage purchased after that date falls under newer terms. Buyers should verify current warranty terms directly at awaytravel.com/en-gb before purchasing, as the policy changed in April 2026.
What is Away’s return policy? Away offers a 100-day return window, allowing buyers to use the case on actual trips before deciding. Returns within 100 days qualify for a full refund. This is one of the most generous return periods in the luggage market and specifically suits buyers who want to test a case across several trips before committing.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
