When Away launched in 2015, they disrupted a category that had barely changed in decades by combining premium materials, thoughtful design, and direct-to-consumer pricing in a way the luggage industry had never seen. The carry-on with a built-in battery charger and an unboxing experience that rivaled luxury brands created a phenomenon that built one of the most recognizable travel brands in the world in just a few years. Nearly a decade later, with competitors having studied and replicated every element of Away’s success, the question is whether their carry-on still earns the praise and the price tag. After extensive travel testing, here is our honest 2026 assessment.
Away offers their carry-on in two primary shell materials: polycarbonate and aluminum. The polycarbonate models are the original and most popular, available in a wide range of colors and in Original, Bigger Carry-On, and Large sizes. The aluminum Carry-On is a premium offering that has gained a devoted following for its exceptional durability and distinctive look. This review focuses primarily on the Original Carry-On in polycarbonate, which remains Away’s bestselling product and the one most travelers consider.
The construction quality of the Away Carry-On is immediately apparent when you first handle it. The polycarbonate shell is thick and rigid without being brittle, the Hinomoto Japanese spinner wheels are smooth and exceptionally quiet, the aluminum handles are precise and satisfying to extend and retract, and the TSA-approved combination lock integrates cleanly into the shell. Every tactile interaction with the bag reinforces its premium positioning, and after years of airport abuse in our testing, it shows minimal wear beyond surface scratches that polycarbonate naturally accumulates.
Check Price on Amazon — Away Carry-On →
The interior organization is one of the Away’s strongest suits. The compression system on one side uses a butterfly design that holds clothes flat and compressed with a set of crisscross straps. The opposite side features a zipped wet pocket for toiletries or damp items, additional pockets, and a laundry bag. The overall layout is logical and makes packing and unpacking faster than the typical single-cavity luggage. The hard shell format and clean interior design genuinely make the packing process more organized.
Away removed the built-in battery charger from their carry-on following airline regulation changes that restricted built-in batteries in checked luggage. The current version no longer includes the charger, which removes what was originally the most distinctive product feature. The ejectable battery pouch remains as a storage area, and Away sells compatible battery packs separately. This change disappointed early fans but was the correct response to safety regulations.
Check Price on Amazon — Away Carry-On →
Size and weight are important carry-on considerations, and Away’s Original Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, fitting within most airline carry-on limits for major carriers. The empty weight is 7.7 pounds, which is on the heavier side for polycarbonate luggage — approximately one pound more than comparable bags from Samsonite or Delsey. For travelers who pack to the maximum weight allowance, this additional empty weight matters. For those with flexible packing habits, it’s a non-issue.
Check Price on Amazon — Away Carry-On →
Away’s customer service and warranty program have improved significantly over the years following early criticism. Their Limited Lifetime Warranty now covers manufacturing defects comprehensively, and their customer service team handles repair and replacement claims efficiently. For a premium purchase, the warranty backing provides meaningful peace of mind that cheaper alternatives often lack.
The competition has intensified considerably since Away’s launch. Monos, Calpak, July, and Horizn Studios all offer comparable quality at similar or lower prices. Rimowa and Globe-Trotter offer superior materials at higher prices. TUMI provides more comprehensive organization systems for business travelers. Away remains excellent but no longer unique, which makes the brand’s strong community and aesthetic coherence more important to the purchase decision than it once was.
Our verdict: the Away Carry-On remains one of the best premium carry-on suitcases available in 2026. The construction quality, design thoughtfulness, and warranty backing justify the price for most travelers. If you value aesthetics, durability, and a brand with strong community and customer service, Away earns your consideration. If you’re primarily optimizing for value or minimum empty weight, competitors like Monos offer comparable quality at lower prices. But Away’s carry-on earned its reputation honestly, and it continues to deserve it.
Leave a Reply