Away

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Away

43 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  I second Away Bags - we have six of their suitcases in various sizes. Very durable and well built. Only issue we had was we had to break one of the zippers when we forgot the combination after not using a particular bag for a couple years. Away sent us a replacement zipper for free and it took a couple minutes to replace it.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  I am a carry on only woman and I’ve been using my international sized Away Carry On since 2017. I kind of wish it would break by now because I’d love a new one with newer colors but this thing literally is as good as the day I bought it, other than a few cosmetic scraps on the outer shell. It’s been to six continents, dozens of countries, from safari in South Africa to scuba diving in Australia to weekend getaways closer to home. It’s fallen down stairs, been dragged along cobblestone streets, shoved into tiny prop planes, abused by handlers, dropped, kicked, sat on (by me, many times), overstuffed, and has even survived the Great Maple Syrup incident of 2023. It still rolls like a dream and zips up like butter. I’m sure there are other great suitcases, but I’m certain that my next bag, probably a decade from now at this rate, will be an Away. (As for the hard case vs soft case debate, I got a hard case for two reasons: 1. I like sitting on my bag during long layovers, I always have a chair handy if I’ve got my bag, but more importantly 2. I know that no matter what I stuff inside of it, if the bag closes, it will fit inside a sizer. Soft bags can deform and stretch and I’d be tempted to stuff more things inside of it and then I’d have a nasty surprise when I get to the airport. The hard shell gives me a hard limit, and I need that.

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• #3Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  I am a carry on only woman and I’ve been using my international sized Away Carry On since 2017. I kind of wish it would break by now because I’d love a new one with newer colors but this thing literally is as good as the day I bought it, other than a few cosmetic scraps on the outer shell. It’s been to six continents, dozens of countries, from safari in South Africa to scuba diving in Australia to weekend getaways closer to home. It’s fallen down stairs, been dragged along cobblestone streets, shoved into tiny prop planes, abused by handlers, dropped, kicked, sat on (by me, many times), overstuffed, and has even survived the Great Maple Syrup incident of 2023. It still rolls like a dream and zips up like butter. I’m sure there are other great suitcases, but I’m certain that my next bag, probably a decade from now at this rate, will be an Away. (As for the hard case vs soft case debate, I got a hard case for two reasons: 1. I like sitting on my bag during long layovers, I always have a chair handy if I’ve got my bag, but more importantly 2. I know that no matter what I stuff inside of it, if the bag closes, it will fit inside a sizer. Soft bags can deform and stretch and I’d be tempted to stuff more things inside of it and then I’d have a nasty surprise when I get to the airport. The hard shell gives me a hard limit, and I need that.

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• #4Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  Love our Away bags. Both are hard shell. I have the Bigger Carry On and my wife checks a Medium. Had them for 6 years and tons of trips. Used their warranty once when my wife broke the frame of the internal compression pad. Two days later the parts to fix it arrived and it was super easy to repair. I’ve never not been able to carry on, including international, but YMMV. Either way I would totally buy our bags again if needed.

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• #5Dec 25, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  My away carry on lasted a decade (or so I bought it almost the year they opened) before the zipper started to lose some thread. This is from consistent travel- almost full time 8-9 months a year for a decade.  It is still 100% usable but I contacted away about it and they sent me a brand new bag and let me keep the old one. 

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• #6Dec 25, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  My Away hard-side carry-on is going strong after almost 10 years. I was afraid to recommend it though because I got it before they were popular and didn’t know if they’d been enshittified. A quick search here says they’re still pretty good!

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• #7Dec 24, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  Briggs and Riley is your one true BIFL. I don’t carry mine anymore because it’s an old school two wheeler. I do love my Away bigger carryon. Had a tear recently on my Away. I just submitted a warranty request and they send me a new bag quickly

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• #8Dec 24, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  Proteca is my absolute go to. A Japanese brand, it’s the high end version of ACE. The cheap yen makes them a bit of a bargain. Alternatively, I’ve been really impressed with Away. We bought one for our kids about 5 years ago and it’s held up better than our Rimowas and as well as the Protecas.

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• #9Dec 24, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  [I use Away luggage.](https://hiarthur.com/?share=f9c049fd-a158-45cf-9753-5c81e5b6fc92) I've had the softside Bigger Carry-On for about 8 years now. The only issue is with the expandable handle. It's a bit sticky, you gotta jiggle it a bit. Not a big deal but a minor annoyance. Otherwise everything's great. Never had any problems with zippers, fabric, or the wheels. I got the Bigger version because I overpack. I'd say after about a dozen countries, there's no situation where the regular sized would have been fine but the Bigger size was too big for carry on. You might have to sweet talk the flight attendants a bit but if you travel internationally I wouldn't go for the smaller one.

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• #10Dec 23, 2025

  Best corporate gifting platform for durable, long lasting employee gifts?

  Gift received: high quality hoodie from Equals, a SaaS company, for being an early user. I wear this thing all the time. It’s about 5 years old now and it can only be described as the high quality of the item you are referring to when you say “they don’t make them like they used to”. They made this one like they used to. Gift given: been on the operations and logistics side of this several times. Best one I still use is an Away suitcase. We got them for our whole team (did a credit to Away and gave out codes so people good pick what they wanted and put it towards a bigger case). Honorable mentions: Maui Jim sunglasses, Yeti items with a very small and out of the way branding.

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• #11Dec 22, 2025

  Let’s Talk Wirecutter: What Was Worth It and What Wasn’t?

  Away Carry-on suitcase is great!

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• #12Dec 20, 2025

  Recommendations for best Luggage that lasts me a few years

  For medium checked luggage that can actually survive frequent flights, the key is to focus on build quality rather than flashy features. Look for hardshell cases made from polycarbonate or aluminum, as they resist cracking better than cheaper plastics. Spinner wheels with metal housings tend to last longer than plastic-only designs, and telescoping handles with reinforced frames usually avoid wobbling. In my experience, luggage with reinforced corners or bumpers makes a noticeable difference when going through carousels, and internal organization like zippered compartments or compression panels keeps clothes tidy and prevents everything from shifting around. Zippers with metal teeth or latch-based closures generally hold up better than thin plastic zippers. Some travelers I know have used brands like Samsonite, Away, or even Level8, but the main thing is the build quality, reinforced corners, sturdy wheels, and strong zippers are what really make luggage last. The right piece will feel solid even when empty and should glide smoothly on all wheels after months of travel. Avoid ultra-lightweight options marketed mainly for looks, as they often sacrifice durability.

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• #13Dec 5, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  We got two full sets of Away luggage as wedding gifts 6 years ago. I’m a consultant and travel extensively for work, domestic and international, and my Away luggage all looks brand new. I love the Bigger Carryon for domestic travel. I’m literally on a plane right now coming back from an extended work trip in Italy with the biggest Away checked bag. Zippers, locks, straps, wheels — everything on them all still function perfectly just like when we got them. I love them. My husband just got me the newer Bigger Carry On zipper expandable bag as he knows I am obsessed with my Away luggage. It’s perfect in winter when clothes, shoes, etc are all bigger and bulkier. Can’t say enough good things about them! I am a diehard Tumi fan when it comes to backpacks though.

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• #14Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I’ve had the Away bigger than a carry on for 8 years now and it’s amazing. Lifetime warranty so they repaired a busted internal zipper no questions asked. Great quality and nice size if you like to travel carry-on only.

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• #15Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I love my away luggage. Have taken it all over the world and it’s still in amazing condition.

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• #16Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I’ve had my Away suitcase for 7-8 years now. I was a little skeptical at first because they’re quite expensive and they were a new-ish e-commerce company that advertised on Instagram a lot, but it’s traveled to many counties and held up really well over the years.

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• #17Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  We got my daughter an away carry on recently. Took it on an international trip. Seems very well made, was easy to roll and I’ve heard their warranty process is easy. My wife now wants one too.

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• #18Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I’ve had an Away carry on since 2017. It looks practically new and I’ve checked it many times.

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• #19Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I have a carry on from the brand away and it’s been good. That bag has been on around 200 separate legs in the past 4 years. I travel quite a bit domestically for work. Not one issue. My buddy had an issue with his, brought it to the store and he walked out with a brand new one. They may not be the “best” but they’re good enough and the warranty is nice. If you plan on international travel, I recommend getting a cheap basic suitcase for a checked bag. Samsonite and the like is what I mean. You don’t need to be carrying around a fancy suitcase abroad. People know a Briggs Riley suitcase is expensive and what’s inside is likely filled with expensive goodies too… A basic beat up suitcase isn’t going to attract the same attention.

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• #20Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Been using hard side Away luggage for a couple years. They’re great- interior organization rocks but the best two things- the wheels man, the wheels. They’re buttery smooth. Plus the telescoping handle isn’t all floppy and shit. Those things seem small but when you use bags a lot the smaller things make a difference. 

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• #21Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Away carryon is pretty good. If you want to spend more Briggs & Riley and TravelPro. Between those you should be good. Best quality out there. I am sure there will be others chiming in with other quality options.

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• #22Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Love my Away luggage pieces!

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• #23Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I like Away for carry on but would get a cheaper soft side for checked bag (I’ve had a samsonite for the last decade+)

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• #24Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Away luggage due to the warranty and ease of repair especially if you have a location in your city. I travel around 40-60 nights for work. And switched a few years ago and have had no issues with any of the away products. (Carryon, checked bag, backpack and everywhere bag)

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• #25Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Yeah we have three away bags. Two carry on flex and one of the checked luggage flex size bags. Just bought one for my MIL. You can use referral codes with a sale for extra savings. They’re incredible bags

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• #26Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  My wife just got an Away suitcase and it’s light, well designed, and seems quite sturdy. We shall see how it holds up. We’ve had Travelpro, Tumi, Samsonite, Osprey, and others. Away seems as well put together and designed as the best of those.

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• #27Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I’ve heard nothing but good things about Away. Great warranty and seems incredibly durable. I just bought a new carry on and would’ve gotten an Away but it was out of my budget and I don’t travel enough to make the expense worth it.

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• #28Nov 6, 2025

  Away Doesn’t Support Post-Warranty Repairs

  Not our experience at all with Away We had an Away whose handles and wheels needed repairing, and they said that since parts were not available anymore, they'd replace the whole thing, and sure enough we did get an entirely new bag from them

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• #29Oct 9, 2025

  7 Years and 500 trips with my Away Travel bag and finally had to use the warranty

  I came onto reddit to search if the insanely amazing customer experience i had with away was normal - and apparently it is! One of the main zippers on my suitcase disappeared at some point, during over 10 years of us. I didnt really think anything of it since the suitcase still worked, but someone noticed and mentioned that Away has an amazing warranty policy and that maybe they could send me a kit to repair the zipper... So I filled out the form online and within 12h had an email telling me they would send me a brand new suitcase (even letting me choose the color) for no cost whatsoever and no need to return the old one. Wild! 10000% recommend.

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• #30Aug 8, 2025

  Best Carry-On Luggage for travel to Buy? Need Suggestions.

  away luguage. life time warrenty. iv had 4 replaced already

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• #31Aug 3, 2025

  What are some of the best products/brands you love splurging on?

  Korean sunscreen (I use skin1004)…nothing compares. I will pay 3x the price compared to US sunscreens because I will actually wear it every day (doesnt burn my eyes or leave a white cast). I refuse to be a leathery old lady riddled with melanoma lol Darn tough socks and away luggage because of the warranty branwyn merino wool underwear. Pricey but SO comfortable and washes well. Unfortunately my skims pajamas too lol

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• #32Jul 1, 2025

  samsonite luggage bifl? other suitcase recs that are cute, light and durable?

  **Brand Recommendations:** While Away, Samsonite, and Beis are solid choices, I'd also suggest looking at **Carpisa** \- an Italian brand that offers an excellent balance of quality and price. They're known for innovative features like detachable wheels (which makes repairs easier if one breaks) and stylish designs that don't break the bank. You can often find great deals on quality luggage at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, especially for Samsonite. **Color Choice:** Colored luggage definitely has advantages - it's much easier to spot on the carousel and less likely to be grabbed by mistake. Bright colors like red, teal, or even patterned designs work well. Black is fine but consider adding colorful luggage straps or tags to make it distinctive. **Wheels (Spinner vs. Rolling):** You want "spinner" wheels (4 wheels that rotate 360°) rather than traditional "rolling" wheels (2 wheels). Spinners let you roll the bag upright next to you instead of dragging it behind, which is much easier on your body and maneuvers better in tight spaces. **Hardshell vs. Soft:** * **Hardshell**: Better protection for fragile items, weather-resistant, easier to clean * **Soft/fabric**: More flexible (can squeeze into tight overhead bins), often lighter, usually has exterior pockets **What to Buy:** Start with: 1. **Carry-on** (22" x 14" x 9" for most US airlines) 2. **Medium checked bag** (24-26") for longer trips You don't need to buy a full set initially - see how you travel first. Many people find a good carry-on covers most trips. **Budget tip:** Focus your money on a quality carry-on since you'll use it most often, and you can always add checked luggage later as needed.

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• #33Jun 9, 2025

  7 Years and 500 trips with my Away Travel bag and finally had to use the warranty

  I am about the use my warranty but am sad that my color & battery option are no longer available. Especially the color as my away carryon leather bag os the same color and my perfect travel combo😩

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• #34Jun 4, 2025

  Small suitcase for college

  I hear the Away ones are amazing from my coworkers.

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• #35Jun 3, 2025

  Small suitcase for college

  I would look at Travel Pro or Samsonite soft side international sized bags if you can get them in India and must have the tech pocket in the front. The tech space in them takes up less space than in a hard side suitcase. Also maybe it is just me but while I thought I would like the hardside bag with the laptop pocket I decided it was easier if I just kept that in my personal item bag. I also have a carryon suitcase from Beis, and I like it a lot. They make a smaller international size suitcase now so I would look at that. I really like my Beis carryon on and I have zero complaints. The wheels are nice, the handle is padded, I rarely have to use the extension panel. I have a large hardside suitcase from Away and I am super happy with that case as well. I had to replace a handle and they sent me one quickly and haven’t had a problem since. Their carryon suitcases get a lot of love. Quince also makes a duplicate of the carryon for about $150. I have heard good things about Monos as well but I don’t own one.

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• #36Jun 3, 2025

  Small suitcase for college

  I would look at Travel Pro or Samsonite soft side international sized bags if you can get them in India and must have the tech pocket in the front. The tech space in them takes up less space than in a hard side suitcase. Also maybe it is just me but while I thought I would like the hardside bag with the laptop pocket I decided it was easier if I just kept that in my personal item bag. I also have a carryon suitcase from Beis, and I like it a lot. They make a smaller international size suitcase now so I would look at that. I really like my Beis carryon on and I have zero complaints. The wheels are nice, the handle is padded, I rarely have to use the extension panel. I have a large hardside suitcase from Away and I am super happy with that case as well. I had to replace a handle and they sent me one quickly and haven’t had a problem since. Their carryon suitcases get a lot of love. Quince also makes a duplicate of the carryon for about $150. I have heard good things about Monos as well but I don’t own one.

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• #37Jun 3, 2025

  BIFL HS Grad gift for my daughter

  I bought my daughter a medium checked size suitcase as we were taking a trip to Europe. We went with the Heys brand. The suitcase is nice and works well for an under $200 (USD) suitcase. If you really want to spend the money then go with Away, Monos, or Beis. Those brands (plus Heys) come in trendy colors. If they are okay with soft side luggage then look at Travel Pro as well.

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• #38May 8, 2025

  Buy it for life Luggage

  I was waiting for the carry on in black and it just took too long so I got an Away in black aluminum. Good, but not as good as Sterling Pacific I’m sure.

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• #39May 7, 2025

  Are Away Hard Shell suitcases a BIFL type of bag or should I look at Briggs & Riley?

  I had this same experience. I got a crack in one of my Away bags, sent them a photo and literally the next day they had a new one heading to me. I'm an Away fan. I travel a ton for work so I think one crack isn't that bad. Their bags are thin, light, and roll well. No complaints.

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• #40May 6, 2025

  Are Away Hard Shell suitcases a BIFL type of bag or should I look at Briggs & Riley?

  I’ve had my away luggage since it came out. I’ve had it replaced 2x. I just sent a picture of the crack or whatever was wrong with it and they sent me a new one. I definitely think it’s a BIFL with their lifetime warranty.

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• #41Mar 6, 2025

  Will this fit most major international airlines as a carry-on? My family won't let me get a brand that isn't Samsonite and I think this is the lightest weight option for me

  Samsonite sucks, get an away. I’m travel at least once a week, I’ve had an away for 10 years and had a little piece of plastic break inside the bag. They gave me a brand new suitcase without question. Lifetime is lifetime.

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• #42Jan 9, 2025

  Travel pro, very disappointed

  The frame of my travel pro suitcases completely bent and destroyed the bag, after the third use. I purchased an Away suitcase to replace it, hopefully that will last a bit longer 🙄

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• #43Jan 2, 2025

  I need recommendations for luggage that lasts.

  I've been through a similar experience where I spent money on luggage that seemed solid but fell apart pretty quickly. I had a Samsonite hard-shell suitcase that cracked after a couple of trips, and that was pretty disappointing. From my experience, I've found that luggage with a reputation for durability, like brands like Away, Briggs & Riley, or Travelpro, tend to last longer, even with regular travel. Away has a great warranty, so if anything breaks, they’ll replace it, which is a huge plus. Travelpro has really solid options as well, and I’ve had their bags survive several trips without issue. Briggs & Riley offers lifetime guarantees on most of their stuff, which is another reason they’re worth considering if you want something that'll last for the long haul.

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