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Is Away luggage as good as it looks? Our travel experts put it to the test…
Meet your stylish new travel companion
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
When I recently ripped my old carry-on beyond repair (this chronic over packer was once again trying to cram in far too many clothes), there was only one brand of luggage I wanted to try as a replacement: Away.
It launched in 2016, went viral, and has been a must-have for frequent flyers ever since thanks to its range of sleek, modern, and admittedly, expensive, suitcases. The different sizes can nest inside each other for easy storage, and all Away's models come with classy details including a leather luggage tag, waterproof laundry bag, compression system, 360-degree wheels and an underside grab handle.
While the brand wowed our experts in the GHI lab (its cabin bag is our top-rated design), I wanted to know if it lived up to expectations when travelling. I was already a fan of Away's packing cubes, a game-changer when I need to organise a backpack full of clothes for a train holiday, so my hopes were high.
Keep reading for the low-down on what it’s like to jet off with one of these stylish suitcases, and for our handy breakdown of every GHI Approved Away buy.
Best Away Luggage 2024
Is the Away Carry-On worth it?
In a word, yes. From unboxing, using Away The Carry-On was a delight. Setting up the TSA-approved lock was simple – you just scan a QR code for clear instructions.
The most revelatory thing for me was that I'd been packing my suitcase wrong this whole time, using the zip-up compartment for clothes and the side with straps for everything else (including more clothes, of course).
Away provides guidance on where to pack everything, and it turns out that the other way around is actually best. I was particularly impressed with the built-in compression pad, which compacted my clothes much better than straps alone; I packed double the number of outfits I needed for my three-day work trip to Berlin – ideal! It did have a slightly larger capacity than my previous suitcase anyway, but the packing systems made a bigger difference.
Everything about the suitcase felt premium; it glided through the airport, all the straps seemed sturdy, and its handles were comfortable. I was horrified to see a few marks when I pulled it from the overhead locker, but a quick sponge got rid of them. Phew.
Each of Away's designs is available in a chic range of colours (there are 10 to choose from for the Carry-On), which is a refreshing change from the usual sea of greys and blacks in the departure lounge. While I didn't check my bag for this trip, I know that will come in handy the next time I'm anxiously watching the luggage belt and trying to make sure I don't wrestle off someone else's case.
If I had one niggle it’s that it’s too big for Ryanair, but given the extra clothes I can take on other airlines, it’s a trade-off worth making. And of course, there’s still the high price, but Away luggage comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a wise investment for the long-term.
If you’re almost convinced and want some extra reassurance, keep scrolling to find out what our GHI testing team thought of it in the lab – including what happens when you drop an Away suitcase from a height over 50 times…
How the GHI tests suitcases
Our suitcase lab tests are a serious business. First of all, there's the packing test. Our experts weigh the empty suitcase, and then follow a strict packing list to see how much it fits. This is adapted according to the size of the bag, trialling either enough luggage for a long weekend or for two weeks. Features to help you organise your travel essentials neatly are key considerations, too.
Then it's time to see what the suitcases are like on the go. Our experts wheel them along common surfaces including tarmac, concrete, carpet and cobbles, to check stability and how easily they glide.
Testers also put each packed suitcase in the shower (naturally) to see if the zip and shell keep water out, and there's our famous drop test, where the suitcase is dropped from a set height over 50 times to see what would happen if it were thrown about in the hold. Ultimately, there's nowhere for bad luggage to hide.
Here's how the Away range measured up.
Pros
- The GHI’s winning cabin bag
- Water resistant – even when we put it in the shower, water didn't seep in
- Most damage in our drop test was cosmetic and easily rectified with the eraser sponge
Cons
- Wobbled when testers changed direction quickly so no sharp corners!
- Some small nicks were sustained on the corners and to the wheels in our drop test (but it was still very usable afterwards, which is unusual)
Score: 89/100
If it’s a quality suitcase for shorter breaks you need, this won't let you down (I can vouch for that). It’s an all-rounder with a good capacity and a design that’s hard to fault – no surprise then that it's our testers' top-rated design.
Key specifications
| Good for | Three to five days of travel |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55.1 x 36.7 x 22.9 cm |
| Volume | 39.8L |
| Weight | 3.4kg |
| Casing | Polycarbonate |
| Lock | TSA-approved |
Pros
- Expandable design gives you nearly seven litres of extra space
- Didn’t dent in our drop tests or let in water
- Has all Away's classic premium design features
Cons
- Heavier than the Carry-On
- Again, it wobbled when we changed direction quickly
Score: 88/100
Sometimes you just need the option for more luggage – whether that’s to stash all the new clothes you picked up while on holiday or for souvenirs. This is the solution, thanks to the wraparound expandable zipper, which provides extra packing space when needed. Just make sure you check your cabin luggage allowance, as you may need to put the suitcase in the hold when fully expanded.
Key specifications
| Good for | Three to five days of travel; flexibility |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 55.1 x 36.7 x 22.9 cm (unexpanded) |
| Volume | 39.8 / 44.6L |
| Weight | 3.6kg |
| Casing | Polycarbonate |
| Lock | TSA-approved |
Pros
- Sleek design inside with compression pad and pockets for tidy packing, despite larger size
- Sturdy shell and handles
- Generally agile wheels
Cons
- Some water seeped through the zip and while clothes didn’t get wet, it’s worth being careful in heavy rain
- Wheels were a bit sticky on carpets and sustained minor damage after our extensive drop testing
Score: 85/100
Want your check-in luggage to look as stylish as the holiday wardrobe you've packed inside? Introducing The Large. Our testers liked how easy it was to pack, and its overall manoeuvrability – just what’s needed when you’re hauling a lot around with you.
Key specifications
| Good for | Two-plus weeks of travel |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 73.6 x 52.1 x 31.8 cm |
| Volume | 99.2L |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| Casing | Polycarbonate |
| Lock | TSA-approved |
Pros
- Impressively water resistant – shower droplets ran down the sides rather than absorbing into the case
- Very resistant to damage in our drop tests
- Moved smoothly on every terrain we tried
Cons
- Heavier than the hard-sided suitcase
- Just one compartment (as opposed to two), making it harder to pack neatly – packing cubes will be your friend here!
Score: 84/100
Away’s first soft suitcase did not disappoint. It still has the same premium features as the brand's other designs (think laundry bag, compression system and leather luggage tag) and it’s expandable. There's also a handy exterior pocket.
Key specifications
| Good for | Two-plus weeks of travel; flexibility |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 73 x 54.5 x 30 cm (unexpanded) |
| Volume | 101.3/ 111.5L |
| Weight | 6.7kg |
| Casing | Nylon with a water-repellency coating |
| Lock | TSA approved |
These haven't been tested in the lab, but I have them and I love them. There are four in a set, so you can divvy up your clothes however you see fit. The mesh top means you can peek in and make sure you’re opening the cube you need, and of course, they come in Away’s timeless range of shades.
This is top of my wish list as it slips over your suitcase handles to make wheeling through the airport effortless. In fact, our senior beauty writer, Florence Reeves-White swears by it for her travels.
Depending on how much you squeeze in, it may be a tight fit underneath the seat in front of you, but if you don’t fill it, you should be okay! And for getaways where you’re not flying, it really completes your overall travel look.
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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