Why I LOVE My Away Suitcase

I oogled over Away suitcases before I finally took the plunge and purchased one.  

I actually got my boyfriend one of their suitcases before I bought myself one.  Truth be told, I didn’t really need a new suitcase (while he desperately did).  But once it was in the house, I knew I needed my own as well haha!

Even before I was an Away owner, I was a follower and fan of their Instagram account – watching their stories daily and liking most of what they post.  They do a great job of creating cool, aspirational travel content that makes you want to join the “Away club.”  The suitcases aren’t always front and center in the content, but often feature exotic, exciting locations with the suitcase subtly present (a bit like playing Where’s Waldo sometimes!)

I’ve always loved going to pick things out in person over ordering online (partially because I am impatient and can never wait for the mail to come), so I visited the store on Melrose in Los Angeles when the time came to buy my suitcase.  I knew exactly what I wanted when I walked in so I didn’t really need help (although everyone in the store is lovely & knowledgeable – I heard them helping other people).  

I selected the pastel pink bigger carry-on.  The bigger carry-on fits in the overhead bins for most American planes, although the regular carry-on is a little safer for worldwide airlines (especially Europe). Away has a chart on their website that specifies which carry-on fits the overhead bins for a long list of major carriers.  After reviewing the list, I felt that most airlines I fly (even internationally) still worked with the bigger carry-on.  I decided to take my chances and go for that one!

Let me tell you – this suitcase can fit A LOT.  After I bought it, I realized I probably could have made it work with the smaller. But I’m happy I have the big one….I can take a lot of clothing options that way!  I have a Travelpro suitcase as well, which seems to be about the same dimensions, but I feel l can fit a lot more in the Away suitcase.

Away bags have two compartments – the left side is generally used for shoes and random items, while the right is used for clothes.  There are compression straps on the right side so you can really pack your clothes down tightly, which is handy!

One of my favorite parts of the suitcase is the portable battery pack – this thing has a really long-lasting charge and comes in handy all the time while traveling!  I get nervous that it’s going to get lost because it does seem to pop out of the locked position very easily.  But luckily the handle is right above the battery pocket, which seems to prevent it from falling out (even when it’s not in locked position). They also include a pouch with charger and international adapters which is so useful!

One thing to remember is that if your bag gets checked, most airlines will tell you to take the battery with you on the plane (vs let it get checked).  I’m not really sure why this is – maybe because they don’t want to be liable if it pops out and gets lost.  Which seems plausible.

The suitcase also comes with a laundry pouch so you can slip in any dirty clothes to keep the rest of your suitcase clean.  So simple, yet a great feature.

A huge pet peeve of mine is when a suitcase gets too full and can’t stand up right on it’s own and falls over if you aren’t holding onto it.  Well I’m happy to report that this is NOT the case with Away bags.  They are extremely stable even when packed to the brim!

Much to my despair, on my maiden voyage with my suitcase, I was forced to check it at the gate for a segment on a smaller plane.  I HATE checking luggage on flights….not only because it scuffs up your bag, but because I also hate waiting for the bags to come off on the other end.  

When I saw my bag come out the baggage chute with long, dark yellow streaks and black scuffs all over, I wanted to cry.  My brand new bag looked ruined.  I immediately regretted my cute pastel pink color choice, and was feeling down on the Away brand in that moment.  Clearly it wasn’t a suitcase for anal, perfectionists like me.

But when I got home, I used a dish sponge with a rough edge & dish soap and (putting my back into it) was miraculousy able to get ALL scuffs out.  It looked like new again.

Each time I travel, I do get some scuffs along my Away bag.  But I travel less anxiously – knowing that the scuffs do in fact come out!  

The wheels & handle are extremely durable and reliable – allowing the bag to push easily on 4 wheels or pulling on 2.  I never feel like the bag is pulling me down, it moves effortlessly with me (even when I’m multi-tasking - texting or eating at the same time as moving with it!)

Away customer service and social media also do a great job of helping you feel connected to the brand & leave you wanting more. 

Anytime I tag @away on Instagram, they always comment back!  

And when we lost my boyfriend’s Away battery (which I estimated was going to cost $100 to replace), the Away store on Melrose told me to stop by and gave me a new one for FREE!  

Brands should take a note out of Away’s book.  Little gestures like that go a long way in building brand loyalty and happy customers.

I know it’s silly to love a suitcase, but I do.  It’s made life on the go, easier and stress-free.  Plus when I travel with my Away suitcase, I feel like I’m a part of a cool travel club – I’ve had someone carrying the same bag high-five me at the airport and say “great bag!”  So if you’re in the market for a new suitcase, I highly recommend going with Away (there’s a lifetime warranty after all), so you really can’t go wrong!  

Do you love Away?  Or do you have another favorite suitcase brand? I’d love to hear your experiences with suitcases while you travel!