# Away: what people say on TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, X

Read 729 posts and comments on 2026-11-14; 397 were about Away. Full report with links: https://sociallisteningai.com/samples/brand-away/

Away's biggest strengths are its durability and warranty service: many owners report bags lasting years, with free replacements or parts when things break. The most common problems are rubber bumpers falling off and leaving holes, wheels breaking, and a warranty that was quietly cut from lifetime to five years. Customers also complain about weight—the carry-on is heavy empty—and some find the laptop sleeve too tight. Surprisingly, the Series 3 launch disappointed some fans for being too similar to previous models, and several buyers regret purchasing just before the new line dropped. Brand collaborations and creator content drive strong purchase intent, but comparisons with Monos, Beis, and Travelpro are frequent and often critical.

**How it feels** (397 on-topic): 52% positive, 7% negative, 11% mixed, 30% neutral.
- Reddit: 62 (35% positive, 13% negative)
- X: 9 (56% positive, 0% negative)
- TikTok: 269 (58% positive, 3% negative)
- YouTube: 57 (40% positive, 18% negative)

Not included this time: Instagram (the source did not answer).

## What people like

- **Brand collaborations and creator content drive strong goodwill and purchase intent** (16 mentions)
  - "couldn't have happened to a better creator - let's be honest cuz your platform had done alot for them too this was hella cool - congrats 🥰" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
  - "It’s Ike you’re a puppy hearing all your favorite words! This trip looks like an absolute dream!!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Bags last many years and still look new after 5-10 years of use** (7 mentions)
  - "FWIW, I’ve had the exact opposite experience with their product and CS and we have 4 of their cases. One is almost 10 years old and almost as good as new." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/nxkscn7/
  - "I’ve had my Away carry on for over 5 years now, no regrets!" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1ty1n91/is_the_away_carryon_worth_it/oq03zxv/
- **Colorways like chocolate brown, Electric Iris, and pink are hits** (7 mentions)
  - "I love the chocolate brown look" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
  - "The chocolate brown!!!! 😍🤎" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Customer service replaces broken bags or sends free parts like wheels, handles, and bumpers** (6 mentions)
  - "The wheels on my Away were ruined when the suitcase went floating around during Hurricane Helene. Called to purchase replacement wheels and they sent them free. The absolute best customer service!" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1wglqiq/after_8_years_and_100s_of_uses_my_away_suitcase/p9vle6s/
  - "Away will send a replacement handle for free, it’s a couple of screws to swap out" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bellevalise/video/7690807925920566542
- **Top-opening design is easier to access on a hotel luggage rack and wins over business travelers** (6 mentions)
  - "I love a top loader because it can be opened on a luggage rack. A lot of hotel rooms are too small to open a clamshell anywhere but on the bed which I don’t like. I don’t need a new suitcase right this second but I appre…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgxJeaR_RPVZYGKMocN4AaABAg
  - "Thanks for this review. I have a top loading suitcase (not this one) and there are very few reviews and even less packing videos. I fit a 23 day trip into mine and a backpack personal bag. I enjoy the topside as it’s les…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=Ugx7nWzi3MCZCLzgZA94AaABAg
- **Compression panel works wonders for packing and is a standout feature** (4 mentions)
  - "I like mine. the compression thing works wonders." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1ty1n91/is_the_away_carryon_worth_it/oq0kg9z/
  - "Thanks for this review. I have a top loading suitcase (not this one) and there are very few reviews and even less packing videos. I fit a 23 day trip into mine and a backpack personal bag. I enjoy the topside as it’s les…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=Ugx7nWzi3MCZCLzgZA94AaABAg
- **New Series 3 features like wheel brakes, pop-out hooks, and new handles are loved** (4 mentions)
  - "I loooooove those wheel brakes. I wish all suitcases had those" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "Ok props to the pop out hooks." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143

## Complaints and problems

- **Rubber bumpers and feet fall off, leaving holes through the shell** (8 mentions)
  - "The holes are where the black bumpers have fallen off. Has happened to my away checked bag too" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lordpark3r/video/7697544309800717581
  - "Those were factory made. You’re just missing the rubber bumpers that fit into those" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lordpark3r/video/7697544309800717581
- **Warranty quietly cut to 5 years; 'lifetime' repair may carry fees and is misleading** (4 mentions)
  - "Just FYI, the warranty has been lowered to 5 years for new purchases." Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1wglqiq/after_8_years_and_100s_of_uses_my_away_suitcase/p9vejs1/
  - "> actually I looked it up, and it’s still a lifetime warranty It's a 5 year replacement warranty - and "lifetime" *repair service* - which also comes with the fine print "*In some cases, a reasonable service fee may appl…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1wglqiq/after_8_years_and_100s_of_uses_my_away_suitcase/p9wko1t/
- **Carry-on is nearly 10 lbs empty, too heavy for some travelers** (4 mentions)
  - "This thing is nearly 10 LBS when empty?!?! JFC" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPmj-NGABQ&lc=Ugw4z6SopGUpBESs-_14AaABAg
  - "I have traveled many years with a Travelpro Maxlite carryon bag. The wheels have been drug across cobblestones, carpet and hard floors and keep on rolling. The soft side has held up great even when dragged through a down…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgxLJRyrAs1GgShGFed4AaABAg
- **Series 3 launch is underwhelming with mostly the same colors; some regret buying before it** (4 mentions)
  - "Got early access to Series 3 and I'm so underwhelmed.... They hyped this new Series so much and the videos looked great. And while some of the features are nice, the colors are pretty much the same (except for the brown)…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/awayluggage/comments/1wsl720/got_early_access_to_series_3_and_im_so/
  - "Right after I just purchased the flex 😭💔" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Quality has deteriorated over the years; zippers break and newer bags seem less durable** (3 mentions)
  - "Their bags in my experience were good for a while the quality has deteriorated over the years. They’re taking shortcuts. The biggest issue I’ve had is with their zippers. I’ve had 3-4 bags break in the same way. They con…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/nxkyt27/
  - "Yeah i have my original luggage from them and im afraid to get new ones.. i think that ship has sailed" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/nxsnotm/
- **Hard-shell bags get holes punched through and are less repairable than soft-sided** (3 mentions)
  - "I highly recommend soft shell luggage. I’ve never understood why ppl buy hard shell because it’s so easily damaged with the way they have to handle the bags. Plus soft shell stretches if you need to stuff your suitcase e…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lordpark3r/video/7697544309800717581
  - "Does this happen to anyone else? The holes go all the way through the bag, and are perfect like hole punched circles !! @Away Travel hellpppppp #tsa #awayluggag…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lordpark3r/video/7697544309800717581
- **Wheels break off, crack, or pull to one side; only DIY kits sent** (2 mentions)
  - "for us the wheels have broken off two bags - and they only send out "DIY Kits" of wheels. The case cracked and the locks stopped working, and one the handle stuck in extended position. They refuse to replace any of them.…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/otyic77/
  - "I love my Away suitcases except for one thing. I find the wheels pull to one side. Do you know if that has been fixed?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143

## Questions people ask

- **Is the Away Carry-On worth the price versus Samsonite, Delsey, Monos, and Beis?** (3 mentions)
  - "Is the Away Carry-On worth it?. After looking at reviews and some other Reddit posts, I decided to bite the bullet and just order the Away Carry-On. Now I’m seeing some mixed reviews. Anything will be an upgrade from wha…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1ty1n91/is_the_away_carryon_worth_it/
  - "Is Away worth the price?. Looking for a good quality, sturdy, hard-shell carry on. I don’t have one at the moment and have a lot of upcoming trips so seemed like the best time to buy. Up until now, I’ve bee borrowing car…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/1ozxnss/is_away_worth_the_price/
- **Will the bigger carry-on be forced to gate check on major airlines like American?** (2 mentions)
  - "Will I be forced to gate check with the larger carry on" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "I just purchased the away series 3 bigger carry-on. It looks like it may be a tad bit larger than it should be for most airlines. I mainly fly American do you know if this bag will be OK to take as a carry-on? I did not …" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **How do the wheels roll on hotel carpet and rugs?** (2 mentions)
  - "How are the wheels in hotel hallways with rugs ?? My (non-Away) carryon “drags” on most light rugs and I end up pulling it behind me - that’s my biggest pet peeve" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "How well do they roll on carpet?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Is the Series 3 heavier and does it still fit international carry-on limits?** (1 mention)
  - "I see the series 3 dimensions are slightly larger. Is the weight also different? Debating on a carry on for travel including international trips. The new features do seem cool tho" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Does the wheel locking mechanism take up packing space like the old battery compartment?** (1 mention)
  - "This is so helpful! Does the locking mechanism for the wheels take up any packing space on that side of the suitcase like the removable battery compartment used to?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Is the lifetime warranty still offered?** (1 mention)
  - "is it still life time warranty?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Which model to pick for a first purchase: Medium Flex, Topside, or Disney collab?** (1 mention)
  - "Trying to make a decision on my first away luggage. I have never purchased a luxury suitcase before and have wanted an away one for long time. I believe I had decided on a medium flex checked, but now I’m looking and the…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/awaytravel/comments/1vbh8wa/trying_to_make_a_decision_on_my_first_away_luggage/

## Buying signals

- **Review convinced viewer to upgrade to the new suitcase or preorder** (4 mentions)
  - "You have influenced me! I’m def upgrading to this suitcase!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "I preordered the carry on today! Thank you for all your reviews, it made it so much easier to choose a new carry on!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Bought a used Away checked bag at a good price on Depop** (3 mentions)
  - "“Chat do you speak Spanish?” 😂😂" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@its.aim.ee/video/7688519358733126925
  - "If you’re checking it the size doesn’t matter. Just the weight. You don’t have to fill it all the way up" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@its.aim.ee/video/7688519358733126925
- **Bought multiple Away items (carry-on, medium, large, tote) and are happy** (2 mentions)
  - "Love it! I just bought a carry on, medium, and large plus the tote! thank you!" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "Thanks for the review. We just bought two topside carry ons and two topside mediums. Could not be happier. The topside medium is taller and narrower than the clamshell equivalent which is easier to move (narrower) and fi…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=Ugxlj99f0v22QWeqhZF4AaABAg
- **Ready to upgrade from old luggage to Away after seeing brand content** (2 mentions)
  - "Wow, they totally nailed it! I loved the fairy away godmother surprises! Think this smorgasbord of stuff will be available by Black Friday? This girl is finally ready to upgrade her 10 year old Amazon basics luggage [Tea…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
  - "This is so amazing! What a dream of a trip! I’m finally ready to upgrade my luggage and I def need some Away after seeing all this 👀" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Just bought a carry-on before Series 3 launched and feels buyer's remorse** (2 mentions)
  - "Ugh I just purchased their carry on last month! Had no idea they’d be releasing a new bag 😳" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "but i just got mine 😫😫😫" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Bought first Away on a creator's recommendation and plans to add more to wedding registry** (1 mention)
  - "I bought my first away suitcase based on your recommendation and I have been using it constantly for the last 2 years! I’m getting married soon so I’m definitely going to be putting more of their bags on my registry with…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Considering Away for Black Friday but comparing sales at Delsey and Samsonite** (1 mention)
  - "Is Away worth the price?. Looking for a good quality, sturdy, hard-shell carry on. I don’t have one at the moment and have a lot of upcoming trips so seemed like the best time to buy. Up until now, I’ve bee borrowing car…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/1ozxnss/is_away_worth_the_price/

## Compared with other brands

- **Compared with Monos, Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Rimowa in brand loyalty debates** (11 mentions)
  - "Luggage rant - Away, Monos, Travelpro, Briggs and Riley, Tumi, Rimowa. Look, I need to get this off my chest because the internet has officially lost its collective mind over suitcases. When did buying luggage turn into …" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1uqp4rz/luggage_rant_away_monos_travelpro_briggs_and/
  - "TravelPro vs Away. Hey all! Looking for any personal experiences with these lines of luggage! For context, I travel 1-3 times a year, mostly international as my family is Portuguese, but sometimes domestic trips with jus…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1up0vfx/travelpro_vs_away/
- **Compared with Beis on price, warranty, and features; some regret buying Beis instead** (9 mentions)
  - "Is Away worth the price?. Looking for a good quality, sturdy, hard-shell carry on. I don’t have one at the moment and have a lot of upcoming trips so seemed like the best time to buy. Up until now, I’ve bee borrowing car…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/1ozxnss/is_away_worth_the_price/
  - "Away vs Monos vs Solgaard Luggages?. I like all three and they’re all three pretty similar in price. Looking for a carry on and large check in bundle deal. Looking to keep them for a long time. Not just a couple trips. W…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1uc23n2/away_vs_monos_vs_solgaard_luggages/
- **Compared with soft-sided bags like Travelpro Max Lite and Samsonite for weight and repairability** (4 mentions)
  - "My absolute favorite carry-on is my 22” Travel Pro Max Lite 5 Two-Wheel Carry-On Bag because: 1) I prefer soft-sided bags, 2) I do not like clamshell suitcases, and 3) spinner wheels are not great on cobblestones (Europe…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgxLmo4UKc9WE0Y8vPp4AaABAg
  - "I don’t understand the concern about soft sided bags not being ok to check. I’ve traveled for over 25 years with a larger soft side Samsonite bag that’s been checked at least 100 times and it’s still going strong. It was…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgxZrfKTEwzIH7NZ6LJ4AaABAg
- **Compared with Calpak for creator-reviewed luggage** (3 mentions)
  - "Love your videos. I bought so many calpak pieces based on your reviews. Could you do a side by side of calpak and away?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "But will any of these replace the Luka Calpak? 🤔" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Seen as comparable to Quince, which is cheaper** (2 mentions)
  - "Their bags in my experience were good for a while the quality has deteriorated over the years. They’re taking shortcuts. The biggest issue I’ve had is with their zippers. I’ve had 3-4 bags break in the same way. They con…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/nxkyt27/
  - "I have 3 of your praised brands (Tumi, B&R, and Away) as well as a wannabe (Quince). They all have a place in my life and I appreciate all for what they are. Also, Quince is actually comparable to Away so it doesn’t dese…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1uqp4rz/luggage_rant_away_monos_travelpro_briggs_and/owaf3nl/
- **Weighing new Away against Rimowa or Hanke** (2 mentions)
  - "I love my Away bags. I’m in Germany and was planning on buying a Rimowa carry on. Now I’m torn with this new Away release. Any thoughts? I value your opinion. You’re spot on." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
  - "I might have found my new suitcase. The Hanke is my tried and true but I love the new features of the series 3 and that brown😍" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Switching to Nobl after durability problems** (2 mentions)
  - "for us the wheels have broken off two bags - and they only send out "DIY Kits" of wheels. The case cracked and the locks stopped working, and one the handle stuck in extended position. They refuse to replace any of them.…" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/otyic77/
  - "I was considering moving to nobl" Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/ou0s05f/

## What people want next

- **Wants more color options, including sparkly/shimmery, hot pink, purple, and dark red** (7 mentions)
  - "Do me a favor tell them to release sparkly luggage I just want sparkly luggage. I have some but the interior is broken and they wanted to replace it but with no shimmer colors I said no thanks I’ll wait. But still no shi…" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
  - "Is that pink/ purple color going to be release with the new bags?! 😭" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063
- **Wants lighter bags** (4 mentions)
  - "This thing is nearly 10 LBS when empty?!?! JFC" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPmj-NGABQ&lc=Ugw4z6SopGUpBESs-_14AaABAg
  - "I have traveled many years with a Travelpro Maxlite carryon bag. The wheels have been drug across cobblestones, carpet and hard floors and keep on rolling. The soft side has held up great even when dragged through a down…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgxLJRyrAs1GgShGFed4AaABAg
- **Wants a roomier, stretchier laptop sleeve** (1 mention)
  - "I got the same bag (and same color) and it looks nice but it is SO HEAVY! I should have double checked the weight before I tossed out the packaging. I removed the compression panel and laundry bag to shave .5lb 😅. I don…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPmj-NGABQ&lc=Ugz93j2oheQALavHay94AaABAg
- **Wants accurate airline size compliance info** (1 mention)
  - "I got the same bag (and same color) and it looks nice but it is SO HEAVY! I should have double checked the weight before I tossed out the packaging. I removed the compression panel and laundry bag to shave .5lb 😅. I don…" YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPmj-NGABQ&lc=Ugz93j2oheQALavHay94AaABAg
- **Wants a Topside version with the Series 3 features** (1 mention)
  - "Are there any plans of making topside with these additions?" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Wants an upgrade program to trade old bags for new ones** (1 mention)
  - "I wish they did an upgrade program to swap out old and get the new." TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143
- **Wants a Beis vs Away carry-on comparison video** (1 mention)
  - "could you please compare the new beis carryon with the new away bigger carryon 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼" TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690723425760972063

## Quotes

> Please stay away from Away. I purchased an Away trunk and was super happy with the weight and volume of it. The problem is the trunk has these little plastic bumpers on the bottom of it and st least one of them breaks on every flight. The Away solution is to send me replacements, so now I have to travel with a baggy of parts and a screwdriver. Do not buy luggage from these people.
> -- u/Quirky-Attitude1456 on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/awayluggage/comments/1x5a8vv/please_stay_away_from_away/

> for us the wheels have broken off two bags - and they only send out "DIY Kits" of wheels. The case cracked and the locks stopped working, and one the handle stuck in extended position. They refuse to replace any of them. I'm checkinig out Nobl and some others now. Wasted money on Away
> -- u/Rent_Advocate_619 on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/LuggageComparisons/comments/1q3hban/away_luggage_not_holding_up_reviewrant/otyic77/

> I got the same bag (and same color) and it looks nice but it is SO HEAVY! I should have double checked the weight before I tossed out the packaging. I removed the compression panel and laundry bag to shave .5lb 😅. I don’t know if I got a wonky suitcase but the laptop sleeve is a joke. My work 13 inch MB air fits barely but my 14’ MB pro is a no-go. Like you mention the thickness is the issue and …
> -- @nextstopbrandon on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMPmj-NGABQ&lc=Ugz93j2oheQALavHay94AaABAg

> 0:29 Not anymore, they did away (pun intended) with the lifetime warranty about a month ago for new purchases. 5 years now or you can pay extra to upgrade to 10 years.
> -- @atrampabroad8318 on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0AQGE15aQQ&lc=UgwUFaVhz-ozUeVjw6l4AaABAg

> I'm so glad they kept the compression pad. Beis got rid of them with their newer carry ons, which I feel is a huge downgrade
> -- @laina_islosingit on TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@rileejsmith/video/7690990963719802143

> Thanks for the thorough review Jen!! It’s already in my cart 😂
> -- @sandrabutterworth3718 on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2is0ZXXn0&lc=UgwYm_Qs2z67WgcUqoN4AaABAg