Anyone who travels frequently knows the pain of unreliable luggage. I used to dread packing, not just because of the effort, but because I never knew if my suitcase would survive the journey. Zippers would snag, handles would jam, and bags would come off the carousel looking like they’d been through a warzone. This constant battle with flimsy luggage was stressful and costly, often resulting in damaged belongings or needing to buy a replacement bag while on a trip. Finding durable, easy-to-handle luggage that could withstand the rigors of travel was essential to avoid these frustrating complications.
- Lightweight and durable design: Away’s Classic luggage is designed with a durable, water repellent, and lightweight 100% polycarbonate shell.
- Travel-friendly navigation: Premium 360° smooth-gliding wheels for maximum maneuverability and a quick-release trolley handle with 2 adjustable height settings provide stability and ease along with...
- Spacious interior organization: Featuring a patented compression pad system and interior organization to help you pack more in for 1-2+ week trips, including a water repellent laundry bag.
What to Look for in a Checked Suitcase
Before investing in a new piece of luggage, especially a checked suitcase, it’s crucial to consider what makes a good travel companion. Checked bags endure significant handling, so durability is paramount. You’re looking for something that can protect your belongings from bumps and drops. The ideal customer for a quality checked suitcase is someone who travels regularly, whether for business or pleasure, and needs ample space for trips lasting a week or more. This person values reliability, ease of transport, and the security of their packed items.
Conversely, someone who travels only once every few years or primarily takes short trips with just a carry-on might not need to invest in a high-end checked bag. For them, a less expensive, simpler option might suffice, or perhaps focusing their budget on a versatile carry-on is a better choice.
When you’re in the market for a checked bag, think about the shell material (hardside vs. softside), the quality and maneuverability of the wheels, the sturdiness and design of the handles, the internal organization features, security options like integrated locks, the overall weight of the bag when empty, and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. These factors significantly impact your travel experience and the lifespan of your luggage.
- 【Smooth & Easy Mobility】Sweetcrispy carry on luggage features a dual-wheel design for effortless movement, ensuring a smooth and pleasant travel experience.
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Medium size Best for 1-2 week trips; measures 17.8 x 11.3 x 26.8 inches, including wheels
- Please note that ONLY FAMILY SET has 4 pcs, please ignore the product’s title and select the set you want.
Meet the Away Medium Checked Luggage
Let me introduce you to a piece of luggage that has truly changed my travel game: the Away Medium Checked Luggage in Navy Blue. Away burst onto the scene promising stylish, durable, and functional luggage that makes travel smoother. This specific model, the 26-inch size, is their offering for those longer trips that require a bit more packing space than a carry-on allows. When you purchase it, you get the suitcase itself, a water-repellent laundry bag, a magic eraser for cleaning scuffs, and a simple luggage tag. Compared to traditional bulky bags, Away positioned itself as a modern, direct-to-consumer alternative focusing on thoughtful design and quality materials. This Away luggage is designed for the modern traveler who appreciates both form and function, someone who needs a reliable bag for 1-2+ week trips. It might not be the right fit for someone on a shoestring budget or who requires specialized features like external pockets often found on softside luggage.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my extensive use:
Pros:
* Exceptional durability thanks to the polycarbonate shell.
* Effortlessly smooth spinner wheels for easy navigation.
* Well-designed interior organization with compression system.
* Secure, easy-to-use integrated TSA lock.
* Limited Lifetime Warranty provides great peace of mind.
Cons:
* Higher price point compared to many alternatives.
* Clamshell opening might not suit everyone’s packing style preference.
* Like any hard shell, it can show scuffs over time (though the eraser helps).
A Closer Look at What Makes it Work
Having used the Away Medium Checked Luggage for numerous trips, I’ve gotten to know its features intimately and truly appreciate how they contribute to a smoother travel experience. This section will delve into the specifics of what makes this suitcase stand out and how its design addresses the common headaches of travel.
Durable, Lightweight Polycarbonate Shell: The first thing you notice about this hard shell suitcase is its build. Made from 100% polycarbonate, it strikes a fantastic balance between being robust and relatively lightweight for its size (around 10.4 pounds empty). I’ve seen this bag get tossed around by baggage handlers, subjected to unexpected bumps, and shoved into overhead compartments (in trains or buses, not planes, as it’s checked luggage!) and it has held up remarkably well. The polycarbonate flexes under impact, which helps absorb shocks rather than cracking, a common issue with cheaper materials. While it does accumulate scuffs – that’s just the nature of checked travel – they tend to wipe off fairly easily, especially with the included magic eraser. The benefit here is obvious: my belongings are protected, and the bag itself looks good and remains structurally sound trip after trip, saving me from the constant worry of a bag failing mid-journey.
Smooth-Gliding 360° Spinner Wheels: This is, arguably, one of the best features of the Away Medium Checked Luggage. The four double spinner wheels are incredibly smooth and responsive. Navigating busy airport terminals, cobbled streets, or tight hotel corridors is a breeze. You can push the bag upright next to you with minimal effort, pull it behind you, or maneuver it sideways. The feeling is one of effortless gliding, unlike older bags where you feel like you’re constantly fighting against sticky or wobbly wheels. This maximum maneuverability isn’t just a convenience; it significantly reduces the strain on your arm and shoulder, especially when trekking long distances between gates or to transportation hubs.
Ergonomic Trolley Handle and Grab Handles: The quick-release telescoping handle feels sturdy and locks securely at two adjustable heights. Finding the right height for your comfort, whether you’re tall or short, makes pushing or pulling the bag much more comfortable. I’ve used handles that wobble or feel flimsy, always worried they might snap off, but the Away handle feels solid and reliable. Additionally, the inclusion of an underside grab handle is a thoughtful detail that proves incredibly useful. It makes lifting the bag into a car trunk, onto a luggage rack, or off the baggage carousel much easier and less awkward than relying solely on the side handle. Good handles are fundamental to the user experience, and Away nails it here.
Spacious Interior Organization with Compression: For me, maximizing packing space and keeping things organized is key, especially on longer trips that require a checked bag. This rolling luggage features a clever interior design. It opens in a clamshell style, giving you two equally sized compartments. While some prefer a single deep well, I’ve found the dual compartments help separate items – perhaps clothes on one side and shoes/toiletries on the other. The standout feature is the patented compression pad system on one side. This adjustable strap and panel helps compress your packed clothes, allowing you to fit surprisingly more into the bag. It works effectively to keep everything cinched down and prevent shifting during transit. The zippered mesh pocket on the compression panel and another large zippered compartment on the divider are perfect for smaller items, electronics, or laundry. Speaking of which, the included water-repellent laundry bag is a simple but effective addition for keeping dirty clothes separate. This level of internal organization directly addresses the problem of arriving with a jumbled mess and helps you pack more efficiently.
Integrated TSA-Accepted Combination Lock: Security is always a concern when traveling, even if it’s just protecting against opportunistic theft while your bag is waiting to be loaded or is in your hotel. The built-in TSA-accepted combination lock is integrated neatly into the side of the suitcase. It’s easy to set your own code following the instructions provided. The zippers tuck neatly into the lock mechanism. While one user review noted that you can’t lock bags when traveling by air or cruise due to security checks, this isn’t entirely accurate. TSA *can* open TSA-approved locks (like this one) with a master key without damaging your bag. Standard, non-TSA locks *will* be cut off. So, while baggage handlers might not always be gentle, a TSA lock does offer a layer of security against someone simply unzipping your bag, and it allows official security personnel to inspect your bag without destroying the lock. I’ve found it easy to use and a welcome feature for peace of mind when the bag is out of my sight.
Limited Lifetime Warranty: Investing in higher-quality luggage should come with assurance, and Away provides that with their Limited Lifetime Warranty. It covers damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, and many other functional elements. This kind of warranty isn’t standard across the industry and speaks to the company’s confidence in their product’s durability. Knowing that major functional issues will be covered for the life of the bag adds significant value and helps justify the initial cost, turning it from a potentially disposable item into a long-term investment.
Overall, the combination of a tough shell, incredibly smooth wheels, smart handles, and well-thought-out interior organization makes using this Away suitcase a vastly superior experience compared to the flimsy bags I used in the past. It feels like a reliable partner in travel rather than a fragile liability.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve looked around online to see what other users think, and it seems many share my positive experience. Travelers frequently praise the smooth-rolling wheels and the sturdy build of this Away luggage, noting how easily it navigates through airports. Many appreciate the interior compression system and the included laundry bag for helping them pack more efficiently. While the price point is often mentioned as a drawback, the consensus is that the quality and features justify the investment for frequent travel. A few users did report minor issues upon arrival, like scuffs or perceived usage signs, but these seem to be the exception rather than the norm and didn’t diminish the overall positive impression of the suitcase’s quality and functionality.
Is the Away Medium Checked Luggage Right for You?
If you’re tired of dealing with flimsy, unreliable luggage that adds stress to your travels and risks your belongings, then it’s definitely time to consider an upgrade. Unreliable bags can ruin a trip, causing delays, damage, and unexpected costs. The Away Medium Checked Luggage is a compelling option designed specifically to solve these problems. Its durable polycarbonate shell protects your items, its effortless spinner wheels make navigating transit a breeze, and the smart internal organization helps you pack efficiently and stay tidy. If you’re a regular traveler looking for a well-built, functional, and reliable checked bag that comes with a solid warranty, this suitcase is a fantastic fit.
To learn more and see if the Away Medium Checked Luggage is the right travel companion for your next trip, Click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API