Smoother Wheels, Better Organization, and Brakes at Last: Away Updated All of Its Suitcases
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We’ve been recommending Away’s unusually smooth-rollingsuitcasessince their launch back in 2016, and they remain ourbest overall luggagepick. Still, several worthy competitors, such as Aer and July, have since come out with innovations like Bluetooth tracking and braking systems that stop cases from rolling away on uneven surfaces — features that Away’s supposedly cutting-edge luggage lacked. Away’s 360-degree spinner wheels also became so widelyimitated by both upstart and legacy brands that it’s been several years since you had to buy an Away suitcase in order to enjoy the benefits of owning one.
That all ends today. Away’s entire core collection (which includes both standard and Flex carry-on and checked luggage) has been redesigned and relaunched in an attempt to stay ahead of the pack. And while its new Series 3 suitcases and soft bags look verysimilar to the originals, I’m surprised by how many small and useful upgrades they’ve received. I’ve been wheeling them around town to see how they work and even took the brand’s new weekender bag to the Catskills last week for three nights. Here’s everything I’ve noticed so far.
They have brakes now
I picked up my Away Bigger Carry-On and Medium Checked suitcases from the brand’s offices in Soho, then caught the Q train back to my apartment in Brooklyn, and their newly installed one-button brake systems came in handy almost immediately. It was raining, and I was juggling several other bags as well as an umbrella. When I stopped to reply to an email on the uneven sidewalk of Canal Street, both suitcases started rolling away toward traffic. I was able to deploy both brakes with one hand, and the two luggage pieces came to a complete standstill on the sloping concrete. I deployed the brakes once again in the moving subway car and felt smug as I watched a man with a non-Away suitcase grasp onto its handle for the entire journey.
Away did not invent the suitcase brake, though I bet it wishes it did.Aer’s carry-on, which came out in 2024, can be credited with popularizing this surprisingly useful feature, and it was only a matter of time before other brands followed. All suitcases should have brakes; Away’s work very well.
The wheels are even smoother
Wobbly wheels and handles are the hallmarks of cheap luggage, and Away has always focused on improving the traveler’s experience of both. Its Series 3 suitcases add an extra ball bearing the company claims makes the spinner wheels spin even more smoothly and silently, and I did notice a difference as I dragged, bumped, and pushed the cases around Manhattan and Brooklyn. When I nudged the new Series 3 Carry-On through my apartment, I literally couldn’t hear it glide across the wooden floorboards. If you’re somebody who takes a lot of early flights, here’s a suitcase that won’t wake up your kids when you leave.
The trolley handle, too, gets an upgrade. Whereas the previous generation adjusted to only two heights, you can lock this new version at whichever length you like. It remains sturdy as ever — you can confidently loop a large purse over the handle without worrying about the suitcase falling over.
You can attach your drink bottle or bag charm
Part of the reason I often recommend that people usefabric suitcases,backpacks, and duffels instead of hard ones is that soft luggage usually has lash loops and small exterior pockets for attaching or storing drink bottles and small items as well as sweaters and jackets. If you travel a lot, you know how useful it is to use your luggage as a coat rack.
Away’s Series 3 suitcases are still made from polycarbonate and have no external compartments, but thereisa new metal D-ring attached to the top handle, onto which you can clip a carabiner, a luggage tag, orwhatever else— a Labubu? Away has also launched its own series of bag charms. I love attaching things to things and am therefore excited about the possibilities of this feature, especially as the D-ring lays flush to the suitcase when not in use, so it doesn’t get in the way and I won’t be worried about it getting damaged or falling off on the luggage belt.
As well as your purse
Even better are the two hidden metal hooks on the trolley handle that are sturdy enough to hold your personal item, Duty Free bag, or jacket. I can see myself using these hangers all the time, whether I’m standing in the endless JFK security line or wheeling my luggage down a hotel corridor.
The packing layout is even more intuitive
Away’s spacious dual-compartment design (with a compression system that tamps down all your extra sweaters) remains mostlythe same with one hilariously simple key improvement that I really must applaud.
Whereas the dividers that separated both compartments previously flipped inward from a central hinge, they now flip outward, so they’re no longer in the way while you pack. This opens up the suitcase a lot more and makes it easy to add or remove items quickly, though it does mean that it takes up even more space on the floor or luggage rack when you open it up — an inherent issue with clamshell luggage that I’vewritten about previously.
Away’s soft bags also got a makeover
You’re likely here to read about Away’s new suitcases, but I’ll quickly note that the brand has also redesigned its core soft-bag collection, which includes totes, backpacks, and duffles. I tested the new Signature Weekender, an incredibly polished-looking duffel bag made from nylon and recycled leather that would be ideal for business trips.
I was able to fit four days’ worth of clothing into this bag when I caught the Amtrak Empire Service to Hudson last week, and the padded crossbody strap makes it comfortable to wear even when it’s a bit overstuffed. I really like the top-access laptop compartment that allows you to reach your tech stuff without flipping the bag over, as most duffel and backpack designs require. It’s deep enough for a Macbook, a novel, over-ear headphones, several magazines, and a charging brick.
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Everything is more expensive
Away’s suitcases have always been pricier than Travelpro’s or Samsonite’s yet more affordable than Rimowa’s. They continue to occupy that middle ground, though prices have gone up with this relaunch. The previous Bigger Carry-On was $295; the Series 3 version is $50 more expensive at $348. If you’re looking to save a little money and feel like you can skip the upgrades, both versions are still available for now.
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Away the Bigger Carry-on
So is the upgrade worth it? Your tired but functional Away suitcase from 2016 should remain covered by the brand’s famous lifetime warranty, so spending nearly $350 to replace it may feel counterintuitive. The new features on these suitcases are functional rather than cosmetic, though, bag charms aside. The brakes in particular are worth paying extra for, but I’m also a fan of the extra hooks and smoother wheels. Travel is more stressful than ever, whether you’re taking your three kids to Disneyworld or flying solo to a meeting in Chicago. Small inconveniences add up, and it still seems to me that Away understands this better than any other luggage brand.
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