ATTN: The New Away Soft-Side Luggage Is Everything I Need in a Carry-On

At $225, it’s a great gift

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Published Dec 7, 2024

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Away luggage review: 3 views of bag with score badge

Dana Dickey/Away

Aesthetics: 20/20
Functionality: 18/20
Ease of Use: 17/20
Accessories: 20/20
Value: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100

As a travel editor, I’ve visited six continents and slept everywhere from a ten-thousand dollar bed in Manhattan’s The Wall Street Hotel to an unfinished basement in suburban Illinois (thanks, family Thanksgiving hosts). So my carry-on luggage has to be as poised to take on anything that happenstance might throw my way—durable, presentable and hopefully easy to lug around, because I’m always running to a gate at the far end of some concourse. (Those times when I don’t just give in, pack less and resort to an underseat backpack).

So, when a fan-favorite luggage company known for its polycarbonate designs came out with a new softside case, The Away Softside Carry-On ($225), I wanted to test it. I was skeptical that such an inexpensive suitcase could go the distance, much less look and feel like quality. My Away suitcase review includes taking the case on a quick weekend getaway to visit family, and a cross-country flight for a week-long trip. Here’s how the luggage performed.

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away luggage review soft case with extended handle

Dana Dickey

My Review of the Away Softside Carry-On

Fast Facts

Exterior: 21.9" x 15" x 9.1"
Weight: 9.2 lbs.
Capacity: 37.2 L

Here’s what’s unique and noteworthy about the Away Softside carry-on: Most soft-sided bags have a front pocket that looks like an ugly afterthought, sewn onto the front and accessible via an unlovely zipper. The Away Softside has integrated front pockets, so that the appearance of the case is sleek (it seems Away is inspired by its bestselling signature hardshell case, notable for its smooth appearance).

Also, the wheels are super-smooth, of the type I’ve experienced using much pricier bags. They glide without resistance and are external to the case (not tucked into wheel wells, which take up interior packing space on some other bags). The way the four 360-degree wheels jut from the bottom of the case mean you can glide right through little water slicks and up and over curbs without the bottom of your case getting soggy or scuffed.

away luggage review expansion view of softside case

Dana Dickey

One design innovation I really appreciated: Unlike with every other soft-sided suitcase I’ve ever used, this bag has its zip-out expansion panel sewn into the middle of the case, not near the opening side. This positioning helps your belongings feel less crammed into the top expansion area when you’re trying to close the case and forces you to be more mindful of packing as a whole. The net effect of the middle expansion is that the case is better balanced, so that you won’t have the problem of it tipping forward when it’s expanded (a common hassle with expandable cases). This is especially welcome since, oftentimes when you put a laptop into the front pocket of a carry-on, it can throw the balance off, sending your suitcase toppling forward—right onto your tucked-in laptop. That’s not going to happen with this baby, which also has a well-padded integrated large front pocket.

Dana Dickey

Finally, here’s what makes Away Softside super giftable, IMHO—the extras. The laundry bag, the external combination lock in a matching color, the elegant black leather luggage tag: These, combined with the low price, mean it’s a super option for your own travel needs, or to give to a family member to upgrade their travel experience. Chances are, your brother or cousin doesn’t know that they should be traveling with his own machine-washable laundry bag and using a flat-lay board to keep pants and shirts from getting wrinkled. Educate them with this! My mom, for one, was super impressed when I toted a few dirty pieces to the laundry room in my little nylon bag.

I’m looking forward to judging all my relatives’ bags, in order to gift them an Away Softside ASAP. Then they’ll have to listen to that time I traveled to Portugal on an expired passport…

$225 at Away

Dana Dickey

Senior Editor

Writes about fashion, wellness, relationships and travel
Oversees all LA/California content and is the go-to source for where to eat, stay and unwind on the west coast
Studied journalism at the University of Florida

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