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Away’s viral, best-selling hard-sided carry-on just received a major update with a whole slew of new features that make traveling easier. As a luggage expert in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I got the chance to test Away’s new carry-on before it launched to find out if the new version is actually better than the original.
How is Away Series 3 different?
For Series 3, Away focused on updating the brand’s best-selling hard-sided luggage line and the signature bag collection. I tested the classic Carry-on style and compared it to the previous iteration to see if it’s worth the buy.
The carry-on has a few key updates that blew me away when I put it to the test:
Outward opening interior
The update kept the brand’s easy-to-pack interior design with a zippered side and compression panels, but changed the direction of the opening—both panels now open to the outer edge of the suitcase, so you can view the full interior of the suitcase when packing. I found this made packing much easier as you can see everything you have and how much space you have left (important for an overpacker like me!).
Wheel lock
This is the feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it. Discretely hidden under the telescopic handle, there is a wheel lock that’ll freeze the wheels in place. When in a moving train or waiting in a hotel lobby, it was a game changer to keep my luggage perfectly in place without having to hold it.
Infinite height options for the telescopic handle
Instead of only having a few height choices, you can now lock the telescopic handle at any height for countless options to suit your frame best.
Hidden hooks
Away added two small hidden hooks on the telescopic handle. When I first saw this feature, I didn’t think it’d be that helpful, but consumer testers reported that this was exactly what they needed when traveling to hang a shopping bag or jacket on.
Updated smooth wheels
I thought the wheels on the previous iteration rolled smoothly, but these are even better. They are also much quieter when rolling over different surfaces, which I noticed in our in-Lab obstacle course.
Customization
The side handles and wheels are changeable, so you can choose different color options to mix-and-match for completely personalized luggage—plus, this will make it easier to differentiate yours from other travelers’ bags. The brand also added a small hook to the top handle, so your luggage tag or other charms are easier to attach.
What stayed the same in the new update
Durable polycarbonate shell
After I dropped the Away carry-on from different angles using our drop tester, the suitcase showed no dents, damage, or changes in appearance.
During testing, we also used a wire to scratch the surface of the suitcase and then rated any scuffs or marks left behind. Compared to other suitcases, Away's carry-on aced our scratch-resistance testing, showing very minimal scuffs and remaining in great condition. Because marks and scuffs are inevitable on hard-sided luggage, the suitcases also come with a melamine sponge, so you can easily buff the outside of your suitcase when scuffs appear to keep your luggage looking fresh, trip after trip.
Side handles on three sides
The suitcase has sturdy handles on the side and top of the suitcase, but also a underside grab handle near the wheels. This helps make it much easier to stow and retrieve the bag from an overhead bin.
Interior compression system
Aside from changing the direction of the opening, the interior design is the same on the new update. The brand kept one zippered side and another with a compression panel that’s designed to help you sneak in an extra outfit. I found that I could pack more than usual with Away’s Bigger Carry-on compared to many other carry-ons.
Other helpful features
The suitcases still come with a helpful laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate and a luggage tag. The bags also features TSA-compliant locks to keep your belongings protected.
Should you buy Away Series 3 carry-on luggage?
Away’s newest launch includes helpful features that aren’t gimmicky or burdensome—instead, they just help making traveling a bit easier. Away’s Series 3 carry-on is a great choice for the everyday traveler because it combines the durable polycarbonate shell I’ve always loved with upgraded smooth wheels and clever features like wheel lock and infinite height options. The upgraded interior has made packing much easier too now that I can see all of my packing space at once.
Starting at $328 for the Carry-On, Away luggage isn't cheap. At a similar price to our other top-tested luggage brands, like TravelPro and Samsonite, Away carry-ons aren't the most expensive suitcases I've tested, either. (Both Tumi and Rimowa carry-ons start at $600+, for example.) The brand also boasts an impressive 100-day return period on unused products, so you have lots of time to decide if it's the right fit for you. Note that personalized products and final-sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
If you love its chic appearance and durable polycarbonate shell, Away luggage can be worth the investment. But if you're ultimately in the market for something more affordable, I suggest checking out our top-tested picks from Target and Amazon Basics.
Away Series 3 Luggage to Shop
Updated Signature Bag Collection
While Away’s hard-sided luggage is its most popular (and stand-out) product, the brand also updated other core products like the commuter backpack, weekender bag, and tote.
Away Signature Bags to Shop
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
