Head-to-head · Best Checked Luggage

Away The Medium Checked Bag vs Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Space-maximizing travelers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Checked Luggage

Away The Medium Checked Bag

4.5

$345as of Jul 7

Away's The Medium Checked Bag is a lightweight, spacious suitcase designed for checked travel, weighing 9.9 pounds and measuring 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches. Reviewers praised its ability to hold a lot of items including toiletries and styling tools without exceeding airline weight limits. The bag features a TSA lock and sleek design that coordinates with other AWAY products. While it lacks the expandable zipper of the Flex version, users appreciate its durability and functionality for longer trips. Some reviewers noted concerns about the petal color being prone to scuffs. This bag is best suited for travelers who need a reliable, well-designed checked suitcase that fits within the AWAY ecosystem.

Strengths

— Lightweight for its size at 9.9 pounds
— Holds a significant amount of items including toiletries and styling tools
— Features a TSA lock for security

Watch-outs

— Does not expand, unlike the Flex version
— Color petal may be prone to scuffs during travel
— Not suitable for carry-on use as it must be checked

$345 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Checked Luggage

Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner

4.8

$859as of Jul 7

Briggs & Riley's Baseline Medium Expandable 26" Spinner stands out for its innovative CX Compression-Expansion system that boosts capacity without increasing exterior dimensions. Reviewers praised its aircraft-grade aluminum frame, reinforced corners, and exterior telescoping handle that maximizes packing space. The built-in garment folder adds convenience, though some testers noted the 10-pound weight and jiggly handle design as drawbacks. Wirecutter's Kit Dillon and Brian Lam both recommend this bag as a long-term investment, with the company's lifetime guarantee supporting its premium positioning.

Strengths

— Patented CX Compression-Expansion system increases capacity by up to 2.5 inches without expanding exterior dimensions
— Aircraft-grade aluminum frame with reinforced corner guards for structural integrity
— Exterior telescoping handle sits on the outside of the frame, providing a flat packing surface and maximizing internal space

Watch-outs

— Bag weighs 10 pounds empty, which is heavier than most comparable carry-on suitcases
— Jiggly trolley handle design may give impression of being cheap, though it retracts with a button press

$859 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Away The Medium Checked Bag

Unlike the Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner, which offers a lifetime warranty and high-density nylon, the Away bag prioritizes a sleek, minimal aesthetic that coordinates with other AWAY products. While the Travelpro is expandable and more durable, the Away bag is lighter and better suited for those already invested in the AWAY ecosystem.

Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner

The Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner's CX Compression-Expansion system provides more packing capacity than the Monos Hybrid Trunk, but it's heavier and has a less ergonomic handle. Unlike the Monos, which offers a premium satin finish and multiple color options, the Briggs & Riley focuses on maximizing internal space.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Away The Medium Checked Bag	Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Weight	9.9 pounds	10 lbs
Material	100% polycarbonate	Ballistic nylon
Lock Type	TSA lock	—
Wheel Type	360° smooth-gliding wheels	360° spinner wheels
Dimensions	26 x 18.5 x 11 inches	26 x 18 x 11 in (expanded)
Capacity	72 L	—
Warranty	LifetimeCare™ Coverage	lifetime guarantee

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