Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Checked Luggage

Away The Medium Checked Bag vs Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In 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

Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Travelers seeking warranty protection — read the strengths below before deciding.

Away The Medium Checked Bag
Ranked #4 in Best Checked Luggage
Away The Medium Checked Bag
$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
Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Checked Luggage
Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner
$450as of Jul 7

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner offers luxury feel and reliability at a reasonable price, backed by a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage. Reviewers praised its high-density nylon construction, smooth MagnaTrac wheels, and expandable design. However, some users have reported issues with the outer pocket zipper breaking, and the bag can easily exceed standard 50-pound airline weight limits when overpacked. This suitcase is ideal for travelers seeking durable, well-built checked luggage but may not suit those requiring a lighter-weight option.

Strengths
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage
  • High-density nylon exterior provides luxury feel at reasonable price
  • MagnaTrac wheels offer smooth maneuverability
Watch-outs
  • Can exceed 50-pound airline weight limit when overpacked
  • Outer pocket zipper has been reported to break in some units

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.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner stands out with its lifetime warranty and high-density nylon construction, but it lacks the expandability of the SwissGear Sion Softside Suitcase. While the SwissGear offers more exterior pockets and is easier to lift, the Travelpro provides better protection against airline damage.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAway The Medium Checked BagTravelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner
Weight9.9 pounds9 pounds 8 ounces
Material100% polycarbonateHigh-density nylon
Lock TypeTSA lockTSA approved
Wheel Type360° smooth-gliding wheels8 wheels (2 per side)
Dimensions26 x 18.5 x 11 inches25 x 18 x 11.25 in (case dimensions)
Capacity72 L97 L
WarrantyLifetimeCare™ CoverageLifetime Warranty
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