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.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
Away's Medium checked bag features a 100% polycarbonate shell that balances durability with flexibility, according to LuxuryCheckin's Caroline Teel. The bag measures 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches externally and 23.5 x 17.8 x 10.2 inches internally, offering 72 liters of capacity. The construction includes 360-degree spinner wheels, a built-in TSA-approved lock, and a padded trolley handle with two adjustable height settings. Reviewers noted the bag's lightweight nature at 10.4 pounds, which is manageable even when fully packed. The exterior design includes a removable laundry bag, leather luggage tag, and a magic eraser for cleaning scuffs. The bag also features an underside grab handle that makes lifting easier, particularly when weighing in at the airline scale. The polycarbonate shell shows minimal signs of wear under normal conditions, though some users reported scuffs after multiple checked trips, which were easily remedied with the included cleaning sponge.
Real-World Performance
Travelers have tested the Medium bag extensively across multiple trips, including extended stays and various transportation methods. LuxuryCheckin's Caroline Teel used it for a month-long journey, noting that it held enough for a full month's worth of clothing and souvenirs without being overly cumbersome. The bag's 360-degree wheels allowed for smooth rolling on both airport floors and public transit. The trolley handle's two adjustable height settings accommodated different user heights. The bag's weight remained under airline limits for all major carriers, including those with strict 30-pound allowances. The compression system and multiple interior pockets helped maintain organization, with the included laundry bag proving useful for separating dirty clothes. The bag's performance was consistent across flights, boats, and ground transportation, with no reported damage to contents or structural issues.
What Reviewers Loved
Multiple reviewers praised the Medium's organization features, particularly the inclusion of a removable laundry bag and multiple interior pockets. The compression system with additional pockets on both sides was noted as a standout feature, according to LuxuryCheckin. The bag's lightweight design at 10.4 pounds was appreciated by frequent travelers who needed to avoid overweight baggage fees. The 360-degree wheels and padded trolley handle were highlighted as making the bag easy to maneuver. The variety of color options, including sea green and other vibrant hues, was also a selling point. The included leather luggage tag and magic eraser were appreciated as thoughtful extras. The Medium's ability to nest within larger Away suitcases was seen as a plus for home storage, with the carry-on fitting inside the Medium for compact storage. The bag's ability to meet checked baggage requirements for all major airlines was also noted as a significant advantage.
Where It Falls Short
Despite positive feedback, several reviewers noted issues with the bag's internal components. FromSqualorToBaller's reviewer reported that the plastic pieces holding the compression system to the outer shell had become disconnected, rendering the compression straps ineffective. This issue required glue repair attempts, though the company offers a lifetime warranty for functional problems. The same reviewer noted that the bumpers on the side of the Medium bag had started to come off, potentially exposing holes in the shell that could allow dirt or moisture to enter. Additionally, the battery case, while convenient for charging electronics, required removal during flights due to FAA regulations, creating an extra step for travelers. The bag's price point of $345 was considered high by some reviewers, particularly when compared to alternatives like Quince Expandable Large, which offers a similar aesthetic for over $100 less. The tight carrying handle was also cited as a potential pinch hazard.
Who It's Best For
The Medium checked bag is ideal for travelers who need a reliable, well-organized checked suitcase for week-long trips or extended stays. It's particularly suited for those who want a bag that meets airline weight limits while still providing ample space for clothing, toiletries, and souvenirs. Frequent flyers who want to avoid overweight baggage fees will appreciate the bag's lightweight design at 10.4 pounds. The bag is also recommended for travelers who value organization, thanks to the multiple interior pockets and compression system. Those who already own other Away products will benefit from the seamless integration and nesting capabilities. The Medium is best suited for users who prioritize durability and aesthetics over the lowest price point. Travelers who prefer a more budget-friendly option might consider alternatives like Quince or Carl Friedrik, though the Medium's build quality and features make it a strong contender for those willing to pay the premium.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to similar checked suitcases, the Medium stands out for its combination of durability, organization, and aesthetic appeal. LuxuryCheckin's Caroline Teel noted that while the $345 price tag is steep, the bag offers value when compared to alternatives like Quince Expandable Large, which provides a similar look for over $100 less. The Medium's polycarbonate shell is more flexible than the aluminum frame of Carl Friedrik Check-In, which some reviewers prefer for luxury and durability. However, the zipperless design of Carl Friedrik was seen as a potential upgrade for those who want to avoid zippers entirely. The Medium's compression system and multiple interior pockets were praised as superior to basic suitcases, though some reviewers noted that the internal components could be more robust. The bag's ability to nest within larger Away suitcases provides a unique advantage over competitors, though this feature is only beneficial for users who own the full Away system.
Value at This Price
At $345, the Medium checked bag is positioned as a premium travel product, and reviewers generally agree that it offers good value for those who prioritize quality and organization. The bag's lifetime warranty and included accessories like the leather luggage tag and magic eraser add to its perceived value. However, some reviewers found the price point excessive when compared to alternatives like Quince Expandable Large, which offers a similar aesthetic for over $100 less. The inclusion of features such as the compression system, multiple interior pockets, and the removable laundry bag justifies the cost for frequent travelers who value these conveniences. The bag's ability to nest within larger Away suitcases provides additional value for home storage, though this benefit is only realized by users who own the full Away system. The lightweight design and 360-degree wheels make it a worthwhile investment for travelers who want a bag that performs well across multiple transportation methods.
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
- +Designed with a sleek, minimal aesthetic that coordinates with other AWAY pieces
- +Compatible with AWAY's travel system and works seamlessly with other luggage
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
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: AWAY ecosystem users.
Why you’d buy the Away The Medium Checked Bag
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- 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.
Rating sources
“AWAY luggage is my go-to for just about every trip.”
“I have seen customers complain about scuffs in reviews but Im not bothered by them in the slightest. As long as the shell is intact and working well which it seems to be doing so far then Im fine with some nicks and bruises.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
