Away Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage Review (2026)

During your search for high-quality luggage you have likely encountered Away’s Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage. Away luggage has become renowned for offering sleek luggage built to last with helpful amenities that are geared towards frequent travelers. Although Away typically sells their luggage directly from their website, this Amazon exclusive model features the same classic design, functionality, and lifetime guarantee that has made Away such a popular luggage brand in recent years.

Do these positives stand up to the hefty price tag, though?

We took a deep dive into the luggage specs, design, features, and hundreds of real customer reviews to bring you our honest Away Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage review.

Away Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage

Quick Verdict

Best For: Frequent travelers, business travelers, international vacations, and anyone looking for a premium checked suitcase that should last for many years.

First Impressions

It’s immediately clear that the Away Medium Checked Luggage is a high quality bag.

Where many lightweight hard-sided suitcases feel bendy when you squeeze them, the Away feels completely rigid. The thick polycarbonate shell gives you confidence that your belongings are safe without being overly heavy itself.

It even comes beautifully packaged. The dust bag it ships in includes:

• Cleaning sponge
• High-end luggage tag
• Water-resistant laundry bag
• TSA combination lock already attached

All these little niceties make you feel like you got a much higher quality item than something of similar cost elsewhere.

Premium Polycarbonate Construction

Away’s shell is made out of 100% polycarbonate. It’s one of their biggest selling points actually.

A lot of low-cost luggage makers will claim to have luggage made of “polycarbonate”, but are really just using a cheaper ABS/polycarbonate mix. True polycarbonate tends to be:

• Impact resistant
• Less likely to crack
• Better at bending without breaking
• Last longer overall
• Springs back to shape better

Airline luggage handles a lot of abuse. Baggage carts, luggage loaders, and cargo compartments are tough on suitcases. They repeatedly bang around your bag.

Away’s shell is designed to take that abuse and flex instead of breaking. While scratches are inevitable, the shell holds up exceptionally well from long-term owners.

Interior Organization Is Outstanding

One aspect in which Away excels over lower-cost luggage is organization.

Rather than leaving travelers with one cavernous open space to fill, Away provides thoughtful organizational features that actually help you pack.

Highlights include:

• Patented CompressMore compression panel
• Three mesh zip pockets
• Water-resistant laundry bag
• Full zip divider
• Dual buckle compression straps

I’m particularly fond of Away’s compression system, as it actually offers you more usable space. The dual-buckle design compresses your clothing evenly and keeps items from shifting as you travel.

If you’re one of those people who always comes home with gifts, that bonus space can come in handy.

Designed for 1–2 Week Trips

One of my favorite online retailers calls this its perfect weekend to two-week carry-on.

I think that’s spot on.

Inside you can fit:

• Several pairs of shoes
• Coats
• Toiletries
• Laptops
• Packing cubes
• Dirty clothes

…and many happy customers swear they can fit enough clothing to get them through almost three weeks with compression packing cubes.

If you like to check one big bag instead of lugging around multiple carry-ons, the Medium Checked is a great middle-ground.

WhisperGlide Spinner Wheels Are a Highlight

The aspect of Away luggage that receives the highest praise in reviews is most likely the rolling performance.

Away packs the suitcase with four WhisperGlide 360° spinner wheels.

You’ll notice the difference when compared to budget luggage the moment you wheel it through an airport.

• Glides smoothly
• Turns effortlessly
• Rolls silently
• Moves in a straight line
• Takes so little effort

Several buyers explicitly note wheeling effortlessly through huge airports while walking for miles without wrestling with their suitcase.

For some frequent flyers, that’s reason enough to spend extra.

Comfortable Telescopic Handle

The telescopic handle locks in two positions for height adjustment and feels very solid when compared to others we have used.

Absolutely minimal wobble which adds to the high quality feel.

Packaggage Away also comes with:

• Handle on top
• Handle on bottom

Which make lifting your case into cars, luggage racks, or hotel beds super easy.

TSA Combination Lock

Integrated locks are nothing new, but Away makes them better than most.

Rather than hauling around your own padlock which can be lost, you’ll always have your included TSA combo lock on hand.

It streamlines security checks and offers you some low-level item security.

Away customers frequently noted their appreciation for never having to lose/forgo a luggage lock again.

LifetimeCare Coverage Adds Real Value

Away’s LifetimeCare Coverage is one big benefit compared to other brands.

Away will repair damage caused by:

✈️ Factory defects
✈️ Accidental travel damage
✈️ Mechanical breakdown

Cosmetic damage doesn’t qualify, but structural defects do.

Because luggage is typically used for many years, this makes ownership way better down the road.

If you travel by plane a handful of times per year, it’s nice to know you have repair backup.

Real-World Customer Feedback

Reader reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Buyers consistently rave about the construction, gliding wheels, and capacity.

Positive Reviews

Customers frequently mentioned:

• Smooth rolling
• Great capacity
• Hard carrying case
• Superior build
• Compression Strap
• Generous Box
• Includes laundry bag.
• Built-in TSA lock.
• Lifetime Guarantee

Customers that owned cheap luggage previously mentioned that the Away bag feels like quality from a completely different tier.

In fact some customers mentioned buying Away luggage to replace all of their other luggage.

Common Complaints

Absolving no suitcase is without flaw, here are some common complaints against the Away luggage line.

Light Colors Show Scuffs

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

Owners of Cloud Gray, Sea Green, and Sky Blue reported having noticeable black scrapes/scratches on their luggage after an airport carousel ride.

The good news is that many of these customers mentioned the cleaning sponge that came with the suitcase seemed to buff away the majority of these scuffs.

If you really care about this (which you shouldn’t, but whatever), consider skipping lighter colors and opting for Jet Black or Navy Blue.

Pricey

Yeah…they’re expensive.

But most buyers on here mentioned that the quality of construction and design, along with the peace of mind that comes with their warranty made them worth the cost.

Instead of buying cheap luggage every couple of years, many were willing to cough up the cash for this and treat it as an investment.

Zipper Can Be Stubborn

There were a couple reviews that mentioned the zipper can become stiff if airport workers were brutally rough with your luggage.

Seems like a rarity for the most part though.

Durability After Multiple Trips

When travelers review the durability of this suitcase based on actual ownership, it continues to excel with travel after travel.

Travelers commonly report:

• Wheels are still smooth rolling
• Hardshell isn’t damaged easily
• Compression straps don’t break down
• Handles don’t loosen
• Lock still works

Sure, scratches and dings from everyday use will happen. But you rarely see people reporting mechanical failures.

Exactly what you would expect from Away for frequent travelers.

Who Should Buy This?

Buy this suitcase if you:

• Travel several times a year
• Seek higher-end, durable luggage
• Love clever storage solutions
• Take trips that last 1–2 weeks
• Enjoy spinner wheels with fluid-rolling action
• Want a warranty you can count on

Skip this suitcase if you:

• Rarely take trips
• Are looking for something inexpensive
• Mind cosmetic abrasions
• Would rather have expandable luggage
• Typically only travel with a carry-on

Away Medium Checked vs Similar Premium Luggage

Away stands out with its patented compression system, premium accessories, and exceptional rolling performance.

Away Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage

Final Verdict

Made of high-quality materials and boasting thoughtful design touches throughout, the Away Amazon Exclusive Medium Checked Luggage lives up to its premium price point.

The durable polycarbonate construction will hold up under frequent travel, the WhisperGlide wheels roll smoothly, and the CompressMore system allows for easy packing. The bag also features a TSA lock, comes with a laundry bag, and offers LifetimeCare.

If you’re frequently flying, it’s worth spending the extra money on this standout piece of luggage. However, if you purchase a light-colored piece, it may show scratches easily from the airport carousel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I expand the Away Medium Checked?

No. Rather than an expansion zipper, Away has designed its signature CompressMore compression technology to provide ample packing room while maintaining a sleek profile.

Will it scratch easily?

As with most hard (polycarbonate) suitcases, cosmetic scuff marks from baggage handlers are inevitable. Dark colors will conceal these blemishes far better than light hues. Fortunately, many scuffs can be buffed out with the included cleaning sponge.

Will it work for international travel?

Yes! The dimensions are perfect for checked luggage on most international airlines, and provides enough room to pack for one to two weeks abroad.

How secure is the built-in TSA lock?

It’s TSA-approved! The built-in combination lock allows for easy security of your belongings, while enabling airport security to access the contents of your luggage should they need to without damaging your lock.

Is the Away Medium Checked bag worth the money?

If you travel often, absolutely. Compared to routinely buying replacement luggage every few years when the zipper breaks or it gets damaged, investing in a hard-shell with a durable polycarbonate shell, smooth rolling, high-end interior features, and Away’s LifetimeCare program is a worthwhile long-term purchase.