Away Suitcase vs. Other Premium Brands: What Sets It Apart?

When it comes to investing in a premium suitcase, the choices can be overwhelming. Brands like Away, Samsonite, Tumi, and Rimowa are all known for their high-quality luggage, but what sets Away apart from these competitors? In this article, we’ll compare Away Suitcases with other leading premium luggage brands to help you understand what makes Away unique and why it might be the perfect choice for your next adventure.

1. Design and Aesthetics: Sleek and Modern vs. Classic Elegance

One of the first things travelers notice when comparing Away suitcases to other premium brands is the design. Away is known for its clean, minimalist aesthetic, which resonates with modern travelers looking for a stylish yet functional suitcase.

Away’s Design:

• Minimalist and Modern: Away suitcases are sleek, contemporary, and come in a range of colors, including neutral tones and bold hues. The clean lines and simple features make them stand out without being flashy.
• Customizable: Away also offers customizable options, such as personalization with initials, allowing you to add a personal touch to your luggage.

Other Premium Brands:

• Rimowa: Known for its iconic aluminum cases, Rimowa offers a more luxurious and timeless design, particularly with its signature grooves. It’s favored for a premium, high-end look that speaks to sophistication.
• Tumi: Tumi focuses on a business-friendly aesthetic, with sleek, professional-looking luggage. Tumi cases often have a more rugged, utilitarian appearance, especially with their durable ballistic nylon collections.
• Samsonite: While Samsonite offers stylish luggage, its design tends to be more focused on practicality and variety, with less emphasis on the clean, modern style seen in Away’s line.

Verdict: Away stands out for its minimalist, customizable design, which appeals to modern travelers looking for both style and functionality in one package.

2. Material Quality: Durability Meets Lightweight Design

When it comes to luggage, durability is a top priority, and different brands use varying materials to achieve this.

Away’s Materials:

• Polycarbonate Shell: Away suitcases are made from durable, lightweight polycarbonate, which offers excellent impact resistance and is well-suited for frequent travelers. It’s known for its durability while still being light enough for easy maneuverability.
• Aluminum Options: Away also offers aluminum suitcases, which provide a sleek, premium feel without sacrificing durability.

Other Premium Brands:

• Rimowa: Known for its high-quality aluminum suitcases, Rimowa is renowned for its long-lasting build. Aluminum is more prone to scratches but offers excellent protection for your items. Rimowa’s signature grooves also add a layer of structure and style.
• Tumi: Tumi luggage is often made with ballistic nylon, a tough, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s incredibly durable. Some of Tumi’s hardshell cases also use polycarbonate for a lightweight option.
• Samsonite: Like Away, Samsonite uses a range of materials, including polycarbonate, ABS plastic, and fabric options like ballistic nylon. While Samsonite is durable, it doesn’t always have the premium feel that comes with Rimowa or Away’s design.

Verdict: Away’s polycarbonate shell strikes a perfect balance between lightweight design and durability, making it ideal for both casual and frequent travelers.

3. Functionality: Innovative Features for the Modern Traveler

Functionality is where Away shines with its commitment to making travel easier through thoughtful, practical features.

Away’s Features:

• Built-In USB Charger: One of Away’s standout features is its built-in battery pack that allows you to charge your devices on the go, a must-have for tech-savvy travelers.
• Expandable Compartment: Some models feature an expandable zipper, giving you more packing space for souvenirs or additional items.
• Interior Compression System: Away’s luggage includes an interior compression system that helps save space by reducing the volume of your clothes, making it easier to pack efficiently.

Other Premium Brands:

• Rimowa: Rimowa is known for its high-quality wheels and telescopic handles, making it incredibly easy to maneuver, especially with its multi-wheel systems.
• Tumi: Tumi’s luggage often comes with practical features, such as expandable compartments and TSA-approved locks. Tumi also offers tech-friendly compartments for business travelers.
• Samsonite: Samsonite suitcases often include expandable sections and organizational features like internal dividers and wetpak compartments. They tend to focus more on space efficiency than tech-centric features.

Verdict: Away takes the edge for tech-savvy travelers, offering unique features like a built-in charger and interior compression system that can help travelers stay organized and connected.

4. Price: Affordable Luxury vs. Premium Pricing

Price is always a major consideration when buying luggage, and Away positions itself as an accessible luxury brand that doesn’t break the bank.

Away’s Pricing:

• Away’s luggage is often seen as more affordable compared to high-end brands like Rimowa or Tumi, making it a great option for travelers who want premium features and quality without paying exorbitant prices.
• Average Price Range: Away’s luggage typically falls within the $200-$500 range, depending on the model and size.

Other Premium Brands:

• Rimowa: Rimowa is known for its premium price tags, with prices often ranging from $500 to $1,000. The brand’s aluminum cases can be particularly expensive due to their luxury positioning.
• Tumi: Tumi is also considered a premium brand with prices ranging from $300 to $1,000, particularly for their higher-end business cases and rolling suitcases.
• Samsonite: Samsonite offers a broader price range, with options typically priced between $150 to $600, making it more accessible than the other high-end brands.

Verdict: Away offers a more affordable price point compared to Rimowa and Tumi, making it a great option for those seeking quality and style at a more accessible price.

5. Customer Experience and Warranty

Customer service and warranty offerings can play a big role in deciding which brand to go for, especially when it comes to repairs or replacements.

Away’s Customer Experience:

• Warranty: Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on its luggage, which covers issues related to craftsmanship or material defects.
• Customer Service: Away is known for its excellent customer service, with a 100-day trial period for returns, allowing you to test the suitcase risk-free.

Other Premium Brands:

• Rimowa: Rimowa provides a 5-year warranty on its luggage, focusing on craftsmanship and quality.
• Tumi: Tumi offers a 5-year warranty and has a reputation for high customer service standards. They also have a Tumi Tracer program, which helps track lost luggage.
• Samsonite: Samsonite provides a 10-year warranty on most of its products, with coverage for defects and damage.

Verdict: Away stands out for its generous 100-day trial and lifetime warranty, which gives travelers peace of mind about their purchase.

6. Conclusion: Why Choose Away Suitcases?

While each premium luggage brand offers unique advantages, Away stands out for its sleek design, affordable price, innovative features, and excellent customer service. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Away’s combination of style, functionality, and value makes it a great choice for modern travelers who want both quality and practicality.

If you’re looking for a suitcase that’s durable, lightweight, and comes with features that cater to today’s travel needs, Away is an excellent option that competes well with high-end brands like Rimowa, Tumi, and Samsonite.