VerdictAI
#5 in Best Softside Checked Luggage

Away Softside Large Checked Suitcase, 29 Inch Expandable Luggage For Men & Women, Durable Nylon Exterior, TSA Approved Lock…

Best for

Best for extended trips

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.3(71)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGood
74/ 100

Based on 2 trusted sources

Current price

$325.00

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Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Away Softside Large Checked Suitcase, 29 Inch Expandable Luggage For Men & Women, Durable Nylon Exterior, TSA Approved Lock…

Sources behind this verdict

11 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Away Softside Large is the most polarizing pick in this lineup. outdoorgearlab.com gives a clearly positive verdict, calling the quality and performance 'an amazing buy' with 'understated construction' that works as a staple piece. waywardblog.com (unknown trust) reports smooth-rolling wheels and a secure handle.

What reviewers liked

  • outdoorgearlab.com endorses overall quality and construction
  • Durable nylon exterior holds up to multi-trip use per r/LuggageComparisons reports
  • TSA-approved lock and proprietary stabilizer for handling, per amazon.com listing
  • r/travel commenter reports successful three-week Italy trip with the 32-inch variant

Where it falls short

  • r/LuggageComparisons documents repeat zipper failures across multiple Away bags
  • r/travel high-trust commenter calls it 'a big heavy bag with a low capacity' versus Travelpro Platinum Elite or Briggs & Riley at comparable prices
  • businessinsider.com notes the softside line has worse packing efficiency than Away's own hardside
  • Only 71 Amazon reviews — small sample size to weigh against established competitors
  • Highest price-per-feature ratio in this lineup outside Briggs & Riley

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Away Softside Large is the most polarizing pick in this lineup. outdoorgearlab.com gives a clearly positive verdict, calling the quality and performance 'an amazing buy' with 'understated construction' that works as a staple piece. waywardblog.com (unknown trust) reports smooth-rolling wheels and a secure handle. A scraped nytimes.com review of Away carry-ons sits in the signals, though the visible excerpt is paywall boilerplate rather than substantive verdict.

The counter-evidence is real and comes from high-trust communities. An r/travel commenter argues 'it is cheaper than a TravelPro Platinum Elite or a B&R, but it is a big heavy bag with a low capacity,' and r/LuggageComparisons threads document repeated zipper failures across multiple Away bags (with the company replacing each one, but the same defect recurring). businessinsider.com (unknown trust) notes the softside model has worse packing efficiency than Away's hardside line. Net read: it's a fashionable, durable nylon checked bag positioned for trips of two-plus weeks, but on objective specs the Travelpro and Briggs & Riley alternatives at similar or lower prices have stronger expert-tier consensus.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Airline approved
Meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines and includes a TSA-accepted color-matching combination padlock. Our team of experts builds luggage to last, putting every design through hundreds of hours of rigorous testing to stand up against the demands of travel.
Travel-friendly navigation
Proprietary stabilizer helps you steer clear of wobbles and bag tips and a quick-release trolley handle with 2 adjustable height settings provides stability and ease, along with top, side, and underside grab handles for easy lifting.
Spacious interior organization
One main compartment featuring our patented interior compression system and front lid storage to help you pack more in for 2+ weeks, including a laundry bag, with internal dimensions measuring 24" × 20.5" to maximize usable space.
Essentials within reach
Two hidden, easy-access front pockets padded to protect smaller items
All of our suitcases come with Away LifetimeCare Coverage, including repair support for the life of your suitcase for functional damage caused by manufacturing defects or unexpected rough travel.

What customers say

3 verified voices
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›…
Trustedvia The New York Times
I bought one 32" and travelled to Italy for 3 weeks and I really enjoy it. It's super light and the wheels are better than a lot of the regular ...
Trustedvia r/travel
I just can't see why anyone would buy it. It is cheaper than a TravelPro Platinum Elite or a B&R, but it is a big heavy bag with a low capacity.
Trustedvia r/travel

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

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Brutally Honest Review of AWAY Softside Luggage” · YouTube

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