When Away began selling luggage in 2015, it was a hit almost immediately. Upscale hardshell design, the built-in battery for your phone, good early reviews, and forgiving lifetime warranty programs—all at a price that was juuuuust a little more expensive than what you thought you’d like to pay—made all those four-wheeled carry-ons a step-up investment for anyone with Rimowa taste on a lesser budget. (And after several years of use, we here at GQ found that it’s shell holds up well and the internal organization features (like a laundry bag) are actually useful.)
In the five years since, Away has genuinely disrupted (sorry) the luggage industry. And then, last year, Away was the one being disrupted. The Verge published a lengthy investigation detailing a toxic work environment at Away, and then Covid-19 wrecked everyone’s travel plans—and luggage sales.
And so, here’s the first big Away luggage sale. Not one of those measly 10-percent-off sales, but a genuinely massive one—a lot of Away’s luggage, backpacks, tote bags, and weekenders have 50% off discounts. If you can spend a bit now in preparation to travel later (who knows when), you’ll get the double benefit of a vacation and some shiny new luggage to flaunt in the overhead bins.
The Best Carry-on Suitcases from the Away Luggage Sale
We think best Away suitcase is its smallest hard-shelled offering, the Carry-On. In the more popular colors—Navy, Cherry, Asphalt, Coast, Blush, Violet—it’s 30% off. Get a little wilder—like Brick, Jade, or Coast (below)—and you can get the full 50% off.
If you’re in the market for something bigger—and you’re okay with the fact that, despite the name, it might not always be carry-on-able—opt for the Bigger Carry-on.
And if you’re planning a check-your-bag getaway, let us introduce you to the Large suitcase.
The Best Backpacks and Daypacks from the Away Luggage Sale
The Away Backpack is…fine. Sleek, simple, with three internal compartments and a laptop compartment. It’s 50% off in seven colors, including Black, Navy, Green, and Coast (below).
If you prefer to travel without back sweat (we hear you), Away’s tote bags might be of interest. Both the tall Longitude and the wide Latitude are made from a hearty, smooth leather and come with a small detachable zip pocket for anything you need fast access to. Both are 50% off in the Black, Navy, Buff, Pine, and Ruby colors.
Away’s Weekender is a bit smaller than some of the ones we recommend, and a little too big for everyday carrying. But if that neither-here-nor-there size works for you, good news: the green version is 50% off.
