We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lifestyle Travel The Best Away Luggage We Tested in 2024, Including Carry-Ons, Suitcases, and Pet Carriers Your bag should be the only one who works on vacation By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 22, 2024 07:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know FAQ Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? Photo: People / Alli Waataja Packing can be a hassle. Luckily, travel companies like Away have gone above and beyond to make luggage that helps offset the burden of travel unknowns and hiccups along the way. Experts Say “Travelers should look for durable luggage that makes the travel experience easier,” Delta Air Lines flight attendant Katie Trebendis tells PEOPLE. “Features like weight indicators, spinner wheels, and padded handles can enhance your travel experience.” Whether you’ve been planning a trip abroad, preparing for a honeymoon, or getting ready for any other adventure that awaits, having reliable luggage will only add to the wonder of your destination. Away has a huge inventory of suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, and more that can let you explore the world while keeping the things that matter close. Read on for the best Away luggage of 2024, including some we tested ourselves. Our Top Picks Away The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com $275 Jump to Review Away The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com $295 Jump to Review Away The Carry-On Flex at Awaytravel.com $325 Jump to Review Away The Softside Medium at Awaytravel.com $295 Jump to Review Away The Medium at Awaytravel.com $345 Jump to Review Away The Medium Flex at Awaytravel.com $395 Jump to Review Away The Large at Awaytravel.com $395 Jump to Review Away The Large Flex at Awaytravel.com $425 Jump to Review Away The Everywhere Bag at Awaytravel.com $195 Jump to Review Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack at Awaytravel.com $195 Jump to Review Away The Carry-On PHOTO: Away $275 at Awaytravel.com A standard carry-on is a great choice to bring with you on all of your adventures. This durable hard shell carry-on provides stability to keep your belongings safe while fitting perfectly in the overhead bin of all major airlines. Spinner wheels make this bag easy to tote around — whether in a car trunk on a road trip or pulling it behind you down some cobblestone street abroad. And you get the added benefit of a suitcase’s worth of storage space. As with all Away bags, it’s simple, compact, and sophisticated in design, and comes in a few whimsical colors like forest green. We tested this bag in our lab and loved its spacious interior, easy navigation, maneuverability, and overall durability — our team pushed it off a counter three times and hit it with a baseball bat, and it didn’t scratch or scuff. Exterior Size: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Interior Size: 20 x 13.5 inches | Capacity: 39.8 liters | Colors: 8 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: TSA lock, laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels Experts Say Flight attendant Katie Trebendis says that on Delta, “your carry-on luggage must not exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches," but you can always check the requirements for your airline at your gate (or online). People/Jhett Thompson Away The Bigger Carry-On PHOTO: Away $295 at Awaytravel.com For times when you want a little extra room, but don’t want to check your bag, in steps this larger carry-on. Fitting about 20 percent more than the standard carry-on, this bag has all the same features with an extra inch on all sides (internally and externally). Our tests confirmed this difference — it fit every item we laid out to pack with room to spare. We also found it exceptionally easy to maneuver. Experts Say “Away’s best-selling suitcase, The Bigger Carry-On, is the perfect suitcase for any trip: it’s functional, it's stylish, and it will never let you down,” Cuan Hanly, Away's chief design officer, tells PEOPLE. With two compartments to help you organize your travel clothes and accessories, this suitcase keeps everything zipped and in place so it doesn’t shift while you’re on the go. There’s even a mesh compression panel to push everything down and a laundry bag. This bag is an ideal size for about a week-long jaunt, and despite its larger size, it doesn't feel heavy. Exterior Size: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Interior Size: 21 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 47.9 liters | Colors: 9 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheels PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Away The Carry-On Flex PHOTO: Away $325 at Awaytravel.com Should you need just a little more space than a standard carry-on, we recommend The Carry-On Flex. Hanly also likes the bigger version of this model. “Travelers can unzip and expand the exterior seam unlocking an additional 2.25 inches of space for souvenirs, clothes, or whatever else you may need," he says. Our team tested this bag in our lab and liked how easily it maneuvered around. The compartments were handy for packing a lot of different clothing items, and the compression panels helped condense everything. During our durability tests, the suitcase did sustain some scratches, but those could be buffed out with the included cleaning sponge, and it didn’t suffer any dings or dents. Exterior Size: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Interior Size: 20 x 13.5 inches | Capacity: 46.7 liters | Colors: 5 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheels People/Jhett Thompson Away The Softside Medium Away Softside Medium suitcase in blue . $295 at Awaytravel.com Away's new Softside luggage line perfectly meshes the size and structure of a hardside bag with the flexibility of a soft bag. The exterior is made from padded nylon that feels soft to the touch, almost as though the bag is wearing its own puffer jacket. The "medium" size feels exceedingly spacious, with more than enough room for a week-long getaway (in fact, we think we could fit two weeks' worth of clothing in it with ease). PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer tested the bag on her recent week-long trip to Costa Rica and praised the bag's large front-opening compartment that provided ample room for two pairs of pants, two sweatshirts, six t-shirts, four bathing suits, and three pairs of shoes. In fact, she says that she had so much room left after packing the essentials that she was able to slide in three extra books and a hair dryer. While we love how the flexible nylon exterior allows us to fit the suitcase in tighter places and pack more inside, PEOPLE shopping director Laura Gurfein (who also tried this luggage) noticed that the coastal blue color scuffed a little during her first use of the bag. But if you're worried about scuffing, we suggest opting for the black color option. Exterior Size: 26 x 18.9 x 10.6 inches | Interior Size: 21.3 x 18.1 inches | Capacity: 69 liters | Colors: 4 | Material: Nylon | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheels PHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein PHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein Away The Medium PHOTO: Away $345 at Awaytravel.com When it comes to checked luggage, you’ll want a bag you know is secure and durable, and this bag will keep your belongings safe. With a TSA-approved lock, you'll have an extra layer of security to protect your valuables — not to mention the hard polycarbonate shell that won’t get torn up in transit between the plane and baggage claim. The Medium also compresses your clothes with savvy section dividers. Expert Tip “Luggage that comes with packing cubes, storage compartments, or anything to compress clothes will allow you to pack more and help you organize your items — so I always recommend looking for these features,” Trebendis says. There’s no shortage of capacity in The Medium: We couldn’t imagine needing more space for clothes or anything else. This suitcase gives you more space than the carry-on, with easy nesting to conserve storage — it fits snugly inside Away's large checked bag. Despite being a full-size checked bag, The Medium feels light in weight and can be easily toted around with 360-degree spinner wheels. Based on our tests, we can confirm the bag has extensive organization sections, sleek wheels, and a durable exterior (minus a few scuffs). Exterior Size: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Interior Size: 24 x 17.5 inches | Capacity: 68.8 liters | Colors: 8 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheels PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson The 12 Best Weekender Bags We Tested for Every Style and Budget Away The Medium Flex PHOTO: Away $395 at Awaytravel.com With most of the same qualities as The Medium, The Medium Flex just offers a little extra space. It basically has a zippered expander that creates around seven extra liters of capacity (an extra inch all the way around). We loved its huge compartments, divider, lightweight feel, and highly mobile 360-spinner wheels. The suitcase ran smoothly over most floor types — it only slightly stuck when transferring from hard floors to carpet. Made with the same polycarbonate as the other suitcases, this bag was barely scuffed despite rough handling (being thrown off a counter). Exterior Size: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Interior Size: 24 x 17.5 inches | Capacity: 75.7 L | Colors: 8 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheels People/Jhett Thompson Away The Large PHOTO: Away $395 at Awaytravel.com If you’re going on a longer adventure, this large suitcase has just enough space to keep two (ish!) weeks’ worth of clothes. We found this bag massive and only filled half of it with a huge amount of clothes and cosmetics. With all the same features as its counterparts, this suitcase is durable, well-designed for ease of use, and can be personalized on the luggage or the tag with your initials. Although it's spacious, this suitcase isn’t heavy (weighing in at just 11 pounds) so it’s not burdensome to drag around on your next trip. Our test showed that it’s actually very mobile despite its size. It’s a suitcase that will give you years of use with minimal signs of wear. It barely scratched despite our team throwing it off a counter three times. Should it scratch in transit, you can simply buff it out with the sponge that’s included with every suitcase. Editors Say "I've had the Large Away bag for a little over two years. I'm a chronic over-packer and the bag's spacious capacity lets that side of me flourish. Plus, there's room for souvenirs!"—Madison Yauger, shopping editor We have tested this bag in real-world travel scenarios and found it to be extremely durable and effective. It moves next to you with ease as you maneuver through airports and it’s easy to buff out any nicks that occur during transport. Exterior Size: 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches | Interior Size: 27 x 19.5 inches | Capacity: 99.2 liters | Colors: 9 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheels People/Jhett Thompson Away The Large Flex PHOTO: Away $425 at Awaytravel.com Similar to The Medium Flex, The Large Flex suitcase is a doppelgänger of its original model but with a little more capacity. Our tests found it to be super spacious thanks to the expander, which offered two extra inches of room. Should you be traveling with bulky items like a puffer jacket, there are compression straps to make sure everything fits snugly. Despite its large size, this suitcase is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether rolling the suitcase upright or at a 45-degree angle, we found it moved effortlessly. Exterior Size: 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches | Interior Size: 27 x 19.5 inches | Capacity: 107.8 liters | Colors: 5 | Material: Polycarbonate | Features: Laundry bag, TSA lock, 360-degree wheels PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Away The Everywhere Bag PHOTO: Away $195 at Awaytravel.com This reliable bag is made with water-resistant nylon and sleek leather trim, The Everywhere Bag will look good on your arm in any outfit, weather, or locale. It’s the perfect bag for overnights and short trips, with the capacity for several outfits and essentials. It even comes with a laptop pocket and small sections to keep your “everything” organized. With standard straps, an over-the-shoulder strap, and a trolley sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle, you can wear and carry it in several ways. Experts Say “With the full wraparound zip opening, there’s no question why this is Away’s best-selling personal item,” Hanly says. We appreciated the extensive organization of this bag, which would work as a weekender or a duffel bag. It fits enough clothes for four to five days of travel, has a comfortable shoulder strap (though not padded), and it weathered various durability tests without any scratches. With its simple and sophisticated design and useful features, this bag is a must.Exterior Size: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 20 liters | Colors: 5 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather trim | Features: Removable strap, interior organization system, laptop pocket People/Nick Kova Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack PHOTO: Away $195 at Awaytravel.com Backpacks are one of the easiest bags to carry thanks to the double shoulder straps that help offset the weight. This stylish option is sleek on the outside and nuanced within, featuring an array of pockets and small sections for organizing — including a laptop pouch that can fit up to a 15-inch screen. We appreciated how much the inner compartments could fit, and we thought the straps were comfortable despite not being padded. The material also seemed quite durable. Experts Say “If you plan to carry on a personal item along with your luggage, I always look for bags with a trolley sleeve to make the walk through the airport easier,” Trebendis says. It’s lightweight so you can carry it for small adventures like hiking or visiting tourist attractions, or for longer trips. This backpack even has a trolley sleeve so you can slide it over your suitcase handle to transport it if you overpacked slightly (been there, done that!). Plus, the strap on top doubles as a handle or a place to affix your luggage tag.Exterior Size: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 20 liters | Colors: 4 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh | Features: Internal sections, laptop pocket, hidden pockets, trolley sleeve PHOTO: People / Conor Ralph PHOTO: People / Conor Ralph Away The Pet Carrier PHOTO: Away $225 at Awaytravel.com This carrier has so many thoughtful details, it could only have been designed by someone who has and loves an animal. Seemingly simple at first glance, this bag is actually packed with features to help you and your pet when traveling. Transit can cause anxiety for many pets, so this carrier is equipped with a safety collar clip just in case they try to escape when you open it. There’s removable sherpa bedding to provide comfort and a water-resistant lining to account for accidents. The carrier can also be strapped into a car with a seatbelt for additional safety on road trips. This bag is airplane-compliant and should fit under most airplane seats, so your travel buddy can rest comfortably at your feet. There’s plenty of ventilation with three mesh panels on different sides of the carrier, as well as a retractable privacy screen. You can easily access your pet through a two-way zipper top opening and two side openings. Plus, there’s plenty of storage for accessories and pet gear, such as a side zipper pocket with sleeves and even a side pocket with drainage holes. We also tested this pet carrier in a real-world setting. We loved how well it fit under an airplane seat, and that it remained comfortable and spacious for a small dog (a Chihuahua mix) yet left enough legroom for us.Exterior Size: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 18 pounds | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, leather | Features: Certified by Center for Pet Safety, includes removable sherpa bedding, water-resistant lining, and more PHOTO: People / Anna Popp PHOTO: People / Anna Popp Away The Insider Packing Cubes PHOTO: Away $45 at Awaytravel.com Packing cubes are an organizer’s dream system to keep everything in its place while traveling. This set of four is especially useful because each cube comes in a different size to accommodate a multitude of products and clothes you might be traveling with. The best way to pack these (especially in an Away suitcase) is to put two packing cubes on each side of the luggage. Editors Say "Again, as a life-long over-packer, I would be lost without these packing cubes. I can squeeze so many clothes into these cubes, and they fit so compactly in my suitcase. They're a wonder!"—Madison Yauger We tested these packing cubes in our lab, and they were effective, but we wouldn’t recommend you pack liquid cosmetics in them since the mesh openings will not prevent spills from getting to your clothes. That said, the cubes themselves are made with water-resistant nylon, so if they get wet, they will dry quickly. You can fit a decent amount of clothing in these cubes, so whether you want to store socks and undergarments in one and blouses or shoes in another, there are endless ways to organize your things.Exterior Size: 10 x 4.1 x 8.25 inches, 10 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches, 13 x 4.1 x 10 inches, and 13 x 4.1 x 6.9 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: Not listed | Colors: 7 | Material: Nylon | Features: Set of four in various sizes, mesh panels, water-resistant, can be stored flat People/Vicky Wasik The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips Away The Outdoor Duffle 40L PHOTO: Away $150 at Awaytravel.com Away's Outdoor collection "features a variety of versatile outdoor bags and accessories designed for any and all types of travel," says Hanly. And it’s always a good idea to have a duffel in your closet so you can make a quick weekend escape. This duffel will take you far and look good while doing it. Made with 100 percent recycled materials, this bag is sturdy, spacious, and available in three bold colors. Though it has space for three to four days of clothes, it has several organization sections. And despite being wheel-less, the Outdoor Duffle is super lightweight, so carrying it on a trip shouldn’t be too daunting. We just wished there were even more compartments for organization. That said, we really appreciated its ability to transform from a duffel to a backpack depending on which straps you use to carry it. “We were excited to create something that was not only incredibly functional but also beautifully designed,” says Hanly. When you consider the sustainable materials and reasonable price (comparatively), this bag is a solid choice for a long weekend.Exterior Size: 12.2 x 21.7 x 9.8 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 40 liters | Colors: 3 | Material: Recycled polyester, recycled materials for zippers, mesh, and webbing | Features: Internal pockets and sections, detachable strap Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L PHOTO: Away $220 at Awaytravel.com If you're looking for a great travel backpack, this is a packer’s dream bag. It’s surprisingly spacious and had room left over even after we packed a huge pile of clothes. It has multiple compartments so you can keep everything organized and comes with compression straps so everything can be condensed for maximum capacity. Even when the bag was full, we felt comfortable walking around with it for a while without shoulder or back pain. We were a little thrown by the side zipper because a few items fell out when the bag was opened. It did hold up to a 15-inch laptop and protected it extremely well. We shoved the bag off a counter three times and the laptop didn’t have any dings or damage. If you’re short in stature, the back might seem a little long, but it’s cushioned across your shoulders and comfortable to wear. Between the high quality and the seemingly endless capacity — this bag was dubbed the “Mary Poppins bag” during our test — the Outdoor Convertible Backpack is the perfect companion for any adventurer. Exterior Size: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 45 liters | Colors: 3 | Material: Water-resistant nylon, leather, mesh | Features: Internal sections, 15-inch laptop pocket, removable shoulder strap, hidden pockets Away The Packable Carryall PHOTO: Away $45 at Awaytravel.com While most Away bags lean toward neutral colors, the Packable Carryall makes a statement with whimsical options including bright orange, teal, and royal blue, as well as muted options such as black and navy. The entire bag is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, so it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and quite durable. Experts Say “With a large chamber, this bag can hold a weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes and has pockets for accessories like sunglasses, jewelry pouches, or small wallets,” Hanly says. This an ideal carryall for a fun weekend away — and when you’re unpacked, it folds up and can be stored in a small zippered pouch to conserve space.Exterior Size: 15 x 19.7 x 9 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 43 liters | Colors: 5 | Material: Water-resistant recycled nylon | Features: Can be folded in on itself for storage, internal organization, trolley sleeve Away The Small Toiletry Bag PHOTO: Away $55 at Awaytravel.com If you're looking for a toiletry bag, Away also offers small organizers and accessory bags that fit perfectly in its larger travel bags. Available in four colors for different aesthetics, this bag is actually designed to mimic the look and system of the Away suitcases with two side sections (one plastic, one zippered mesh) that you can organize and close up to keep everything in place. This bag is super durable and easily washable. It even comes with a cute handle on top to replicate the design of a suitcase, but mini! And there’s an exterior pocket so you can store anything flat that you might need to grab in a hurry (makeup wipes! menstrual products! medications!). Between the clear and mesh storage, there are various types of pockets to store and transport different types of cosmetics. The material is also waterproof which is an added benefit, especially since it will be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.Exterior Size: 8.3 x 3.15 x 5.5 inches | Interior Size: Not listed | Capacity: 2.3 liters | Colors: 4 | Material: Water-resistant nylon | Features: Mesh interior pocket What to Know About Away Travel Luggage Size Counts The size of your bag will no doubt impact your travel experience — too big and it’s bulky to carry around; too small and it might not fit everything you want to carry. And since you can’t be Goldilocks and try each one out, we’re here to help. For a week-long trip, experts might say you just need a carry-on, but that will entirely depend on what kind of packer you are. For those of us who tend to pack a little extra, you might want a checked luggage piece. However, if you pack efficiently (re-wearing or mixing and matching different tops and bottoms), then a carry-on suitcase should provide plenty of space. For a 10-day trip, we would recommend The Bigger Carry-On for those who travel light, and The Medium suitcase for those who like to bring lots of clothing options. Features Are Aplenty Hanly says Away luggage is “thoughtfully designed to address real travelers’ concerns, from the removable laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate to the compression pad to maximize how much fits inside.” These bags have many features to make your travels easier. If organization keeps you calm while on the go, check out The Everywhere Zip Backpack, which has numerous pockets and compartments for storing your passport, cosmetics, a water bottle, and more. And if you hate carrying a heavy bag, The Carry-On comes with two sets of spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. You might also consider luggage with a TSA-approved lock for added security to keep your belongings safe — every Away Travel suitcase comes with one of these (and it’s super easy to lock and unlock). Lastly, if you need a dog or cat carrier, The Pet Carrier comes in clutch. Materials Affect Longevity Away bags are designed to be quite durable for any journey you plan to take. The hard-shell suitcases are made with a strong polycarbonate (plastic) that will hold up to the wear and tear of transit. These suitcases are backed by a lifetime limited warranty, so if there are any issues with the shell cracking or breaking, or problems with the hardware, you can get the bag replaced at no cost. The softer bags, like backpacks and duffels, are made with water-resistant nylon and mesh sections. The smaller bags have a one-year limited warranty, and you have 100 days to make returns for all Away products. People/Jhett Thompson We Tested Luggage Trackers on Domestic and International Flights — These 3 Are the Absolute Best Frequently Asked Questions Does Away luggage get scratched? Yes, during several of our lab durability tests, Away luggage sustained minor scratches, but each suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge to buff out any marks. We have personally used it with our Away checked bag (The Large) and it works beautifully. You can also clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap for small stains. Is soft or hard luggage better? Hard-shell suitcases protect fragile items better, help you stick to packing for the exact dimensions of your bag (as opposed to expanding it to fit what you stuffed in). Away's are designed to fit in an overhead bin (in the carry-on sizes at least). Trebendis recommends hard-shell luggage because these pieces “retain their shape and help compress clothes, meaning you can fit more items without worrying about bulging luggage not fitting in the overhead bins.” How does the battery function work? One cool function of Away luggage is you can choose to add an ejectable battery to your carry-on suitcases. At this time, lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags because they can cause a fire hazard. If you choose the battery option, you’ll receive a small USB cord to charge it in the same delivery as your luggage. It takes up to eight hours to fully charge, so keep that in mind when packing before a trip. Once in use, you can charge your cell phone and any other electronic device that uses a USB cord up to four times before the battery itself will need to be recharged. What makes Away different from similar brands? “When Away was founded in 2015, there was a huge gap in the luggage market,” says Hanly. “Not only was there no travel brand that addressed both the utility and style needs of a modern-day traveler, but also there was a lack of brand loyalty across the category.” He says before Away, travelers had to choose between “price and quality,” and to have quality luggage it would cost more “than the trip you were taking it on.” Hanly adds that Away’s combination of “unmatched style, form, and function” has set the brand apart and “resonated with consumers from the very beginning.” Behind the Scenes To write a comprehensive guide to the best Away bags, we consulted multiple in-depth tests, which we performed in our lab while using the luggage in the real world. We took the bags on flights across the country and around the world, on trips that lasted one day and multiple weeks. Some of the qualities we tested for include: Durability: To test how well the suitcases would hold up against all the bumps, falls, and rough handling that comes with traveling, we took things to the extreme by slamming the suitcases with baseball bats and pushing them off ladders, taking note of any scratches, scuffs, dents, or marks. Space: We created packing lists for weekend, week-long, and multiple-week trips, then attempted to fit all of the items into our Away bags. We took note of any expansion zippers or handy organizational features. To ensure that the carry-on bags fit in standard overhead bins, we built model overhead bins with the same dimensions as the real thing and attempted to lift the suitcases up and into the bins. Special Features: For every bag we tested, we carefully noted any special features that made it stand out from other bags in its category, like USB charging ports, extra pockets, 360-degree wheels, TSA-approved locks, or padded handles. Why Trust PEOPLE? Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who loves to travel. Despite her tendency to overpack, she fit a week's worth of clothes in her Away carry-on for recent trips to Iceland and Greece, and when that doesn't cut it, she defers to her Away large bag for checked luggage. For this story, she spoke to Cuan Hanly, chief design officer at Away, and Delta Air Lines flight attendant Katie Trebendis, pored over insights from several of our lab tests and editors' personal experiences, and thoroughly researched the brand and each product. This story was recently updated with insights on the new Softside luggage line, which was tested by multiple PEOPLE staff members. Our Expert Panel Cuan Hanly is the chief design officer at Away. He previously was the VP of Design, Women's and Men's RTW and Accessories at Target. Katie Trebendis is a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.