Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Eve Dawes
Away and Monos luggage brands make a lot of promises but do they deliver & which is my personal favorite
Monos VS Away? Away VS Monos? Who makes the best luggage? If you’re torn between Away luggage or Monos luggage here’s what we decided on and why. My husband and I needed new cases but were torn between these 2 brands. We read their websites and all of the reviews but they both sounded pretty much identical. I’m pretty particular about my luggage as the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination to find your case in pieces and taped together. I like to actually see, feel and use things to actually be able to tell the difference. Here’s my honest, unsponsored Monos VS Away review and Away luggage promo code.
This Monos VS Away review and luggage comparison contains affiliate links but is not sponsored.
Monos VS Away trial periods
Since both Away and Monos offer 100 day trials I ordered both the Away and Monos medium checked luggage case to be able to do a proper review and comparison. Scroll down to shop Monos and get the Away luggage promo code for $20 off of any away luggage.
Away luggage or Monos? Which is better?
Most blogs tell you about the stats and features of the Away luggage and Monos cases and compare those but you can find that on the brands websites. What the websites and Monos and Away luggage reviews don’t tell you is how they feel, what they’re like to walk with and the key differentiators that aren’t size related.
Because when comparing monos vs away hard-shell suitcases and looking at pricing, sizes and the lifetime guarantee they come with they sound pretty much identical. To be fair, there aren’t huge differences in their sleek designs but there were a few points that made one stand out from the other for me personally at first glance.
Away Luggage VS Monos Luggage Review & Comparison | Which is Better? + $20 OFF
I couldn’t decide between the Away Luggage or Monos Luggage checked Medium suitcases from reading the comparisons and reviews online. They both weigh, cost, and hold about the same amount and have lifetime guarantees.
So I decided to order both and do a Monos & Away luggage unboxing & comparison review of all the things the reviews & sites don’t tell you. Sometimes you need to get your hands on things to see & feel the difference.
Away luggage vs Monos luggage | The Stats
While the specs and features look pretty much identical on paper such as a telescopic handle, 360-degree wheels, YKK zippers, TSA-approved lock and polycarbonate shell, there are a few features that are more important to some than others. Things like vegan leather details, the option to personalize your case, choice of colors and whether it expands all come down to personal preference and what makes the perfect suitcase for you.
If these features are negotiable, it’s probably the actual testing of them that I did that will help you decide.
Inside the Away luggage and Monos medium checked cases
Both the Away medium suitcase and Monos medium case have similar features and are pretty similar on the inside. The 3 main differences between monos vs away are that:
- The Monos case (pictured in light grey) clip flap is sewn at the center vs the Away case expanding in and out. Neither are removable.
- The Away case has a small bag inside the interior pocket you can use for laundry or shoes.
- The Away case is expandable, giving you more interior space if you need it. I always need it!
- The interior fabric feels the same but the Monos has a anti-microbial interior fabric whereas Away doesn’t list the fabric.
- I struggled to get the telescopic handle on the Monos to work.
Away luggage and Monos medium suitcases side by side comparison
When it comes to the outside of the luggages in this Monos VS Away comparison they’re both pretty much identical besides having their own logos. The Away case just has the groves the entire length but both are exactly the same width and both have 360 spinner wheels.
Away luggage vs Monos medium hardshell case height comparison
The Monos medium case is 0.5″ taller. It also has the lock combination on the side vs the Away luggage lock being on the top. I found the top handle on the Monos case easier to get my hand under to be able to pick it up. But to be fair, how often am I going to be picking it up versus pulling it except to put it in the car.
Away luggage vs Monos Medium hardshell cases depth comparison
The Away case not expanded is 0.5″ deeper but there’s really not much in it.
Away vs Monos | Return Policy Comparison
Both Away luggage and Monos offer a free 100-day trial period. Both offer full refunds except for the original shipping fee if you paid for shipping. Away offers free return shipping if you’re in an area they offer free shipping.
Monos charges for return shipping which is quite a big deciding factor since shipping large items can be expensive. As some shipping companies like UPS and Fedex charge dimensional weight.
Away luggage return policy
It’s easy—head to our contact page, fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you with next steps. Please note that original shipping fees are non-refundable, and we only offer free returns in areas where we also offer free shipping.
Away Travel
Monos luggage return policy
Please note that returns will be at your own expense. For returns within Canada and the USA, we will be happy to arrange a label on your behalf and send you an invoice. We are unfortunately unable to create international return labels at this time, however we will provide you the required information to make your return as seamless as possible.
Monos
Shop Monos and Away cases
If you’ve been holding off on getting a new suitcase, there are some Away bags and Monos suitcases are on sale for Black Friday, so now’s the best time to snap one up. The Aluminum Away collection is pricier than their regular collection but so stunning. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, some of the travel accessories like the jewelry cases make great gifts.
Use this Away luggage promo code link to get $20 off any Away suitcase or bag.
Conclusion
As you can see I ended up with the full set of Away luggage not the Monos suitcases. Mainly because the large case was expandable and that it was available in pink. They come in lots of different colors but I ended up with pink as if you read this blog you know I have a thing for pink and it makes it easier to find on the luggage carousel.
I’m about 30 trips in and so far the durable polycarbonate has held up for both my domestic and international travel, leisure and work trips.
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