Away Refreshes Its Cult-Favorite Luggage Line After a Decade, Ditching the Battery
Luggage brand Away has launched its third-generation Series 3, dropping the removable battery that once earned it the "smart luggage" label in favor of refined wheels and handle mechanics. The company deliberately kept the exterior design unchanged, focusing instead on fixing everyday traveler frustrations.
Away, the luggage brand that became a must-have travel accessory after launching its Carry On suitcase in 2016, has released its third-generation lineup, called Series 3. The original bag's popularity rested on its sleek polycarbonate shell and an ejectable battery for charging phones, a feature that earned the brand its "smart luggage" reputation.
That battery is now gone, having been unavailable since 2023 amid evolving rules around traveling with batteries. Sarah Amidi, Away's senior vice president of Brand, says the company never embraced the "smart luggage" label and now positions itself more as a traditional luggage maker, designing bags meant to last another decade.
Refining Details Instead of Redesigning
Visually, Series 3 pieces look much like their predecessors, a deliberate choice. Instead of a new look, Away focused on two persistent traveler pain points: wheels and the telescoping handle. The WhisperGlide 360 wheels gained an extra ball bearing and improved threading for a smoother, quieter roll, while the StopLock Brakes system, first introduced on Away's TopSide bags, now locks wheels in place even on a slight incline.
The trolley handle, called Infinite Height, offers five times more stopping positions than before, and hooks were added for hanging jackets or bags. Interior covers were redesigned to open outward for easier access, additional small pockets were added, and a dedicated pouch now holds a Bluetooth tracker.
New color options include purple, chocolate, and chartreuse, alongside removable, customizable handles and wheels. The Classic style comes in five sizes, while the expandable Flex style comes in four. Away also introduced its Signature collection, made from lighter, softer nylon, including bags with a laptop compartment relocated to the exterior for quicker access during airport security checks.
