Choosing the right luggage is a crucial decision for travelers. It can make your journeys more comfortable and efficient or lead to frustration and inconvenience if you make the wrong choice. Travelpro and Away are two popular luggage brands, each with its own unique features and advantages. In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore the key aspects of both brands to help you decide which one is better suited for your travel needs.
1. Brand Overview
Travelpro: Founded in 1987, Travelpro is a well-established brand known for producing durable and reliable luggage designed with input from airline pilots and flight crews. Their focus on functionality and durability has made them a favorite among frequent travelers.
Away: Away is a relatively new entrant in the luggage industry, founded in 2015. It gained popularity for its modern and minimalist design, direct-to-consumer model, and innovative features.
2. Design and Style
Travelpro: Travelpro’s design philosophy leans towards practicality and functionality. Their luggage tends to have a classic and conservative look, with an emphasis on durability rather than fashion. Travelpro luggage is available in various sizes and colors, but its design may not appeal to those seeking trendy or fashionable options.
Away: Away’s luggage is characterized by its sleek, minimalist design. It is available in a range of stylish colors and sizes, making it more visually appealing to fashion-conscious travelers. The brand’s aesthetic appeal has been a significant factor in its success.
3. Durability
Travelpro: Travelpro’s luggage is built to last. It often incorporates features like reinforced corners, robust zippers, and high-quality materials to withstand the rigors of travel. Many frequent travelers prefer Travelpro for its reputation for durability and longevity.
Away: While Away luggage is stylish, it may not be as rugged as Travelpro. The focus on design and aesthetics sometimes comes at the expense of durability. However, it should still hold up well for occasional travelers or those who prioritize style over long-term ruggedness.
4. Functionality and Features
Travelpro: Travelpro excels in terms of functionality and features. Many of their suitcases come with multiple pockets, compartments, and organizational tools to help travelers stay organized during their journeys. Travelpro also offers various spinner and rolling suitcase options, allowing customers to choose the type that best suits their preferences.
Away: Away luggage offers a minimalist approach to functionality. While it lacks the extensive organizational features of Travelpro, it does include some thoughtful design elements such as an integrated TSA-approved lock, a removable battery pack for charging devices, and a compression system to maximize packing space.
5. Price Range
Travelpro: Travelpro luggage is typically priced in the mid to upper range. It may be considered an investment by some, given its reputation for durability and functionality. However, the higher price tag may deter budget-conscious travelers.
Away: Away offers a more competitive pricing strategy, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. The direct-to-consumer model allows them to sell their products at a lower markup compared to traditional retail brands.
6. Warranty
Travelpro: Travelpro offers a limited lifetime warranty on many of its products. This warranty reflects the brand’s confidence in the durability and quality of their luggage.
Away: Away provides a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific duration (usually a few years). While their warranty is not as extensive as Travelpro’s, it is still a decent assurance of product quality.
7. Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Both Travelpro and Away have garnered positive reviews and have a satisfied customer base. Travelpro’s long history and reputation for durability have earned it a loyal following among frequent travelers. On the other hand, Away’s modern design and innovative features have attracted a younger, style-conscious demographic.
8. Customer Support and Returns
Both brands offer reasonable customer support, but the direct-to-consumer model employed by Away allows for a more streamlined and direct interaction with the company. They also have a 100-day trial period during which customers can return their luggage for a full refund if they’re not satisfied. Travelpro’s return policies may vary depending on the retailer.
9. Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the luggage industry. While both brands have made some efforts in this regard, Away has been more vocal about its commitment to sustainability, using materials like recycled polycarbonate in its products and taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint. Travelpro, being an older brand, may not be as vocal about its sustainability efforts, but it’s worth researching the specific materials and practices used in their luggage.
10. Conclusion
In the Travelpro vs. Away comparison, the better choice depends on your specific needs and priorities as a traveler.
Choose Travelpro if:
- You prioritize durability and longevity.
- You travel frequently and need a suitcase that can withstand heavy use.
- Organizational features and functionality are essential to you.
Choose Away if:
- You value modern, stylish design.
- You are an occasional traveler and don’t require an ultra-durable suitcase.
- You appreciate innovative features like the built-in charger.
Final Conclusion on TravelPro vs Away: Which is Better?
Ultimately, both brands have their strengths and cater to different segments of the market.
Your decision should align with your personal preferences, travel habits, and budget.
It’s also a good idea to visit a physical store if possible to test the luggage in person and get a feel for its design, functionality, and build quality before making your final choice.
