Monos vs Away Luggage | Which Suitcase is Best?!

This is a review and comparison of the Monos Carry-on Plus suitcase and the Away Bigger Carry-on to determine which luggage is best. We will discuss the pros, cons and key differences of both the Monos and Away suitcases, and take them on some trips and tests to determine how they perform in the field so you can decide which is best to buy.

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Monos vs Away Luggage | Which Suitcase is Best?!
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[abraham]

Felt like you guys made the decision before even opening the boxes lol

[amymckee]

We have been travel living full time for almost two years with our Monos suitcases — the medium checked size— and really love them. Good choice!

[tbw]

Yea but you never showed us how much fit on the inside 🤔

[isaiahginder]

I’ve had away luggage from almost right after they came out they’ve been the best ever since and I recommended to every single person

[rm]

I love my Monos! I got a limited addition pattern. Also I don't know where you guys, but I am Canadian and it's a Canadian product, love supporting my country :)

[MikeMichaels-ct]

Viewers should note the Away suitcase used in this comparison is not the updated version released this year. I've been going down the luggage rabbit hole and it seems Away addressed some concerns. In fact, the vast majority of reviews I found online in all channels are from the old version of the Away bag.

[JC-sfqm]

I absolutely love my Monos medium suit case ... I have had it for 2 years ... it is so well organized! The handle is very steady. The medium is so roomier.... I packed for a 5 week road trip and had plenty of room for souvenirs! My next purchase will be the carry-on plus.

[cucumberslices]

Great review. I actually appreciate this one compared to others as you actually did a real world test in them. Others are more like “unboxing” type of videos.

[davidthaler]

Everyone certainly has their preferences, but frankly, with the exception of the handle, I think your decision is based on very superficial criteria. Color, logo, lock location, and brand ubiquitousness don't mean much if the quality and functionality are poor.

Were they both easy to pack? How many days worth of clothing did they accommodate? Did the compression systems make the bags easy to close after packing? What's the price of each? The trial period? The warranty?

[Anyone]

Second video I’ve watched about carry on comparison. Mono is always the winner!!

[bonniec]

I bought a Monos carryon last year and love it. It's light enough for this 4'11" person to lift into overhead bins. Well made. Love it.

[cavtec]

Both cases are solid and I have no complaint on either. I agree on the handle on the away, even though it's study it doesn't feel sturdy. Feels like a rough jerk might snap it but It hasn't happened to me yet. As for the Monos Carry on, I don't recommend the Pro Plus model. The Pro Plus model has a nice outside pocket that you can slide a laptop, passport, etc in but it leads to slight less space inside.

Both units share the same wheels and zippers, so both are solid.

Nice video.

[MBCGonzalez]

Thank you for the comparison. Very detailed and specific. I purchased my fist AWAY suitcase 4 years ago.. now everyone has it. BUT. I do love my AWAY. I have it in Red/ Navy and now Coast. I have taken the bigger carry on to three trips to Europe and it has held up very very well.

[MsLashun]

I have both and yes, the Mono is better. The Away use to come with a dust bag; interesting that they no longer do. I have the lighter Monos as well so I purchase the protective covering, well worth it to keep it clean.

[jennyvu]

I got the monos too!! Thank you so much for the thorough review!

[Summermute]

Just bought a Monos suitcase due to this video. I told them at checkout that I heard about their product from your channel. Thanks for sharing this review.

[marcela.lalala]

It's interesting how each person can have a totally different experience with suitcases. I refused to buy Away it wasn't my favorite design and I wanted something with more attention to details. But now I can admit my husband's bag performed better than mine during out latest trip. When I found Monos, I was excited to get the Carry-On Pro Plus, since I love front pockets.
But after purchasing it and using it, I can't say I am completely happy about my investment. I definitely think you need to read the pros and cons before buying!
😕
Reasons:
1) Handle does not feel as sturdy as others in the market. And I am actually surprised to see some reviews saying they felt it was the sturdiest? Very confusing to me, as my husband's Away handle seemed more robust. My Monos handle jiggles a bit and does not have the firmness that I was looking for. Do I think it will break? Not really. But I feel more confident with a handle that has more stability. And I agree with one reviewer who said the location of the button is not the best, as I feel I am always pressing it, even when just walking.

2) If you carry a medium-large backpack, the suitcase has a tendency to fall forward, when placing the backpack on top. This did not happen to the Away bag, and I think the reason is the extension zipper. It makes the bag wider, more stable, like a square block.

3) The laptop compartment!! I struggled to fit my 16'' computer in the designated slot (laptop doesn't even have a case!). Instead, I had to use the next pocket. Despite the specifications, it felt the space was very tight and that the laptop was being squished a bit, especially when closing the compartment. What if I had a case on it? 😓 Also, if storing a laptop, forget about adding any other device or chargers. No space.

4) Lastly, the available space within my bag was noticeably lacking in comparison to the capacity offered by my husband's Away suitcase (which extends in volume considerably after opening the zipper). As a frequent traveler, maximizing packing efficiency is of utmost importance to me, and unfortunately, Monos fell a bit short in this regard. Still better than other tiny carry-ons, but not as great as the other brand.

If you're a light packer or business traveler, then I am sure this suitcase works great for you. I loved the style, details and color. But my husband and I often take only a carry-on, and while I am not a heavy packer, I do need to have flexibility in the space available. I feel this carry-on can evolve to include an extension zipper, and a larger front pocket, (maybe by digging more into the suitcase itself?).

[mattsawchuk]

I agree, monos is an excellent carry on and 40+ flights I have taken this year alone. I have the plus and only run into checking it at the gate when I’m on a E140/145 regional flight. Do yourself a favor and grab one!

[williamyates]

Recently got my wife a monos. Looks nice. But it scuffs sooo easily. It also came with 2 missing zippers on the inside of the suitcase. Customer service is not great. I like that Away has some in person stores.

[rgorell]

The Away aluminum handle is rock solid. Definitely recommend the Away aluminum bigger carryon over either of these.