Away The Carry-On vs Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner

The Away's polycarbonate shell is rigid — your clothes are protected, but you can't squeeze in that last pair of shoes by forcing the zipper. The Maxlite 5's soft-sided construction gives you real flexibility when you're overpacking at the last minute. If you're a precise packer, the Away's structure is a feature; if you're a chaotic packer, it's a liability.

The Maxlite 5 tops out at $150; the Away starts at $275. That's not a rounding error — it's a meaningful chunk of travel budget. And the Maxlite 5 isn't a consolation prize at that price; Wirecutter tested it against everything and still called it the best budget carry-on. You're not compromising, you're just not paying for the brand.

Away's integrated combination lock is a genuine convenience — no separate padlock to lose, no fumbling at security. The Maxlite 5 relies on zipper pulls and an external lock if you want one. For most travelers this won't matter, but if you're checking your carry-on at the gate regularly or traveling to destinations where bag security is a concern, the Away's lock is a real advantage.

The Maxlite 5 covers manufacturing defects for life — wheels, zippers, handles — but airline damage is only covered for the first year. The Away's warranty isn't perfect either, but its repair program and brand infrastructure are more robust for long-term ownership. If you're a heavy traveler who expects to use this bag for a decade, the Away's support ecosystem is meaningfully better.