Luggage Replacement - March 2025

For many years, I've been traveling with a medium size (about 66L) two-wheeled duffel. The duffel was only about 6 pounds, so it could be packed full and not exceed any weight limitations. Luggage weight was important when we exclusively flew Economy or Premium Economy for international travel, given the lower weight allowances.

In 2021, on a trip to Egypt, the thread holding the duffel’s main compartment zipper broke and an emergency in-hotel room repair was needed. I forgot about this repair until our most recent Australia trip (four years and three international trips later). I noticed that my previous sewing work was at risk and the duffel had many worn spots and a broken/missing plastic foot piece. 

My wife and daughter use Away luggage and were pleased with how well they roll and have held up through several trips - some as check-in luggage and some as carry-ons.

Short story, my new check-in luggage - and one that I'll use in Japan in the future - is an Away Medium Flex.   This piece is about 69L and can expand to 77L. The last hard-side luggage I owned was an old Samsonite from the 1970s. Some of you might recall these vintage cases - no wheels and heavy. In the late 70s and early 80s, we used to travel with a portable luggage rack to wheel these large Samsonites through the airport.

The Away Medium Flex has an empty weight of almost 11 pounds. I think the additional luggage weight is noticeable. I recently test packed for my upcoming five week Japan trip and the scale tipped at 40 pounds (wide range of weather anticipated). That said, I didn't need to expand the case and it rolled very easy on four wheels. I acknowledge that the two-wheeled duffel was clumsy to move through the airport at times. Luggage weight shouldn't be a consideration when we fly international business class as a check-in luggage is permitted to be 70 pounds. Frankly, I couldn't imagine traveling with any bag over 40 pounds - especially if plans are to stay at smaller hotels with no elevators.

The only feature that I would have liked on Away luggage is some kind of brake. When you’re standing on an incline, wheeled luggage tends to roll away if you’re not careful.

Time and travel will tell if this luggage change was a good idea.