Luggage brands > Tumi vs. Away
Selecting luggage involves considering the balance between durability, design, and warranty coverage. Tumi and Away both offer compelling options, but cater to different priorities and travel styles.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
For travelers prioritizing long-term durability and comprehensive protection against wear and tear, Tumi is the better choice. Away offers a more budget-friendly option with a modern aesthetic, but its warranty and handle durability may be concerns for frequent travelers.
- Tumi emphasizes premium materials and comprehensive warranty coverage, particularly in the first year.
- Away focuses on modern design and smooth maneuverability, but the warranty has more exclusions.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Tumi if:
Travelers who prioritize high-quality materials, comprehensive warranty coverage (especially against airline damage in the first year), and are willing to invest in a premium brand.
Choose Away if:
Travelers who value modern design, smooth maneuverability, and a more budget-friendly price point, but are less concerned about extensive warranty coverage and potential handle wobble.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Tumi | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Material Durability | FXT ballistic nylon, Tegris, polycarbonate, aluminum | Polycarbonate, aluminum, softside (nylon) |
| Weight (Empty) | Varies by model (7.5 - 17+ lbs) | Varies by model (7.5 - 10.1 lbs) |
| Carry-on Compliance | Many models comply; check specific airline | Carry-On meets most; Softside for budget airlines |
| Wheel Quality | Easy Glide/Hinomoto wheels, smooth | 360° spinner wheels, smooth, not ideal for cobblestone |
| Handle Durability | X-Brace 45 Handle System, some leather grips | Redesigned trolley handles, some wobbly reviews |
| Warranty | 5 years (travel, business, bags), 2 years (wallets, accessories). First year includes wear and tear/airline handling. | Limited lifetime (shell, wheels, handles, zippers), 30-day (battery), 1-year (soft goods). Excludes cosmetic damage, accidents, theft. |
| Water Resistance | Some models/pockets water-resistant | Water-resistant, not 100% waterproof |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
Tumi
- High-quality, durable materials (FXT ballistic nylon, Tegris)
- Smooth-rolling wheels
- Durable telescoping handle
- TSA-approved locks
- Comprehensive internal organization
- Water resistance in some models
- Good warranty coverage
- Polycarbonate material can be easily scuffed
- Warranty does not cover airline damage after the first year
Away
- Durable polycarbonate material
- Scratch-resistant (with magic eraser)
- Meets most international carry-on size requirements
- Smooth and quiet 360° spinner wheels
- TSA-compliant lock
- Well-designed internal compartments
- Water-resistant
- Variety of colors and finishes
- Ongoing customer service
- Glossy finishes scratch easily
- Aluminum luggage is prone to cosmetic damage
- Wheels don't perform well on cobblestone
- Handles may feel wobbly and lack padding
- Body and side handles can pinch fingers
- Not 100% waterproof
- Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, accidents, or theft
User Experiences and Feedback
Tumi
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Away
- No highlights reported.
- Handles feel wobbly and less sturdy
- Wheels don't fare well on cobblestone
- Softside carry-on is heavier than expected
- No value feedback reported.
- Some reviews mention the handles feel wobbly and less sturdy, with no padding at the grip.
- The extendable handle is great, but the body and side handles can pinch fingers.
- One review of the softside carry-on mentions it being heavier than expected at 9.2 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is more durable?
Tumi generally uses more robust materials like FXT ballistic nylon and Tegris, offering greater resistance to wear and tear.
Which brand has a better warranty?
Tumi's warranty is more comprehensive, especially in the first year, covering airline damage and wear and tear. Away's warranty has more exclusions.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: October 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.