Last updated: April 2026
Both bags cost $275. Both come with a lifetime warranty. Both roll smoothly through airport terminals and look good doing it. So why does it matter which one you pick?
It matters because the differences between Monos and Away are real - they're just not the ones the marketing highlights. The gap between these two brands shows up in how the shell holds up after a year of travel, what happens when you need to use that lifetime warranty, and a return policy detail that catches a lot of buyers off guard. After digging into owner reports, testing data, and the honest conversations happening in luggage forums, here's what you actually need to know before deciding.
The short answer: Away is the safer long-term investment for most travelers. The Monos Carry-On Pro is the right call for frequent fliers who need a front laptop pocket. Everything else - price, weight, overhead bin fit - is close enough that it shouldn't drive your decision.
Quick Picks
| Away The Carry-On | Monos Carry-On Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most travelers - durability, consistent service, free returns | Business travelers who need TSA laptop access |
| Dimensions | 21.7 × 14.4 × 9 in | Verify at monos.com before purchasing |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | ~8.38 lbs (verify) |
| Price | $275 | $295 |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited |
For the majority of carry-on travelers, Away The Carry-On is the more reliable long-term investment. If you fly for work multiple times a week and want easy laptop access at security, the Monos Carry-On Pro is worth the extra $20.
Brand Origins: Who Makes These Bags?
Away was founded in 2015 in New York City by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, both former Warby Parker employees. It's an American brand, and with retail stores in cities across the US, you can walk in and handle a warranty claim in person - which turns out to matter more than you'd think.
Monos launched in 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, making it a Canadian brand. The founding mission was to create luggage that prioritized clean design and sustainable materials, and that ethos shows up in their use of partially recycled polycarbonate and vegan leather accessories. Neither brand manufactures in North America - both produce overseas, as virtually all luggage brands do - but Monos is a Canadian company, not a Chinese one, which is a question that comes up enough to be worth answering directly.
Specs Side by Side - Dimensions, Weight, and Airline Fit
This is the table that should exist in every Monos vs. Away comparison and rarely does. Here are the four main carry-on models, with confirmed Away specs from our product pages and Monos pricing confirmed from their current site.
| Model | Dimensions (H × W × D) | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Away The Carry-On | 21.7 × 14.4 × 9 in | 7.5 lbs | $275 |
| Away The Bigger Carry-On | 22.7 × 15.4 × 9.6 in | 7.9 lbs | $295 |
| Monos Carry-On | Verify at monos.com | ~7.4 lbs | $275 |
| Monos Carry-On Pro | Verify at monos.com | ~8.38 lbs | $295 |
A note on Monos dimensions: Monos publishes their specs on each product page, but the numbers vary across review sources. Before purchasing, check the current dimensions directly at monos.com - especially if you're flying a carrier with strict overhead bin enforcement. The specs above are approximate figures sourced from published reviews.
Both standard-size carry-ons - the Away Carry-On and the Monos Carry-On - fit in overhead bins on all major US carriers, including Delta, United, American, and Southwest. The Monos Carry-On Plus, which is the larger of Monos' two carry-on sizes, may face gate-check pressure on smaller regional aircraft and European budget carriers like Ryanair, where size enforcement is stricter.
Build Quality and Durability
Shell Material
Both brands use polycarbonate shells - the same material you'll find on most premium hardside carry-ons. Polycarbonate is light, impact-resistant, and flexible enough to absorb a hit without cracking. Monos uses partially recycled polycarbonate in their construction, which they're transparent about on their product pages. Away uses standard polycarbonate with some lines in aluminum.
On paper, the material is essentially equivalent between the two brands. In practice, how the shell holds up depends less on the raw material and more on thickness, construction, and finish - and that's where the real differences start to emerge.
Scuffing - The Honest Answer
This is the question most comparison articles dance around, so let's be direct: Monos bags scuff more visibly than Away bags, and the gap is meaningful enough to factor into your decision.
Owners who have used both brands consistently report that Monos polycarbonate shows wear faster, particularly in lighter colors and especially on the Hybrid models with metallic finishes. The shell on metallic Monos bags has been reported to dent - not just scratch - after moderate use. Away's polycarbonate also scuffs with normal travel, but owners describe the marks as less dramatic and less visible, even on non-black colorways. Both brands include a cleaning tool (Away ships a melamine sponge; Monos includes a magic eraser), but erasing scuffs is different from preventing them.
Owners in travel forums have been consistent on this: "super scuffed after 1 use" and "Monos is extra good at scuffing" are representative quotes from people who have tested both. If you're planning to buy Monos in a lighter color or metallic finish, that's a real consideration. If durability of finish matters to you, Away is the safer pick.
Wheels
Away wheels get more consistently positive marks across owner reports - smooth, quiet on hard airport floors, and reliable over time. Monos wheel quality has improved across production generations, and some owners rate their Monos wheels highly. But the verdict is more split, and a meaningful number of Monos owners report the wheels as a weak point, particularly on older production runs.
The honest takeaway: test any carry-on fully packed, not empty. Wheel quality shows more clearly under load and at speed. Both bags perform reasonably well in casual use, but Away has the more uniform track record.
Telescoping Handle
Away handles ship with two height settings. Monos handles offer four. This is a concrete, verifiable difference that most comparison articles miss entirely, and it matters more than it sounds - four height settings means a broader range of travelers (shorter, taller, or just particular about pull height) will find a comfortable grip. Away's handle gets consistent praise for stability; Monos' handle gets praise for adjustability. If you're particular about your pull height, Monos wins this sub-category. If you just want a handle that doesn't wobble, both are solid.
Interior Organization and Packing
Standard Layout
Both bags open flat into a two-section split interior: one side with a compression system and buckled straps for clothing, the other with a zippered compartment for shoes, toiletries, or accessories. This layout - sometimes called a "butterfly" or "clamshell" opening - is a big reason travelers love both brands. Packing cubes drop in cleanly; compression helps you fit more than you'd expect.
The differences are in the details. Away's interior uses three mesh pockets, a laundry bag made from recycled polyester, and a hanging organizer panel. Monos includes a laundry bag, two shoe bags, a hanging pocket, and a zippered pouch over the main compartment - more organization features overall. Monos' interior fabric is also treated with a silver-ion anti-microbial coating that inhibits bacterial growth. Away has no equivalent. For travelers who pack skincare, beauty products, or anything moisture-adjacent, the anti-microbial lining is a genuine differentiator.
One caveat: Good Housekeeping testers noted that Monos' interior - while feature-rich - can feel over-pocketed for minimalist packers. "I don't find all the small compartments super useful," one tester said. If you use packing cubes and prefer a clean open volume, Away's simpler interior may actually suit you better.
The Monos Carry-On Pro - For Business Travelers
The single most meaningful functional difference between these two brands at the carry-on level is the Monos Carry-On Pro's exterior front pocket - a dedicated compartment sized for a laptop that lets you remove it at TSA without opening the main bag.
If you fly for work two or more times per week, you already know the friction: unzip, dig out the laptop, tray, bin, security, repack. The Carry-On Pro eliminates that. Away's standard Carry-On ($275) has no front pocket equivalent. For business travelers who go through security multiple times a week, that pocket alone may justify the $295 price tag and the Monos choice.
Away does offer other carry-on variants with different features - check their current lineup on the product pages - but the Carry-On Pro's front pocket is a genuine Monos win for the frequent flier use case.
Warranty and Customer Service - Policy vs. Reality
What Both Warranties Cover
Both brands offer lifetime limited warranties. What they cover is nearly identical: shell cracks, broken zippers, wheel failure, and handle failure. What they do not cover is also the same: scuffs, dents, scratches, and cosmetic wear from normal use.
That last part is worth stating plainly. The most common complaint about both bags - scuffing - is not covered by either warranty. If your bag comes back from a trip looking beat up, that's not a warranty claim. The warranty protects you against structural failure, not finish wear.
Away Customer Service in Practice
Away's customer service reputation is one of the most consistently praised things about the brand, and the examples from actual owners hold up. Multiple reports describe walk-in resolutions at Away retail stores - cracked shell, bring it in, walk out with a replacement. "They immediately replaced my suitcase - zero questions asked," is a phrase that appears in various forms across editorial coverage and Reddit threads. Away's retail presence in major US cities makes in-person resolution possible, which is a meaningful advantage over brands that operate entirely online.
Monos Customer Service in Practice
Monos customer service is more polarizing, and that's the accurate characterization - not that it's bad, but that the experience is less predictable. Some owners describe fast, no-hassle warranty resolutions, including prompt replacements for wheel and frame issues. Others report delays, denied claims, or no follow-up. Owners in luggage communities have shared both outcomes, sometimes in the same thread. One user described waiting several weeks through multiple follow-up emails before receiving a replacement; another praised a quick resolution with no hassle.
If you buy Monos and never need the warranty, this won't matter. But if something breaks, Away gives you a more consistent path to resolution.
The Monos Return Fee - Read This Before You Buy
Monos offers a 100-day trial period - but returns are not free. Monos charges a return shipping fee of $20–$45 per item, deducted from your refund, and this applies even during the trial period. Accessories like packing cubes incur separate return fees on top of the suitcase fee. Away, by contrast, offers free returns on unused items during their trial period.
This fee surprises a lot of buyers because it's not prominently disclosed at the point of purchase. In travel forums, the reactions tend to run along the lines of "don't buy Monos unless you're absolutely certain of your purchase" and "I got slapped with a $40 fee I didn't know about." The 100-day trial sounds like a risk-free window to evaluate the bag - the return fee means it isn't.
If there's any chance you'll want to return your Monos bag after trying it at home, factor in $20–$45 per item. That's the honest math.
Price - Are They Actually That Different?
At the entry level, Away and Monos are priced identically: $275 for the standard carry-on from each brand. Moving up to the step-size or feature-upgraded models, both brands are at $295 - Away's Bigger Carry-On and the Monos Carry-On Pro. The aluminum carry-on lines from both brands are significantly more expensive (Away's aluminum carry-on is $625), and comparing aluminum models is really a separate conversation from the polycarbonate comparison most people are making.
| Line | Away | Monos |
|---|---|---|
| Standard carry-on | $275 | $275 |
| Larger / Pro carry-on | $295 | $295 |
| Aluminum carry-on | $625 | Verify at monos.com |
Price is not the decision driver between these two brands. At identical entry pricing, the choice comes down to features, warranty experience, and the return policy - not dollars saved. You can compare both side by side on our site if you want to verify specs against each other.
Who Should Buy Away vs. Monos
Choose Away If:
- You travel frequently and want a consistent warranty experience. Away's customer service track record and retail store presence give you a more reliable path to resolution if something breaks.
- You check your bag occasionally. Away holds up better under rough handling than Monos, based on long-term owner reports.
- You want to try the bag risk-free. Away's free return policy means no fee if the bag doesn't work for you.
- You're buying a lighter color. Away's polycarbonate shows scuffs less visibly than Monos, especially in non-black colors.
- You don't need a front laptop pocket. Away's base carry-on interior is clean, functional, and paired well with packing cubes.
Choose Monos If:
- You fly for work frequently and need quick laptop access at TSA. The Carry-On Pro's exterior front pocket is a real friction-reducer for frequent fliers.
- Interior organization features matter to you. Monos' anti-microbial lining, additional pockets, and shoe bags are genuinely useful extras.
- Design and color selection are priorities. Monos' muted, distinctive palette - Desert Taupe, Sage Green, Terracotta - is genuinely more considered than Away's core color range.
- Sustainability is a factor. Monos uses partially recycled polycarbonate and vegan leather accessories.
- You're certain about your size and model before ordering. Given the $20–$45 return fee, Monos is a better buy when you've done your research first.
Our Verdict
For most carry-on travelers - especially those flying more than five times a year - Away is the more reliable long-term investment. The durability edge, more consistent customer service, and free return policy make it the lower-risk choice. If you buy Away The Carry-On, you're getting a well-built polycarbonate bag with a track record of holding up and a brand that's straightforward to deal with when it doesn't.
If you're a business traveler who goes through security multiple times a week, the Monos Carry-On Pro's front laptop pocket is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade that Away's base carry-on doesn't match. Just make sure of your purchase before ordering - the return fee is real, and it applies during the trial period. Either way, you're getting a well-built bag with a lifetime warranty. The choice comes down to which edge case matters more to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monos a Chinese company?
No. Monos is a Canadian brand, founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2018. Like most luggage brands, Monos bags are manufactured overseas, but the company is Canadian-owned and headquartered.
Is Monos luggage worth buying?
Yes, especially the Carry-On Pro if you travel for work and need quick laptop access at security. The main caveats: Monos bags scuff more visibly than Away, particularly in lighter colors and metallic finishes, and returns come with a $20–$45 fee even during the 100-day trial period. If you're certain about your purchase, Monos delivers genuinely good luggage. If you're still deciding, Away's free return policy is the lower-risk way to try a premium carry-on.
Which is lighter - Monos or Away?
The Away Carry-On weighs 7.5 lbs. The Monos Carry-On weighs approximately 7.4 lbs - a difference of about 0.1 lbs on the base models. The Monos Carry-On Pro is heavier at approximately 8.38 lbs, compared to Away's Bigger Carry-On at 7.9 lbs. Weight is not a meaningful differentiator between these two brands at the standard carry-on level.
What is Monos' return policy fee?
Monos charges a return shipping fee of $20–$45 per item (deducted from your refund), which applies even during their 100-day trial period. Accessories like packing cubes may incur separate fees. Away offers free returns on unused items during their trial period. Verify current Monos return fee details at monos.com before purchasing.
Do both brands' carry-ons fit in overhead bins?
Yes. Both the Away Carry-On (21.7 × 14.4 × 9 in) and the standard Monos Carry-On fit in overhead bins on major US carriers including Delta, United, American, and Southwest. Larger models - the Away Bigger Carry-On (22.7 × 15.4 × 9.6 in) and the Monos Carry-On Plus - may face gate-check pressure on smaller regional aircraft or strict European budget carriers.