If you’re in the market for a new suitcase, you’ve probably done your research and have narrowed it down to either a Monos and an Away. It’s no secret these days that Monos and Away are two of the most popular luggage companies for carry-on suitcases.
Away was one of the first brands to take off on Instagram marketing and see amazing results with viral marketing, with Monos not to far behind.
But are they worth the money, or just hype? And which is better between the two?
In this post, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison to determine which is best, or at least… best for your needs.
Though both of these brands have similarities and use similar materials, there are some glaring details that set them apart, such as the colors you can choose from and even the suitcase materials you can choose from.
If you want to feel confident that you chose the best brand for your carry-on luggage, the breakdown below may help you find exactly what you want!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
What Is Carry-On Luggage?
Carry-on luggage, as the name suggests, is luggage you can carry onto the plane with you when you travel. On the plane, it either has to fit below the seat in front of you or in the overhead storage compartments.
Technically, any piece of luggage that you bring onto an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most US airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage that must fit in the overhead bin, plus another personal item. This personal item can be a smaller backpack, briefcase, purse, camera bag, diaper bag, etc.
While the dimension requirements can differ from airline to airline, to be safely considered a carry-on by most airlines, a carry-on should fall into the following dimensions: 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (or 22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This is a very common carry-on size and the dimensions include handles and wheels.
Again, the size dimensions of carry-on baggage allowed in the cabin of the aircraft will vary by airline. Ultimately, you’ll have to check with your airline to ensure what can fit in the overhead bin. If it does not fit in the overhead compartment, you may very well need to check the bag.
Within the luggage industry, well-known brands (like Monos and Away) will typically produce suitcases that fit this description, so it’s usually not something you need to worry about. You can be assured that both brands offer carry-ons that stay within the necessary measurements to classify your luggage as a “carry-on”.
Monos vs. Away Carry-On: Sizes Offered
Monos
Monos doesn’t just have one carry-on luggage size — they have two different ones. The two sizes are:
- Carry-On: 22 × 14 × 9 inches
- Carry-On Plus: 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches
Despite them both being carry-ons, the capacity is quite different. Depending on the one you choose, you can fit +/- 2 days’ worth of clothes! Here’s a side-by-side look at the Carry-On vs the Carry-On Plus.
| Suitcase Type | Carry-On | Carry-On Plus |
| Dimensions | 22″ × 14″ × 9″ | 23″ × 15″ × 9.5″ |
| Weight | 7.01 lbs | 7.38 lbs |
| Capacity | 39.9 liters | 48 liters |
| Trip Length | 2-5 days | 3-7 days |
Now that you understand the difference between the standard carry-on and the Plus version, it’s time to introduce you to the Carry-On Pro.
The Monos Carry-On Pro is the same size as the standard carry-on, and has all the same features with one main difference – there’s an additional zippered compartment on the front of the luggage.
This external compartment features a 15” laptop sleeve and three additional zippered pouches for all the other little things you may want easy access to.
- Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″
- Case Dimensions: 20″ × 13.5″
- Weight: 7.8 lb
- Capacity: 36 L
- Trip Length: 2-5 days
There is also a Pro Plus. The Carry-On Pro Plus will be the luggage for you if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles. The “Plus” in the name is for the fact that this is the slightly larger version of the carry-on, while the “Pro” signifies the additional features such as the laptop compartment.
Again, the additional compartment features a 15” laptop sleeve and three extra zippered pockets.
- Dimensions: 23″ × 15″ × 9.5″
- Case Dimensions: 21″ × 14.5″
- Weight: 8.38 lb
- Capacity: 46 liters
- Trip Length: 3-7 days
All of the above we noted are polycarbonate shells. There are also two other carry-on styles as part of their Hybrid Collection (made of both aluminum and lightweight polycarbonate).
In total, Monos has 6 different variations of carry-on bags. Here are them all listed:
- Carry-On
- Carry-On Plus
- Carry-On Pro
- Carry-On Pro Plus
- Hybrid Carry-On
- Hybrid Carry-On Plus
Away
Away has the same amount of carry-on bags as Monos, though the capacities and the materials for some are way different (aluminum options).
The capacity of each bag differs, and some even have adjustable capacities, one standard capacity and one with the expanded zip open.
- “The Carry-On” is their standard size, designed to fit in the overhead bins of most major airlines, providing a compact yet efficient packing space.
- “The Bigger Carry-On” offers additional space while still being able to fit in most overhead compartments.
- Both of these options also come in a “Flex” version — “The Carry-On Flex” and “The Bigger Carry-On Flex” — which include an expandable feature that allows for additional packing capacity when needed.
- Away’s “Aluminum” edition (comes in 2 sizes) offers a sleek design with the resilience of an aluminum hard shell, in sizes that align with their “Carry-On” and “Bigger Carry-On”.
Let’s take a look at the two brands and their offerings side by side.
| Monos | Away | ||||
| Bag Name | Size In Inches | Capacity | Bag Name | Size In Inches | Capacity |
| Carry-On | 22 × 14 × 9 | 39.9 L | Carry-On | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 | 38.9 L |
| Carry-On Plus | 23 × 15 × 9.5 | 48 L | Bigger Carry-On | 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 | 47.9 L |
| Carry-On Pro | 22 × 14 × 9 | 36 L | Carry-On Flex | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 | 39.8 – 46.7 L |
| Carry-On Pro + | 23 × 15 × 9.5 | 46 L | Bigger Carry-On Flex | 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 | 47.9 – 55.7 L |
| Hybrid Carry-On | 22 × 14 × 9 | 36 L | Carry-On Aluminum | 21.5 x 13.5 x 9 | 35 L |
| Hybrid Carry-On + | 23 × 15 × 9.5 | 43 L | Bigger Carry-On Aluminum | 22.7 x 14.5 x 9.6 | 40.9 L |
Monos vs. Away Carry-On: Design And Features
Monos
If you want to buy a Monos Carry-On bag, you have many colors to choose from, including some that are more glossy than others, which is different from what Away offers.
It’s currently available in thirteen different colors, and from time to time, they have special edition ones too. In my opinion, the Olive Green and Terracotta options are the easiest on the eyes!
Monos bags also come with a TSA-approved lock, soft 350D anti-microbial interior fabric, wheels that can handle 360 degrees, and handles that are easy to use and have 4 height settings for your comfort. The suitcases also have built-in compression pads, and you get an included laundry bag, two bags for your shoes, and a vegan leather luggage tag.
Away
Away, despite having more luggage choices, offers them in fewer colors than you may find at Monos. At the time of writing, there are just seven different colors, all of which have a minimalist aesthetic.
Away also uses materials similar to Monos, such as the durable polycarbonate hard shell you see on their luggage sets. Like Monos, Away luggage bags also have a TSA-approved combination lock and wheels that can turn 360 degrees.
These bags also include a hidden laundry bag, a compression system to help you pack more, and leather features like a leather luggage tag. Away’s trolley handle has 2 adjustable height settings and is described as quick-release, focusing on ease of use.
Monos vs. Away Carry-On: The Warranty
Another essential element to consider when buying new luggage is the warranty. Are you covered for life if anything were to happen to your suitcase, or are you left hung out to dry when things go south?
Whether you travel dangerously or want stellar customer support so you know that you can get something fixed or replaced without having to throw more money at it, having a good warranty can give you general peace of mind.
Monos: Lifetime Limited Warranty
All Monos luggage purchased directly from Monos.com is backed by a lifetime warranty extended to the original owner of the item. Monos products purchased through authorized third-party retailers are also backed by our lifetime warranty.
The warranty covers:
- Cracks or breaks in the shell
- Wheels, handles, or telescoping handles that break off or are no longer usable
- Broken zippers
However, the warranty does not cover:
- Cosmetic Damage – scratches, dents, dings, scuffs, stains, color changes, normal wear and tear (including inner fabric), and a few other use cases
- Replacement of any non-defective parts in the luggage.
- Damage determined to be due to intentional abuse, modification, tampering, and/or alteration beyond what could be considered normal handling and use.
Monos: 100-Day Free Trial
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Because Monos Travel wants you to feel confident about your purchase, they will allow returns within 100 days.
The 100-day trial gives you time to ensure that your new suitcase is the right bag for you. That means you’ll get to fill it up with stuff at home, roll it around the house or some other indoor environment, and feel it out for sizing, weight, color, etc.
NOTE: The 100-day trial is voided if your suitcase has been used in transit. Pack it up and roll it around your house to get a feel for it, but don’t use it on a flight and then try to return it. They don’t accept returns on suitcases that are in an unsellable condition. The shipping cost of a return will be deducted from your total refund.
For other bags, apparel, and accessories, you may initiate a return within 30 days of the delivery of your item.
Away: Lifetime Limited Warranty
Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on their bags, which applies to any functional damage that makes your luggage function differently than intended or unusable.
Some of the luggage options Away has on offer also include a battery that you can use for charging a device, and if you have any problems with this battery, there is also a two-year warranty that applies to it. If you have a bag that needs repairs, Away will be happy to repair it if possible or send you a new one if they cannot restore it.
Away: 100-Day Free Trial
Away also has a 100-day trial policy, which allows you to return or exchange what you buy from Away within the first 100 days of your purchase if you are not completely happy with the product.
Similar to Monos, they can only accept returns on unused items, so please gently test them out at home before traveling with them.
Monos vs. Away Carry-On: Price And Value
With all of the previous information at your disposal, I hope you’re a lot closer to deciding on the carry-on of your dreams!
There is one more thing we’ll want to compare before making a final decision — the price of the suitcases.
The Prices Compared
| Monos | Away | ||
| Bag Name | Price in USD | Bag Name | Price in USD |
| Carry-On | $255 | Carry-On | $275 |
| Carry-On Plus | $275 | Bigger Carry-On | $295 |
| Carry-On Pro | $295 | The Carry-On Flex | $325 |
| Carry-On Pro + | $315 | Bigger Carry-On | $345 |
| Hybrid Carry-On | $325 | Carry-On Aluminum | $625 |
| Hybrid Carry-On + | $345 | Bigger Carry-On Aluminum | $645 |
Aluminum Carry-Ons: Away Aluminum vs Monos Hybrid
If you’re set on buying yourself an aluminum suitcase, your two choices are the Away Aluminum Carry-On line and the Monos Hybrid Carry-On line.
Away Aluminum Carry-On:
- The Good: Constructed with a durable aluminum hard shell, this carry-on offers a premium/high-end, industrial look and enhanced durability that’s stronger than polycarbonate.
- The Bad: The metal structure may be more prone to cosmetic blemishes like dents and scratches. Not to mention, it’s a bit heavier since it’s metal. The aluminum carry-on also has a much higher price point due to the material cost.
Monos Hybrid Carry-On:
- The Good: The Hybrid Carry-On combines aerospace-grade polycarbonate with an aluminum frame, aiming to offer the best of both worlds. This design choice provides a balance between durability and a lighter carry-on, potentially making it easier to handle.
- The Bad: Not fully aluminum, if aluminum’s what you’re really after.
- Travelers who prefer a lighter suitcase with a blend of durability and style usually choose the Monos Hybrid Carry-On.
Aluminum suitcase purists will probably prefer the Away Aluminum Carry-On for its full aluminum construction and premium, high-end feel, accepting the potential for cosmetic wear as a natural part of the luggage’s character.
On the other hand, the Monos Hybrid Carry-On would be a great choice for those looking for a compromise between the lightweight properties of polycarbonate and the strength of an aluminum frame, offering a better balance for frequent travel. If you already struggle with carrying suitcases to place in overhead bins, I’d go with the Monos Hybrid Carry-On instead.
The decision between the two would largely depend on individual priorities such as weight, material preferences, aesthetic, and budget!
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