When it comes to buying new luggage, two brands always seem to be on the top of everyone’s list: Lojel and Away. Both companies make high-quality suitcases designed for frequent travelers, but they have some key differences that can help you decide which is best for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Lojel and Away luggage across a variety of factors like design, durability, features, and value so you can feel confident you’re investing in the right set of suitcases.
Whether you’re looking for hardshell or softside, aluminum or polycarbonate, carry-on or checked sizes, we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know to choose between these two popular luggage brands.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Lojel | Away |
| Price | $$$$ (Luxury level, $700-$2000+) | $$ (Mid-range, $225-$475) |
| Materials | Aircraft aluminum shell, leather handles | Polycarbonate shell, synthetic handles |
| Aesthetic | Classic, vintage luxury styling | Modern, minimalist design |
| Durability | Extremely durable, heirloom quality | Durable for years of regular travel |
| Weight | Very light (5-9 lbs) | Reasonably light (7-11 lbs) |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Features | Smooth rolling wheels, interior organization | USB charging port, compression system |
| Sizes | Wide range of carry-on and checked sizes | Standard sizing including carry-on and checked |
| Service | White-glove, personalized service | Solid customer service online and in stores |
Overview of Lojel and Away
First, let’s quickly summarize the histories and reputations of Lojel and Away to understand where each brand is coming from.
Lojel was founded in France in 1852, making it one of the oldest and most storied luggage companies in the world. Lojel specializes in luxurious, high-end suitcases that are seen as a status symbol. Their bags have classic silhouettes and are known for being exceptionally durable and weather-resistant.
Lojel uses premium materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, leather, and name-brand hardware. As a heritage brand, their bags command a higher price point but are viewed as a lifetime investment.
Away, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer founded in 2015 as a direct-to-consumer luggage startup. Their focus is on functional, design-driven suitcases packed with modern features at an accessible price point.
Away’s bags have a minimalist, Instagrammable aesthetic and come in fun colors like blush pink and navy blue. They use durable polycarbonate shells and quality components. As a newer brand, their prices are more budget-friendly compared to luxury labels like Lojel.
Comparison Between Lojel And Away Luggage
Design and Aesthetics
The visual appearance and style of a suitcase definitely matters for many travelers. Lojel and Away both offer attractive designs, but with different aesthetics.
- Lojel’s suitcases have classic, vintage-inspired silhouettes harkening back to their 1800s origins. Their bags come in timeless black, tan, navy, and olive colors with leather and brass hardware accents. Lojel bags have a refined, luxurious look but some may find the styling a bit old-fashioned compared to trendier brands.
- Away’s aesthetic is the opposite of Lojel’s – streamlined, modern, and fashion-forward. Their bags come in modern color blocks like rose gold, jet black, navy blue, and forest green. The shells have a grooved texture for visual interest. Away aims for their bags to look sleek and minimalist. The styling works well for contemporary travelers and social media posts.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – Lojel’s vintage luxury look versus Away’s modern minimalism. Think about which aesthetic best matches your style.
Lojel also offers more personalized customization options if you want a bag tailored exactly to your taste.
Durability and Construction
No one wants their luggage to fall apart during transit. Durability is key when looking at quality and construction.
- Lojel builds their suitcases to last, using only premium materials that can withstand years of intensive travel. Their outer shells are made from ultra-strong yet lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. The hides used for leather handles are thick and supple. YKK zippers, name-brand spinner wheels, and custom hardware add to the ruggedness. Lojel bags are still handmade in small workshops in France using time-honored techniques.
- Away also makes durable polycarbonate shells resistant to cracking, with premium zippers and wheels. Their bags hold up well to scuffs and scratches. However, some users feel Lojel edges out Away when it comes to long term durability, especially for checking bags on planes. Lojel provides a stronger structural warranty (10 years versus Away’s limited lifetime warranty).
If your priority is investment in a suitcase to last decades, Lojel may be the way to go. But for most travelers, Away’s durability is sufficient for years of regular travel.
Read More: Comparison Between Nomatic And Away Luggage.
Size Options
Luggage brands need to offer bags in all the standard sizes travelers need – from small carry-ons to large checked suitcases. Here’s a comparison of sizes between Lojel and Away:
Lojel has a wide range including:
- Carry-On – 16″ x 11″ x 7″
- International Carry-On – 18″ x 12″ x 8″
- Medium Checked – 24″ x 16″ x 10″
- Large Checked – 28″ x 20″ x 12″
- Extra Large Checked – 32″ x 21″ x 13″
Away also provides all standard sizes:
- Carry-On – 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Bigger Carry-On – 22″ x 14″ x 10″
- Medium – 26″ x 18″ x 11″
- Large – 29″ x 20″ x 12″
- Extra Large – 32″ x 21″ x 13″
As you can see, both Lojel and Away offer similar size ranges covering all needs. One difference is Lojel’s smaller carry-on options for tighter regional flights while Away has standard international carry-on sizing. Overall, you’ll find bags for all your packing needs with either brand.
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Weight
Luggage weight is an important factor, especially for carry-on bags. Heavier suitcases are harder to maneuver and eat into airline weight limits.
- Lojel’s use of aircraft-grade aluminum makes their bags incredibly light while still being durable. A medium checked Lojel bag can weigh around 8-9 lbs – a few pounds lighter than equivalently sized polycarbonate bags. Their carry-on sizes are a featherlight 5-6 lbs. This helps maximize packing capacity.
- Away’s polycarbonate shells give their bags a reasonably light weight of around 10-11 lbs for checked sizes and 7-8 lbs for carry-ons. Not as ultralight as Lojel, but still respectably light given their durability and hardsides. Those looking to maximize carry-on allowance may want to go with Lojel.
So in terms of lightness, Lojel has an edge over Away. But both offer reasonable weights for their class of luggage. Rolling vs carrying your bags makes a bigger ease-of-transport difference for most people than small shell material weight variations.
Functionality and Features
Luggage needs to be highly functional with useful features that make travel easier. Let’s look at how Lojel and Away compare when it comes to compartments, maneuverability, locks, and other key details.
- Lojel sticks to more traditional luggage features done with premium materials. Their bags have smooth rolling spinner wheels of top-brand resins like IXEF or polyurethane. Zips, locks, and custom hardware are name-brand like YKK. Interiors are well-organized with straps and zippered lining pockets. Some styles have a suiter or divider to separate clothes. Top and side carry handles are leather. Lojel bags are well-designed for functionality but don’t have many bells and whistles beyond core luggage features.
- Away takes a more modern, tech-driven approach to features. They were one of the first brands to put USB ports on their bags for charging devices on the go. Their polyurethane dual-spinner wheels roll smoothly. A built-in compression system helps maximize capacity. The TSA-approved lock is combinaction for convenience. Interior pockets and compartments keep items organized. A hidden laundry bag helps separate dirty clothes. Away bags have helpful extras without going overboard on complex features some travelers may not use.
When it comes to ease of use and functionality, Away may appeal more to gadget-loving travelers while Lojel offers a classic experience. But both brands design their bags well for usability.
Price and Value
With high-quality luggage, you often get what you pay for – but price still plays a role, especially for shoppers on a budget. Let’s quickly compare cost and value between the two brands.
- Lojel bags cost anywhere from $700 for a carry-on size up to $2,000+ for a large checked suitcase. Their prices reflect their positioning as a luxury, aspirational brand. However, Lojel devotees say it’s worth investing in one of their bags to last a lifetime versus buying cheaper bags that need replacing every few years. The resale value also holds up well if you take care of your Lojel luggage. Overall, they offer outstanding value for travelers who can afford top-tier quality.
- Away delivers great quality at attractive mid-range price points more accessible to mainstream travelers. Their suitcases cost between $225-$295 for carry-ons and $325-$475 for most checked sizes. Significant savings versus Lojel. Away isn’t the cheapest luggage on the market, but the features and quality match up nicely with the price making their bags a solid value choice. Frequent fliers on a budget should give Away a look.
So Lojel offers superior quality with luxury prices, while Away provides impressive value at moderate prices. Check your budget to see which brand offers the ideal balance.
But both deliver great quality for what you pay.
Also Read: Showkoo Vs. Samsonite Luggage: In-depth Differences.
Customer Service and Warranty
No matter how durable a suitcase, problems can arise and customers need good service. Let’s compare Lojel and Away’s customer service and warranties:
- Lojel provides exceptional service given their luxury status, including complimentary repairs for 10 years after purchase. Their workshops still employ expert craftspeople who can fix issues from tears to broken wheels. The boutique experience extends online with individualized email support from knowledgeable reps. The 10 year guarantee reflects the durability of their bags.
- Away offers solid customer service including a limited lifetime warranty, a 100 day trial period, and helpful online support. Their direct-to-consumer model allows competitive pricing while still maintaining good service levels. They have retail stores in some cities for in-person help. But some travelers say Lojel beats them on personalized service.
For those wanting white-glove support, Lojel has the service edge. But Away still provides reassuring customer service worthy of the quality of their bags. Both brands aim to handle issues promptly to get travelers back on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Lojel is considered one of the premier luxury luggage brands, especially in Europe. Their bags command high prices given the premium materials and quality craftsmanship involved. Lojel has maintained a reputation for luxury and excellence since its founding in 1852. Their suitcases retail at luxury department stores and boutiques. While expensive, Lojel devotees believe the bags represent a meaningful lifetime investment.
While Away offers good quality luggage at moderate prices, some pricier suitcase brands are considered higher-end and outperform Away in aspects like materials, construction, and warranties. Brands generally regarded as higher quality than Away include Rimowa, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, Lipault, and of course luxury heritage brand Lojel. But these brands come at a steeper cost. For the price, Away remains one of the top-rated luggage companies.
If your budget allows, Lojel bags are absolutely worth the investment for travelers who are looking for the highest quality luggage built to last decades. The materials and craftsmanship are outstanding, backed by strong warranties and service. And their classic styles stay fashionable for years versus trendy brands. While very expensive, Lojel offers good value considering you’re purchasing a suitcase to use for life. The brand has enduring luxury appeal.
No, Lojel is a French luggage company through and through. It was founded in Paris in 1852 and their bags are still handmade in France using traditional techniques perfected over generations. Some travelers may confuse Lojel with Japanese brands like Rimowa or Zero Halliburton that also specialize in aluminum luggage. But Lojel represents French luxury heritage and quality manufacturing.
Also Read: Differences Between Showkoo And Coolife.
The Verdict
So should you choose Lojel or Away for your next luggage purchase? Here are some final tips:
- Lojel is the way to go if you want an heirloom-quality investment and classic luxury look with premium materials like aluminum shells and leather handles. The quality is unparalleled and they have excellent service. Best for high-end travelers who can afford luxury.
- Away is ideal if you want well-designed modern luggage with innovative features at an accessible price point. Their bags offer great quality and functionality without breaking the bank. Best for budget-conscious travelers.
Focus on your priorities – whether that’s durability for decades, light weight, overall value, size options, or customer service. Think about your budget. Read customer reviews. Consider your travel style and aesthetic tastes. This will help determine if Lojel or Away is a better brand for your luggage needs.
We hope this comprehensive comparison helps you feel confident to decide between Lojel vs Away for your next suitcase! Let us know if you have any other questions. Safe travels!