Away Unveils Compact, Train-Friendly Luggage with Innovative Brakes and Vertical Access

Amtrak is enhancing the train travel experience by addressing a long-standing challenge: unwieldy suitcases. In partnership with Away, the company has introduced a new line of sleek, compact luggage designed to maneuver effortlessly through tight spaces on moving trains.

Away’s Innovative Luggage Features for Train Travel

The new collection prioritizes functionality and ease of use, starting with a groundbreaking wheel brake system. Unlike traditional brakes, Away’s design locks both the wheels and fork of the suitcase to prevent drifting or shifting, a common issue in transit environments.

"Luggage has a tendency to shift or roll away at the exact moment you need it to stay put."

The brake switch is conveniently located on the top of the suitcase, replacing the brand’s previous battery pack. This placement ensures intuitive access while moving through crowded transit areas.

Vertical Access for Easier Packing

Away’s luggage also features a vertical opening on the front, allowing travelers to access the main compartment without laying the suitcase flat. This design, dubbed Topside, reduces awkwardness in tight spaces and includes an interior laptop sleeve and additional storage in the lid.

Compact and Space-Efficient Design

The suitcases are engineered to maximize capacity while minimizing footprint. Their deeper main compartment, compared to traditional 50/50 split cases, provides more vertical packing space. This design makes it easier to navigate dense urban areas and public transportation systems.

Amtrak’s Premium Travel Vision

Amtrak’s collaboration with Away aligns with its goal to rebrand train travel as a premium experience. Whitney Cripe, Amtrak’s Senior Director of Brand Marketing, highlights the logical fit of the partnership:

"This partnership really helps us elevate perceptions around rail travel as a more premium experience."

While Amtrak did not influence the initial design of the luggage, future products may incorporate its input. The train operator recognized the suitcases’ suitability for train travel, complementing its efforts to modernize and enhance passenger comfort.

Three Sizes and a Removable Closet System

The collection includes three suitcase sizes, priced between $375 and $475. Additionally, Away has designed a separate "closet" system with hooks and compartments. This system can be packed vertically within the suitcase and later removed to hang in tight spaces, such as sleeper cars, eliminating the need to live out of an open suitcase.

[Photos: Away, Amtrak]