TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
After lots of research I found a carry-on and checked luggage that’s well-designed, lightweight and affordable. Read my Pros and Cons to see if its right for you
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Note to U.S. shoppers: Some Monos luggage items are now available from Nordstrom. Buying from Nordstrom allows you to try the bag at home and return your item in-store for free, as opposed to having to pay $20 to ship it back to Monos. Nordstrom has a limited selection of styles and colors, however.
I am a frequent traveler who hates packing, and this Monos luggage review explains why I chose the Vancouver-based brand as among my new favorites. There are lots of pros as well as a few cons. Read on to decide if Monos is right for you.
Off the top, I will say that my priorities were lightweight, hard-sided luggage that rolled like a dream. I was willing to invest but didn’t have the budget for a luxury brand like Tumi or Rimowa.
I was initially shopping for carry-on luggage and later also purchased the Monos Check-In Medium.
In my initial search for luggage, I purchased several brands and returned them all. One didn’t have enough compartments. Another had a clever design but was too heavy. There were sticky zippers, wobbly handles and awkward layouts. And then I found Monos.
The carry-on bag I was replacing was a Samsonite that I had owned for many years. It had held up well but was too heavy at over 10 pounds. I often travel solo so wanted to be able to lift my carry-on bag into the overhead bin on my own.
Something a little more stylish would be welcome as well. And I hoped to do a lot of traveling over the next ten years, so it had to be durable and easy to roll. Why am I always rushing through airports?!
Like me, Monos is Canadian; I live in Denver but am from Toronto. Monos was launched in 2018 by Vincent Tam. His vision for the company was to make premium luggage affordable by selling direct-to-consumers. It is similar in price point and style to competitor, Away. More on that comparison below.
Some Monos luggage items are now available through retail stores, at Nordstrom in the U.S. and at a retail flagship in Toronto, Canada.
Monos Luggage - the Options
Monos Carry-On Bags - Three Sizes
Monos makes three sizes of carry-on luggage: The Carry-On, Carry-On Plus and Carry-On Pro. These are available in classic or the newly-launched expandable line. For this review I will focus on the classic luggage which I have used extensively. Once I’ve had a chance to travel with their expandable luggage, I will add it in.
The Carry-On Pro comes with a front compartment that can accommodate a 15” laptop. (Note that reviewers have said the compartment won’t fit larger laptops so be sure and check the dimensions of yours, if this bag is of interest.)
For many travelers, accessing a laptop without opening your roller bag is a great feature. If you travel with a small personal item, and need a spot for your laptop, the Carry-On Pro might be the way to go.
I usually keep my laptop in my tote bag at my seat, so my decision was between the Carry-On or the Carry-On Plus (same design, two sizes). I ultimately chose the smaller “Carry-On” because I wanted a lighter bag. The Carry-On weighs 7 pounds and the Carry-On Plus is 7.38 pounds. Yes, that’s a small difference, but the volume also differs: 48 liters for the Carry-On Plus, versus 39 liters for the Carry-On.
I knew I would inevitably pack more with a bigger bag so it would be heavier. Even a few extra pounds make a difference when I am lifting it into an overhead bin or carrying it up the stairs of the Metro in Paris.
In addition, I do fly within Europe and European airlines usually have smaller luggage size limits. They also sometimes weigh your carry-on bags to check if you are within weight limits — looking at you Air France. For all those reasons I chose the smaller bag.
Monos Luggage Carry-On Dimensions
That said, if you mostly travel in the U.S., the Carry-On Plus might be preferable.
The standard size for a carry-on roller on many U.S. airlines is U.S. is 22” x 14” x 9”, the exact dimensions of the Monos Carry-On. The Carry-On Plus has an extra 1/2 to 1 inch in each dimension (see the comparison image above).
Monos Checked Bag Review
Monos luggage has two larger hard-sided roller bags: the Check-In Medium and Check-In Large. I have the Check-In Medium and have taken it on several trips including a dream trip to Africa.
For a holiday trip to Canada I was able to stuff it Like Santa’s sac, with gifts for my relatives. This is in part thanks to a clever design and internal compression pad (more on that below).
The style is very similar to the Carry-On bag, but it features two additional interior pockets. It is lightweight, attractive, and a dream to roll — one of my favorite features of Monos luggage. It weighs 9.6 pounds has a 70 L volume and measures: 26.5″ × 18.5″ × 10.5″. It is recommended for trips between 7 and 21 days.
The Check-In Large is only slightly heavier at 10.6 pounds and it gives you 90 L of interior space. It measures 30″ × 21″ × 11″.
My medium bag is the desert taupe color, and it does show scuffs. (More on cleaning it below). In hindsight, I wish I had chosen a dark color, the gorgeous olive green or black. Other than the scuffing, it has held up well after two trips to Europe, one trip to Africa and one trip to Canada. I have been very happy with it and do recommend it, with some caveats explained below.
Monos Luggage Durability
Monos bags are made with German Makrolon polycarbonate – an aerospace-grade material that is both light and durable. Because of its flexibility, it is supposed to be resistant to dents because the material has some flex. Some reviews claim their luggage has dents after limited use. I haven’t experienced that; mine has remained dent-free.
The extendable handle is often the weak point with luggage but mine has held up really well. I have taken my carry-on roller bag on some 20+ trips at this point, without issue.
If you want to see durability in action, check out their website page on quality testing, specifically the “telescopic handle jerk test. I was strangely mesmerized by the sight of the bag hanging by the handle.
Packing my Monos Luggage
One of the reasons I returned several other bags was the interior design just didn’t lend itself to keeping things in place and organized. The Monos website claims a thoughtfully designed interior and I have found that to be true.
The layout of the Carry-On and checked bags are similar. Pictured above and below are the Carry-On. One side of the bag is enclosed with a zipped panel; it is perfect for shoes and other bulky items. For me, the real magic is the other side which has a compression pad. Place your piles in, and try not to concern yourself that they are three inches higher than the side of the bag. The compression pad will work its magic and hold everything down. Imagine a pair of Spanx, for your clothes.
There are also interior pockets, which I appreciate when I am trying to give everything a place. The panels that enclose the sides each have large zip pockets and there’s a small zip pocket as well. It comes with bags for shoes and laundry, a cute luggage tag and a dust jacket for storage.
My Monos Luggage Around the World
My first trip with my Monos Carry-On luggage was to LA. One of the things I noticed immediately was how quiet the wheels were and how easily it moved along and changed direction as I did. Also, although I fit even more than I expected with the compression pad, it was light enough. I could easily lift it into the overhead bin; you might say I was a bit of a luggage ninja. A couple of people stood to offer help and then realized I didn’t need it.
I found the design of the compartments were great for keeping everything organized. It was a short trip so I didn’t unpack everything.
On the day I was leaving LA, I left my luggage with the concierge at the hotel while I went for a bike ride in Venice Beach. The concierge rolled it away with me trailing behind as she was retrieving a bike from storage at the same time. She commented on how attractive it was and how well it moved and asked the brand name. I’m guessing she has since ordered one.
In addition to my domestic travels, my Monos carry-on luggage has traveled with me to France, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus and Africa. My Europe travel included planes, trains and automobiles, and my Monos bag performed beautifully. One thing to keep in mind with Europe travel is that it can be awkward to travel on trains with large bags. For this reason, I prefer two small roller bags, to one large bag.
Cleaning Monos Luggage
My Monos luggage has held up well with no damage or dents, but its big con is that they show scratches and scuffs. The lighter the color the more they show. After returning from a recent trip to Canada my Monos checked bag (which I have in the light beige called desert taupe) was covered in dirty scuffs. I used a solution of baking soda mixed with dish soap, a rag and some elbow grease and was able to get the scuffs out. Pictured below are a before and after.
What does the Monos Lifetime Warranty Cover?
I have had several people comment about the lack of coverage in the lifetime warranty, so wanted to add some clarifying details. The Monos lifetime warranty covers some things, but not everything. The following are covered:
- Cracks or breaks in the shell
- Wheels, handles, or telescoping handles that break off or are no longer usable
- Broken zippers
Not covered are: scratches, dents, dings, scuffs, stains, color changes, and normal wear and tear, including of the inner fabric. Non-functional changes in the appearance of the product — if they do not impair the functionality of the luggage, they aren’t covered.
I repeat, dents aren’t covered. This seems to be a contentious issue for people. Dents are cosmetic so typically don’t affect the functioning of the bag. Yet, I completely understand why some people would be unhappy with a dent after their first trip and request a return. Apparently you can often get these dents out. Contact Monos for details.
Susan in New York City, matching her Monos Carry-On luggage.
A Note About Monos' 100-day Return Policy
A note about the Monos 100-day Trial Policy — this allows you to try it *at home* and return it for a refund if you don’t like it. FYI: This means packing it, lifting it, rolling it around, all at home.
As soon as you take it on a trip, the return option becomes void. I wish there was an option to try it out in the world on a trip and then decide, but for now that’s the policy. Away Luggage has the same policy, FYI.
Note that there is a cost to ship your luggage back to Monos, it’s $20 per item in the U.S. and Canada (charged in local currency). This amount will be deducted from your refund.
Monos Luggage Review - Final Thoughts
Overall, I am very happy with my Monos luggage pieces: the Carry-On, the Check-In Medium and the Metro Backpack. It’s light, well-designed and rolls like a dream.
That said, there are cons as mentioned: the matte hard shell does becomes easily scuffed, especially light colors. And I’ve noticed that if my bag is overpacked, the handle is difficult to pull up. But that’s if I really overdo it. And I do wish their 100-day return policy allowed you to take a trip.
While it is not the lightest carry-on bag on the market, it’s lighter than most competitors.
If you are wondering about a comparison with other luggage brands that sell direct, I can share a little about Away’s Carry-On bag. My son owns an Away bag and likes it very much. I’ve used it on a couple of trips, and on the surface they are similar, but I think the Monos rolls more smoothly and I prefer its design. Also, Monos seem to have better sale prices if budget is an issue. That said, Away is a good option. My son has traveled extensively with his and it has held up well.
The name Monos is inspired by the Japanese concept “mono no aware” – the appreciation of beauty in fleeting moments. Tam’s philosophy is that travel can be about more than enjoyment; it can be a chance to grow and learn. I feel the same way.
Happy travels!
74 Responses
Thank you for your review. I’m curious how the spinner wheels handled the cobblestones in Europe. I’ll be going on a three-city tour and have been looking at Monos for quite some time.
Hi Romina – Sorry for the delayed response. How exciting about your three-city Europe tour! To be honest, I don’t recall pulling it across any cobblestones. My Airbnb and hotels were all accessed via paved walkways. That said, it is extremely durable. You can visit the Monos website to see all the stress tests they put their luggage through and learn more about the wheel construction. I love my bag for Europe travel. The fact its light is really helpful. Have a fabulous trip.Susan
Hi, just a quick message to say that my wife and I are very disappointed with our Monos Carry-on Plus suitcases that we bought for a trip to Colombia. It says in the advertising that the Carry-On Plus model is accepted by Air Canada and many others as a carry-on, but that is completely untrue. When we arrived at the airport we quickly discovered that the Carry-On Plus wouldn’t fit in the metal frame guide they use to check which bags are acceptable or not. Our bags were rejected. They had to be checked in. When we got back home I contacted Monos and was given the run around. They wouldn’t accept a return, although they had misrepresented their product and they wouldn’t accept an exchange for a smaller model that really would be acceptable to Air Canada. Warning to other travellers. Monos is bad news.
Hi Patrick – I’m sorry to hear this. I hope you had a great trip to Colombia despite having to check your bags. You are right that Monos incorrectly shows that the Carry-On Plus meets the carry-on dimensions on Air Canada. But it does also say that broadly speaking, sometimes on smaller aircraft types you may have to check your bag. I have a bag this size and have found it’s hit or miss. Sometimes it’s fine on domestic and international flights. Others, I am asked to check it because the overhead bins on the aircraft type are especially small. The good news is there are many airlines (all of the big US airlines) with which your luggage will be permitted to take as a carry-on. I suppose if you mostly travel Air Canada that won’t be especially helpful.
Hello. I’m traveling to Paris in the Fall and have been looking at the Monos Carry-On for a while. I was wondering which airline you chose for your Europe travels. It sounds like Air France is fairly strict and I’m not sure the Monos luggage would be allowed. Have you had an experience with luggage “slightly” larger than their allowance?
Air France: 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in. including pockets, wheels, and handles
Monos: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ including wheels and fixed handles
Hi Alexis! How exciting that you have a trip to Paris planned. I took my Monos Carry-On to Paris last fall (as carry-on) and flew Air France from the U.S. I had no problems with my luggage size but they did weigh it once I was in Europe – I flew to Spain from Paris and it was weighed. I’ve never had it weighed in the U.S. I think you’ll be fine on any large Europeean airline – the difference is so small and they are used to the fact that American luggage brands have slightly different dimensions as you note above – but overall size difference is small. If you were to travel on a budget airline within Europe, you might have an issue. I hope that helps. Have an incredible time in Paris! Susan
My luggage is beautiful but the handle doesn’t extend all the way up when I have closed it on my carryon. And my middle piece was dented during travel and I cannot get a reply about the lifetime warranty.
Hi. That is really frustrating about a lack of reply. Have you tried using the chat function on the website? They might be more responsive and be able to offer next steps? I know when I really overpacked my bag, I couldn’t get the handle up and down smoothly. Could that be the issue? Good luck getting it resolved. Susan
I did get a response from Monos about the carryon handle not extending all the way. On my trip overseas, it would work sometimes and then not. Was advised:
“To begin, we would like to provide some information on packing luggage and how it may impact the functionality of the handle. If there is too much weight, it can place undue pressure on the telescopic handle, making it unable to lift, especially if there is anything heavy placed against the bars where it runs through the bag. The handle becomes bent or distorted which prevents it from extending in a straight line.
“Sometimes reorganizing your belongings so as not to place undue weight on that area can allow the handle to function properly.”
I tested this and there were no problems once I changed the packing arrangement to not crush the rails inside the carryon. Hope that helps.
Yes, overpacking the bag interferes with the handle movement. I had the same issue but easily resolved — I need to not overpack 🙂
What color is your bag…terracota? Does it look more brown/orange? Or salmon/rose? In person.
Hi. Michelle. Terra Cotta is the best descriptor. It is brown, but a reddish brown.Not nearly as light as salmon. Hope that helps. I love the color! Susan
Is it actually 22” tall? I just ordered the Beis carryon and they say 22” but it’s closer to 23” so I have to return it! If this is 22” it might be a winner!
Hi, yes including wheels it’s just under 22″. I think it’s a winner; I love mine.
I have the light blue set and my bags were so scuffed up after only one trip! And there was a dent in the large suitcase. I used the cleaning sponge, but it didn’t help much. I tried the plastic covers, but they are kind of a pain and one ripped after the first use. I picked the bags as they looked so pretty but you can’t see that with the covers on. So I went back to no covers and the bags are getting very scuffed up.
Hi Kat. Try a solution of baking soda and soap to clean the scuffs. I am sorry to hear about the dent; that is disappointing. As is the ripped cover. 🙁 I haven’t used my cover yet. Did you send yours back for a refund?
Hi Michael,
I just used my taupe colored monos for the first time and the color is scratched off in a lot of areas and there are permanent black scuff marks all over. My brand new case looks like it has been thru a war. I am so dissapointed.
Hi Beth. I also have a light Monos checked bag which I checked on a recent trip. I was able to get the dark scuffs off with a solution of baking soda, water and soap. It took some effort so from now on I will use a cover for my checked bag. It is why I recommend a darker-colored bag if you don’t want to have to do this. Let me know if you try the baking soda. Susan
I have the same issue. I had to wheel it through the metro and on a few sidewalks but I was careful to lift it up and carry it over the rougher areas. Despite this effort, there are multiple scratches I cannot remove with soap and water as suggested by the Monos salesperson . I wish I would have listened to what was being said in the reviews and purchased a different brand. In my opinion, the tendency to scuff and scratch so easily is a design flaw. I’m disappointed as this is not inexpensive luggage and customer service is apparently quite poor. Their extensive marketing is quite effective, however, and worked to some degree on me. I do not recommend Monos luggage for people who need to roll their luggage outside of an airport for this reason.
Hi Den. Not sure if you saw my reply to some similar comments: I was able to scuffs out with a solution of baking soda & liquid dish soap — plus elbow grease. Susan
Hi Susan, could you please share how easy it is to roll the suitcase on carpet in the airport? I recently tried the Away suitcase and while it rolled well enough on most surfaces including carpet when I tested it at home, it was a challenge to roll it on carpet when I was at the airport. I’d love to hear your experience with Monos. Thanks!
Hello Joy. I am sorry for the delayed response. I took time off over the holidays and am catching up. I just did a test and yes, it rolls easily across the carpet I have at home. Hope that helps! Susan
Great site Susan! Before reading your reviews, I thought I would park my well travelled Tumi carry on and give Monos a try. I have an outside pocket but it isn’t hardshell which would be preferable for a laptop. I use the companion Tumi backpack for impulse items including my laptop and so far no issues other than accessibility. ( when it’s full, the pockets are useless)
Nonetheless, after reading all of the comments, I will take a pass and stay with my Tumi for now. Looks like the founders were more focused on marketing and less on product quality. Appreciate the customer reviews and your diligent replies.
I am glad it helped you make your decision. Happy travels!
I agree. The terms and expense involved in returning should be much more visible. Thanks for your comment.
Purchased two Monos medium and one large check in bags for a trip to Europe. Expected both bags to be scuffed, but did not expect a large corner dent in one along with some of the material scrapped off. Also, the other side had a “fold” in the shell. Took pics and filed with Monos. Let’s see what happens. Thought about “pushing” the dent out from the inside, but didn’t want to further compound the problem while traveling. Very disappointed and worried about future travel and durability. Second guessing my purchase decision and hope that the warranty comes through. These are not cheap.
Hello Claude. Darn, sorry to hear that! I hope you were able to get replacements through the warranty.🤞 Susan
Finally getting back to replying. After several back and forth emails with Monos Support, sending them pics and a video of my attempt to remove the large corner dent using a hair dryer as recommended with very little success, Monos replaced the medium check in bag with a brand new one! Customer service was responsive and came through for me after following all their suggestions. I treated the customer rep with respect and was calm and collected in my responses. The pictures I send were detailed as was my explanation of what I did to fix the issue. I really like these bags, but I hate the scuffing issue. If they could solve or lesson that somehow, that would go a long way towards happiness. I did suggest that Monos may want to install corner protectors similar to their upgraded luggage to hopefully prevent what happenned to me. Big dents in material that is designed to be super tough is a design flaw as far as I’m concerned.
Thanks for sharing this outcome. The corner protectors do seem like a good idea!
In December of 2022, I purchased a Monos Metro Sling in Black Nylon, and for a couple months greatly enjoyed occasional use of this product as a cross-body bag –– the bag itself is functional yet sleek. HOWEVER, the bag’s zipper (which is explicitly advertised on the product page as “Anti-Catch”!) began to continually catch on the fabric lining of the inner edge / zipper tape. After having to tug it loose a couple of times, the zipper than stopped closing the teeth on both sides, rendering the bag open at all times and completely useless!
Worse yet has been Monos’ customer service: a month after submitting a warranty claim for the product’s advertised 2-year warranty (which should cover and include damage the product sustained by itself with only occasional use), I have gotten no response. Even after sending weekly emails, the most I have gotten is an automated email response each time, and at one point they even sent an email listing some random employees’ name, asking me to “rate [my] experience” with the “team member that assisted you”–– which is funny, since I have gotten no human response since my first email. With a bit of searching I found various threads warning of Monos’ poor customer service and response to warranty claims regarding their luggage, but for as simple of a product as an every-day bag, their (lack of) response has turned me from a customer who would otherwise enjoy their aesthetically attractive products into one who will be warning others to STAY AWAY so as to avoid this horrible experience!
Mine too!! I have the rose color one and after one flight it was completely scuffed with permanent marks. I could see this happening after some time, but this was after my first flight. I agree, it looks old and I bought both a carry on and the check in!
Hi Angela, There’s no doubt that the light-colored bags scuff. I was able to clean what seemed to be permanent scuffs with a baking soda-soap mixture and some elbow grease. I hope that works for you. Kind regards, Susan
mine too, I guess my mistake for ordering that color, my husband’s is navy and still looks okay, but mine looks terrible after 2 trips. Hint, don’t get a light color. I will probably not buy another Monos piece of luggage
Very nice site. Away has the same policy as Monos on no travel with the bag. So we should not be too harsh with Monos. Also people seem to have a very unrealistic expectation about luggage. I think you are more reasonable and calm!
From Away:
We want you to love everything about Away products, too—which is why we offer free returns and exchanges on unused items for the first 100 days.
We are only able to accept returns on unused items, so please gently test your products at home before traveling with them.
It’s a great point about Away having the same policy; thanks for sharing that. I appreciate your kind words about the website and thanks for reading! 🙂 Susan
I love your response! I don’t know why people are crying about sent and scratches and you should know how they throw luggage around at the Air port. Invest in the luggage cover but that will only help so much! If you get the hybrid dont pack so much because anything with a lock a get stuck because its not a zipper! People need to be open minded or just get some cheap luggage from a store!
You mentioned travelling through canada and US, have you run into trouble with the carry on not fitting on Air Canada, I think their requirements are 21.5” for height.
Hi Renee. I usually fly United to Toronto but have flown Air Canada once and didn’t have an issue. They don’t tend to be picky if the luggage is near the correct size and they have lots of US travelers who would be in a similar position.
Hi,
I cannot decide between the carryon or carry on plus. I will be traveling to South America and Europe in the following weeks.
I also travel domestic quite a bit. Any recommendation between carry on or carry on plus… TIA
The thing to consider is whether you truly want it to be a carry-on bag or are willing to check it. The carry-on plus will be too big to be considered carry-on if you are flying within Europe. This can even be an issue with the carry-on. In the US, the carry-on meets requirements — most US airlines carry-on size limit is 22” x 14” x 9” (exact size of the Monos Carry-On). The Plus is 23″ x 15″ x9.5″.
I visited the Monos Luggage Review on midlifeglobetrotter.com, and it’s a fantastic resource for anyone considering new luggage options. The review provides valuable insights into the product and its practicality for travelers. It’s always helpful to have such thorough reviews when making travel gear choices. Thanks for sharing this informative piece!
Thanks for much for the review of my review! 🙂
Just received my Monos carry-On pro plus and about to enjoy it on my travel to Vancouver on Wednesday. I love the build so far it’s 🔥🔥🔥
Great to hear, Adam. Hope you love it as much as I do. Enjoy Vancouver!
My first trip, my large check-in Monos bag ended up with a huge dent. I was told I should pound out the dent and I ended up giving up on customer service. I used the luggage cover but mine was ripped after the first trip. I also don’t like how the cover is somewhat opaque, so you can’t really see the colour and style of the luggage, which was one part of why I bought Monos luggage. I’ve since tested out other covers, and they are clear and sturdier. I checked the carry-on a few times and it looks like it’s a decade old. It just looks horrible. I have the light blue colour. These bags seem to have great reviews. I can’t figure that out since I’ve been so disappointed with my bags and customer service.
Hi Kathleen, That’s frustrating about the dent. Were you able to get it out? There’s no doubt that the light colored bags scuff. I tell people not to buy them for that reason and go with a dark color.. I am able to get the scuffs out with a solution of dishsoap and baking soda. Susan
Hi Susan,
It looks like you have done a lot of international travel with these. I understand your comments about restrictions and weight as I lived 25 years as a Canadian expat between Asia and the Middle East. I always travelled with mid to large check-ins and only a lightweight personal item. But now (in my early 50s), I find myself back in school mostly travelling cheaper AC flights in North America where I am only allowed a carry-on plus personal. I ordered (and am waiting on tracking info) of the carry-on in sage (with cover– I had already read of scuffing before finding your site). Did I make a mistake? Are North American carriers more forgiving (US-Canada and domestic)? Should I have purchased the carry-on plus? Is the interior of the regular (regulation) carry-on big enough for 4-day conferences (they seem to all be in Philadelphia this year)? Does the telescoping handle casing etc. eat up much of the interior space? (I didn’t consider the pro for that reason: if the pocket sits flat, it would eat into the insides… plus I like to keep my laptop on me). And finally, did you do a separate review of the metro backpack? (I can’t afford it now, but would love to know if this should be on my wish list. Does it fit over the handles in a way that still allows easy manouvering, can it fit laptop/tech stuff plus an extra item of clothing or two, and did you struggle to fit it under the seat?).
By the way, with a Cyberweek discount, I paid an equivalent price to a mid-range Samsonite (and much less than what the Away costs in Canada) for the carry-on in the colour I chose (one of the more discounted). I am hoping I made a good choice with Monos. Deciding factors were: Canadian company, lighter than others I was looking at, sturdier handle, and purportedly good wheels with smooth rolling- I’m hoping it is good for wheeling through busy carpeting convention hotel venues.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Sounds like you got a great deal! I love the smaller carry-on size and have traveled for a week in Europe with it. No, the handle does not take up interior packing space. When it comes you can pack it and then decide, and exchange if needed. Don’t use it outside or you can’t exchange it. You may be able get away with the larger one on some airline/planes, but I really can’t say for sure. Hope that helps.
Best written article nice sharing…
Thanks for reading.
I bought the monos carry on plus to replace my 10 year old samsonite. My samsonite was still in great condition, but small so I wanted something of good quality that was a bit larger but still carry on. I recently used my samsonite for a 2 week, multi city vacation, dragging it extensively on cobblestone in Europe. It held up amazing. Last month I used my new monos bag for a 4 day trip in Belgium. I pulled it on some cobble stone sidewalks for about 20 minutes and the rest of the time it was pulled in stations and airports. The bottom of the bag is heavily scratched, so much so that it actually looks older than my old samsonite. I will continue using it until it dies but definitely will not purchase or recommend Monos to anyone. I wrote a review on the Monos website but surprisingly it has never been posted
Hi Helen. I’ve also found the Monos bags scuff, but I so love it in every other way, I still recommend it. I am able to get scuffs out with a cloth and solution of soap and baking soda. If they are deeper scratches, where the coating has been removed, that may not work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Happy travels! Susan
Hi
I bought 2 Pro Plus Black hand luggage pieces. My sister is crew for BA and I bought her one as a birthday gift. She works 1 week in every 4 as she is semi retired. She does not check her bag in. She was horrified that after 10 weeks and 3 trips the loop on the zipper tag hag snapped. Her cheap hand luggage had lasted her 15 years. I contacted Monos and they offered to send a fix it kit. I explained that we RE NOT LUGGAGE TECHNICIANS and that the loop on the zipper should never have snapped. The zipper is not scraped or bent, it simply snapped while being released from its lock. This suggested that the zipper must have been weaker and not of the quality it should have been. “Not fit for purpose” and certainly not as described in their statement about the quality of their product. I have asked for a refund or a replacement. I am currently traveling with my sister and away from home. I have even asked for a UK location that sells Monos to replace the Pro Plus hand luggage. I simply do not trust replacing the one part that secures the inside belongings. The luggage is less the 3 months old and not fir for purpose. Monos customer service is dragging this out and I am getting more frustrated. In one of their emails they said that any returns should be in a condition for resale. It’s faulty refund or replace. For the money the company does not stand behind their product that would encourage me to buy another product from them. I will update with the final outcome as I am currently in week 4 waiting for a response. Regards Tamara
How frustating. I agree that the idea that all returns should be in condition for resale is outrageous. Good luck getting is resolved and please do check back and let us know what happens and perhaps share any tips that help you get it resolved.
Hi Melanie. Ugh, so sorry to hear about your negative experience with Monos. That’s really frustrating. Thanks for sharing here. Susan
Product: Monos medium suitcase
Date of Purchase: Oct 11th, 2023
Date of Incident: Nov 9th, 2023
I recently purchased Monos luggage for an upcoming trip, expecting durability and reliability from a reputable brand. Unfortunately, my experience has left me disappointed and frustrated.
During my first trip with the luggage, the retractable handle broke. I have a video at the airport showing that we tried to find the issue with airline staff but it was quite difficult to identify. I was able to find the problem only after emptying the luggage and inspecting it closely. Upon opening the zipper and using a mirror, I discovered a bend in the internal mechanism, rendering the handle unusable.
What exacerbated my dissatisfaction was the comparison with another luggage purchase made concurrently – a Samsonite, which showcased a cushioning system designed to absorb impact. This stark contrast highlighted a clear opportunity for improvement in the construction of my own luggage.
To add to the frustration, the response from customer service was underwhelming. Instead of offering a replacement for the faulty luggage, they proposed sending a replacement handle for self-repair. This solution not only implies inconvenience but also raises concerns about the overall quality and longevity of the product.
Overall, my experience with Monos luggage has been disappointing. While I initially had high expectations, the lack of durability and inadequate customer support have significantly dampened my confidence in the brand. I hope this review serves as constructive feedback for the manufacturer to improve their product quality and customer service processes in the future.
Hi Sabrina. Sorry to hear you’ve had such a bad experience. Thanks for sharing it here.
So sorry to hear this. I was able to get scuffs out of my beige medium checked bag with a combo of dish soap and baking soda. But that’s a pain so I now advise people to buy dark bags.
Thanks for all your information and everyones comments. I was considering buying a monos case, but have now changed my mind. Im not spending hundreds of pounds on a case that looks lovely at first but scratches/dents/scuffs easily.
Im still interested in the luggage cubes though – do you have any experience of those? Thanks
Hi Caroline. I am glad to hear the article was helpful. My packing cubes are by Ebags and I really like them. I have heard Eagle Creek are very good and Quince has a nice set of 6 for $50. Monos are well-reviewed but pricey. Here’s an article that might help. Best, Susan https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packing-cubes/#other-good-packing-cubes
Would not buy again. Paint chipped in many places before using it, so poor amount of paint coverage layers. The customer service reply sounds like a robot and in fact never got back to me with my second inquiry. Look elsewhere.
Rare to find a website that will let you post any comment. Thanks.
Do not buy Monos products. They use low quality materials for the shell and it falls apart on its own. The smooth plastic looks cracked and leather-like after just 1 year and 5 in-cabin trips, not even checked luggage. I have other luggage that are 10 years old and don’t look this bad.
Their customer service is refusing to replace my damaged luggage.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. I am in the market for a new carry on luggage because I am taking an international trip in June! I am curious about your experience with rolling the luggage on carpet? A lot of reviews don’t touch on this when explaining the smoothness of the wheels, and my airport is mainly carpet.
Hi there! I just rolled mine across the carpet to test it out and it was great. Not as fast as rolling it on a hard smooth surface, but it still moved well. Have a fantastic trip!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon these reviews. Was ready to buy a Monos large bag for travel to Europe and now I can’t do it. Too many bad reviews on customer service and when I tried to find a phone number for them, there isn’t one. I’ll keep looking. If anyone has another good bag, please let me know.
am a frequent traveler who hates packing, and this Monos luggage review explains why I chose the Vancouver-based brand as my new favorite. There are lots of pros as well as a few cons. Read on.
I have been in contact with “customer service”. from Monos This luggage is lightweight, rolls nicely and has great features…BUT, it is expensive and the outer shell is made of a terrible product. It doesn’t hold up. After 1 trip, mine has deep scratches, marks, and looks like I have been all over the world (btw, my inexpensive small piece came out unscathed). If you want a product that looks like crap, is expensive and not much customer service (they told me to cover the problem areas with stickers), then give it a try. I suggest you shop around and read ALL reviews that are out there.
MY problem with MONOS is that I purchased two LARGE suitcases and on their second trip the locking latch on BOTH fractured
I have contacted MONOS, supplied them with all documentation photos etc and because they were purchased as rewards through Airmails they WILL NOT honour the warranty claim
This is a warranty claim normally
The suitcases are now useless because they do not lock ABSOLUTE WASTE
DO NOT BUY MONOS DO NOT BUY MONOS
complete lack of ethics
Hi Catherine, I wasn’t aware you could but them through “Airmails”. I am not familiar with that. Do you mean Aeroplan Airmiles? Either way, I agree the warranty should apply, regardless of how you purchased them. I hope you’ve been able to resolve it since leaving the message. Susan
Hey, thanks for a great blog post on this! I wanted to add that I bought the carry on in black. The scuff marks look worse than any other hard shell bag I’ve bought (ie. prior ones from marshalls/tj maxx). I know you mentioned dark colors are probably better but I can confirm the darker ones scratch really badly too, even after just 1-2 times as a carry on. On top of that, the black shows grease marks so if you have any lotion on or you’ve touched food at the airport and then your bag, it will show these. It’s my biggest disappointment with this bag :(, amongst a few other critiques.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Blair.
We received Monos suitcases from my mom for a Christmas gift. We used the pieces on a recent 32 day cruise. All suitcases had issues. One wheel on two suitcases broke off, and the third weekend handle would not retract when extended. After about 20 emails with the “Customer Happiness” department, they would not:
-Repair or replace the luggage
-Recommend where we could have it fixed
-Sell us the parts needed to repair the suitcases
Their response to not standing behind their warranty was that they could not verify our gift purchase. We supplied 4 addresses, 4 phone numbers, and local stores that my Mom shopped at. Unfortunately she had passed away in July….in October the hurricane Milton hit Florida, and r all her records were destroyed. We would NEVER purchase or gift this brand to ANYONE@@@
anyone reading this do not buy Monos! they sent me a replacement handle which made no difference and just wasted my time. i’m seeing comments saying don’t overpack. what a joke! never heard a suitcase with a rule like that. so the lifetime warranty is just BS. My wife’s Away is holding well after dozens of business trips.
Sorry to hear your replacement handle didn’t solve the problem. Thanks for sharing your experience.