Return policy comparison · 2026
Away vs CALPAK
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Away
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
CALPAK
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Away has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against CALPAK's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AwayCALPAK
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Away | CALPAK | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 100 days (unused, original packaging) | 30 days (unused, original packaging, uncut tags) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | — | — |
| Return shipping | Free (prepaid label via self-service portal, US/Canada/UK) | $12.95 bags/accessories, $24.95 luggage (deducted from refund) |
| Holiday extension | — | — |
| Non-returnable | Personalized/monogrammed products including luggage tags, gift cards, corporate gift purchases, final sale items | Gift cards, sample/flash sale items, personalized items, final sale items |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Away tip
The 100-day trial expects you to test the product at home before traveling, but items must still be 'unused' to qualify - actually taking a suitcase on a trip can be treated as use and jeopardize the return.
CALPAK tip
The return fee is deducted automatically from your refund regardless of how you ship the item back, so there's no way to avoid it by using your own carrier - factor the $12.95-$24.95 hit into your purchase decision, especially on lower-priced accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Away or CALPAK?
Away has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against CALPAK's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is Away's return window?
Away's return window is 100 days (unused, original packaging).
What is CALPAK's return window?
CALPAK's return window is 30 days (unused, original packaging, uncut tags).
Does Away or CALPAK offer free returns?
Away: Yes. CALPAK: No - fee deducted.