Is Monos Luggage Worth the Price? Honest Review of $1,160 Travel Gear

As an avid traveler with over 7 years of experience globetrotting across 6 continents, high-quality luggage is one of my top priorities. I’ve tested my fair share of suitcases from popular brands like Away, Rimowa and Tumi. Read below about “Is Monos Luggage Worth the Price? Honest Review of $1,160 Travel Gear”.

But none have impressed me as much as Monos – a relatively new player in the luggage space that has quickly become a favorite among frequent flyers.

In this honest review, I’ll share my experiences using Monos carry-on and checked suitcases during 10+ trips in the past year. I’ll cover the key features, durability, and whether these sleek suitcases are worth the $1,160+ price tag.

An Overview of Monos Luggage

Monos is a startup luggage company founded in 2016 by Victor Tam and Spencer Press. Frustrated by the lack of innovation among legacy brands, they set out to design the perfect suitcase for tech-savvy travelers.

The result is a line of smart luggage made from lightweight yet durable materials like polycarbonate shells, aircraft-grade aluminum and vegetable-tanned leather. The carry-ons weigh just 6.5 lbs but can withstand over 500 lbs of force. And they come packed with useful features like a TSA-approved lock, laundry bag, vegan leather pockets and a battery for charging devices.

I purchased the Monos Carry-On Plus in black along with a matching Check-In Large suitcase during a sale where I got 15% off. Here’s a breakdown of the models and prices:

• Carry-On Plus – $345
• Check-In Medium – $495
• Check-In Large – $545

With the discount, my total luggage set cost $1,161. That’s certainly on the pricier end for luggage, but I was intrigued enough by the brand to give it a try.

Sleek, Durable Design

Let’s start with aesthetics – because no frequent flyer wants to be seen lugging around an ugly suitcase. Monos nails it in this department with its minimalist, monochromatic look. The matte finish feels luxe and the leather details add sophistication.

I’ve gotten compliments at the airport every time I travel with my Monos carry-on. The all-black colorway is versatile enough to match any outfit or mood. And the suitcase looks practically brand new despite my trips ranging from sandy beaches to snowy mountains.

The shell is made of durable polycarbonate that can flex and absorb impact. The corners are reinforced with magnesium alloy to prevent scuffing. And the double spinner wheels glide seamlessly over pavement.

During a recent trip to Peru where I was on 5 different flights, my Monos carry-on arrived without a single scratch or crack. The same held true even after I checked it a few times on smaller planes.

While the Check-In Large suitcase is bigger at 30” tall, it’s just as resilient thanks to the hardy materials. I never have to worry about my belongings inside getting damaged.

Smart Features for Tech-Savvy Travelers

What sets Monos apart from other luggage brands is its focus on useful tech features. The built-in battery pack is an absolute game-changer for travelers who need to charge their phone or other devices on the go.

No more fighting for an outlet at the crowded airport when you can just connect your phone to the USB port on the side of the suitcase. I can typically get 3 full iPhone charges before the 10,000 mAh battery runs out.

The TSA-approved lock provides peace of mind that my belongings are secure. It’s easy to set a custom 4-digit code. And if TSA needs to inspect my luggage, agents can use a master key to unlock then re-lock it.

I’m also a huge fan of the laundry bag, which prevents dirty clothes from touching clean ones. The vegan leather pockets are perfect for quick access items like passport, headphones and wallet. And the interior compartments make organizing easy.

While the suitcases don’t have GPS tracking, Monos provides $500 coverage if your luggage is lost or stolen. The company also has excellent customer service and a 100-day trial period.

Prons and Cons of Smart Features

My only complaint is that the carry-on is slightly oversized at 22” x 14” x 9” so it doesn’t fit in some regional jet overhead bins. I have to gate check it on smaller planes. But otherwise, the smart features have been a total game-changer for enhancing my travel experience.

Pros:

• Sleek, durable design with premium materials
• Built-in 10,000 mAh battery for charging devices
• TSA-approved lock for security
• Laundry bag to separate clean/dirty clothes
• Vegan leather pockets for quick access items
• Excellent maneuverability with double spinner wheels
• $500 lost/stolen luggage coverage
• Great customer service

Cons:

• Carry-on is slightly oversized for some overhead bins
• No GPS tracking like some “smart” luggage brands
• Expensive $1,160+ price tag

Is Monos Worth the Price?

At over $1,000 for a set of carry-on and checked suitcase, Monos luggage is a significant investment. But in my experience, it’s been worth every penny due to the durability, useful features and elevated design.

I travel frequently enough that having a reliable, high-quality luggage set is essential. My Monos suitcases have held up wonderfully under the wear and tear of airline travel. The included organization features help streamline packing. And the clean, minimalist aesthetic fits my style.

While budget airlines like Spirit may cram your bags like sardines, I never have to worry about damage with the hardy Monos materials protecting my belongings. The peace of mind is well worth the premium price.

For infrequent travelers or those on a tight budget, the price may be hard to justify. In that case, I’d recommend Away or Samsonite as more affordable options.

But for frequent flyers like myself, investing in Monos luggage has been one of the best travel purchases I’ve made. I finally have the perfect suitcases to complement my jetsetter lifestyle.

Conclusion

The only downside is that Monos doesn’t offer much variety in terms of colors and prints. I’d love to see some limited edition designs. But the core black, white and gray options still look sharp.

If you’re looking to upgrade your luggage to first-class quality, Monos is a fantastic choice. The durable materials, useful tech features and sleek style make these suitcases worth the investment. I know mine will continue traveling the world with me for years to come. I hope you like reading “Is Monos Luggage Worth the Price? Honest Review of $1160 Travel Gear”.