Away vs BÉIS: What is the Better Suitcase?

Away and Beis are two quality luggage brands that have recently gained popularity in the travel community. Away was created by a pair of former Warby Parker staffers, and Beis is from entrepreneur and actor Shay Mitchell, known primarily for her work on Pretty Little Liars and You.

Both brands are known for making top-of-the-line rolling suitcases, luggage, and travel accessories. It can be challenging to decipher whether the differences are significant, so we put this guide together for you.

This Away vs Beis guide covers all the essential factors – design, quality, size, price, etc. – that will help you pick the right brand for your next adventure.

These two brands have some key differences, each with pros and cons. Considering their prices and operations, you may wonder which suitcase is right for you. 

We’ll outline how Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand Beis and Away can suit different kinds of travelers. Together, we’ll figure out which bags are right for you.

Away vs. Beis Comparison

Away Suitcase Review

Top Pick:

Away Carry-On Flex and Bigger Carry-On Flex

Both Flex rolling luggage options are made with a durable polycarbonate hard shell. They weigh a little more than eight pounds and are small enough to fit in the overhead bins of most major airlines.

The 360 degrees spinner wheels offer a smooth ride. Also, its internal compression system and water-resistant hidden laundry bag make packing easy.

Because these two bags are nominally different in size and price, we include them as the top Away luggage pick. The capacity of the Flex is 39.8L or 46.7L when expanded, while the Bigger Flex is 47.9L and 55.7L when expanded. What you need to be aware of for the larger size is that, on smaller planes, you may have to check it for lack of overhead space.

Away is a New York City-based company founded in 2015 by two remarkable women, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio. The year after they launched their company, they were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Since its launch, the company has transformed the travel market by rebranding traditional luggage company ideas. Its small, cabin-friendly rolling luggage is popular among the younger generations because it is built to handle all the modern-day traveler’s needs. They include a built-in battery pack, USB plugs, and a water-repellent finish. 

See Related: How Much Liquid Can You Carry On An Airplane?

What are the Benefits of Using an Away Suitcase?

• Durable and high-quality construction
• Functional features for convenience (e.g., TSA-approved lock, spinner wheels)
• Efficient packing space with well-organized compartments
• Versatility with various sizes and models available
• Customization options for personal style preferences
• Removable battery pack for charging on the go
• Warranty coverage and reliable customer support
• Affordable pricing compared to other premium brands

Key Features of Away Suitcases

Durability

One of the biggest challenges with luggage is that it often falls apart after a few uses–especially if you tend to overpack. This can be incredibly frustrating if you’ve invested much money in your luggage. 

Luckily, Away suitcases are made from polycarbonate or aluminum, durable materials that will last a long time without breaking down or getting damaged. The polycarbonate material also provides resistance against impact, thus protecting your bag from damage.

Lightweight Design

You don’t want to waste time at the airport weighing your bags before checking them. Also, you don’t want to pay extra fees because they’re over the limit. A heavy bag can make packing even more difficult if you’re worried about being charged for overweight bags.

Away travel bags have been designed explicitly for optimal lightweight performance so you can pack more and pay less.

TSA-approved lock

The Away suitcase also features a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, specially designed for those who want to keep their valuables safe and secure. Remember that these locks, though industry-wide, are not the safest to secure your things. So still pay attention when commuting with your travel bag.

Interior Compartments

Away suitcases also have several compression compartments that fit your needs and preferences. There is a laptop sleeve compartment, interior mesh zip pockets, a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes, compression pads to keep items of different sizes in place, etc. 

Even with these compartments, investing in some packing cubes is a good idea. They make packing and organizing your travel luggage so much easier. TRIPPED packing cubes are by far my personal favorite.

Built-In USB Port

The built-in USB port connects to any wall outlet, allowing you to charge your devices anywhere. Each travel bag has a removable battery pack that charges your phone up to four times. So you’ll always be able to check Google Maps, email, or WhatsApp.

360 degrees Spinner Wheels

Away suitcases have 360-degree wheels that spin around, making navigating through crowded airports and onto a plane easier and less tiring.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their travel luggage if anything goes wrong. If your suitcase breaks, they will repair it or send you a replacement for free. The warranty covers any issues with the locking mechanism, wheels, shell, handle, or zipper. 

Versatility

Away prides itself on taking the best features from traditional luggage companies and improving them while adding unique features. 

Away offers a variety of sizes, colors, and prices to fit your travel needs. That means offering various travel luggage options, from check-in roller bags to backpacks and other travel accessories. My Away backpack goes everywhere with me and has held up beautifully for several years and trips worldwide.

Excellent Customer Support

Away provides excellent customer service. You can contact them via email or phone if anything goes wrong with your bag. They offer help with your Away bag and give you solutions to any problems.

See Related: Away Luggage Review: Is It Worth it?

Pros and Cons of Away Suitcase

Pros:

• Give you a 100-day trial period to test out their suitcase (so if you hate it, you can return it)
• Offers Free shipping and returns in the contiguous US
• A weatherproof shell
• Well-built with attention to detail
• Excellent organization via built-in compartments
• Offers both hard-shell and soft-sided suitcases
• It has an interior compression system to maximize space and laundry bag
• Has vegan leather options

Cons:

• It can be more expensive than a store-brand luggage set
• Some of the suitcases can be on the heavier side compared to competitors
• Lack of external pockets for easy access

Beis Suitcase Review

Top Pick:

Beis Carry-On Roller

This hard-sided carry-on is durable and sleek, perfect for higher durability. Its gradient 3D stripe design is eye-catching, making it a true standout–especially on the dreaded baggage carousel. Created by Mitchell, these bags are meant to make commuting easier physically and financially.

Drawing from her experiences and passion for exploring, Beis offers innovative, simple solutions for the modern traveler. Whether packing for a weekend getaway or a more extended excursion, Beis gives you the gear to get there in style. 

Upon launching the company, Mitchell noticed that there weren’t many durable and stylish suitcases out there. So, Beis was her attempt to fill that void. Beis luggage features bright colors and patterns to make air travel more fun.

Since the launch of their first collection in 2018, Beis products have expanded significantly, including cosmetic cases, checked bags, backpacks, packing cubes, pouches, accessories, and more. Beis features a wide range of affordable, stylish, and functional travel gear for all your essentials. This brand offers trendy yet sturdy bags that will last years, even with frequent use. 

What are the Benefits of Using a Beis Suitcase?

The Beis carry-on luggage is understated, elegant, and functional. It will be your new go-to for all your adventures, business trips, and vacations. A few key benefits of Beis luggage include:

• You can travel in style while remaining as organized as possible
• Luggage is easy to pack and unpack with easy storage options
• Beis offers a variety of colors to suit your personality, attire, or style preference
• Sized to avoid baggage claim
• Beis luggage is lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Roller bag options are flexible enough to expand and shrink as needed.

Key Features of Beis Suitcase

Lightweight and Durable Material

The Beis carry-on suitcase is made from durable, lightweight, high-impact polycarbonate. The telescoping handle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and the handlebar is cushioned for comfort.

This carry-on roller bag fits in the overhead compartments of most planes. For instance, this should fit just fine on Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines. But it’s always best to confirm with your airline first.

Built-in Carrying Loop

The Beis travel brand luggage has a handy carrying loop that you can use to hang your smaller or garment bags. This is a great way to offload some of the weight you carry from your shoulders – particularly if you have a handbag. 

You can connect the shoulder strap through the carrying loop, and it will stay safely attached. This makes it easier to get from check-in to the plane and back again.

Waterproof Zippers

Beis carry-on bags have a water-resistant nylon outer layer and a sealed zipper closure to keep water from getting inside.

The bag’s surface is also water-resistant, protecting it from splashes and stains and making it easy to wipe clean. This is an essential feature for travelers planning a first trip to rainy regions.

Weight Indicator

One thing that makes Beis luggage worth it is the built-in weight indicator. That way, you don’t have to guess the weight of your checked bag before you get to check in and risk exceeding the weight limit, which is expensive.

When you lift the bag, if the red indicator is exposed, as shown above, your bag is over 50 pounds. The weight limit indicator makes these bags the best luggage for chronic over-packers.

Expandable

The bigger carry-on suitcase variety has a zippered, expandable section. It enables you to fit more belongings into your bag without exceeding the requirements for carry-on luggage. This is particularly handy when you are on a connecting flight and must store a few extra items.

TSA Locks

The bag has built-in TSA locks to make security check-in a breeze, but they are located on the side rather than on the top of the bag. This placement makes the locks more beneficial than other bags.

If your luggage lock is facing up – as it would be on top of a suitcase lying flat – water could seep into the lock itself. But water is harder to penetrate when the lock is on the bag’s side.

Spacious Interiors with Multiple Compartments

The interior of a Beis bag has multiple compartments and compression straps for easy organization. It includes one zippered mesh pocket and two zip pockets. 

Also, it has a zippered divider that creates two separate compartments. That way, you can keep clean clothes separate from dirty ones during your trip.

360-Degree Spinner Wheels

All Beis carry-on suitcase options have four double-spinner wheels that spin 360 degrees. So you can smoothly roll your bag throughout your trip. No more being stuck behind a giant suitcase that is hard to maneuver around tight corners or narrow aisles. Read our full Beis Carry-On Roller review.

See Related: Beis Luggage Review

Pros and Cons of a Beis Suitcase

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable carry-on compared to other brands
• Limited Lifetime warranty 
• The carry-on suitcase fits perfectly into most overhead bins  
• Fast shipping around the US
• International shipping available
• Exciting reward points and discount offers
• TSA-approved locks and zippers
• Some vegan and water-resistant options

Cons:

• Expensive international shipping rates
• More expensive than a store-brand luggage set
• Not many colors are available
• Not all products are stain or water-resistant
• Some luggage doesn’t have exterior pockets or sections for easy access

Similarities Between Away and Beis Suitcases

Have you decided which brand is suitable for your trip or semester abroad? Don’t worry; we’ll break these options down even more. Regarding similarities between Away and Beis, several features are standard in both brands. Some of them are as follows:

• Away and Beis were founded by stylish women who wanted to create luxurious, functional, and affordable luggage.  
• Both brands offer a limited warranty on their luggage. These warranties cover issues with the locking mechanism, spinner wheels, shell, handle, or zipper.
• Away and Beis use polycarbonate, a lightweight and durable material, for some of their bag options.
• Both companies use TSA-approved combination locks.
• They both have 360-degree spinner wheels on their rolling luggage.
• Both luggage brands’ carry-ons have a zippered, expandable section, a hidden laundry bag, and multiple compressive compartments. 
• Carry-on sizes of Away and BEIS fit into the overhead bins of most major airlines.

Differences Between Away and Beis Luggage

Though both brands are known for their appealing designs and functional features, they differ in some key areas. Here are some of the significant differences:

• Away offers a 100-day trial period to try its products, whereas Beis does not. However, they offer reward points and discounts to new customers.
• Away offers more colors than Beis.
• Beis suitcases have a few subtle design differences from Away. For one thing, each Beis carry-on luggage includes a carrying loop and a weight indicator to make traversing the airport easier.
• Away carry-on luggage comes with an integrated battery and a USB charger built into the handles.
• Beis suitcases are generally more affordable than Away.
• Away suitcases are lighter than Beis despite both brands offering lightweight carry-on suitcases. 

FAQ

Both of these sit well below TUMI on price. For the other end of the market and whether it is worth it, see how TUMI compares.

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