Away and Béis are two brands of quality luggage that have recently gained popularity in the travel community. Away was created by a pair of former Warby Parker staffers, and Béis 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 Béis 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. Looking at their prices and how they operate, you may wonder which of these suitcases is right for you.
We’ll outline how Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand Béis and Away can suit different kinds of travelers. Together we’ll figure out which of these bags are right for you.
Away vs. Béis Comparison
| Feature | Away Luggage | Béis Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Modern and minimalist | Sleek and stylish |
| Materials | Durable polycarbonate shell | Durable nylon fabric |
| Size options | Carry-on and checked sizes | Carry-on and checked sizes |
| Weight | Lightweight construction | Lightweight construction |
| Wheels | 360-degree spinner wheels | 360-degree spinner wheels |
| Handles | Telescopic handle with multiple height options | Telescopic handle with multiple height options |
| Compartments | Interior compression system to maximize packing space | Interior compression system to maximize packing space |
| Organization | Built-in interior pockets and dividers | Built-in interior pockets and dividers |
| TSA Lock | Built-in TSA-approved combination lock | Built-in TSA-approved combination lock |
| Charging | Optional removable battery with USB ports | External USB port for charging devices |
| Expansion | Expandable option for extra packing space | No expandable option |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty | Limited warranty |
| Price Range | $$$ – $$$$ | $$ – $$$ |
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° 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 for 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.
Investing in some packing cubes is a good idea even with these compartments. 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° Spinner Wheels
Away suitcases have 360-degree wheels that spin around, making navigating through crowded airports and onto a plane easier, making your travel experience 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
Béis Suitcase Review
Top Pick:
Béis 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, Béis offers innovative, simple solutions for the modern traveler. Whether packing for a weekend getaway or a more extended excursion, Béis gives you the gear to get there in style.
Upon launching the company, Mitchell said she noticed that there weren’t many suitcases out there that were both durable and stylish. So, Béis was her attempt to fill that void. Béis luggage features bright colors and patterns to make air travel more fun.
Since the launch of their first collection in 2018, Béis products have expanded significantly, from cosmetic cases, checked bags, backpacks, packing cubes, pouches, accessories, and more. Béis features a wide range of affordable, stylish, and functional travel gear for all your essentials. This brand offers trendy yet sturdy bags, even with frequent use, to last years.
What are the Benefits of Using a Béis Suitcase?
The Béis 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 Béis luggage include:
- You can travel in style while remaining as organized as possible
- Luggage is easy to pack and unpack with easy storage options
- Béis offers a variety of colors to suit your personality, attire, or style preference
- Sized to avoid baggage claim
- Béis luggage is lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Roller bag options are flexible enough to expand and shrink as needed.
Key Features of Béis Suitcase
Lightweight and Durable Material
The Béis carry-on suitcase is made from durable, lightweight, high-impact polycarbonate. The telescoping handle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, with a cushioned handlebar 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 Béis 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’ll stay safely attached. This makes getting from check-in to the plane and back again easier.
Waterproof Zippers
Béis carry-on bags have a water-resistant nylon outer layer with sealed zipper closure to keep water from getting inside the bag. The surface of the bags is water-resistant, protecting the bag from splashes and stains, and is easy to wipe clean. It is an essential feature for travelers planning a first trip to rainy regions.
Weight Indicator
One thing that makes Béis luggage worth it is the built-in weight indicator. That way, you don’t have to try and guess the weight of your checked bag before you get to check in and risk being over the weight limit, which is pricy.
When you lift up 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 that’s lying flat—then water could seep into the lock itself. But when the lock is located on the bag’s side, water’s harder to penetrate.
Spacious Interiors with Multiple Compartments
The interior of a Béis 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 Béis 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.
See Related: Béis Luggage Review: Are They Worth the Price?
Pros and Cons of a Béis 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 Béis Suitcases
Have you decided which brand is suitable for your trip or semester abroad? Not to worry, we’ll break these options down even more. Regarding similarities between Away and Béis, several features are standard in both brands. Some of them are as follows:
- Away and Béis 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 Béis 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.
- Carry-ons of both luggage brands have a zippered, expandable section, a hidden laundry bag, and multiple compressive compartments.
- Carry-on sizes of Away and BÉIS fit into the overhead bins of most major airlines.
Differences Between Away and Béis 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 Béis does not. However, they offer reward points and discounts to new customers.
- Away offers more colors than Béis.
- Béis suitcases have a few subtle design differences from Away. For one thing, each Béis 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.
- Béis suitcases are generally more affordable than Away.
- Away suitcases are lighter than Béis despite both brands offering lightweight carry-on suitcases.
FAQ
What are the main differences between Away and Béis luggage?
As far as the design of their carry-ons, Away and Béis are pretty similar. The main differences are that Away offers more color options, a trial period, and a built-in USB charger. Whereaé Beis has a carrying loop and weight indicator built into their carry-on roller bags.
Can you compare the price points and warranties of Away vs Béis?
Béis luggage is marginally less expensive than Away, though Away’s 100-day trial period does help make up for that. Although both companies have limited warranties for their luggage, the warranty Away offers is more comprehensive.
How do Béis and Away luggage compare in terms of style and design?
Both are stylish for carrying essentials; however, Away offers more color options for their luggage.
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