Away vs. Beis: Which Luggage Brand Is Better?

Friends, family and even complete strangers on Instagram often ask my advice about choosing the best luggage brands. It just comes with the territory when you spend upwards of 90 days a year exploring the world as a travel writer. Plus, a big part of my job is testing products and giving my honest review. The two brands I get asked about the most? Beis vs Away: the most popular social media darlings these days.

I’ve spent plenty of time moving through airports, cobblestone streets, carpeted hotel hallways, inclement weather and public transportation with my Beis and Away bags, and I love them both for different reasons. I use them both equally often, so read on to see which brand is best for your travel needs, style and budget.

What’s the difference between Beis vs Away?

Both brands are female-founded and specialize in lightweight, hard-shell luggage made of durable polycarbonate. They both favor neutral and subdued colors, with a few brighter hues thrown into the mix. And they both prioritize such features as TSA locks, interior compression straps and 360-degree wheels to help make traveling safer and easier.

Away debuted in 2015 and quickly became known for its signature product, the popular Carry-On bag. This brand is the more luxurious of the two, possibly because it’s been around a bit longer and has a slightly higher price point.

Beis launched a few years later, in late 2018, as the brainchild of actor and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell. This brand, which has a viral presence on TikTok and is a bit more affordably priced, is best known for its Weekender bag but has plenty of excellent luggage and accessories too.

All about Away luggage

courtesy Jill Schildhouse

Away luggage is the type of aspirational luggage I dreamt about for several years before finally getting my hands on a bag of my own. Not long after I got the Bigger Carry-On, I also ordered The Medium Flex for my longer trips. I’d seen it for years in airports and Instagram ads and its sleek lines and sophisticated color palette drew me right in. I love how easily the wheels traverse any surface encountered, how lightweight the bag is before adding my contents and how it holds up to all my adventures effortlessly.

Pros

• Personalize bags and luggage tags with up to three letters (additional fee)
• Add a USB charger (additional fee)
• Leather details, including a leather luggage tag
• 100-day worry-free return policy (unless personalized)
• Interior compression system
• Spinner wheels for a smooth ride
• Hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate
• Luggage sets designed to nest inside each other for space saving

Cons

• Must spend at least $100 for free shipping
• Lacking internal organizational compartments, so I always use packing cubes

All about Beis luggage

Courtesy Jill Schildhouse

After seeing what felt like my 100^th TikTok video of happy travelers using their Beis Carry-On Roller and The Mini Weekender, I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I was preparing for disappointment, thinking nothing could compare with my Away bags—I was wrong.

I was immediately impressed by the additional features in my Carry-On, including more organizational compartments, a padded handle to help make my grip more comfortable, the retractable bag attach strap for when I don’t want to carry my purse and the weight-limit indicator so I never risk going over the 50-pound max on most airlines.

Pros

• Expandable for two extra inches of room
• Weight limit indicator (so you won’t need this portable luggage scale)
• Retractable bag attach strap holds up to 15 pounds
• Padded handle for increased comfort
• Interior compression system
• Save up to 15% when you build a bundled set
• Slightly more affordable
• Spinner wheels for a smooth ride

Cons

• Must spend at least $150 for free shipping
• Return products within 45 days, but there’s a $10 handling fee

FAQ

Is Away more expensive than Beis?

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive. When determining if you’re going to purchase Away vs Beis, budget is definitely a consideration to keep in mind. For instance, the Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase starts at $295, and the similarly sized Carry-On Roller from Beis is $218. When looking at their larger bags, the Beis 26-in Check-In Roller is $308 while the similarly sized Away Medium Flex is $395.

How reliable is Beis vs Away luggage?

In my experience, they are both equally reliable in terms of durability in the shell, handle and wheels. Neither one has ever let me down in terms of the TSA locks, compression straps or zippers. In fact, both brands pass all seven of the signs of a well-made piece of luggage with flying colors.

How long does luggage last?

This answer really depends on how often you travel, how often you check your bag (where it’s more likely to sustain damage) and how you treat it while on the road. Even with my demanding travel schedule, both brands held up well for a couple of years and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. They both show some scuff marks on the shell, which is truly unavoidable in hard-sided luggage.

For added peace of mind about your purchase, know that Away comes with a guaranteed limited lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers or anything else that impairs your use of the luggage. Beis also offers a limited warranty that covers issues with the shell, wheels, handles, zippers or rips/tears in the fabric beyond normal wear and tear.

The bottom line

I can say, without hesitation, that you can’t go wrong with either brand. Both are durable, chic and on-trend. When deciding between Beis vs Away, let each bag’s features, colorways and price tag be the guide to the perfect selection.

If you prefer more bells and whistles, Beis bags offer a few extra features that come in awfully handy at a lower cost. And if you’re in the market for simple sophistication with personalized details and smart features, Away is the stand-out choice.

Where to buy Away luggage

via merchant

Buy Away luggage in real life, at one of 14 brick-and-mortar stores—locations range from Austin to Toronto. Products are also available on the brand’s website, and ship to the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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Where to buy Beis luggage

via merchant

Beis products are available on the brand’s website, Revolve and Nordstrom.

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