Prior to 2015, I didn’t think much about luggage. Before a trip, I’d head to T.J. Maxx, shell out $50 for whichever carry-on caught my eye and then inevitably have to toss it when it broke after a few flights. Then came Away, the travel brand founded by two Warby Parker alums that skyrocketed in popularity and ubiquity (real ones may remember their NYC subway ads—promo code included). Unsurprisingly, Away’s success—it’s one of the highest funded female-backed start-ups ever—birthed a host of competitors, including Béis, which was founded in 2018 by actress Shay Mitchell and has quickly gained internet fame via Instagram and TikTok. But could a celeb-founded brand hold a candle to Away? I wanted to find out, so I decided to compare my Away Bigger Carry-On to my Béis Carry-On Roller to decide which one takes the cake.
I Tried the Away Bigger Carry-On vs. The Béis Carry-On Roller and Here's Which Internet-Famous Luggage Is Better
We’ve traveled with both…here’s which won out.
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Away
Away The Bigger Carry-On Review
Value: 18/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Customer Service: 20/20
TOTAL: 95/100
Exterior: 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”
Weight: 7.4 pounds
Capacity: 47.9L
I bought my Away Bigger Carry-On almost four years ago and have since taken it on dozens of flights, train rides and road trips. Like many people, I was immediately taken by the sleek exterior—its streamlined silhouette is right up my alley—and the impressive size that the brand says fits in most major airlines’ overhead bins (I’ve never been on a flight where it didn’t fit). Away is also known for its customer service. In addition to an unlimited lifetime warrantee—which Béis also offers—you’re able to put Away suitcases to the test for 100 days and return it at no cost if you’re not satisfied for any reason. I haven’t had any issues with my carry-on (or my Away checked luggage), but a friend’s bag was damaged by an overzealous baggage claim employee and Away got her a brand-new one immediately. Another cool thing about Away is that the brand often introduces limited-edition colors and prints. Béis has started to dip its toe into limited-edition colors, so I’m interested to see whether more is coming down the line.
One of my only gripes with Away is that it’s quite pricy. Compared to $218 for a Béis bag, $295 is quite a bit more money. I will say, however, that it’s held up beautifully through years of wear and tear—and I am *not* precious with my bags. My only other recommendation would be to really think about what color you want. I bought my Away carry-on in white, and it definitely shows some scuff marks, which I’m sure I could take care of with a Mr. Clean magic eraser. I honestly don’t care that much, but just a heads up for shoppers who might!
Béis
Béis The Carry-On Roller Review
Value: 19/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 18/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Customer Service: 19/20
TOTAL: 94/100
Exterior: 22.8" x 15.7" x 9.8"
Weight: 8.36 pounds
Capacity: 49-61L
I haven’t had my Béis bag for nearly as long as I’ve had my Away, but it’s made an impression quickly. This bag is great—though I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised given my love for the brand’s viral weekender bag, which was my saving grace on a long trip last summer. Given the distinction Away makes between its regular and bigger carry-ons, I was a bit nervous that the Béis carry-on, which is only available in one size, wouldn’t be big enough. I was wrong. This bag fits a lot of stuff, plus it’s expandable, unlike the regular Away Bigger Carry-On (though you can buy an expandable version for $345). It also, very helpfully, has tons of interior organizational features, including multiple zippered compartments and two laundry bags (compared to Away’s one laundry bag).
The cushioned handle is a nice touch, especially for those long walks between airport terminals, and it also has a built-in weight limit indicator right next to the side carry handle that tells you if your bag is at an acceptable weight (clear) or over 50 pounds (red). I’m not usually an overpacker, so I don’t see myself using this feature too often, but it’s a cool option for folks who tend to stuff their suitcases to the brim.
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Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She has been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across pretty much all categories, but currently focuses on wellness, books and fashion. She's most passionate about all things physical and mental health, and whether she's covering dating trends, reviewing sleep products or interviewing therapists, doctors and other health professionals, her ultimate goal is to help PureWow readers feel their best from the inside out.
PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
