Buying guide for best luggage for kids
When purchasing travel gear for kids, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest luggage you can find since kids grow so fast. However, a well-made suitcase can last for years of adventures, and if you find one in a design they adore, it can add to their excitement about packing for the trip. The best luggage for kids boasts all the capabilities and amenities of grownups’ luggage, plus specific features tailor-made for a child’s needs.
To help you find the most kid-friendly luggage, we analyzed dozens of suitcases and narrowed our list down to these small, lightweight options that are durable, easy to maneuver and come in fun prints and bold colors children are sure to love.
Our top choice, the State Logan Carry-On, is a well-designed suitcase that comes in eye-catching styles that should appeal to little and big kids alike. It features plenty of pockets and compartments to keep their belongings organized — and even has a side strap for their favorite stuffed animal.
Little Travelers, Big Choices: Finding the Top Luggage for Kids
State Logan Carry-on Suitcase
Best of the Best
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 18.7” H x 13.4” W x 9.45” D, 29 L | Weight: 6.44 lb | Wheels: 4 spinner | Handles: Telescoping | Durability: Water-resistant polyester | Zippers and Closures: Easy-pull zippers
The Logan Carry-On Suitcase from State looks so cool even grownups might want to borrow it. It’s hands down the best all-around kids luggage we’ve found, offering the same performance and quality as luggage made for adults, but with designs and additional features that keep kids in mind.
At 29 liters, the Logan Carry-On has about the same capacity as an adult full-size backpack. Four easy-gliding spinner-style wheels allow a young person to push, pull or roll it in any direction with a tug of its sturdy telescopic handle. Made of durable 600-denier polyester fabric, it should easily stand up to the wear and tear of travel.
Inside, you’ll find a pair of spacious compartments just like a typical full-size carry-on, with elastic straps for compression and a zippered inner compartment for laundry and accessories. The spacious exterior pocket can hold games, pens, books and tablets, and a pair of adjustable side straps is meant for a stuffed toy or a trendy water bottle.
Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage
Best Bang for the Buck
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 12.5" L x 6.5" W x 18" H, 24 L | Weight: 2.5 lb | Wheels: 2 non-swivel | Handles: Telescoping | Durability: Spot-clean polyester | Zippers and Closures: Zippers with pull tags
Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage is an adorable and moderately priced mini rolly bag for younger kids. It combines a familiar backpack-like design with an extendable handle and wheels for your child to roll through the airport or hotel with ease.
At around 24 liters in capacity, this suitcase fits a nice amount of clothing for a short vacation, or it can hold all your child’s toys and books for the trip, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. We especially like the three separate exterior zippered pockets that keep things like markers, pens, accessories and games easily accessible. Because this suitcase only has one main compartment, it won't take up as much floor space when opened as the clamshell-style bags do.
This bag comes in a dozen screen-printed designs, including sports, dinosaurs and unicorns. If you choose to purchase it from Stephen Joseph directly, you have the option of personalizing it with your child’s name.
Travelers Club Five-Piece Kids Luggage Set
Best Luggage Set
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 19” H x 13” L x 9” W, 36 L (suitcase), 15” H x 10” L x 4” W, 9.8 L (backpack), 10.2” H x 7.5” L x 3.1” W (lunch bag), 3.8 L | Weight: 6 lb (suitcase) | Wheels: 4 spinner | Handles: Telescopic | Durability: ABS plastic and polyester | Zippers and Closures: Soft-pull zippers
If you want a complete matching set of luggage for your child for a long vacation, we think you’ll get a lot of mileage from this five-piece Kids Luggage Set from Travelers Club. It includes an 18-inch hard-shell roller suitcase, a 15-inch backpack, an insulated lunch bag, a soft travel pillow and your child’s own luggage tag — so not only are they ready for travel, but they can also use the backpack and lunch bag for school.
Protected by a hard-shell exterior of ABS plastic, this 36-liter suitcase is sized to fit in an overhead compartment on most airlines. It has a telescoping handle and nimble 360-degree spinner wheels, so the kids can easily keep up with the adults. A large interior mesh pocket is great for carrying things like games, books or dirty laundry and compression straps keep everything securely in place. The soft 15-inch backpack holds about 10 liters and comes with an exterior zip pocket and two elastic mesh side pockets while the 10-inch lunch bag is insulated to keep food warm or cool.
The entire set comes in nine different colorful patterns, including hearts, construction trucks and polka dots, that are sure to please. Plus, they'll really stand out at the baggage carousel.
Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase
Best Ride-On Suitcase
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 18.5” L x 8.2” W x 12.6” H, 18 L | Weight: 3.8 lb | Wheels: 4 linear | Handles: Fabric, pull strap | Durability: Wipe-clean hard plastic | Zippers and Closures: Easy-close catches
We can’t let a roundup like this pass by without recommending a product you’ve probably already seen carrying a tired kiddo somewhere in an airport terminal. The Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase was introduced in 2006 and has become the first choice for many parents looking for their toddler’s first piece of luggage.
The Trunki’s claim to fame is that when their young owner gets tired, and they will, they can safely ride on it, thanks to the four large, sturdy wheels. Designed for young kids aged 3 to 6, the Trunki comes in a variety of characters, such as tigers, unicorns and ladybugs, allowing the entire suitcase to act like a big, cheerful toy. Its hard plastic construction minimizes sharp edges and wipes clean, and it features soft easy-close catches and rubber seals that are kind on little fingers.
If the child riding on it is too tired to push themselves, parents can tow them with the pull strap (which doubles as a shoulder strap). Parents can also pick up the whole Trunki by its handle if a dash to the gate is necessary. The small size means that kids can even pull it themselves.
Lily Bloom Designer 15-inch Carry On
Best Patterns
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 15” W x 9” D x 14” H, 30 L | Weight: 3.5 lb | Wheels: 2 inline | Handles: Single column aluminum, fabric | Durability: Water-resistant fabric | Zippers and Closures: Large-pull zippers
The Lily Bloom Designer 15-Inch Carry On isn’t specifically designed for kids, but we think its compact size, weight and colorful array of vivid patterns make it a worthwhile alternative. You won’t lose this on the baggage carousel, if you even need to check it in the first place.
The Lily Bloom is designed to fit under the seats of most airlines. It’s a front-opening bag that you can pack while upright, and its front flap conceals a nice selection of zippered compartments for small items and accessories. Inside, you’ll find transparent plastic dividers to keep everything organized and visible along with a roomy main compartment for clothes or footwear. Large side pockets can fit water bottles, toys or headphones. It has a single-column telescoping handle, a handle sleeve for connecting to larger rollies and two inline wheels.
American Tourister Moonlight Hardside 21-inch Carry-on
Best for Older Kids
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 15” W x 9.5” D x 22” H, 44 L | Weight: 8.2 lb | Wheels: 4 spinner | Handles: Top, side, telescoping aluminum | Durability: Textured ABS | Zippers and Closures: Zippers
Older kids are ready for full-sized suitcases, but they still may want something that looks more unique than the typical black or blue. American Tourister’s 21-inch Moonlight Hardside Carry-On impressed us in our testing for the best spinner luggage, and their eye-catching colors offer plenty of personality for a tween or teen.
As a full-sized carry-on, the 21-inch Moonlight Hardside offers 44 liters of capacity while fitting in most airlines’ overhead bins. Its textured ABS plastic shell is thin and light but still protective and scuff-resistant, and its light weight allowed us to pack heavy without sacrificing portability. We also liked how smooth its four spinner wheels worked, and we appreciated its extra 1.5 inches of expansion, perfect for bringing home souvenirs.
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On
Best Underseat Bag
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 16.5" H x 13.5" W x 9" D, 19.25 L | Weight: 5.6 lb | Wheels: 4 spinner | Handles: Telescoping handle, fabric straps | Durability: Polyester | Zippers and Closures: Easy-pull zippers
A grown-up bag that works for almost-grown-up kids of any age, the Samsonite Underseat Carry-On fits under the seats of most major airlines. Available in blue and purple, it’s a piece of luggage that teens can use well into their grownup years.
With the build quality and reputation you expect from Samsonite, the Underseat Carry-On boasts high-quality polyester fabric construction with heavy-duty 360-degree spinner wheels. Front and side pockets offer easy access to electronics, documents or reading material. Inside it has a 15-inch laptop compartment plus additional zippered storage in its fold-out front opening. The Underseat Carry-On also comes with a built-in USB port for secure charging (battery pack not included) and can slide onto the handle of most upright luggage as well.
Key considerations
Choosing the best luggage for kids is a lot like picking luggage for yourself, with a couple of other considerations specific to children.
Size
The biggest consideration when buying kids luggage is size. It should be small and light enough for them to push, pull or carry, at least part of the time, without stressing or straining. It's also easier for kids to control their luggage if the handle can be adjusted to their height, so they can keep the bag closer to them when walking.
The capacity of luggage is usually expressed in liters. Twenty to 25 liters is about the same capacity as an everyday work backpack for adults and is a good size for young children, while 30 to 50 liters is the best range to consider for big kids and teenagers.
Kids also like to bring toys, books and other special possessions along with them, taking up space. Expandable suitcases can be a big help as long as they’re still small enough and light enough for the kids to handle.
Maneuverability
No one, adults included, wants to carry a suitcase the length of an airport terminal. Small kids might even tire out just going from the gate down the jetway. Look for kids luggage with wheels, especially spinner wheels that they can push or pull in any direction themselves. For very young children, a rideable suitcase, such as the cleverly designed Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase, can be a great option when their legs (or their attention) give out.
Color and looks
Bright colors, wild patterns, sparkly designs — kids luggage is undoubtedly a whole lot more fun than grownup luggage. Fun characters from toys, books, movies, video games and comics are also an essential element to kids luggage, which begs the question: Should you get a bag with a character they love right now but may not care about in the future, or should you get one that’s less specific but might be less appealing?
There’s a lot to be said for picking luggage designs that your kid won’t outgrow immediately; a simple polka-dot design, for instance, works whether they’re seven or 17. On the other hand, if they’re crazy about something, a suitcase with that design is sure to add to their excitement for traveling. Luckily, kids luggage isn't typically as big of a financial investment as luggage for adults, so you can choose what they like.
Organization
Everybody benefits from having organized luggage. Kids luggage especially should be able to handle all the stuff they like to have with them in addition to clothes. Look for plenty of pockets in easy reach, which are especially useful during downtime at the airport, plane, car or hotel. Holders for markers and crayons are worth a look, as well as compartments sized for kids tablets and other electronics. A piece of luggage with good organizational features also helps you teach your child how to pack for themselves.
Durability
Kids luggage needs to be durable to stand up to the rigors of travel. High-quality materials can be worth the investment in order to protect precious possessions from the elements, rough treatment or even the inevitable spill. Look for materials that are liquid-resistant and easy to clean, and avoid materials that may break or tear, especially at the zippers, hinges, handles and wheels. Hard-sided luggage can provide extra protection for the contents inside.
Safety
Sometimes adults forget that things like clasps, hinges, zippers and handles can be a challenge for children to use. Minimize the opportunity for ouchies with zippers that are easy to pull and close, clasps and latches that won’t pinch or trap, and collapsible handles that slide up and down smoothly. Remember also that even if a suitcase isn’t made to be ridden, it probably will be.
Kinds of children’s luggage
You’ll find many of the same kinds of luggage for kids as for adults, although some are more common and practical.
- Roller suitcases: Roller or rolling suitcases, also called rollies or spinners, have two to four wheels that allow you to pull or roll them behind or beside you. Spinners, four-wheeled roller suitcases that can move in any direction, are the easiest for even a small child to maneuver.
- Backpacks: Bringing a backpack along in addition to a suitcase is a great way for kids to keep all the things they need for the flight or car ride within reach. Look for a backpack with padded straps for extra comfort and plenty of pockets to keep their belongings organized.
- Duffel bags: These can be popular with kids who do their own packing and like the unstructured capacity they offer. Most duffels, however, need to be carried, so they’re best left for older kids who like their casual practicality and may be familiar with them from sports.
- Underseat and mini bags: These bags are often marketed for adults, but their size makes them appealing for kids to use. Underseat luggage can be like mini rollers with their own wheels and pull handles but often can slide onto the handles of full-sized roller cases.
- Tote bags: Tote bags, like duffel bags, need to be carried by handles or a strap, so young kids may not like or benefit from them. They’re handy for parents, however, and can keep a lot of supplies within easy reach while traveling with a small child. Ones with a zippered top closure are best at keeping all your items contained.
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage
Kids luggage, like full-sized luggage, can be classified as hard-sided or soft-sided. Each class has its pros and cons.
Hard-sided luggage
Hard-sided luggage, also called hard-shell luggage, is made of a rigid material, most commonly ABS. They provide the most protection for their contents, but they can’t expand very much and resist being squeezed into tight compartments. They’re also less easy to pack with irregular items like toys and footwear.
Still, many people swear by hard-sided luggage for their impact resistance and sturdiness. Luggage with metal shells are available from some premium brands, even for kids, but may be overkill for most young travelers. Some hard-sided bags offer an expansion panel that unzips to allow more items to be packed inside. However, keep in mind that sometimes these bags won't fit into the overhead compartment in their expanded state.
Soft-sided luggage
Soft-sided luggage is made of a woven fabric or similar material, most often polyester. They’re not as rigid as hard-sided luggage and won’t be as impact-resistant, but they can be squeezed into tight compartments and offer some give when they’re full. The number and thickness of the fibers used in the material affect how tough and durable it is and is measured in denier. Look for soft-sided luggage made from 500- to 1,200-denier polyester or nylon fabric.
Features of kids luggage
- Wheels: Wheels are essential, especially when it comes to kids luggage. Two wheels are the minimum, but four wheels make it even easier. Wheels can be inline or swiveling. Inline wheels all point in the same direction, while swiveling wheels, also called spinners, can move in any direction.
- Pockets: A suitcase that comes with extra internal or external storage to keep things organized is always a plus. External pockets can be especially handy when you want easy access to toys or activities without having to open the entire suitcase.
- Handles: These should be sized for children’s hands and easy for them to grip. Roller suitcases have extendable telescoping handles and also may have metal or fabric handles on the top and sides. A telescoping handle that can be shortened to adjust to a child's height can be particularly helpful.
- Zippers and closures: Look for zippers and closures that are easy to hold and pull for the age the luggage is designed for. Zippers with bigger pulls, especially those whose pulls are large or grippy, are easier to hold. Velcro and soft-close latches are also good options.
- Cleaning: Whether hard or soft, kids luggage should be easy to clean and stain-resistant. Ideally, it should be wipeable with a soft cloth.
- Compression and expansion: Most suitcases for adults come with some sort of compression system, commonly a pair of elastic straps, to fit more in. These can be found in children’s luggage as well. Other forms of compression include zip panels and packing cubes. The ability to expand even an extra inch in thickness can also come in handy, especially for hard-shell luggage.
Tips
- Teach your child how to pack. If your family likes to travel, teach your kid to pack their own bag so that vacation preparation is a time-optimized affair. While you should give them some freedom to choose what to bring, be sure to provide them with a list of required items to pack to avoid needing to purchase any essentials they forgot while on your trip.
- Use packing cubes for organization. These soft, zippered pouches help to keep clothing organized in your bag. You can keep outfits together, or sort them by type of clothing so that you can make sure you aren't bringing three sweatshirts but no socks.
- Inspect the bags before you travel. For smooth sailing on your trip, do a quick check to ensure that all moving parts like wheels, telescopic handles and zippers are in working order.
- Keep valuables inside. While it’s easy to access electronics and valuables from outside pockets, keep them inside zipped and locked luggage if possible.
- Verify carry-on regulations. Each airline has different rules regarding carry-ons, so make sure your child’s luggage is within the allowed weight and size limits.
How we analyzed
For this buying guide, we surveyed the most popular and most recommended models of children’s luggage available and evaluated each on features, durability, value for money and user feedback. We also referred to our own testing notes on specific models such as the American Tourister Moonlight Hardside suitcase, which we evaluated and graded on weight, maneuverability, expandability, durability, organization and practicality.
FAQ
Q. Won’t luggage be too heavy for my kid to carry?
A. Unless you’re severely overpacking, kids luggage, especially rolling bags, is designed for easy, lightweight transport that even toddlers can manage. Providing them with their own suitcase to pack and keep track of can give them a sense of responsibility and is sure to make them feel more grown-up.
Q. How hard is it to stack the smaller piece of luggage over the telescopic handle?
A. For the most part, it’s easy enough for kids to manage on their own. If the smaller piece is a bit heavy for them to lift, you may need to assist them. It’s also important to show kids how to lock the extended telescopic handle because they won’t be able to stack the luggage otherwise.
Q. What’s the best secondary, smaller bag to complement a larger rolling suitcase?
A. It depends on what you’re packing inside it. For clothing and shoes, choose a set where both pieces are the same shape, which is usually oval or rectangular. For toys and games, try a small handheld case that is spacious and structured. If you need a bag that packs snacks, swimwear, and small toys, your best bet is a set with a matching backpack.
Our expertise
Although Jmar Gambol doesn’t have kids himself, he was a frequent world traveler as a child, learning early on about the pros and cons of child-sized luggage, rollers, carts and storage. He still enjoys travel and likes to keep up to date with developments in travel luggage in search of the best and most practical user experience. He has been writing for BestReviews since 2021 and has written multiple reviews and buying guides about luggage and suitcases.
