The 6 Best Kids Travel Luggage of 2023

Best Overall (Little Kids): Rockland Jr. Kids' My First Hardside Spinner Luggage

Pros

• Lightweight and resilient
• Comes in eight lovely patterns
• Extremely simple for children to push or pull.

Cons

• No exterior pockets

Because it is both stylish and functional, this item is our top recommendation for the youngest travelers. The 19-inch roller board is constructed from polycarbonate, making it lightweight, sturdy, and with a strong shell.

The height-adjustable pull handle and 360-degree spinning wheels make it suitable for tiny children on the go, and made it simple to operate on all lab surfaces, giving it a 5 out of 5 for maneuverability.

This is one of the prettiest designs for young children that we have seen. It is cartoonish without being repulsive. Several adults in the laboratory want this for themselves!"

Our tester observed that the rubber zipper pulls are readily grasped by little hands and that the zippers are of reasonable quality. The laboratory team also praised the dinosaur design on the luggage (4.9 for style).

However, due to its tiny size (it accommodates eight clothing, one pair of shoes, one baby doll, and one stuffed animal) and two compartments, this is best suited for smaller children who do not need to carry or arrange a great deal of items.

With a price tag of less than $60, it's an item you won't mind passing on to another child when yours outgrows it.

• Outside Dimensions: 17.5H x 12W x 11D inches
• Inside Dimensions: Side one: 15H x 13W x 5D inches; side two: 15H x 13W x 5D inches
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Wheels: 4
• What’s Included: 19-inch carry-on bag

Best Organization: Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage

Pros

• Lightweight
• Budget friendly
• Exterior pockets

Cons

• No spinner wheels
• Handle has a single configuration.

This popular bag provides several design possibilities for younger children, including the unicorn motif we tested in the lab.

The quantity of usable compartments, including an inside mesh pocket, an outside front pocket, and two outer side pockets, was recognized by the testers as a practical feature of the luggage.

While receiving a 5 for organization, it can only carry around nine complete clothing (sizes 6–8) and a variety of toys. With its small capacity and the likelihood that a child would rapidly outgrow its designs, we suggest this bag for younger children, which is great given its affordable pricing.

While the price point is reasonable and the patterns are amusing, the "materials are definitely inferior and cheap," our durability tester said, awarding it a score of 3.9. In addition, it lacks spinning wheels, which may cause it to topple during quick city or airport walks.

• Outside Dimensions: 18H x 12W x 7D inches
• Inside Dimensions: 15.5 H x 11W x 6D inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Wheels: 2
• What’s Included: Carry-on suitcase

Best Set: Travelers Club Kids' Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set

Pros

• Five-piece set that coordinates
• Great value
• Seamless rolling

Cons

• Perhaps too childish to grow with children

This five-piece package offers a tremendous value with a multitude of included items at a low price. You receive a matching 18-inch hardside carry-on, a 15-inch backpack, a 10-inch lunch bag, a neck pillow, and a baggage tag.

The suitcase includes two main compartments, with baggage straps on one side and a zipper closing and inside mesh pocket on the other, accommodating 13 garments and a pair of shoes.

Like with the majority of hardside baggage, it lacks outside pockets, but the accompanying backpack solves this issue, thus it still received a 4.8 for organization.

Our tester stated, "It features two sets of spinner wheels that are really effective and smooth." It is scarcely distinguishable when it is on the grass.

Its handle has two height levels that can be adjusted with a single button, and its top carry handle stretches to accommodate hands of all sizes. Also, our tester found that it fits well in an overhead compartment.

During the durability test, a powerful thwack of the bat did manage to scratch the sleek, hard material, albeit a dent rapidly returned to its original shape.

The patterns on this set will likely have outgrown by the time a child is old enough to use it, but the suitcase is likely to be able to be passed on to another user, making this a fantastic price.

• Outside Dimensions: 20H x 13W x 8.5D inches
• Inside Dimensions: Side one: 15.5H x 12W x 4D inches; side two: 15.5H x 12W x 4D inches
• Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Wheels: 4
• What’s Included: 18-inch hardside carry-on, 15-inch backpack, 10-inch lunch bag, neck pillow, luggage tag

Best Hardside: American Tourister Disney Hardside Luggage Two-Piece Set

Pros

• Value-priced set
• The wheels spin and glide smoothly.
• Superior capacity

Cons

• Print will only appeal to Disney and Star Wars enthusiasts.

This two-piece luggage set contains an 18-inch underseat bag and a 21-inch carry-on bag, and it's priced affordably due to the inclusion of two complementary hardshell pieces (available in various Disney or Star Wars-themed patterns, depending on when and where you purchase them).

Each bag has two interior pockets, one with a zipper and the other with an elastic strap. According to our tester, the storage space is "quite large and deep."

The smaller carry-on could accommodate 10 garments and one pair of shoes, while the bigger carry-on could accommodate 19 outfits, one pair of shoes, a doll, two stuffed animals, and three books.

"Disney aficionados will like this vintage-inspired Mickey print. "Anybody who is not a fan, though, will rapidly lose interest," she remarked. As a result, it received a 4.2 for style.

Both bags moved pretty well on the ground, but when it came time to load them into an overhead compartment, they seemed heavier than some of the other baggage we evaluated, therefore we rated it a 4.

This is a great offer if you have a Disney lover in your home, or even better, a couple of Disney enthusiasts.

• Outside Dimensions: Small: 18H x 12.5W x 7.5D inches; large: 23H x 14W x 8D inches
• Inside Dimensions: Small side one: 14H x 11W x 4D inches; small side two: 14H x 11W x 4D inches; large side one: 16.5H x 13W x 4D inches; large side two: 14H x 11W x 4D inches
• Weight: Small: 5.1 pounds; large: 6.7 pounds
• Wheels: 4 each
• What’s Included: 18-inch underseat carry-on, 21-inch carry-on

Best Capacity: Herschel Supply Co. Trade Luggage | Carry-On

Pros

• Designed to endure
• Transitional style matures with children and adolescents.
• Height-adjustable handle

Cons

• Neutral hues may not interest children.
• Heavy

Its robust four-wheel hardshell luggage is cool enough for children and adolescents, while it is not targeted to a specific age range. A TSA lock and a neoprene-padded handle make this carry-on as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. During testing, this carry-on held 18 clothes and one jacket in a rather small area.

The absence of inside pockets lowered the organization grade to 3, but the bag passed the durability test with flying colors, displaying no scuffs or scratches despite being beaten.

The handle extends long enough for an adult and features a button that allows it to be used at three different heights, according to our tester.

Even on grass, the 360-degree wheels made it "very maneuverable" in the laboratory. In contrast, one of our testers remarked, "I wish it had a side handle for lifting into the overhead bin because it's hefty."

Certain designs, such as the Cloudburst Neon studied in the laboratory, are abandoned from season to season, although some regular hues endure.

• Outside Dimensions: 20.5H x 12.5W x 9D inches
• Inside Dimensions: 20.5H x 12.5W x 9D inches
• Weight: 6.5 pounds  
• Wheels: 4
• What’s Included: Carry-on suitcase

Best for Tired Legs​​: Stokke JetKids BedBox

Pros

• Very maneuverable and durable wheels
• Ride-on capability
• Converts to a "bed" for air travel

Cons

• Expensive
• Extremely little potential

This is the Transformers of rolling suitcases: a ride-on luggage that turns into a bed or leg rest for in-flight use. While our tester praised the "maneuverable, high-quality wheels" and "sturdy" construction of this bag, she also found it to be difficult for certain uses.

"It's a single [not very] large compartment that you have to stuff on its side, so it's cumbersome and not very functional," she remarked.

"The strap must be used to pull it. The strap may be reattached to transform the bag into a shoulder bag, however carrying it that way is cumbersome and heavy.

Testing Notes: "Stokke found out the secret to transforming the appealing Nordic style of adults into something children would feel is theirs: stickers!" This little suitcase is very welcoming.

Yet, it is more of an airport option than a bag or stroller."
While the lid contains an additional compartment that is ideal for toys and snacks, the main compartment must be packed from the top, making it difficult to access items towards the bottom.

Notably, if you want to bring along the accompanying padding for the bed-rest feature, it will consume around a third of the capacity. Consider this more of a backpack option than a suitcase replacement.

• Outside Dimensions: 18L x 15.5H x 7.5W inches
• Inside Dimensions: Main compartment: 17.L x 10.5H x 6.5W inches; lid compartment: 11L x 4W x 3D inches 
• Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Wheels: 4
• What’s Included: Convertible rolling bag, padding for leg rest/bed, decorating stickers

Size

Luggage for children should be proportional to their body and have handles of the proper height. Yet, the size of children's luggage is not only dependent on their physical size. If you are traveling by airline and do not want to check luggage, be sure to select a carry-on item that fits in the overhead compartment. According to Travel & Leisure, the average carry-on dimensions, including the handle and wheels, is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, although this varies by airline, so check in beforehand.

We measured the packing capacity of each bag since outside features such as wheels and telescopic handles can sometimes make the inside less spacious than it seems.

Organisation and Layout

The design of children's baggage should reflect not only their age and personality, but also the functional needs of your family. Consider features like as outside zippers and mesh pockets for convenience and organization.

Maneuverability

Children should be able to move their own baggage with as little difficulty as possible so that they can keep up in crowded, intimidating airport terminals or railway stations and develop personal responsibility in the process.

Having smooth-rolling, 360-degree wheels is of great assistance. Handles that may be adjusted to their height or an adult's height are also beneficial. Don't forget that adults frequently end up carrying their children's backpacks at least occasionally.

Durability

If you choose an inexpensive piece of luggage with a childish style, you may not care if it doesn't last until next summer's vacation. Durability is important if you're investing in a piece of high-quality baggage that you hope will grow with your children and withstand the rigors of travel over the years.

How do I pack with children?

It is crucial to be prepared for a range of circumstances while packing for children. For example, if your child is younger and potty training, you may need to bring many changes of clothing.

Additionally, if your child is traveling to a location with variable weather, you may require a variety of clothing alternatives.

Use empty space, such as the interiors of shoes, to store tiny goods such as socks and undergarments. Several individuals believe that rolling their garments makes them more portable and compact.

How heavy should baggage for children be?

If your youngster is carrying his or her own luggage, it should not exceed 10 to 20% of their body weight.

1 Seek for lightweight baggage made of metal, cloth, or plastic in order to have a light starting point. Wheeled baggage is particularly advantageous for youngsters who will be transporting their own belongings through an airport.

"How much they carry and how they carry it is of considerably less importance," says Casares. "It is more crucial that they are carrying something.

When children are given the responsibility of carrying their own belongings when traveling, they will learn the importance of teamwork, family, and the labor that goes into making travel possible.

She explains that if they are responsible for their own suitcase, they will be much more enthusiastic about the upcoming travel and feel greater ownership over it.

Should children employ packing cubes?

Packing cubes are not required, but they can assist organize and compress your child's luggage. If you intend to use packing cubes in your child's baggage, ensure that they are adequately sized to fit in a child's suitcase.

You may also use simple plastic zip-top bags to arrange your belongings.

In the end, BestForHomes (bestforhomes.org) appreciate that you picked our website among dozens of others to read reviews of the best kids travel luggage. Hopefully, this article has assisted you in selecting the most suitable product.