The Best Kids Luggage Pieces, Tested and Reviewed
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Family trips can be stressful, but they’re also tons of fun, especially when your kids are excited about the adventure. One way to spark the interest of your travelers-in-training is to get them involved in the packing process — with their very own luggage.
Fit for burgeoning wanderlust, children’s luggage is not only small, but also lightweight and easy to pull, often with cute designs or bright colors. To help you find the perfect suitcase for your little ones, we tried 20 options over a months-long testing period, evaluating each for organizational features, maneuverability, durability, style, and value.
Beyond our own assessments, the cases were packed and pulled around by real kids with big opinions. These are the best luggage pieces for children, according to our tests.
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This petite suitcase is not only cute, but also durable and easy to pull, with a handle that adjusts from kid to parent height.
Our favorite option for younger children is the Rockland Jr. My First Hardside Spinner. This petite yet functional suitcase has two main compartments of equal size, including one with a zippered enclosure and one held down with straps. This suitcase may not have any exterior pockets or smaller sections on the inside, but it’s still easy to pack. (If your little traveler loves staying organized, consider getting them a few small packing cubes.) Though it’s among the most compact options we tested, we were still able to fit eight outfits, one pair of shoes, one doll, and a stuffed animal.
With four wheels that rotate a full 360 degrees, this spinner suitcase is a breeze to maneuver on pretty much any surface, even for kids under 7. We also appreciate how the handle adjusts to make it easy for both children and parents to pull. Considering the durable construction, smooth-rolling design, and supercute appearance, we’d definitely pay full price for this luggage.
The Details: 16 x 12 x 10 inches | 5.2 pounds | 1.8-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | Polycarbonate
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With multiple compartments and pockets, your child will use this versatile, smooth-rolling suitcase for years to come.
For older kids, we recommend this less-cutesy, slightly larger (but not too big) option. The Logan Suitcase has two sizable inner compartments, plus two interior mesh pockets and an exterior zippered pocket. There’s also a side strap for easy access to a water bottle or stuffed animal.
This four-wheel spinner rolls smoothly on hard floors and carpets. It also has an adjustable telescoping handle and grab handles on the top and side, making it easy for parents to grab or lift in a pinch. While the price is on the steeper side for a kid’s suitcase, the durable design seems like it’ll last a long time, and the relatively simple colorblock exterior could definitely grow with your child and be used into the teen years, too. It also comes in more than a dozen colorways.
The Details: 18.7 x 13.4 x 9.5 inches | 6.5 pounds | 29-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | Polyester
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This affordable, kid-friendly suitcase has a large main compartment, a zippered mesh section, and five exterior pockets.
If your tiny traveler likes to stay organized, go with the Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage. This suitcase has a large main compartment, a slightly smaller zippered mesh section under the lid, and five exterior pockets. We were able to fit nine outfits, one pair of shoes, a doll, a stuffed animal, a mini football, a tablet, a toy truck, a drawing board, markers, and even a few snacks.
Though it’s not a spinner, it wheels around just fine on two wheels and is easy for a child to pull. This suitcase comes in a variety of screen-printed, kid-friendly designs, from monkeys to dinosaurs to unicorns. It may only appeal to younger children, but for such an affordable price, we think it’s worth buying — even if you end up replacing it in a few years.
The Details: 18 x 14.5 x 6.5 inches | 2 wheels | Polyester
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This wallet-friendly suitcase has a spacious interior with various pockets, an adjustable handle, and an easy-to-pull design.
On a budget? Check out the Crckt Kids’ Carry On. This softside suitcase has a main compartment big enough for several days’ worth of clothes and a few toys, plus a zippered mesh section under the lid and five exterior pockets perfect for smaller toys, a tablet, and snacks. There’s also a mesh side pocket that’s useful for a water bottle or drink. The removable, dangling plush toy is another bonus that kids will love.
We appreciated the adjustable handle and like how easy it is to maneuver on various surfaces. This luggage seems generally well-made, but the zippers sometimes got stuck around the corners during testing, and it may not hold up long enough to work as a hand-me-down. Still, it’s perfect for a young child’s first suitcase, and considering the wallet-friendly price, we think it’s absolutely worth buying.
The Details: 19 x 11.5 x 7 inches | 4.85 pounds | 35-liter capacity | 2 wheels | Polyester
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure
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The JetKids BedBox is more than just a suitcase. The ride-on design allows a child to sit on top and be pulled by their parents through a busy airport using the adjustable strap (it can hold up to 77 pounds). We like how spacious the main compartment is, but since you have to pack it from the top, you can’t access all your belongings without unpacking the entire thing.
This kids’ luggage solution feels very sturdy, though it popped open when we dropped it from a ladder and hit it with a hammer. Thanks to the high-quality rotating wheels, it’s easy to maneuver and rolls smoothly over hard floors and carpet. You can also reattach the strap and carry it like a shoulder bag, but this option will almost certainly be too heavy for kids. It also comes with stickers that kids can customize it with.
The Details: 18 x 14 x 8 inches | 6.6 pounds | 20-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels
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This reasonably priced five-piece set includes a matching suitcase, backpack, lunchbox, neck pillow, and luggage tag.
This five-piece luggage set from Travelers Club comes with a small carry-on suitcase, a backpack, a lunchbox, a neck pillow, and a luggage tag, each featuring a matching kid-friendly print. The hardside suitcase seems very durable, with high-quality zippers, a telescoping handle, and spinner wheels that roll smoothly on various surfaces — even grass.
We like that a child could use all coordinating items on a single trip or select a piece based on their current needs. The only potential drawback is that the designs are aimed more at younger kids, so your child might outgrow the luggage in a few years.
The Details: 18 x 12 x 9 inches (suitcase), 15 x 10 x 5 inches (backpack) | 7.5 pounds (total) | 4 spinner wheels | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, 600D polyester
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This carry-on from Béis is a great bag for teens who want a trendy piece of luggage but don’t necessarily need to pack a checked-size suitcase. We like the small size that’s easy for teens to maneuver on their own, even on uneven terrain. It’s also easy to lift, so your kids should be able to handle it without any help. It’s sized closer to an underseat bag than a true carry-on but fits nearly as much as a standard carry-on, and it has the largest capacity of all the suitcases on this list. We also love that the front pocket fits a 13-inch Macbook Pro if your teens need to travel with a laptop.
One half of the bag is fully zipped with a clear zippered pocket on that half, and the other has x-shaped straps and a small pocket. It also has a removable laundry bag labeled “stink bag.” Though this playful carry-on is marketed for kids, we would gladly carry it as adult,s which makes us think it’s the perfect option for in-between teenagers. It’s sleek and smartly designed, and there’s a front latch to add on another bag, although we would recommend keeping it small to avoid the extra bag dragging on the ground.
The Details: 17 x 16.5 x 9 inches | 7 pounds | 41-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels | Polycarbonate
Other Kids Luggage Pieces We Liked
Here are a few more pieces of luggage that almost made our list.
Costway 2-piece Kids Luggage Set: This two-piece set includes a suitcase and a matching backpack. Though the backpack is great for organization, and we found the spinner suitcase easy to pull, the wheels felt slightly cheap.
Mima Ovi Suitcase: This two-wheel suitcase is a cinch to pull and turns on a dime. While we like the modish, space-age design, we’re not sure it would appeal to kids as much as adults.
Our Testing Process
We researched today’s best kids luggage and chose 20 products to try firsthand. First, we inspected the suitcases’ overall capacity, noting the number of pockets and other organizational features. Next, we packed them full of children’s items, including outfits, shoes, toys, tablets, and snacks, and assessed how easily accessible everything was for small hands.
Then we tossed the suitcases off a ladder or table and hit them with a baseball bat or hammer to see how well they stood up to damage. Each piece was also evaluated for how easy it is for both kids and adults to push, pull, turn, and lift overhead. We chose our favorites based on organization, durability, maneuverability, style, and value.
Tips for Buying Kids Luggage
Consider the best — and most manageable — size
The best suitcases for kids to manage themselves are usually smaller than a standard carry-on size (22 x 14 x 9 inches). You’ll likely want to get something even more petite for younger children and edge closer to the max for older kids. For instance, a 16-inch-tall suitcase will be lighter in weight and easier to maneuver for a shorter child, whereas something closer to 19 inches might be a better option for a tween. Plus, the smaller size is ideal to serve as underseat luggage when flying with kids.
Prioritize durability
Kids luggage is usually more affordable than adult luggage. While it may not last quite as long, you still want to choose something that’ll hold up for multiple years — and even better if it can be handed down to a younger sibling when your older child outgrows it. With this in mind, look for a suitcase with a damage-resistant exterior, reliable zippers, a sturdy handle, and durable wheels.
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Look for organizational features
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for various organizational features, which will make it easier for your child to pack for trips and access their belongings. This may include separated main compartments, a zippered section for dirty clothes, and various interior and exterior pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can children have their own carry-on suitcase and personal item?
Yes! Most airlines allow each ticketed passenger to bring one carry-on suitcase and one personal item on flights as allowed by the fare class booked. The only exception is lap children (under 2 years of age), who most likely wouldn’t have their own luggage anyway.
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What should I pack in kids luggage?
You can pack your child’s clothes and shoes in their luggage, but some parents choose to combine these items into their own suitcase. If this is your child’s first experience using their own luggage, consider having them pack things they want to have on the trip to encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility. This could be a tablet, headphones, small toys, books, a stuffed animal, a special blanket, or snacks.
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What should I write on a kid’s luggage tag?
Your child’s name is fine to include, but the parent/guardian should have their own phone number and email address in case the luggage gets lost or misplaced.
You Might Also Want
Here are a few more travel products that will serve kids (and parents) well.
Doona Car Seat and Stroller: An all-time parent favorite, this convertible car seat also doubles as a stroller. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds.
Wildkin Jurassic Dinosaurs Backpack: After putting this light kid’s backpack to the test, we loved that the capacity is big enough to fit a laptop, folders, a lunchbox, and a water bottle without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry.
JBL JR300BT Kids Headphones: Keeping kids entertained during long hours of travel is made easier with a reliable pair of kid-friendly headphones. JBL makes our favorite. This pair is conveniently foldable with a soft headband and plush ear cushions.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Theresa Holland is a writer specializing in travel and lifestyle. She has authored many stories about luggage and knows what to look for when shopping for the best of the best. A mother of two, she is also keenly aware of the challenges (and joys) of traveling with small children. For this article, she compiled insights from our team and combed through product specs to craft thorough, trusted recommendations for the best luggage for kids.
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