As someone who frequently travels with three young kids, I’ve found that the best kids luggage can ease travel frustrations, get my kids excited to pack their bags and simply make things go more smoothly. A good piece of luggage for kids is appropriately sized and durable. It’s also helpful when the luggage has elements designed just for kids, like ride-on capability or cute designs. With its abundance of features—including organizational compartments, a laundry bag and a TSA-approved lock—the Away Kids Carry-On is my top pick.
The best kids luggage is appropriately-sized, durable and appealing to kids.
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My own kids and I have personally used many of the suitcases on this list, rolling them in and out of hotels on our travels. I spoke to frequent traveler parents as well as two travel experts to help narrow down the list. My kids also played with them extensively, the ultimate test of durability. After thorough research, combined with real-world testing, here are my picks for the best kids luggage.
The Away Kids Carry-On is always the suitcase I grab for my kids first—I’m impressed with the overall quality and abundance of features. The thoughtfully designed luggage includes interior compression, a laundry bag, a silicone luggage tag, a TSA-approved combination lock and multiple interior pockets. These features can make it easier for kids to not only pack everything they need but to keep it organized, too. In addition to the fun, bright colors the suitcase comes in, you can also add personalization, which is exciting for young kids who are learning to recognize their names.
With lots of organizational pockets, the Away Kids Carry-On simplifies keeping track of kids' belongings.
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The luggage is simple to maneuver with 360-degree spinner wheels, which roll very smoothly in my experience. An adjustable trolley handle that has multiple positions makes it easy for kids of any height—and their parents—to pull the luggage. The suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge similar to a Magic Eraser, so you can keep it looking nice. However, I found that it scuffed a bit easier than some of the other suitcases I’ve used. I still think it’s the best overall thanks to its smooth maneuverability and wide variety of features, but if you want something that still looks new after multiple trips, you might want to try one of our other picks.
Best Luggage For Older Kids
A Durable Full-Size Carry-On
Amazon
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.5 x 20.9 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Colors: 4 colors | Warranty: Optional 3- or 4-year protection plan at additional cost | Capacity: 34L
Older kids may not want a cutesy suitcase, and they probably need a little bit more room than most traditional kids’ luggage offers. I like the Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner because it’s a true carry-on they can continue to use for years to come. With a 34-liter capacity, it’s the second largest piece of rolling luggage on our list. It also comes in a few aesthetic colors like light blue and orange, so they don’t have to stick to the more muted colors of most traditional suitcases. The suitcase has multiple interior pockets for easy organization. It also has multi-directional wheels and a telescoping handle so kids can easily maneuver it. Even though two of my kids tested this as toddlers, they had no problem maneuvering it.
In addition to testing this suitcase with my kids, my husband has taken it on quite a few business trips, proving it’s an option that grows with kids as they transition to adulthood. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala has also used this suitcase with her kids, and says it has held up well over the last several years, including on several cross-country and international flights. The scratch-resistant hard shell helps keep it in good shape, and it’s expandable, giving them that extra room they need as they grow, or just for bringing souvenirs home.
Best Kids Luggage Upgrade
Glides Effortlessly And Fits Plenty Of Items
July
July Carry On Light Expandable
Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.17 x 9.65 inches (when expanded) | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Colors: 8 colors | Warranty: Lifetime warranty on defects | Capacity: 40L (when expanded)
Weighing less than 5 pounds, any concerns about your kids being able to maneuver heavy luggage are gone with the July Carry On Light Expandable. The 360-degree spinner wheels help the whole thing glide effortlessly. Most kids don’t need a sleek suitcase like this, but if that’s your priority, it’s the best choice. It’s an investment, but its expandable design, true carry-on size and generous lifetime warranty ensure its longevity.
I’ve been using the similar July Carry On Essential with my kids for about a year, and it’s one of my favorite suitcases. Extra features on the light expandable suitcase include a TSA lock and zipper compartments to help keep small items like socks and underwear easy to find. Kids might enjoy personalizing their luggage and choosing from eight colors, including navy and blush pink.
Pottery Barn Kids is known for its backpacks, lunchboxes and other kids’ items that are beautifully designed and personalizable. The Mackenzie Hard-Sided Luggage is no exception; it’s available in many kid-friendly colors and designs that you can personalize with names, initials and even some graphics. You can also find matching accessories like duffle bags and water bottles.
The suitcase has a waterproof and weather-resistant exterior to keep their belongings dry and the exterior looking fresh. The sleek, rounded design looks less utilitarian than other suitcases and may be more appealing to kids than traditional suitcases. With an adjustable handle and 360-degree spinner wheels, it’s easy for most kids to pull themselves. Regrettably, there isn’t a warranty for this suitcase, only a 30-day return window.
Best Softside Luggage For Kids
Intelligently Designed To Make Traveling Easier
State Bags
State Logan Carry-On Suitcase
Dimensions: 18.7 x 13.4 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Colors: 11 colors/patterns | Warranty: 1-year warranty for material or manufacturing defects | Capacity: 29L
Some parents may worry that softside luggage is less durable, but after personally testing this suitcase for over a year, it has held up really well. Former Forbes Vetted editor and family travel writer Esther Carlstone agrees: “They still look great after dozens of travels over three years,” she says of the multiple State Logan suitcases she owns. The exterior is water-resistant, and while I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out in the rain, it easily keeps things dry while briefly walking in wet conditions. In addition to taking it on trips, my kids also play with it at home, and it’s still in great shape. The Logan is recommended for kids ages 6 and up, and there’s a mini version for kids ages 3 to 5 if you’re looking for something a bit smaller.
The suitcase boasts lots of helpful features like exterior straps for water bottles or other items, a front pocket with pencil holders, various interior pockets, an adjustable handle and 360-degree spinner wheels. “My kids are obsessed with the fun designs and kid-friendly compartments like the ‘stuffy straps’ as my youngest calls them," says says Carlstone. “I love how much it fits inside and how durable they’ve been.” It has top and side carry handles, too, so you can grab it whichever way is easiest. With fun colors and patterns including a thunderbolt pattern or pink and silver glitter, there’s something for every kid.
My kids and I have been testing this luggage set for a couple of years, and it remains their favorite, largely thanks to the kid-friendly design and abundant accessories. Though it’s a less expensive option, it has also proved very durable. We took it on a cross-country road trip, packing and unpacking repeatedly, loading and unloading the car nonstop—and the luggage held up beautifully. It hardly has any scratches and is still in great condition. It also garnered many comments from fellow travelers about how adorable it was to see my young kids (all under age 6) pull their own luggage.
The set includes a suitcase, a backpack, a lunch box, a luggage tag and a neck pillow in 12 all-over patterns, including Cool Dog and Ice Cream. Inside, there are a few different pockets to help your kids organize their belongings. Given the fun designs and its compact size, it’s best for toddlers or preschoolers. It also tips over relatively easily, which isn’t something that typically happens with higher-end suitcases.
Best Value Kids Luggage
Size And Design That Appeals To Toddlers
Amazon
Rockland Jr. Kids' My First Hardside Spinner Luggage
Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 19 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Colors: 4 colors/patterns | Warranty: 5-year warranty | Capacity: Not listed
It doesn’t get much more kid-centric than the Rockland Jr. Kids’ My First Hardside Spinner Luggage, which comes shaped like various animals, including a frog, shark or turtle. Details of the thoughtful design include a matching luggage tag and functional zipper pulls. The rubber grips help kids independently open and close their suitcase, and the hardsided design helps protect their belongings.
The suitcase is on the smaller side, making it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. With 360-degree spinning wheels and an adjustable handlebar, they can maneuver it easily. To help little ones organize their bag while they’re packing, the interior has a zippered compartment on one side and elastic straps on the other.
A suitcase kids can ride on that also transforms into a bed on the plane? Sign me up. The Stokke Jetkids Bedbox comes with a mattress that helps transform the suitcase into a bed, and all of the parts nest inside the suitcase. Because I’m always concerned about safety, I like that kids can wear their seatbelt while using the bed, even in the lying down position. It also comes with stickers so kids can personalize their luggage.
Both experts we spoke to recommend the Stokke Jetkids Bedbox. “It’s sturdy and easily maneuverable by both kids and parents, so it eliminates the need to also take a stroller for kids that are old enough to sit on the suitcase,” says Marianne Perez Fransius, the CEO of Bébé Voyage, an online community for traveling families. Lindsay Myers, a travel expert and Access Hollywood contributor, also praises its sturdy construction. It’s “strong, durable and gives them a fun ride,” says Myers. Perez Fransius explains that the top opening makes it easy to get items out mid-flight.
After testing this suitcase, I definitely recommend it as a carry-on due to the airplane-friendly features and because there’s limited room inside the suitcase. Rather than using it as your kid’s sole suitcase, think of it as a tool to make air travel easier and to pack in-flight essentials, but plan on another suitcase or extra room in your own luggage for your child’s clothes and other belongings.
Best Kids Duffle Bag
Versatile With A Large Capacity
L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle
Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 13 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Colors: 12 colors | Warranty: 1-year return period | Capacity: 35L
A good duffle bag is a must for kids, I remember constantly using one for sleepovers, sports practices and more. This one from L.L. Bean has a generous capacity at 35 liters, which is the second largest piece of luggage on our list. Twelve color choices plus the option to personalize the bag with a monogram allows kids to make it their own.
A U-shaped zipper opens wide to make it easy to see and find their belongings. To help with organization, the bag comes with a matching packing cube. It also has a small outside zipper pocket. There’s a padded shoulder strap for comfort, and they can carry it by the handles, too. This is a great pick for kids who frequently need to take their bag outside in inclement weather or to sleepaway camp. The fabric is waterproof, and there’s a coated interior for extra weather protection (but note that the zippers are not waterproof).
How We Chose The Best Kids Luggage
To find the best kids luggage, we took suitcases on various trips with our kids.
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To curate this list of the best luggage for kids, we combined expert advice, in-depth research and real-world testing.
We researched popular luggage brands for kids and considered carry-ons and kids versions of the best luggage brands.
We tested many of our picks on trips with our own kids: Betz took many suitcases on overnight trips. We evaluated how the luggage held up over time and how practical it was for our kids to pack and use the luggage.
To choose models that work for various needs and budgets, we included different types of luggage in a range of prices.
We also considered luggage that offers innovative features to make travel with kids easier, such as ride-on components and unique storage compartments. We also compared luggage features such as capacity and weight.
What To Look For In The Best Kids Luggage
Here are a few things to consider when picking the right suitcases and bags for your family.
Kid-Friendly Designs
As with anything, kids like their luggage more when they get to pick out a fun color or design—which helps them feel more ownership of their bag. “If they don’t like the color or if it’s too heavy for them, then you’re going to get stuck carrying their suitcase (and maybe them),” says Perez Fransius. Whether it’s their favorite character or color, or even personalizing the exterior with their name or initials, a kid-friendly design can increase their chances of wanting to carry the suitcase themselves.
To ensure your child actually wants to use their luggage, look for prints and colors that excite them.
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Durability
“The last thing you want is for your kid to have a meltdown in the airport because a wheel popped off their suitcase or the zipper doesn’t close properly,” says Perez Fransius. You also don’t want the contents of your child’s luggage spilling all over if the zipper splits or the material comes apart. Look for luggage that is made of high-quality materials and consider how long the warranty is so you can address any issues that may arise.
Size
When considering the size, think both about the size of your child and how much they need to fit in their suitcase. You want something that they can easily manage but also has enough room for all of their belongings. Some luggage designed for kids is pretty small and is best for toddlers and preschoolers, while other options like full-size carry-ons have more room. “Think small and mobile but fits all the ‘emergency-while-in-the-air items,’” says Myers. “This is going to be items like stuffed animals, snacks, books and tablets.”
Organization
Pockets and separated compartments can help your child keep the belongings in their luggage organized, so you don’t have to pull everything out to find one thing. Many suitcases have zipper compartments inside, and some have extra features like exterior pockets and compression straps.
Maneuverability
There are two main factors to consider here: wheels and handles. The best kids luggage options have a telescoping handle and 360-degree spinner wheels. Both of these factors make the luggage easier for kids (and parents) to maneuver, which can prevent meltdowns and help travel go more smoothly.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team spends countless hours testing and researching products, as well as actually traveling with our kids.
Alicia Betz, the author of this article, is the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear writer. She’s an experienced parenting reporter and product tester. She’s also the mom to three and has taken six of the suitcases on our list on various trips.
Margaret Badore, who oversees this article, is the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor. She’s also a mom to three with 19 years of journalism experience, and is also an avid traveler.
For this article, we interviewed Marianne Perez Fransius, the CEO of Bébé Voyage, an online community for traveling families and Lindsay Myers, a travel expert and Access Hollywood contributor, where she shares travel and lifestyle tips.
We regularly update our articles to maintain freshness and accuracy. It was most recently updated by Betz in December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We like the Away Kids Carry-On because it has standout features like a laundry bag and TSA-approved lock, and it comes in fun bright colors kids will like.
Both types of luggage can work for kids, provided they’re durable. A high-quality softside suitcase can be just as durable as a high-quality hardside suitcase. Ultimately, it’s more important to consider things like organization, maneuverability and whether your kid will actually like the suitcase or not.
When it comes to size, you want something that can hold your child’s belongings but that they can also wheel around themselves. For older kids, a regular carry-on will likely be the best size. For younger kids, look for suitcases that hold around 20 liters.
Our top pick for the best kids ride-on luggage is the Stokke JetKids BedBox. It has a pull strap and can function as a bed on the plane.
We added a pick for the best kids duffle bag, the L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle. We also answered another frequently asked question, as well as added deeper testing insights.
