The 10 Best Carry On Luggage For Kids, Tested And Researched

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
Best Carry On Luggage For Kids

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: American Tourister Kids' Disney Hardside Upright Luggage

This kids' suitcase is a fun way to travel with Mickey Mouse 2, Carry-On 16-Inch bag that features a telescoping handle and four wheels for easy lifting up and down curbs. It's available in multiple colors and has two front compartments, three interior mesh pockets, two exterior zippered pockets, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Rockland Jr Kids' My First Hardside Spinner Luggage

Carry your kid's favorite toys, clothes and other essentials in this durable hardside spinner luggage. With a fun 3D animal character on the polycarbonate shell and easy-open pull handle, this piece will keep your little traveler company while functioniing as a carryon or weekend travel piece. Read Review

3. Best Convenient: Disney Princess Luggage

A luggage set that's a perfect fit for any Disney Princess. This large inside compartment, spacious interior provides plenty of space to pack your essentials and features smooth zippered closure to keep your items safe. It also includes 360° spinner wheels & a retractable handle and is made of ABS/Polycarbonate, which is lightweight & durable, protects the contents of your luggage. Read Review

4. Top Choice: American Tourister Kids' Disney Softside Upright Luggage

This American Tourister Kids' Disney Softside Upright Luggage is a must-have for any Disney fan. It has a sturdy and durable design that can handle even the roughest of journeys. The exterior features your favorite Disney princesses, while the interior is complete with 2 large compartments, 4 smaller compartments and a padded pocket to hold your iPad or tablet. Read Review

A family’s holiday can be stressful enough – trying to fit everything into one suitcase is only going to make things more difficult. That’s where a good carry-on luggage comes in handy. It won’t take up much space in the overhead compartment, and will be enough to bring your kids’ toys, sweets, and other essentials with you on your trip.

To make things easier for you, we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide that should have all the answers you need about choosing the best carry-on luggage for children. So read on to find out more about different features and design considerations when looking for the perfect child-friendly luggage bag for your next getaway...

We think the best carry on luggage for kids is American Tourister Kids' Disney Hardside Upright Luggage, with that you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, We've put up a purchasing guide and also shown other great options for you to consider.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 American Tourister Kids' Disney Hardside Upright Luggage
Our Score:
9.7
AMERICAN TOURISTER
  • CROSS STRAPS Secure the contents of your luggage to help prevent shifting that can cause damage, also help keep the contents of your luggage organized
  • 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: American Tourister products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards; This set comes with a 10 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
  • BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider made of flexible fabric designed to help create a separate compartment inside your suitcase for added organization and security
  • SIDE MOUNTED SKATE WHEELS for easy mobility, rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm or shoulder
  • PACKING Dimensions: 18.0" x 13.0" x 8.0", OVERALL Dimensions: 20.0" x 15.0" x 10.0", Weight: 4.5 pounds
  • EASY DUAL tube pull handle
  • 18" KIDS UPRIGHT LUGGAGE maximizes packing power and meets carry on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • 13"x10. 5"x19" (with wheels)
  • Polycarbonate light weight hard side shell
  • Easy roll 360 degree spin wheels
  • Adjustable height pull handle for parents and kids
  • Fully lined and rubber zipper pulls for easy grip for little hands
TOP Choice #3 Disney Princess Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
Disney
  • PERFECT GIFT: Perfect gift for your child. Lightweight and spacious. This awesome kids Children Toddler Luggage will sure to bring a smile to that precious face you love so much!
  • EXCLUSIVE DESIGN: Awesome Disney Princess graphic at front features Princess Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan and Belle. Bright color and exclusive design of this princess luggage will sure to catch your kid's attention.
  • CONVENIENT: Extremely lightweight travel suitcase for kids, will not be an extra burden to children on travel. It has 360° spinner wheels & a retractable handle for smooth movement. Carry-on Approved.
  • MATERIAL: We provide exclusively designed new Disney Princess Carry-on luggage case for Kids. It's made of ABS/Polycarbonate, which is lightweight & durable, protects the contents of your luggage.
  • IDEAL SIZE: Unique designed hard shell luggage case for kids has ideal size for easy carry. Measures approximately 20 Inch x 12 Inch x 8 Inch. Weight is approximately 2.4 kg - 5.2 lbs.
  • 18 inches KIDS UPRIGHT Luggage maximizes Packing power and meets carry on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • Packing Dimensions: 18.0" x 12.0" x 7.0", Overall Dimensions: 19.48" x 13.18" x 7.87", Weight: 3.86 pounds
  • IN LINE SKATE Wheels for easy mobility, rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm or shoulder
  • Large MESH Pocket on interior panel for added organization and security
  • 10 Year Limited Warranty: American Tourister products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards; This set comes with a 10 Year Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
  • CROSS STRAPS Secure the contents of your Luggage to help prevent shifting that can cause damage, also help keep the contents of your Luggage organized
  • EASY pull handle
5 Travelers Club Kids' 5 Piece Luggage Travel Set
Our Score:
9.0
Travelers Club
  • Carry On Suitcase: Cabin sized, 4 Wheels, Hardside
  • Matching colors and patterns
  • 5 Piece Children's Travel Set: 18" Hard Side Carryon Luggage, 15" Backpack, 10" Lunch Bag, Neck Pillow, Luggage Tag
  • Sleeping Pillow: Made of spandex fabric with micro beads
  • CARRY-ON SIZE: With multiple pockets and plenty of space to pack, this luggage is carry-on sized and ready to roll! Measuring 14. 5"x 18"x 6. 5", they're great for kids to travel with and easy for parents to manage, too
  • SPECIAL FEATURES: With accessible, zipper pockets and fun designs that even include glitter accents, there are plenty of awesome features that make this luggage stylish and smart. An extendable handle for easy rolling makes travel simple for kids. Multiple outside compartments also help you simply and organize your child's belongings, no matter how far they travel
  • HIGH QUALITY: With a sturdy construction and durable polyester exterior, you can be assured this bag is made to last through plenty of wear and tear. Sturdy wheels and exterior hardware will make it the perfect bag to use for your next vacation
  • FUN & FUNCTIONAL: Colorful, exciting characters and patterns make this luggage super stylish. Your child is sure to find something they love with the variety of designs offered. Don't forget to make it a set with other coordinating Stephen Joseph products or customize it to make it your own
7 American Tourister Hardside Luggage
Our Score:
8.8
AMERICAN TOURISTER
  • Airline Approved - the carry on is perfect to bring aboard most major airlines.
  • Star Wars removable ID Tag
  • Push-button locking handle
  • Split case with interior organization
  • Telescopic steel tube trolley handle adjusts to the user's height
  • COLOR INFO: Vibrant color combination will make an eye-catching look for kids. Excellent front graphic of Spider man with spider web and text on the blue black background will sure to catch your kid's attention.
  • MORE INFO: These cases are also designed to be carry-on approved; saving you unwanted baggage fees while travelling by plane.
  • MATERIAL: We provide Exclusive Designed Marvel Spider Man Kids Hard Shell Spinner Luggage. Made of Polycarbonate composite / ABS.
  • FEATURES: This extremely lightweight spinner allows you to pack everything that your child will need while keeping the overall weight at a minimum. The spinner wheels deliver all the durability and smoothness of our full sized spinner luggage.
  • WEIGHT & SIZE: Ideal size for Easy to Carry. The weight is 18 inch – 4.1 lbs – 1.86 kg and the Dimensions 18 inch x 12 inch x 9 inch. For its medium size, it is flexible to carry and packaging.
  • EASY PORTABILITY: Wheeled luggage features a lightweight upright design with four 360-degree spinner wheels, and features a top carry handle for easy loading into trunks, cars and overhead bins; features a top retractable handle which allows for effortless movement during travel
  • TOY STORY TRAVEL LUGGAGE: Children's hard sided luggage with a visually striking design featuring Buzz Lightyear of Star Command in a heroic stance from the Lightyear movie; Hard side luggage carrier meets most airline requirements for carry-on luggage and fits into most overhead bins
  • DURABLE: Travel luggage bag features a hard shell ABS plastic case which protects your luggage and is easy to spot clean; officially licensed Disney Pixar product ensures that you are receiving genuine and authentic Lightyear hardside luggage
  • DIMENSIONS: Lightweight luggage spinner measures 21 H x 13.5 W x 8.5 D in inches, and weighs 6 lbs
  • ABUNDANT STORAGE: Hard luggage features double zippers, a sizable polyester-lined main zip compartment for easy packing, a zip wet dry compartment for personal essentials, and clothing compression straps to keep clothing from wrinkling

Which Characteristics To Consider On Selecting best carry on luggage for kids For 2024?

To make a practical purchase, you guys need to be aware of best carry on luggage for kids ultimately. Several key factors must be taken into account and evaluated. Of course, there are some challenges for you during the process of studying products. So we are available here to provide you with comprehensive advice and support.

Thanks to the evaluation supported by high technology, we have come up with some significant features for you to go through. Let’s check it below!

Weight

Checked luggage: Full-size bags are allowed, but the weight limits vary by airline (see below). Excess baggage fees can be very high so make sure your bag isn't too heavy. Regular flyers might find it useful to purchase luggage scales. Keep in mind, however that you will need to pack more outfits if your suitcase is empty. We found that the best suitcases were as light as 2.3kg empty. Bulkier options weighed in at around 6.2kg.
Hand luggage: Some airlines may have restrictions on the weight of cabin cases. You don't have to give up books, souvenirs and gifts if you choose a lighter cabin bag or fly with an airline that is more flexible.

Handles

Practicality is enhanced by suitcases that have handles at the top and sides. This extra handle along with the towing handle makes it much simpler to lift your suitcase onto and off luggage racks, check-in scales, and baggage carousels.
Top handles can extend into several positions to provide maximum comfort. When not in use, they can be retracted for easy pushing down.

Size

Cases up to full-size: How easy will your suitcase fit into the car's boot if you plan to drive to the airport? It will it be possible to carry the bag around in crowds? There's also the baggage rack at the airport bus. You could hoist it onto the top. You might consider a lighter option if your travels are less than two weeks. A piece of luggage should be durable enough to endure rough transit conditions, yet not cause you pain.
Hand luggage is allowed on most airlines. Some allow for a second hand bag, such as a backpack, or sling bag. A suitcase that is "cabin-size" does not necessarily mean that it can fit into a cabin. Although there are restrictions on size, many airlines will accept suitcases up to 56x45x25 cm.

Wheels

Four-wheelers are the most common type of suitcase. Sometimes called spinners. This means that you don’t need to tip your bag before you tow it. It can also be wheeled along with you. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to be slightly larger and are easier to lift over kerbs. However, spinners offer more versatility.

Security

Traveling with your padlock is important. However, it is recommended that you have one with Transport Security Administration (TSA).
The locks are branded with the TSA red logo and include a universal masterkey.
The TSA is the only one that has this copy. This key allows American airlines security personnel to access your luggage and inspect its contents, without risk.
They can open the lock if they are unable to do so.

Expandability

A lot of suitcases have an expandable panel that can be removed to give you at least 10% more packing space. If you're looking for last-minute souvenirs and gifts, some of our top-scoring full-size and cabin suitcases can be expanded.

Storage

There are many internal pockets that you can find in both hard-shell and soft-sided luggages. These include small pockets with integrated zippers and large pouched pockets that will hold a laptop. You can also have removable laundry bags or garment sections to keep your suit jackets from tearing. Soft-sided suitcases are often equipped with external pockets that can be used to store easy-access items.

FAQs

Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better?

Because it is lighter than heavy luggage, soft luggage is more popular. Because of the use of lighter materials in hard luggage, this has been changed. It really depends on personal choice as to which option is better. Many soft luggage has expandable and external pockets. Hard luggage, on the other hand offers greater protection and durability.

Is The Rolling Handle Double Barred?

You may prefer to carry a rolling bag, but the main part of a suitcase is its handle. Some brands still make luggage that has a single pull handle. Single bar bags are less sturdy than double-bar rolling bags. This feature can fail to work when you're rushing through an airport. You will be in the middle of an arm workout while carrying your bag. This can be avoided by purchasing a bag that has a double-bar handle.

What Is The Importance Of Luggage?

Because you need to travel a lot, you can also take the bag with you. A well-designed luggage bag will make an impression on other people. Bags are more than just bags. They can also be a fashion statement.

How Much Does It Weigh?

You should look beyond the features and attributes of the bag's pockets when you search for a travel suitcase. Check out the weight of the bag without any contents. This is a mistake I've made more times than once. A bag too heavy to carry around is a temptation that I make love to. You will need to ensure that your bag is light, especially for travelers who want to save baggage fees. Look for bags that claim to be lightweight, or give you an accurate weight. It will not be possible to carry a heavy bag on an airplane from Hawaii, or at train stations across Europe.

What Is The Most Durable Luggage?

Polycarbonate and ABS are the most reliable luggage materials on the market. While the former is more sturdy, it's usually lighter. Both durable and lightweight luggage can be constructed from both.

Are The Inside Pockets Useful?

Your clothing and personal belongings should be contained in your luggage. Bags with too many pockets end up being useless. Think about what you prefer to pack before you go ahead and click the buy button. You may not want a large zippered lid, so make sure you have a bag that has a great design. Look for suitcases with shoe compartments. Your bag should maximize its space. If your features aren't clear, it won't work.

What Size Suitcase Is Considered Oversized?

While baggage size regulations vary from one airline to the next, most airlines allow luggage to be checked up to 62 inches in length. These airlines would consider bags exceeding these limits to be excessive.

All in all, you guys now are able to stay up to date on best carry on luggage for kids of 2024 with new information. As mentioned, on top of that, the fluctuation of sources like websites and forums, you must be aware of which is best reliable for you. 

Honestly, we are delighted to have the chance to support you with product-related issues and additional concerns as well. So it would be best if you didn't hesitate to contact us. Feel free for that!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio