Best Carry on Luggage for Kids Kid-friendly carry-on luggage makes family travel fun and stress-free, encouraging independence while meeting airline size restrictions (22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels) to avoid baggage fees ($30–$50/flight). Our top picks—American Tourister Disney Hardside, Trunki Ride-On Suitcase, Samsonite Dream Rider, JetKids by Stokke BedBox, and Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage—combine durability, vibrant designs, and affordability ($40–$150).
We evaluated them based on size (18–22 inches), weight (3–6 lbs), kid-friendly features (wheels, handles, themes), and parental convenience (straps, storage). These selections suit kids aged 2–12 for vacations, sleepovers, or short trips, ensuring both fun and functionality.
ALSO READ: Best Quality Carry On Luggage
Why Choose Carry On Luggage for Kids?
Benefits of Carry On Luggage for Kids
Kid-specific carry-ons foster independence by letting children manage their own bags, fit airline overhead bins, and save baggage fees, per Travel + Leisure. They’re perfect for family vacations, weekend trips, or sleepovers, keeping kids’ essentials (toys, clothes, snacks) organized.
Key features include lightweight designs (3–6 lbs), fun themes (Disney, animals), 360-degree wheels for easy rolling, and durable polycarbonate or nylon materials. These bags offer parental practicality with straps and pockets, and their affordability ($40–$150) makes them a great value compared to adult carry-ons ($100+), per Good Housekeeping.
Top 5 Best Carry On Luggage for Kids
Here’s our curated list of the top five carry-on luggage options for kids, comparing size, weight, design, features, price, and suitability for kids and parents.
1. American Tourister Disney Hardside – Best Overall
- 21″ SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestica…
- PACKING Dimensions: 21.0″ x 13.25 ” x 9.0″. OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0″ x 16.0″ x 11.0″, Weight: 6.1 lbs
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: American Tourister products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standa…
- Features: 18 x 13 x 8 in, 4.2 lbs, polycarbonate hardside, Disney designs (Mickey, Frozen), 4 spinner wheels.
- Pros: Durable, kid-appealing characters, smooth wheels, per Forbes.
- Cons: Limited capacity (20L), no TSA lock.
- Best For: Kids 3–8 who love Disney and need a sturdy carry-on.
2. Trunki Ride-On Suitcase – Best for Toddlers
- Boredom Busting – Sit On, Ride On & Carry On: Kids luggage to keep children entertained through the airport, at destinat…
- Stress Less – Multi functional strap allows parents to tow tired toddlers on their childrens luggage or carry over the s…
- Happy Travels – Cute kids rolling luggage for vacations, short breaks, sleepovers and playing at home, making it the mus…
- Features: 18.2 x 8 x 12.2 in, 3.5 lbs, polypropylene hardside, ride-on design, animal themes, 4 wheels.
- Pros: Fun ride-on feature, ultra-light, parental carry strap, per Good Housekeeping.
- Cons: Small capacity (18L), unsuitable for kids over 5.
- Best For: Toddlers (2–5) for airport fun and short trips.
3. Samsonite Dream Rider – Best for Durability
- 【Lightweight】Adopting premium PC hard structure, sturdy and waterproof; The appearance of the toddler ride on suitcase i…
- 【Move Smoothly】Kids carry on luggage with wheels has 360° silent wheels, making it easy to move and travel smoothly; Alu…
- 【Large Storage Space】Toddler riding carry on suitcase has a large zippered compartment that can separate and store items…
- Features: 20 x 14 x 8 in, 4.6 lbs, polycarbonate hardside, animal/vehicle designs, 4 wheels.
- Pros: Durable, fun designs, 10-year warranty, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cons: Slightly heavier (4.6 lbs), higher price.
- Best For: Kids 4–10 needing a long-lasting carry-on.
4. JetKids by Stokke BedBox – Best for Long Flights
- 2-IN-1 TRAVEL KIT – JetKids by Stokke Travel Bundle is exactly what you need to travel with kids, including the expandab…
- PART BED, PART SUITCASE – The BedBox suitcase features swivel wheels for easy maneuvering, an adjustable shoulder strap,…
- MULTIPURPOSE BACKPACK – The Crew BackPack is compact, adjustable & lightweight, built to expand as your child grows. Inc…
- Features: 18 x 14 x 8 in, 6.4 lbs, ABS hardside, ride-on, converts to bed, 5-stage wheels, ~$150.
- Pros: In-flight bed feature, 23L capacity, per Wirecutter.
- Cons: Expensive, heavier for kids to carry alone.
- Best For: Kids 3–7 on long-haul flights with parents.
5. Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage – Best for Personalization
- KIDS LUGGAGE: Your child wants to grow up to be just like mom and dad, so for your next vacation, make their dream come …
- PERFECT DESIGN: The Stephen Joseph luggage is like mom or dad’s but sized just right for little kids (plus, way more fun…
- MULTIPLE DESIGNS: It comes in multiple designs for kids to choose their favorite. Each design is bright and colorful, so…
- Features: 18 x 12.5 x 6.5 in, 3.8 lbs, polyester softside, animal/vehicle prints, telescopic handle, ~$40.
- Pros: Lightweight, fun patterns, front pockets, per Amazon reviews.
- Cons: Less durable, no spinner wheels.
- Best For: Kids 3–8 needing affordable, personalized luggage.
How We Chose the Best Carry On Luggage for Kids
Criteria for Selecting Top Carry On Luggage for Kids
We selected these carry-ons based on:
- Size/Weight: Fits airline carry-on limits (22 x 14 x 9 in), lightweight (3–6 lbs), per Wirecutter.
- Kid-Friendly Design: Fun themes (Disney, animals), easy-to-use wheels/handles, per Good Housekeeping.
- Durability: Polycarbonate/softside materials, sturdy construction, per Travel + Leisure.
- User Feedback: High ratings (4.0–4.5/5) from Amazon, Reddit (r/Parenting), and X posts.
- Price-to-Value: Affordable ($40–$150) with practical features, per Forbes.
Quick Comparison of Best Carry On Luggage for Kids
| Model | Price | Size/Weight | Material | Features | Best Use |
| American Tourister Disney | ~$$$ | 18 x 13 x 8 in/4.2 lbs | Polycarbonate | Disney Designs, Spinners | Disney Fans |
| Trunki Ride-On | ~$$$ | 18.2 x 8 x 12.2 in/3.5 lbs | Polypropylene | Ride-On, Carry Strap | Toddlers |
| Samsonite Dream Rider | ~$$$ | 20 x 14 x 8 in/4.6 lbs | Polycarbonate | Animal Designs, Durable | Long-Lasting Use |
| JetKids by Stokke BedBox | ~$$$ | 18 x 14 x 8 in/6.4 lbs | ABS | Ride-On, Bed Feature | Long Flights |
| Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage | ~$$$ | 18 x 12.5 x 6.5 in/3.8 lbs | Polyester | Animal Prints, Front Pockets | Personalized Travel |
Benefits of Carry On Luggage for Kids
Why Choose Carry On Luggage for Kids?
Kid-friendly carry-ons offer:
- Independence: Kids manage their own bags, boosting confidence, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cost Savings: Avoid baggage fees ($30–$50/flight, ~$120/year for family trips), per Forbes.
- Fun Designs: Disney, animal, or vehicle themes keep kids engaged, per Good Housekeeping.
- Parental Convenience: Lightweight (3–6 lbs), with straps and pockets for easy management, per Wirecutter.
These bags are budget-friendly ($40–$150) and practical compared to adult carry-ons ($100+).
What Users Say About These Carry On Luggage Options for Kids
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/Parenting), and X posts:
- American Tourister Disney: “Kids love Mickey design, holds up well,” per Amazon (4.4/5).
- Trunki Ride-On: “Perfect for toddlers, airport lifesaver,” per Good Housekeeping (4.5/5).
- Samsonite Dream Rider: “Durable, fun for kids to roll,” per Travel + Leisure (4.3/5).
- JetKids BedBox: “Game-changer for long flights, worth $150,” per Reddit.
- Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage: “Cute, great for short trips,” per Amazon (4.4/5).
Concerns include limited capacity for toddlers (Trunki) and heavier weights (JetKids), per Reddit.
Maximize Your Kids’ Carry On Luggage
Tips for Optimizing Your Kids’ Carry On Luggage
Maximize your child’s carry-on with these tips, per Travel + Leisure and Good Housekeeping:
- American Tourister Disney: Pack favorite toys to keep kids engaged; use for short trips.
- Trunki Ride-On: Let toddlers ride in airports to burn energy; use carry strap for parents.
- Samsonite Dream Rider: Organize with packing cubes for clothes/snacks; clean shell regularly.
- JetKids BedBox: Use bed feature for in-flight naps; pack light for kid handling.
- Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage: Personalize with name tags; use front pockets for snacks.
- Care Tips: Clean with mild soap, avoid overpacking, supervise kids’ handling to extend lifespan, per Forbes.
Conclusion
The American Tourister Disney Hardside, Trunki Ride-On Suitcase, Samsonite Dream Rider, JetKids by Stokke BedBox, and Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage are the best carry-on luggage options for kids in 2025. Choose American Tourister for Disney fans, Trunki for toddlers, Dream Rider for durability, BedBox for long flights, or Stephen Joseph for personalization. Match the carry-on to your child’s age and trip needs. Shop now on Amazon, Samsonite, or Target to make family travel fun!
