JetKids by iBestTravel: The Ultimate Ride-on Sleep Box
Chic baby brand iBestTravel has designed a ride-on case that doubles as a fold-out bed. Our mini tester gave it a go on a couple of flights.
28 May 2024
Travelling with a child can be challenging at the best of times. If you’ve ever spent the entire duration of a flight with a screaming toddler, you’ll agree that any gadget or accessory that promises to reduce stress by even one iota is worth its weight in gold. From disposable bottle teats that fit onto formula bottles to prams that you can fold one-handed, to nappy bags that promise otherworldly packing capabilities, I’m willing to try it all if it will help. As my toddler reaches a stage of wanting her own bag, I wanted to invest in a child-friendly suitcase, one that can be both luggage and a toy.
First Impressions
First of all, my daughter loved this. She’s just turned two and is obsessed with anything toddler-sized that she can push and pull around. The moment it arrived in our house, she referred to it as her ‘train’ and faithfully dragged it around our hallway for hours. It’s also a winning toy as it comes with three sheets of fun colourful stickers, plus letter stickers for name writing. Her eyes lit up, and she happily spent time decorating every possible surface of the suitcase.
Packing Capabilities
I was slightly underwhelmed by the packing capabilities. While it can house a change of clothes and a few snacks, it doesn’t accommodate much more. The padded sheets do take up quite a bit of room. If you’re hoping this is all the luggage you’ll need for a holiday, it’s certainly not for you. However, if you’re looking for a more travel-friendly version of a pram bag, then this offers great utility.
Size Considerations
I’ve taken this on two flights, one with BA and one with EasyJet. For EasyJet, I worried about the size; while it’s just slightly larger than the carry-on limit, it still fits comfortably in the seat area. It’s a good size for compact travel, making it easy to manage in overhead compartments and during the boarding process.
Airport Experience
At the airport, this suitcase proved to be convenient. My daughter was able to drag it herself, allowing us to keep all essentials together. Traveling with a collapsible pram was also helpful as we were able to manage bags while my daughter preferred to walk. The suitcase simplifies security checks, keeping all snacks and liquids in one place, which is always a plus.
In-flight Utility
This is where the case really shines. It fits perfectly into the legroom area, and the adjustable lid creates a seamless seating area. You can even invert the lid to make a flat surface suitable for sleeping. For long-haul flights, this feature is invaluable, though it’s important to note that it can’t block pathways during take-off or landing.
Summary
Overall, it’s advantageous to have a small piece of luggage that your child loves to carry. The JetKids ride-on sleep box is a functional travel accessory for families, particularly appealing for children. I’ll certainly be utilizing this for family holidays in the future. However, for solo-parent travel, it may pose challenges as additional luggage can complicate the journey.
