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We’ve all seen the ubiquitous Trunki cases dotted throughout every airport – and when it comes to packing kids’ belongings effectively, the original ride-on suitcase is still one of the best options out there. However, those looking for a secure, stylish way to tote their children’s belongings from A to B will find plenty of joyful cases to choose from at a range of price points. Many of our favorite luggage brands have now introduced mini ranges for little ones, utilising the same materials and build quality as their larger counterparts, replete with handy features for stashing in-flight paraphernalia such as games, iPads and snacks.
There’s a full gamut of styles, from the muted minimal options at BÉIS that’ll match the grown-ups’ cases to fun, rainbow-bright designs children will be thrilled to tote about themselves – think Steamline and IT Luggage. And there’s plenty that goes the extra mile, features-wise, helping keep airport-related faff to a minimum. Several, like the Trunki, utilise a ride-on design that’ll save little legs from trekking through the airport after a long day. Many options feature mesh pockets for stowing water bottles and goodies, and Stokke’s case even has a fold-out platform that turns plane seats into a bed – a true luxury for mini jet setters.
BÉIS
Best minimal children’s luggage
- Pros: Stylish design, matches regular-sized suitcases
- Cons: Expensive in comparison to some of the others here
- Size: 43 x 23 x 42cm
- Weight: 3kg
Everything we like about BÉIS’s range of luggage – the sleek lines, the superior build – is repeated here in mini form. That includes its strong polycarbonate shell with a lifetime warranty, super-smooth Hinomoto wheels, and chic style sensibilities. A soft-grip handle makes things easier on little hands, and the inclusion of an exterior pocket makes the perfect spot to keep kids’ books handy while on the plane. A separate pouch helps keep dirty clothes away from fresh ones when you’ve reached your destination.
IT Luggage
Best value kids’ luggage
- Pros: Great price, long warranty
- Cons: Not suitable for longer trips
- Size: 45 x 34 x 20cm
- Weight: 1.95kg
IT Luggage has a large range of children’s cases at very purse-friendly prices; if you’re looking for something affordable, this brand is a sure bet. This particular case is small – it’s sized to fit EasyJet’s under-seat cabin bag requirements – so unless you’re packing super-light, it’s more appropriate for stashing in-flight goodies than clothes. Nonetheless, at £35 and with an impressive 10-year warranty, it’ll see you through many trips to come.
Trunki
Best ride-on suitcase for little ones
- Pros: Range of designs, doubles as a ride, easy to clean
- Cons: Slightly awkward to carry or pull when in a rush
- Size: 46X20X31cm
- Weight: 1.7kg
For tiny flyers, Trunki’s ride-on luggage is one of the most popular children’s suitcases on the market. Lightweight yet built to last, the case has a storage capacity of 18 litres, allowing plenty of space for toys. The real highlight is the saddle design, along with horn grips for stability and a tow strap, so children can ride the case and be pulled along – a great way to pass the time in the airport.
Micro Scooter
Best ride on luggage for older kids
- Pros: Kids will be very happy to carry their own luggage!
- Cons: Small capacity, best suited to toys rather than clothes and shoes
- Weight: 3.3kg
Kids will love whizzing through the terminal, which is really more scooter than suitcase. It’s not the biggest option, but for fun-factor, it can’t be beaten, and it folds up to normal size for stowing in the plane’s overhead locker.
Stokke
Best versatile children’s luggage
- Pros: Multipurpose piece of luggage, sleek design
- Cons: On the heavier side, relatively expensive
- Size: 20 x 36 x 46cm
- Weight: 3kg
This Stokke hardside suitcase doubles as a ride-on seat for being wheeled around the terminal with ease. There’s ample space for supplies needed during the flight. The standout feature? A platform that flips out inside at the top to make a leg rest, turning uncomfortable economy seats into luxurious loungers – perfect for helping little ones get some shut-eye on flights.
Steamline
Best luxury children’s luggage
- Pros: Telescopic handle, TSA locks, matches regular-sized suitcases
- Cons: Two-wheel suitcase, must be pulled behind
- Size: 40 x 30 x 25cm
- Weight: 3kg
Your child will be the envy of all other kids – and most adults – onboard with Steamline’s adorable hardside Entrepreneur carry-on. It’s a perfect mini replica of the brand’s vintage-chic adult cases, complete with stylish features. With its pristine design and secure TSA locks, it’s both fashionable and practical.
American Tourister
Best kids’ luggage for Disney fans
- Pros: Fun Disney design, expandable
- Cons: May be too large for very young children to wheel themselves
- Size: 40 x 20cm expanding to 23 x 55cm
- Weight: 2.7kg
American Tourister consistently delivers quality, reliable, and affordable luggage. This vibrant Mickey Mouse spinner suitcase is slightly larger than others in this round-up, expandable, and great for longer trips. A TSA lock adds security, and the inner lining is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Samsonite
Best children’s luggage for animal lovers
- Pros: Very lightweight, ride-on functionality
- Cons: No TSA lock
- Size: 50 x 39 x 21cm
- Weight: 1.8kg
At under 2kg, this is an incredibly light suitcase, allowing easy movement through airports. However, it doesn’t have a TSA lock, meaning it’s not suitable for checking in. Like the popular Trunki case, kids can sit on this when tired, and it features an extra carry handle for safety.
Trixie
Best soft shell kids’ luggage
- Pros: Easy to clean
- Cons: Not suitable for longer trips
- Size: 45 x 34 x 12cm
This is one of the cutest kids’ suitcases we’ve seen. It’s a soft shell case, made from 100% cotton, with an easy wipe-clean, water-resistant finish. There are various designs available, including lions, dinosaurs, and elephants, along with matching backpacks available.
Boppi
Best underseat cabin bag for kids
- Pros: Very lightweight, matching backpacks available
- Cons: On the smaller side for carry-on luggage
- Size: 22 x 30 x 42cm
- Weight: 1.5kg
Boppi’s little cases are another popular favorite for tiny travelers – and there’s a solid range of matching backpacks for bringing toys and treats along too, forming a complete kids’ luggage set. It’s not the biggest suitcase in our round-up, but it fits perfectly under a plane seat and has a stopper to keep it upright when not in use.
Packing cubes
Best kids’ packing cubes
Not a case, but a handy addition to any mini jetsetter’s travel kit: packing cubes. These fun organizers will make planning outfits for tots as easy as can be, with clear labels for each day’s clothes. They can also double as washbags, nappy bags, and tech organizers when out and about.
