Looking for luggage for your kids and not sure which one to buy? Then this list of the best carry on luggage for kids of all ages will come in handy. Aiden got his first luggage when he was a little over a year old. He has used several different types of luggage over the years, and this list will help you figure out which luggage is the best carry on luggage for kids of all ages.
When I told Aiden to model his luggage for me, he was more than excited. Have you ever met a camera-ready kid? Yup, that’s my son!! As you will see below, we’ve done lots of trial and error with luggage along the way, and Aiden was so excited to show off all his luggage so you can pick the best for your kids. If you are updating your family travel setup, you may also enjoy my best travel gear for families guide, my best kids luggage 2026 roundup, and my best travel stroller 2026 guide.
What is the best carry on luggage for a kid for travel?
- Sesame Street toddler rolling luggage
- Kids’ ride-on scooter luggage
- Stephen Joseph rolling luggage
- Heys Marvel 21-inch spinner luggage
- Trunki ride-on suitcase
1. Sesame Street Rolling Luggage
Aiden’s first luggage was Sesame Street luggage. He was 16 months old when we got it for him, and it was just the right size for that age. It was about 12 inches, so it didn’t hold much, but it held enough for a toddler.
And honestly, that is exactly what you want at that age. You don’t want toddler luggage packed so full that your child can’t pull it. He absolutely loved pulling it around everywhere, at home and at the airport. It was the perfect size and height for him when he was 16 months old, but I would not choose this size for a kid over 3 because the handle will likely be too short.
The exact Sesame Street luggage Aiden used years ago may not be the same one available now, but Skip Hop x Sesame Street Toddler Kids Carry-On Rolling Luggage is a current option that keeps the same toddler-friendly idea. It is small, fun, lightweight, and easy for little kids to manage. Most Sesame Street toddler rolling luggage options are around $45 to $90, while scooter-style versions can cost more.
2. Kids Luggage Scooter
My husband was browsing for luggage online and came across this. Aiden got a scooter for his 2nd birthday, and he loved riding it, so he knew that this would be the perfect stroller for him. Before I knew it, Aiden was running to tell me about his new scooter.
The luggage part totally skipped over his head, and he wanted to ride it in the house and out of the house even though he wasn’t traveling (kids’ right, lol). This is a bit more expensive, so not a purchase I’d make. Yes, I’m cheap! But to see how excited he was about it, oh, Yay! Good job, Dad!!
Scooter luggage is still around, and it can be such a fun option for kids who love to move around, especially during long airport waits. The KIDDIETOTES Ride-On Scooter suitcase for kids is a current option that keeps the same idea as the older scooter luggage.
Most current kids’ scooter luggage options are around $100 to $160, depending on the brand and style. I would only get this for a child who can listen, stop quickly, and follow airport rules because airports can get crowded fast. But for the right kid, it makes the whole airport experience feel more exciting.
The Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
3. Stephen Joseph Rolling Luggage
Stephen Joseph Kids Classic Rolling Luggage is a great next step after the tiny toddler suitcase stage. It still has that bright, playful look kids love, but it gives them more room for actual travel essentials.
This is the kind of luggage I like for preschoolers and younger kids because it is still small enough for them to pull, but big enough to hold clothes, small toys, books, snacks, and a few things they may need on the trip. It does not feel too grown-up, and it is not so large that you end up overpacking it.
Most Stephen Joseph rolling luggage options are around $55 to $80, depending on the design and seller. It is a good option if your child wants their own luggage but is not quite ready for a full-size spinner yet.
The Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
4. Carry-On Spinner Luggage – 21 inches
Out of all of the luggage Aiden had, the “Heys America Marvel Comics Luggage“ was my favorite. First of all, the spinner option. Have you tried lugging luggage through the airport that doesn’t have 4 wheels and doesn’t spin? What a headache. This one is perfect; it has 4 wheels and spins and is so easy to get through the airport even when it’s filled to the brim.
The exact Marvel print may change over time, but Heys still has Marvel-style luggage options. The Heys Marvel Comics 2 Piece Set Luggage Set is a current option to use if you want to keep the Marvel section. Most 21-inch character spinner luggage options are around $100 to $250, depending on whether you buy one suitcase or a full set.
It’s not kids’ luggage per se, but it’s luggage that grew with him. At this point, I don’t see myself buying any additional luggage for Aiden. I think he has enough till he goes to college, haha. He had this in the 21in and the 26inch below.
Heys America and American Tourister make several nice ones like the USA Carry-On Spinner Luggage, Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Kids Spinner, and Star Wars Spinner.
The Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
5. Trunki Ride-On Suitcase
If your child is still in that toddler or preschool age where sitting, pulling, and riding all sound like fun, the Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase is another good carry-on option to consider.
It is not the biggest suitcase, so I would not use it as the main family carry-on.
But for younger kids, it works well for pajamas, a change of clothes, small toys, snacks, wipes, and a comfort item. I like that it doubles as luggage and airport entertainment, especially when kids get tired of standing around.
Trunki suitcases are usually around $70 to $100, depending on the design. If your child likes the idea of having their
6. Spinner Luggage – 26 Inches
When we were buying Aiden the Marvel Comics Spinner Luggage 21 inches above, we figured, why not just get him the whole set? So, we also purchased the Marvel Comics Spinner Luggage 26 inches. This way we don’t ever have to buy him luggage again. Like Really !! lol
The Two Piece Marvel Spinner Set (which includes a 21in and a 26in) is just perfect for any growing kid. Current prices vary by seller, but the set is usually around $250 to $370, depending on availability and retailer. We picked Marvel because it has several of the characters he likes, such as Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, etc.
This is luggage that he could use as a 4-year-old, as a 10-year-old and even as a 16-year-old (that’s if TSA hasn’t broken it yet, right, haha). We traveled to Europe for 3 weeks, and his 26in spinner luggage was able to fit all his clothes, shoes, etc.
Sometimes we travel light, and we all use the same luggage (with packing cubes, of course), and sometimes I share a piece of luggage with my husband so Aiden can have his own luggage. He loves running to the belt in arrivals to pull his luggage off. Other nice sets are the Captain America Spinner Set and the Explore Spinner Luggage Set (perfect for the little adventurer who doesn’t care for characters).
The Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
7. Spinner Luggage – 30 Inches
Unless you are sending your kid on a vacation and expecting them never to return home, Yessssssss!! I kid, I kid; then I don’t see the need to purchase a 30in spinner luggage. Maybe later, Aiden may need a 30in luggage, but I am hoping that by then he will be out of my home and at that point will purchase his own luggage hahahahaha.
I had to list it just in case you were wondering if there is something bigger than the 26in luggage. Yes, there is, but do you need it for your kid? Maybe, maybe not. Only you would be able to tell. A few awesome 3 Piece Spinner sets (which include a 21in, a 26in, and a 30in) are the Merax 3 Piece Luggage Set, the Explore 3 Piece Spinner Set, and the Fernando 3 Piece Spinner Set.
Now, the current 3-piece spinner luggage sets on Amazon can range from about $130 to $300+, depending on the brand, material, size, and whether it is hardside or softside. So if you do decide to get a 30in luggage for your child, I would only do it if you really need the extra space for a long trip, camp, or extended family travel.
What should you look for in carry on luggage for kids?
- Lightweight design kids can pull
- Smooth wheels that turn easily
- Carry-on size that fits airline rules
- Durable zippers and strong handles
- Enough space without overpacking
When choosing the best carry on luggage for kids, I always look at how easy it is for the child to actually use. A cute suitcase is nice, but it needs to roll well, hold enough without getting too heavy, and fit the way your family travels.
For toddlers, a small rolling bag or ride-on suitcase is usually enough. For older kids, an 18 to 21-inch spinner carry-on makes more sense because it gives them more space and is easier to move through the airport. Just remember to check your airline’s carry-on size rules before packing, because not every airline handles carry-on luggage the same way.
FAQs About The Best Carry On Luggage For Kids
1. What is the best budget carry on luggage for a kid?
The best budget carry on luggage for kids is usually a lightweight rolling bag like Stephen Joseph, Wildkin, or another small kids’ rolling suitcase. These are affordable, kid-friendly, and easy for younger children to manage. They may not last forever, but they work well for first trips, short trips, and sleepovers.
2. Are expensive carry on luggage for kids worth it?
Expensive carry on luggage for kids can be worth it if your family travels often. A durable spinner bag, ride-on suitcase, or luggage set may last longer and roll better through airports. But if your child only travels once or twice a year, a budget-friendly rolling bag may be enough.
3. What size/weight is best for travel?
For most kids, an 18- to 21-inch carry-on works best for air travel. Toddlers may do better with a smaller rolling bag or ride-on suitcase, while older kids can usually manage a 21-inch spinner. The lighter the bag, the better, because kids still need to pull it themselves.
4. Airline rules for carry on luggage for kids?
Airline rules for carry on luggage for kids depend on the airline and ticket type. Most airlines have carry-on size limits, and some basic fares may only include a personal item. Before flying, check your airline’s size and weight limits so you know whether your child’s bag can come on board or needs to be checked.
Pin For Later
And because he’s cute he asked me to take photos of him making faces and add to my blog post, lol.
Tell me, what’s your kids favorite luggage?
Pin For Later
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