Although the kids’ carry-on needn’t be as big as an adult’s, you can lessen the burden on you when the child has something small to carry.
Be it a trip across the world or a trip to stay the night at a friend’s place, a carry-on is a great way to get the kid organized. In the review below, we provide suggestions of the best kids’ carry-on luggage that you can choose from and let your children be part of the journey experience.
| Rating | Image | Product | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Best Choice |   | American Tourister Disney Upright Soft Side | ||
| 2 |   | Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Carry-on Luggage 20" Kids Ride-On Suitcase | ||
| 3 |   | Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Luggage | ||
| 4 |   | Olympia Kids Carry-On Luggage | ||
| 5 |   | Goplus Kids Upright Hard Side Carry-on Luggage Set |
Table of Contents
How To Buy A Kid’s Luggage
Finding the perfect carry-on can be difficult as there are many factors and specifications you need to look for. Finding a perfect carry-on bag for a child is even more challenging. The bag has to be light enough so as not to burden the child. At the same time, the luggage needs to be able to hold the child’s belongings.
Looking for a carry-on for your kid? Well here are some factors to consider.
Soft-Sided Vs. Hard-Sided Kids Luggage: The first thing most people consider when buying a carry-on bag for a kid is whether or not the bag is a hard side. For a child, a soft side has its pluses. For one, soft sides weigh less. This not only allows you to abide by airline’s baggage weight limits, but it also gives the child less to carry. They also have exterior pockets and sleeves where you can put extra items.
The main plus of a hard side suitcase is its ability to protect items inside the bag. Brands such as Trunki actually make kid’s carry-on that the child can use as a seat – how wonderful can that be?
Soft-sided kids’ luggage is light in weight and fits more items easily. However, they offer less protection to the items inside. On the other hand, hard-sided luggage may protect whatever is within it and is easy to clean. Unfortunately, some of them can prove unwieldy. There may be no external pockets or sleeves and can quickly develop dents, scratches, and cracks.
1. Hand luggage: One great option is a hand luggage as they do not need to be heavy. They can hold the child’s toys and games and can be used to keep the child busy during a long flight.
2. Backpacks – regular/ rolling: A regular pack has a distinct advantage. They can be used for school. It is likely that the child already has a backpack which can work as an excellent carry-on saving some real bucks.
When buying a regular backpack, you want a high-quality item to save you from the costly trips to the stores. The pack should be gentle on the child’s back, and the straps should be rugged enough to take the playfulness of the child.
Take note that they quickly outgrow the backpack and this may prove a waste if there are no siblings behind. Don’t spend too much on it only to end up throwing it into the store in a year or so.
For travel, a rolling backpack is an excellent choice. The child can roll the backpack along and avoid strain usually associated backpacks. And when in a rush, the child can strap the backpack to the back. Also, rolling backpacks have several pockets where you can place extra items.
When buying a rolling backpack pay close attention to the handle and the wheels. The handles should not release down easily. You don’t want the handle to be continually falling as the child tries to roll it.
3. The weight of the Bag: The weight of a carry-on is always essential. However, with a kid, this takes on an entirely new dimension. It is recommended by medical practitioners that a child should not carry a bag that weighs more than 15 percent of the child’s weight – this must give you a pretty good idea.
4. Every pound counts: A carry-on is an excellent way to avoid checking your bag and dealing with the stress that comes along with the process. Since your child has his or her own seat, they will be allowed carry-on luggage. Regardless of how light they can carry, every pound still counts.
#1: Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Carry-on Luggage 20″ Kids Ride-On Suitcase
This is another excellent carry-on bag for your child. However, it comes with a twist. Your kid can ride on it – isn’t it wonderful? Measuring 16 x 8 x 12 inches, it qualifies as a carry-on. Although it is hard sided, the bag weighs a mere 5.8 pounds. It has four wheels with its two front wheels being multi-directional for smooth movement. The recommended maximum weight for this bag is 88 pounds.
This bag has a spacious main compartment and several other storage compartments.
Pros
- Is an adorable head-turner
- Has a spacious main compartment
- The child can ride on top of the bag while waiting in lines
- Qualifies as a carry-on
Cons
- Having your child riding on this bag on uneven grounds is not recommended
#2: Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Luggage
This is one of the best kid’s wheeled travel bags on the market which measures 7 x 12.5 x 18 inches and weighs just 2.2 pounds. Because of its weight of 2.2 pounds, it is recommended that the kid that uses this backpack weighs at least 24 pounds.
The product is poly-canvas fabric and comes in an attractive animal design such as bee, dog, monkey, owl and so many more. Other great features include front zip pockets, an adjustable “parent” strap, a mesh bottle pocket, and the 13-inch telescopic handle.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy to pack and move
- An attractive design
Cons
- Puppy ears easily get caught in the zippers
#3: Olympia Kids Carry-On Luggage
If you wish to get a carry-on for your preteen or young teen, this may just be the right product. Measuring 7.5 x 19 x 12 inches, this bag qualifies as a carry-on with most airlines both domestically and internationally. Made of 100% polyester, the Olympia Kids Carry-On Luggage is also incredibly light for its size weighing a mere 2.3 pounds.
This bag has two wheels and a telescoping handle for natural movement. The downside to this bag is that it has no interior pockets just a single compartment.
Pros
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Has self-repairing zippers
- Has an attractive design
Cons
- Has no interior pockets
#4: American Tourister Disney Upright Soft Side
Your kids will love this roller bag. It comes with several different designs such as Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, and many more. Your kid will definitely love having a Disney character on the bag. At only 4.2 pounds, this bag is excellent for preteens and young teens.
Its measurements are 18×12×7 inches and will qualify as a carry-on. It is a durable polyester bag with a vinyl front. The bag has a spacious main compartment and a large zippered pocket. Other features include elastic cross straps and an interior mesh pocket.
Pros
- Kids love the Disney design on the front
- Has a spacious main compartment
- A lot of storage space
- It is an excellent carry-on for a teenager
- Will fit into an overhead bin
Cons
- Lack of side handles makes it harder to haul the bag into overhead bins
#5: Goplus Kids Upright Hard Side Carry-on Luggage Set
The Goplus Kids Upright Hard Side Carry-on Luggage Set is a two piece set – a hard-sided suitcase and a hard-sided backpack. These bags are very stylish, and the kids may love them. They are very durable since they are made of lightweight polycarbonate material and cleaning them is easy. Both bags meet carry-on requirements and are super light.
Pros
- Larger bag has four multi-directional wheels for easy maneuverability
- Ideal for travel and school
- Very stylish
- Easy to clean
- Since both bags are hard-sided, they offer excellent protection to the content
Cons
- Scratches are quite visible on light-colored versions of the bag
- Does not have many pockets and compartments
Tips for Packing Your Child’s Luggage
There are some things you need to understand when packing a bag for your child. For beginners, the bag cannot be as heavy as an adult’s – obviously. Also, you cannot place breakages in it.
- Get a backpack for a child. Although rolling bags have their advantages. For a child, a backpack should do the trick. A rolling backpack is also a great idea. The wheels may add a pound or two though.
- You need to ensure the child understands the responsibility that comes with having a carry-on. The child has to keep an eye on the bag all the time.
- Do not place liquids and breakables in the kid’s bag. Regardless of the object, try not to have a breakable in the child’s bag. In the same vein, you should not place items like shampoo, lotions and such in it.
- Be prepared to carry the child’s bag yourself when the kid is tired, cranky or just doesn’t want to carry the luggage anymore. As such, you have to ensure the kid’s bag is one that you can carry in addition to your own.
General Children Carry On Luggage Airline Rules
Rules concerning kids carry-on will vary from airline to airline. However, these are the general guidelines amongst us carriers.
If the child has a seat, then, of course, you are allowed the full luggage allowance. For kids under two years, it is obligatory that the seat has an FAA appropriate safety seat.
Several airlines permit infants to travel for free or at a discounted price as long as they are on their parent’s lap.
With most airlines (depending on how much is paid), infants traveling on the parent’s laps are allowed a carry-on. This allowance is along with the parent’s carry-on luggage allowance. The infant’s carry-on is usually restricted by how much is paid. Most airlines allow a non-paying infant just a diaper bag.
Conclusion
There are several bags out there that your kid can use as a carry-on, and five of the best has been reviewed in this article. The bag we choose as the best is the American Tourister Disney 18 Inch Upright Soft Side. Not only is this bag durable, but it is also easy to organize and move around. The Disney characters are an attractive option for your kids. They will love it.
For the very young kids who cannot carry the American Tourister Disney 18 Inch Upright Soft Side, the Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Luggage is an excellent choice. It has a great design and is durable, as well as, practical.
[kkstarratings]