The Best Kids Luggage, According to Experts

Covered in popular Disney characters like Elsa and Anna, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Grogu, American Tourister's hardside luggage is sure to be a hit with your kids. The suitcase, available in 16- and 18-inch options, is made with ABS plastic, which weighs in at less than five pounds and is lightweight and compact enough for your kids to roll on their own. The ABS material isn't as durable as other hardside materials, but it is lighter and typically less expensive. Our analysts appreciate the design details like a telescopic handle with a wide, curved pull and oversized zippers that are easier for small hands to grab. Inside, you'll find two separate compartments for packing — one that's fully enclosed with a zipper and another open compartment with cross straps to keep belongings secure. It may only have two wheels, but users say they're still easy for young kids to roll.

For just $45, this full-sized carry-on suitcase is designed with plenty of space to pack all of your kids' belongings. A singular large compartment inside is easy for kids to fill, and there's a mesh pocket for added storage; however, there are no cross straps to keep everything in place. In our Lab tests, softside luggage like this is less likely to scratch than hardside luggage, and it's easier to squeeze into tight spaces when traveling. There are seven fun prints and patterns to choose from, including dinosaurs, unicorns and donuts, and it even comes with a small stuffed animal to coordinate with the printed design on the luggage. Just two stationary wheels means this suitcase won't spin and can only be rolled when tilted, but reviewers say it's still easy for kids to roll and maneuver.

Pottery Barn Kids' Mackenzie spinner luggage is available in tons of colors and patterns, along with hardside options and two-piece sets, and you can have it embroidered for an additional fee. The ombre glitter style is a best-seller from the brand and performed well in Textiles Lab luggage evaluations. One analyst who tried this bag said it had excellent maneuverability and rolled smoothly, thanks the the 360-degree spinner wheels. It didn't show much wear in our abrasion tests, other than some minor glitter shed. There's plenty of space to pack your kids' things, even in this smaller version of the bag. Inside is a large open compartment and a zippered pocket, while the outside features another zipped pocket and two buckle straps to keep extra belongings secured.

This absolutely adorable two-piece set from Heys comes with a small suitcase and matching backpack, designed to look like a ladybug, owl, unicorn or bumble bee. The backpack slides over the telescopic handle of the suitcase, making it easy to roll both around at the airport, although there are only two wheels, so it does need to be tilted to use. When you're done using it, the backpack tucks into the suitcase for more compact storage. In our evaluations, kids loved using Heys luggage, and online reviewers agree, with one user noting, "They are the best quality" and many sharing that their kids are more than happy to carry the bags themselves. When we tested other Heys hardside bags in the Lab, they received high ratings for ease of use and maneuverability but did scratch more easily than other bags.

Textiles Lab experts are fans of L.L.Bean's high quality products that "stand the test of time." For this particular style, the printed duffles are constructed with water-resistant polyester material, while the solids are made of water-resistant nylon; nylon bags tend to perform better in our Lab tests for abrasion and durability. Our Lab analysts appreciate the thoughtful design elements, like a padded removable shoulder strap, wrapped carrying handles and covered zipper for the main compartment. You also have the option to personalize the bag with a monogram for an additional fee. It is hand wash only and needs to be hung to dry, so it will require some extra care.

With over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this five-piece set from Travelers Club is a total steal at less than $70. Included in the set are a carry-on bag, backpack, lunch box, neck pillow and matching luggage tag. We're impressed that, although it's so affordable, the carry-on bag is designed with four spinner wheels and made of an ABS and polycarbonate composite, which typically performs better in our Lab tests for durability than ABS on its own. Online reviewers rave about the "perfect" luggage set and say that all of the pieces are high quality and easy to pack and carry. It is important to note that the neck pillow is filled with microbeads that are recognized as a choking hazard, so be sure to keep a close eye on your kids while they use the pillow.

If you don't yet trust your child to roll a suitcase through the airport or you're just looking for something simple and versatile for them to pack, Crate&kids' medium kids' backpack is a great luggage option. When we tested this backpack in the Lab, we were impressed by how well the material held up to our abrasion testing, with minimal changes in appearance. Our analysts appreciated the easy-to-use zippers, comfy padded back and straps and many organizational pockets. One of our testers shared that she wishes there were a strap across the chest to help balance the weight of the backpack but says the material is easy to wipe clean. The backpack comes in 17 prints and patterns that can all be customized with embroidery for an additional fee, and there are even water bottles and and lunchboxes to match.

Ride-on luggage has taken the world, including your local airport, by storm. This ride-on suitcase from Jet Kids stands out because it converts an airplane seat into a bed. The top of the suitcase lifts up, and a bed mat is exposed that connects to the suitcase and attaches to the seat's arm rests. It extends the length of the seat and allows for your little one to fully recline. Our tester and online reviewers have had issues keeping the bed secure, but they appreciate the extra leg room it provides. When the suitcase is closed, kids can sit on top and scoot themselves or be pulled with the attached strap. It's important to note that not every airline allows the bed attachment to be used in flight, but the bag is small enough to easily fit underneath an airplane seat.

If you're willing to splurge a little on your kids' luggage, a suitcase from State Bags is worth the investment. Our Textiles Lab analysts love the high quality construction, stylish design and the brand's mission — the brand uses part of its profits to donate fully-packed backpacks to kids who are in need and also funds efforts to help underserved communities. State Bags' mini suitcase is designed for younger kids, while the brand's full-size version is a bit larger and a better fit for older kids. This mini style features 360-degree spinner wheels, an easy-open front pocket and two spacious interior compartments. Some online reviewers mention their kids having difficult lowering the telescopic handle on their own, but say it collapses easily with some adult help. The brand also offers matching travel accessories like water bottle slings, toiletry bags and fanny packs.