Travel in Style With a Ride-On Suitcase for Kids
Family vacations are awesome—but actually getting to your destination? Not so much. Traversing an airport is stressful enough as it is, but with young children in tow it can feel chaotic. Then add a whole pile of luggage (not to mention a travel stroller and car seat) into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a toddler tantrum. Breaking out in a cold sweat at the thought of it? Don’t worry! Luggage brands have recognized that parents have their hands full and have come up with a genius solution: Ride-on suitcases.
Ride-on luggage is a triple threat that functions as a kid-sized suitcase, a ride-on vehicle and a convenient place to sit while your family waits in line at check-in or passport control. Your little one will love to scoot along the airport terminal, and many options feature a long handle or strap so you can pull or push them along once they start to feel tired. Ride-on suitcases for kids come in a range of cute, colorful designs and some innovative models even double as a cozy in-flight bed for your little one. Talk about clever design! Ready to roll? Check out our picks of the best ride-on suitcases for toddlers and kids below.
Before you rush out and buy ride-on luggage for your kids, take a moment to consider the key considerations listed below.
- Age appropriate: Most ride-on luggage is suitable for ages 2 and up. With that said, always read the brand’s age and weight guidelines to make sure the ride-on suitcase is suitable for your child.
- Size: When determining what size suitcase you need, pay attention to the dimensions and weight capacity. The dimensions, typically listed in inches, will tell you how large the suitcase is; whereas the capacity, usually listed in liters, refers to how much the suitcase can hold inside. If you plan to bring the bag onto the plane, make sure the suitcase conforms to the airline’s carry-on policy.
- Push/pull options: Most, but not all, ride-on suitcases let kids sit down and push themselves along using their feet. But traveling can be tiring, so it’s a good idea to choose something with a strap or long handle so that the grown-ups can pull or push kids along when they need a break.
A ride-on suitcase lets your child climb aboard and scoot along with their feet or be pulled by a parent using a strap or handle. This is a wonderful option for kids that tire easily or tend to get bored and frustrated while traveling. Plus, giving your child their own luggage means they can pack their favorite toys, clothes and snacks freeing up space in your check-in bags. Keep reading to discover our top picks for ride-on suitcase designs available to buy right now.
Best ride-on suitcase for toddlers
- Premium aluminum design
- Shock-absorbing swivel wheels
- Functions as a ride-on suitcase, footrest and in-flight bed
- High price point
- Ride-on feature is for children over the age of 3
Jet off in style with the Stokke Bedbox. This premium piece of ride-on luggage has swivel wheels at the front for easy steering, a strap parents can use to pull their kids along and a ledge that prevents little feet from dragging on the ground. It fits neatly inside an overhead bin and the minimalist design can be jazzed up with the included sticker sheets. The best part? This ride-on suitcase transforms into a leg rest or in-flight bed to keep kids comfy when you're at cruising altitude. Genius!
Age range: 2 to 7 years | Dimensions: 15″ (L) x 7.5″ (W) x 19″ (H) | Capacity: 20 L | Product weight: 7.7 lbs
Best ride-on suitcase for kids
- Lightweight yet durable
- Cabin-size suitcase
- Comes with a five-year warranty
- No foot rest
- Non-swivel wheels only roll forwards
The Trunki ride-on suitcase is a popular choice for jet-setting parents in the know. Why? It’s the ideal companion for novice travelers! Designed from a lightweight yet durable plastic, it can handle the weight of a toddler along with the usual wear-and-tear that comes with travel. It has four wheels and a comfy saddle seat, so kids can perch on top and scoot along. Once they're all tuckered out, parents can tow them along using the multifunction strap that can also be worn over the shoulder. The bag even fits neatly inside an overhead bin, making it the perfect carry-on case for tots. Choose from a variety of playful designs including a red firetruck or sparkly unicorn.
Age range: 3 years + | Dimensions: 8″ (L) x 12″ (W) x 17.5″ (H) | Capacity: 18 L | Product weight: 3.53 lbs.
Best interactive ride-on suitcase
- Light-up eyes and sounds
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight enough for kids to pull themselves
- AAA batteries required
- It’s best for short trips or overnight stays
Parents and kids alike love this kitty-themed suitcase. Practical yet cute, this lightweight case has space for your child’s travel essentials, opens at the side and can be locked with the attached “fish” key. It also has a detachable strap, so parents or toddlers can pull it along. All that for under $30? Talk about a purr-fect ride-on suitcase for kids!
Age range: 2 years + | Dimensions: 8.5″ (L) x 18.8″ (W) x 13.1″ (H) | Capacity: Holds up to 110 lbs. | Product weight: 4.1 lbs.
Best heavy-duty ride-on suitcase
- 360-degree swivel wheels
- Seat belt, fold-out foot rests and grab handles
- Large capacity provides plenty of space inside
- High price point
- Heavier than other options on the market
Next up is a ride-on suitcase packed full of practical features: Younglingz Lil Flyer. It has four smooth rolling wheels that swivel 360 degrees and a telescopic handle for easy maneuverability. A built-in seat belt, fold-out foot rests, grab handles at the side and a padded seat ensure your little one can roll along in comfort and style. And with a 47-liter capacity, you can pack everything your child needs for an extended trip. According to the manufacturer, the Lil Flyer flies through TSA in lieu of a travel stroller—meaning no baggage fees—but always check your individual airlines policy just in case.
Age range: 2 years + | Dimensions: 20″ (L) x 9″ (W) x 18″ (H) | Capacity: 47 L | Product weight: 10 lbs.
Best ride-on suitcase for the whole family
- 360 degree swivel wheels
- Comes with a child seat belt
- Can accommodate kids and adults up to 220 pounds
- High price point
- Kids can’t propel themselves along
This slick bag has two modes: a ride-on suitcase for kids and a regular suitcase for adults complete with a portable seat. The hard-shell case is stylish and durable, with four swivel wheels and a retractable handle. In ride-on mode simply flip up the built-in seat and attach the child seat belt to create a comfortable perch for your kiddo. If you’re traveling solo, use the seat without the belt to take a well earned rest while you line up at security or wait at the gate.
Age range: 2 years + | Dimensions: 21″ (L) x 15″ (W) x 11.5″ (H) | Capacity: 47 L | Product weight: 9.4 lbs.
Best adaptable ride-on travel seat
- Affordable option
- Built-in seat belt for safety
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Simple design lacks the “fun factor”
- Parents have to pull the combined weight of their suitcase and child
Turn any suitcase into a piece of ride-on luggage with the Lugabug Travel Seat. This clever device attaches to a roller suitcase and is ready to roll in three easy steps: Simply secure the seat using the adjustable straps, hold the handle while your child sits down then tilt it back and start your journey. The lightweight seat folds flat when not in use on the plane or at home, making it a practical option to boot.
Age range: 2 years + | Dimensions: 13″ (L) x 1.5″ (W) x 13.5″ (H) | Capacity: Hold up to 50 lbs. | Product weight: 1.19 lbs.
We get it—traveling with a little one in tow requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, durability, size, weight, value and style. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable ride-on suitcase that meets your child’s needs.
To decide which ride-on suitcases are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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