Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but let’s be honest, it often comes with its fair share of luggage woes! Finding the right carry on bag for kids isn’t just about cuteness (though that helps!), it’s about practicality, durability, and keeping those little travelers organized and entertained. A good kid’s carry-on can make all the difference, empowering your child with their own travel essentials while freeing up your hands.
We’ve scoured the market to find the top picks that tick all the boxes: airplane-friendly, easy for kids to manage, and tough enough to handle whatever adventures come their way. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a visit to grandma’s, or a longer family vacation, we’ve got some fantastic options for the best carry on bag for kids right here.
What Makes a Great Carry On Bag for Kids?
Before diving into our top 5, let’s quickly chat about what features you should look for when choosing children’s travel luggage:
- Size & Weight: Must meet airline carry-on or personal item dimensions, and be lightweight enough for kids to manage.
- Durability: Kids aren’t always gentle, so sturdy materials and good zippers are key.
- Organization: Multiple compartments, shoe pockets, and external pockets help keep things tidy.
- Ease of Use: Comfortable handles, adjustable shoulder straps, or even wheels for older kids.
- Fun Factor: Engaging designs or colors can make kids more excited about carrying their own bag.
- Versatility: Can it be used for other purposes like sleepovers, sports, or school trips?
Our Top 5 Best Carry On Bags for Kids
Here are our top recommendations for the best carry on bag for kids, designed to make your family travels smoother and more enjoyable.
For Spirit Airlines Personal Item Bag 2 Pack Travel Duffel
If you’re flying budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier, you know every inch (and dollar!) counts. This isn’t just one bag, but a handy two-pack designed specifically to fit under the seat as a personal item, potentially saving you those pesky carry-on fees. It’s incredibly lightweight and foldable, making it a genius space-saver when not in use. Perfect for stashing your child’s in-flight entertainment, snacks, and a change of clothes without adding bulk.
Key Features:
- Foldable and lightweight (weighs only 0.35 lbs!)
- Airline compliant (17 x 12.6 x 6.3 inch fits Spirit Airlines’ 18 x 14 x 8 inch personal item allowance)
- Back strap designed to slide over suitcase handles
- 25L capacity
- Waterproof and durable nylon/polyester fabric
- Versatile for gym, sports, yoga, or overnight trips
Pros:
- Excellent for avoiding airline carry-on fees
- Extremely lightweight and easy to store
- Waterproof fabric protects contents
- Convenient luggage sleeve for stacking on a rolling suitcase
- Comes in a 2-pack, offering great value
Cons:
- Duffel style may not appeal to all kids
- Specific sizing might limit use for airlines with stricter dimensions
- Can be less structured than a traditional suitcase
User Impressions: Parents absolutely love these for budget travel, praising how much they can fit inside while still meeting personal item requirements. They appreciate the durability and the ability to slide them onto larger luggage for easy transport through the airport. A true game-changer for savvy family travelers!
Oruiji Kids Duffle Bag Girls Women Gifts Travel Overnight
The Oruiji Kids Duffle Bag is a fantastic all-rounder, offering generous space for your child’s essentials, whether it’s for an overnight stay at grandma’s, a dance competition, or a short family vacation. Its standout feature is the roomy shoe pocket, which keeps dirty shoes separate from clean clothes – a parent’s dream! With multiple carrying options and front pockets for quick access, it’s a stylish and practical choice for young travelers.
Key Features:
- Generous dimensions (20″x11″x8.2″) with a roomy shoe pocket
- Handle straps and adjustable shoulder strap
- 2 front portable pockets for quick access items
- Lightweight and carry-on compliant for airplanes
- Multipurpose use: travel bag, gym bag, sports duffle, overnight bag, etc.
- Reliable travel essential, also useful for dirty laundry at home
Pros:
- Large capacity with excellent organization, especially the shoe compartment
- Comfortable to carry with both handles and an adjustable shoulder strap
- Versatile for a wide range of activities and trips
- Durable construction for frequent use
- Can easily hold everything needed for a weekend or short trip
Cons:
- Might be a bit large for very young toddlers to manage independently
- No luggage sleeve for stacking on a rolling suitcase (as seen in some competitors)
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the spaciousness and the genius shoe compartment. It’s a popular choice for school trips, dance gear, and weekend getaways, with many users appreciating its durability and ability to keep things organized. Kids love having a bag that feels grown-up but is perfectly sized for their needs.
CAMTOP Kids Duffel Overnight Bag Boys Girls Toddler
The CAMTOP Kids Duffel is a super cute and highly functional option that truly stands out with its smart organizational features. Measuring 18″L 9″ H 8.7″W, it’s just the right size for children’s overnight bags, sports gear, or camp trips. What truly sets it apart are the thoughtful compartments, including a ventilated shoe pocket and a brilliant luggage sleeve that slides over a rolling suitcase handle, making airport navigation a breeze for parents. Plus, the fun designs are a hit with kids!
Key Features:
- Large capacity with multiple compartments (18″L 9″ H 8.7″W)
- Separated, ventilated shoe pocket
- Luggage sleeve to attach to rolling suitcases
- 3 interior open/zipper pockets, 1 cell phone pocket, 1 side water bottle pocket
- Cute designs coordinating with other kids’ gear
- Multi-purpose: gym, travel, camping, sleepovers, beach, airplane rides
Pros:
- Exceptional internal and external organization
- Ventilated shoe compartment prevents odors
- Luggage sleeve makes travel much easier for adults
- Child-friendly and appealing designs
- Ideal size for overnight stays and short trips
Cons:
- Slightly smaller than some other duffels, might be tight for longer trips
- No mention of waterproof material in the main features
User Impressions: Parents rave about the luggage sleeve and the well-thought-out pockets, especially the ventilated shoe compartment. Kids absolutely adore the fun patterns, making them excited to pack their own bags. It’s often recommended as an ideal gift and a go-to for sleepovers and quick family excursions.
Kids Duffle Bag Girls Travel Bag for Kids Overnight Bag
This Kids Duffle Bag is another excellent choice for young travelers, boasting a roomy design and adorable patterns that kids will love. Similar in size and features to the Oruiji, this bag emphasizes its eye-catching prints and practical layout. It’s perfect for everything from dance classes to weekend visits, ensuring your child’s belongings are neatly stored. The dedicated shoe compartment is a huge bonus, keeping dirty soles away from clean clothes, which every parent can appreciate!
Key Features:
- Spacious dimensions (20″x11″x8.2″) with an internal shoe compartment
- Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, plus widened hand strap
- Two front pockets for small items
- Cute and unique pattern prints (selected after surveys)
- Multipurpose: dance, travel, gym, weekender, sports, camp, airplane carry-on
- Considered a “Perfect Travel Bag” for overnight trips and vacations
Pros:
- Large capacity for various occasions
- Dedicated shoe compartment keeps items separate and clean
- Comfortable and versatile carrying options
- Visually appealing patterns loved by kids
- Durable and reliable for frequent use
Cons:
- Very similar to the Oruiji bag, so check for specific pattern preferences
- No explicit mention of a luggage sleeve or water resistance
User Impressions: Customers highlight how much kids love the cute patterns, which encourages them to take ownership of their packing. Parents appreciate the generous space and the separate shoe compartment, finding it incredibly useful for a variety of activities. It’s often cited as a durable and practical choice for a child’s first travel bag.
Narwey For Spirit Airlines Foldable Travel Duffel Bag Tote
Here’s another fantastic option if you’re frequently flying with Spirit or Frontier and want to avoid those carry-on fees. The Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel is incredibly lightweight and designed to fit perfectly as a personal item under the seat. What makes this bag shine is its packability – it folds down to a tiny size when not in use, making it ideal as an “extra” bag for souvenirs or just for saving space at home. It’s waterproof and versatile, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.
Key Features:
- Waterproof fabric, capable of bearing over 45 pounds
- Airline compliant (18 x 13 x 6.3 inch fits Spirit/Frontier 18 x 14 x 8 inch personal item allowance)
- Packable and lightweight (7.2 ounces, 25L capacity)
- External storage pocket for quick access items
- Pouch doubles as a strap to fit over suitcase handles
- Versatile for gym, travel, weekend shopping, overnight, camping
Pros:
- Excellent for saving on airline fees
- Extremely lightweight and folds up for easy storage
- Waterproof material protects belongings
- Convenient external pocket and luggage sleeve
- Surprisingly spacious for its compact size
Cons:
- Model T1112 does not include an extra shoulder strap (check other models if desired)
- Simpler design might lack some of the kid-specific features (e.g., fun patterns) of other bags
- Capacity might be limited for longer trips without additional luggage
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise this bag for its ability to save them money on airline fees. They are often surprised by how much it holds despite being so lightweight and packable. It’s a popular choice for short trips, gym visits, and as a reliable backup bag, proving its worth for practical-minded families.
Making the Right Choice for Your Little Traveler
Choosing the best carry on bag for kids really depends on your family’s travel style and your child’s age. If you’re a budget airline pro, the Spirit-compliant foldable duffels are a godsend. For versatility and organization, especially with shoes, the Oruiji or CAMTOP bags are fantastic.
No matter which one you pick, involving your child in the process can make them feel more excited and responsible for their own belongings. Happy travels!
FAQ: Your Questions About Kids’ Carry-On Bags Answered
Q1: What size carry-on is generally allowed for kids on airplanes?
A1: Most airlines have standard carry-on dimensions (often around 22″ x 14″ x 9″ including handles and wheels), which apply to kids’ bags too. However, many of the duffel bags reviewed here are sized as “personal items” (which can be smaller, fitting under the seat) to save on fees, especially with budget airlines. Always check your specific airline’s current regulations before flying, as they can vary.
Q2: Should I get a rolling bag or a duffel for my child?
A2: It depends on their age and strength!
* Rolling bags (suitcases) are great for older kids (5+) who can easily maneuver them. They reduce the burden of weight.
* Duffel bags are generally lighter and more flexible. They’re good for younger kids (who might not use wheels effectively) or for maximizing packing space within personal item limits. Many come with shoulder straps and handles, offering versatile carrying options.
Q3: What should my child pack in their carry-on bag?
A3: A good rule of thumb is essentials and entertainment! This includes:
* A change of clothes (or two for younger kids)
* Comfort items (favorite small toy, blanket, stuffed animal)
* Snacks (non-liquid, non-perishable)
* Activities (coloring books, small puzzles, tablets with headphones, books)
* Basic toiletries if staying overnight
* Any necessary medications
* A refillable water bottle (empty through security)
Q4: Are these kids’ carry-on bags durable enough for frequent travel?
A4: Yes, the bags we’ve highlighted are chosen for their robust construction, often using high-quality nylon or polyester. While kids can be tough on bags, these options feature strong zippers, reinforced stitching, and water-resistant materials designed to withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use for activities like sports or sleepovers.
Q5: How can I make sure my child’s bag isn’t too heavy for them to carry?
A5: The key is selective packing! Encourage your child to pack only what they truly need and can manage. Teach them to lift the bag themselves before leaving home. Using lightweight bags from the start (like the foldable duffels) also helps. If the bag has a luggage sleeve, you can always stack it on your own rolling suitcase when walking through the airport.
Q6: What’s the main difference between a “carry-on” and a “personal item”?
A6: A carry-on bag is typically larger and stored in the overhead bin. A personal item is smaller and must fit under the seat in front of you. Some airlines, especially budget carriers, charge for carry-on bags but allow a personal item for free. The foldable duffels in our review are excellent examples of personal item bags.
Q7: Are there specific carry-on bags for toddlers versus older children?
A7: While many bags are versatile, certain features lend themselves better to different age groups.
* Toddlers: Smaller, lightweight duffels with fun designs are great as parents will likely carry them most of the time. Simpler compartments are fine.
* Older Children: They might prefer rolling bags or duffels with more sophisticated organizational features like shoe compartments and multiple pockets, as they’ll likely be more independent in managing their belongings. Designs can range from cute to more mature.