Buying guide from the Markenkoffer editorial team. Size and weight figures are guideline values – what matters most is that your child can pull the suitcase themselves without any trouble.
A child's first own suitcase is a big deal for them – and a bit of a science for parents: how big, how heavy, hard-shell or soft fabric, and will it even fit on the plane? In this kids' suitcase buying guide, we show you which size suits which age, what to look out for in terms of empty weight, and which models have proven themselves in practice.
Which kids' suitcase size suits which age?
There's no fixed standard – but there are good guideline values. What matters most is that your child can pull the suitcase on their own without being overwhelmed by its weight or size.
- ~30–35 cm
- ~15–20 litres
- as light as possible
- ~40–45 cm
- ~20–28 litres
- 4 wheels popular
- ~45–50 cm
- ~30 litres
- often suitable as carry-on
- for sitting on
- for waiting times
- some are carry-on
| Age | Suitcase height | Volume | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | ~30–35 cm | ~15–20 L | lightweight, easy to handle |
| 6–10 years | ~40–45 cm | ~20–28 L | sturdy hard shell, 4 wheels |
| from 10 years | ~45–50 cm | ~30 L | often already suitable as carry-on |
Empty weight: the lighter, the better
As a rule of thumb, a kids' suitcase should be as light as possible – around 2 to 2.5 kg empty weight. Every kilo less makes it easier for the child to pull and carry, especially on longer walks through the airport.
Hard shell or soft fabric?
- Hard shell (polycarbonate/ABS): robust, impact-resistant, easy to wipe clean – and a requirement if the child is meant to sit on it.
- Soft luggage (polyester): lighter, more outer pockets, easy to pack away – but offers less protection for the contents.
For nursery-age children, a light, simple model is often enough; for school children, a sturdy hard-shell suitcase with compartments is usually the better choice.
2 or 4 wheels?
Both have their strengths: 4 wheels roll smoothly and upright alongside the child (ideal from around 5 years), while 2 larger wheels are more robust on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and are pulled rather than pushed.
Find the right kids' suitcase: Our kids' suitcase selection includes lightweight trolleys in many sizes and designs – from small companions to carry-on suitable models.
View kids' suitcases »Ride-on suitcases: suitcases to sit on
A ride-on suitcase is a kids' suitcase that the child can sit on and be pulled along on – perfect for bridging waiting times at the gate. Make sure it has a non-slip, padded seat, rounded corners and a sturdy closure – and always keep an eye on the child while riding.
A special model is the Stokke JetKids BedBox (recommended for approx. 2–7 years): the child sits on it and is pulled along, and on the plane it can be converted into a bed extension – and it's approved as carry-on luggage by many airlines.
Is a kids' suitcase suitable as carry-on luggage?
Many kids' suitcases are based on the common cabin size of around 55 × 40 × 20–23 cm – and therefore fit as carry-on luggage. Smaller models sometimes even fit under the seat in front – with Ryanair up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, with easyJet up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm. Since every airline has its own rules, it's worth checking our airline guides before booking:
- Condor carry-on luggage and Lufthansa carry-on luggage – standard size 55 × 40 × 23 cm (note: no trolley included in the cheapest fare)
- Ryanair carry-on luggage – strict under-seat size 40 × 30 × 20 cm
- Suitcase sizes at a glance – S, M, L and XL explained
Popular kids' suitcase models at markenkoffer.de
These child-friendly trolleys and ride-on suitcases are part of our range – in many colours and designs:
- Travelite Minimover – lightweight kids' trolley, available as a 2-wheel version (44 cm) for little ones and a 4-wheel version (55 cm) for older children, with pirate and unicorn designs.
- Samsonite Dream2Go – sturdy hard-shell kids' suitcase (52 cm), also available as a Disney Edition (e.g. Mickey) as well as with designs such as Motorbike or Ice-Cream-Van.
- Stokke JetKids BedBox – the ride-on suitcase with bed function for relaxed flights.
- Heys – colourful hard-shell trolleys (46 cm) with playful designs such as unicorn.
You'll find all models together in the kids' suitcase category.
Checklist: what parents should look out for in a kids' suitcase
- Low empty weight (~2–2.5 kg), so the child can pull it themselves
- Height-adjustable telescopic handle, matched to the child's height
- Smooth-running wheels, suited to the surface
- Sturdy closure and rounded corners
- A design the child likes – then they'll happily pull the suitcase themselves
- Check the airline's carry-on dimensions if the suitcase is to travel in the cabin
Frequently asked questions about kids' suitcases
Which kids' suitcase size suits which age?
As a guideline: 3–5 years ~30–35 cm (15–20 L), 6–10 years ~40–45 cm (20–28 L), from 10 years ~45–50 cm (~30 L, often suitable as carry-on). There are no fixed standards.
How heavy may a kids' suitcase be?
As light as possible – around 2 to 2.5 kg empty weight, so the child can pull it themselves without trouble.
Hard shell or soft fabric for children?
Hard shell is more robust, wipeable and necessary if the child is to sit on it; soft fabric is lighter and has more pockets. For school children, a sturdy hard shell is usually better.
Is a kids' suitcase allowed as carry-on luggage?
Many kids' suitcases fit the common cabin size (~55 × 40 × 20–23 cm). Smaller models often fit as under-seat luggage. Check the requirements for each airline.
What is a ride-on suitcase?
A suitcase that the child can sit on and be pulled along on – great for waiting times. Models such as the Stokke JetKids BedBox are also approved as carry-on luggage by many airlines.
Which brands does markenkoffer.de offer for children?
Among others, Travelite (Minimover), Samsonite (Dream2Go, including Disney), Stokke (JetKids BedBox) and Heys – in many sizes and designs.
