What to Look for in Family-Friendly Luggage

April 17 2025, by Carolina UC, 5 min reading time

Travelling with the family can be a joy – but packing for it? Not so much. From toddler toys to teen tech, and everything in between, choosing the right luggage can make all the difference between a smooth getaway and a chaotic airport scramble. That’s where family-friendly luggage steps in. But what exactly should you look for when picking the perfect suitcase for everyone?

Let’s break it down into the essentials – so you’re prepped and packed like a pro.

Lightweight Design

When you're juggling multiple bags (and possibly a child or two), the last thing you need is a suitcase that weighs a ton before you've even filled it. Lightweight luggage is a must for families – it makes lifting, carrying, and manoeuvring much easier, especially when dealing with stairs, overhead compartments, or quick dashes through the terminal.

Look for luggage made from modern materials like polycarbonate or lightweight fabrics that don’t compromise on strength.

Spacious Compartments

Family trips often mean packing for every eventuality – extra shoes, emergency snacks, backup outfits, gadgets, and the odd stuffed animal. Spacious compartments, including internal and external pockets, help keep everything organised and accessible.

Separate sections for parents and kids can be a game-changer, reducing the need to dig through piles of clothes just to find that missing charger or baby wipe.

Durable Materials

Luggage takes a beating during travel. From being dragged over cobblestones to being tossed around at baggage claim, you need something built to last. Look for hard-wearing materials like ballistic nylon, ABS, or reinforced polycarbonate. Zippers and stitching should be heavy-duty, and handles should be solid enough to survive a few family holidays (and then some).

Bonus points if it's scratch-resistant – because no one wants their brand-new suitcase looking worn out after one trip.

Smooth-Rolling Wheels

You’ve got the passports, the kids, the snacks... now all you need is luggage that won’t fight you every step of the way. Smooth-rolling wheels, especially four-wheel spinners, make navigating airports, train stations, and hotel lobbies way less stressful.

Opt for 360-degree rotating wheels that glide smoothly over different surfaces. The smoother the roll, the lighter the load feels – even if the suitcase is packed to the brim.

Expandable Storage

Let’s face it – you’ll probably come back with more than you left with. Whether it’s souvenirs, shopping, or simply overpacking “just in case”, expandable storage is a lifesaver. Look for suitcases with zippered expansion sections that give you a few extra inches of space when you need it.

It’s a flexible feature that keeps things manageable on the outbound and spacious on the return.

TSA-Approved Locks

Security is always a concern when travelling, especially with kids’ belongings in tow. TSA-approved locks offer peace of mind while allowing airport security to check your bags without damaging them. Whether you choose combination locks or built-in ones, make sure they’re certified and easy to operate.

Safe and sound luggage means one less thing to worry about on your journey.

Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

Spills happen. Muddy shoes, leaky water bottles, sticky fingers – family travel is messy business. Choosing luggage with easy-to-clean surfaces can save you time and effort post-trip. Hard-shell cases are often the easiest to wipe down, while many soft-sided options now come with stain-resistant coatings.

Because no one wants to spend the night scrubbing chocolate out of canvas.

Kid-Friendly Options

If your little ones are old enough, getting them involved with their own mini luggage can be both practical and fun. Many family-friendly luggage ranges include kid-sized suitcases in bright colours or playful designs that encourage independence.

Look for cases that are light enough for them to pull, with handles and wheels designed for small hands. Some even double as ride-ons – perfect for keeping the little ones entertained during long waits.

Stackable or Nesting Sets

If you're buying luggage for the whole crew, consider a set that stacks or nests together for easy storage. Stackable sets are ideal for keeping things compact and organised in hotel rooms or car boots, while nesting sets are great when storing them at home between holidays.

Plus, buying a set is often more economical than purchasing individual pieces separately.

Comfortable Handles

Dragging luggage across terminals, up escalators, and into hotel rooms is tough enough without awkward or wobbly handles. Opt for telescopic handles that extend to various lengths, allowing both adults and older kids to pull the cases comfortably.

Side and top handles should also be padded or ergonomically designed – you’ll appreciate them when you’re lifting your suitcase off the baggage carousel for the tenth time.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right luggage for family travel isn't just about picking the prettiest suitcase – it's about making your journey smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. From lightweight construction to clever compartments and kid-friendly features, every detail can make a big difference.

So before your next family holiday, invest in luggage that works as hard as you do. After all, the better the suitcase, the better the start to your adventure.