Travelbetter Guide to ride-on suitcases
A practical guide for UK parents.
Travelling with children can be stressful — especially when long airport walks, boredom, and sensory overload start to build. Ride-on suitcases are one of those travel products that look fun at first glance, but the real question is: do they actually help?
This guide will walk you through what ride-on suitcases are, who they’re best for, and whether they’re worth adding to your family travel kit.
What Is a Ride-On Suitcase?
A ride-on suitcase is a children’s cabin-size case with a built-in seat and wheels strong enough to support a child. Kids can sit and scoot themselves along, or adults can pull them like a tiny luggage-go-kart. They’re designed to make the airport experience more fun — and hopefully reduce complaints about tired legs!
Many Include:
- A long strap for pulling.
- Handlebars or grips to hold on to.
- A latched-secured storage space for toys and clothes.
- Cabin-friendly dimensions for easy storage during your flight.
Think: suitcase meets scooter — but still useful for packing the essentials.
Do airports Allow Ride-On Suitcases?
Generally yes, most UK airports and airlines allow ride-on suitcases as long as they meet standard cabin bag size rules.
A few tips:
- Check your airline’s hand luggage limits (simply google “airline name hand luggage limits” to find them quickly).
- Ensure your child remains seated safely when riding.
- Be prepared to carry the case during security checks and boarding.
- Some airlines may ask you to store the strap during take-off and landing.
Security staff are very used to seeing Trunkis and similar ride-on suitcases — so they’re rarely a problem.
What age are ride-on suitcases for?
Most brands recommend them for ages 3 to 6.
However:
- Younger kids may struggle with steering.
- Older kids may find the cases too small to sit on comfortably.
- Height and weight limits vary — always check before buying.
Neurodiverse note:
For some autistic or anxious children, having a personal storage space they can sit on can offer a sense of control and comfort while waiting in queues.
Are Kids Ride-on suitcases worth it?
They are worth considering if:
- You want to reduce walking fatigue and complaints.
- Your child needs a fun distraction in queues.
- Your child would benefit from a mobile seat anywhere in the airport.
- Your child enjoys having their own belongings and routine.
They may not be ideal if:
- You already have enough to manage and look after with other children or bags.
- Your child doesn’t like riding or being pulled.
- You don’t do a lot of air travel e.g, you take ferries or do road trips.
How much does a Ride-on suitcase cost?
Typical UK price ranges:
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic plastic ride-on (e.g., Trunki) | £40–£60 |
| Licensed or themed versions | £50–£75 |
| Premium designs with seating cushions | £100+ |
Tip: Look out for sales at Argos, The Range, Smyths Toys, and Amazon around school holidays.
What are the major ride-on suitcase brands?
Popular brands in the UK include:
- Trunki — the original icon; lightweight and colourful
- JetKids by Stokke — premium, converts into an inflight bed
- Owlii / generic brands — budget-friendly alternatives
- Samsonite Dream Rider — sturdy and well-built for frequent flyers
Most come in playful animal or character designs — which can be a huge motivator for reluctant travellers.
Can You Buy Kids Ride-On Suitcases Second-Hand?
Absolutely — and it’s a smart way to save money.
Ride-On suitcases are made from hard plastic, so they tend to last well.
Places to look for a second hand ride-on suitcase:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Vinted
- eBay
- Local parent groups
- NCT sales
When looking to buy a second hand ride-on case make sure to check for:
- Working clasps
- Smooth wheels
- Intact strap
- Clean interiors
You are looking for a suitcase that just needs a quick wipe-down and it’s good to go! 🌟
Where Can You Buy Kids Ride-On Suitcases?
Common UK retailers:
If your child has strong preferences (colour, character, sensory triggers), online shopping gives you the best choice.
Our Experience Using Ride-On Suitcases
We have used ride-on suitcases for many flights and found them very useful. This includes a few trips to Florida where you have to endure ridculously long immigration queues and they proved invaluable to providing our kids with somewhere to sit but also easy access to toys.
Overall, we’ve found ride-on suitcases can make a noticeable difference to travel days — especially in large airports or long queues. They give kids a role in the journey, something to focus on beyond the noise and crowds.
But it’s not always perfect:
- Many times we have ended up carrying them as the kids lost interest and wanted to walk.
- Kids sometimes want to race, which requires supervision – especially when they find a nice downward slope to push down!
- If you choose the wrong things to pack – and we have – they can be heavy in comparison with other cabin bags.
On balance:
They’re fantastic when they match your child’s age, ability, and mood.
For many families — especially those who travel occasionally — they deliver great value and a more enjoyable airport experience.
More from Travelbetter
If you found this guide useful and would like more help with travel gear then check out more of our easy to use gear guides.
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