Planning a family holiday should be exciting, not stressful – but somehow the thought of packing for everyone always brings on a bit of panic. Between managing different clothing sizes, keeping track of favourite toys, and making sure nobody forgets their essential items, family travel can feel like you need a degree in logistics.
The good news? The best family luggage can transform your travel experience from chaotic to brilliant. We're talking about suitcases that make family travel easier, not harder, whether you're planning a weekend city break, a fortnight on the Costa del Sol, or an adventure across Europe with the kids in tow, having the right bags can make all the difference.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about choosing the perfect family luggage – from size considerations to clever features that'll have you wondering how you ever travelled without them!
What to look for in the best family luggage
When you're looking for the best family luggage, you're not just buying a bag – you're investing in your sanity during travel! The best one combines practicality with durability, all whilst being user-friendly enough that even your 8-year-old can manage their own case.
- Durability is king: with little ones around, your luggage will face challenges that single travellers never encounter. Think sticky fingers, being used as impromptu seats at airports, and the occasional tantrum-induced kicking. Look for reinforced corners, quality zippers, and materials that can withstand the rigours of family life.
- Organisation features: multiple compartments and pockets are your best friends when travelling with children. External pockets for snacks, easy-access sections for travel documents, and separate compartments for clean and dirty clothes can be absolute lifesavers.
- Manoeuvrability matters: you'll likely be managing multiple cases whilst keeping an eye on the kids. Four-wheel spinners are essential – they glide smoothly and can be pushed or pulled in any direction. Telescopic handles should be sturdy and extend to a comfortable height for all family members who'll be using them.
- Size considerations: think about your typical family trips. A good family luggage set should include various sizes – a carry-on for essentials, medium cases for weekend trips, and larger options for extended holidays. The flexibility to choose the right size for each trip is invaluable.
- Weight when empty: every kilogram counts when you're dealing with airline weight restrictions. Lightweight materials like polycarbonate or quality polyester can significantly reduce the empty weight of your luggage, leaving more room for all those holiday essentials (and inevitable souvenirs).
Hard vs soft luggage: which is better for families?
This age-old debate becomes even more interesting when you factor in family travel dynamics. Both types have their merits, and the best choice often depends on your specific travel style and needs.
Let’s discover all the advantages and disadvantages of a hard shell:
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Advantages:
- Excellent protection for fragile items.
- Perfect to preserve expensive items.
- Easier to clean (crucial when dealing with spills and sticky fingers).
- Often more secure.
- Many hard cases also offer expandable options, giving you extra space when needed.
- They're particularly brilliant for flights where checked luggage gets rough handling.
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Drawbacks:
- Generally heavier when empty.
- Less flexible when overpacking (though sometimes this forced discipline is helpful!).
- It can be more expensive.
- Don't have external pockets, which can be less convenient for quick access to snacks or entertainment.
On the other hand, the soft shells can provide:
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Benefits:
- Typically, lighter weight, more forgiving when you inevitably overpack.
- Often features multiple external pockets for organisation.
- They're usually more budget-friendly
- It can be squeezed into tight spaces more easily.
- The flexibility makes it brilliant for car travel, where space might be at a premium.
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Considerations:
- Less protection for fragile items.
- Potential for wear and tear with heavy use, and sometimes.
- Less weather-resistant.
For families, a mixed approach often works best. Hard shell cases for checked luggage (better protection) and soft cases for carry-ons (lighter and more flexible). This gives you the best of both worlds, depending on your specific needs for each trip.
What size suitcase do you need for a family trip?
Getting the size right can make or break your family holiday experience. Too small, and you'll be playing Tetris at midnight. Too large, and you'll be paying excess baggage fees that could have funded another day out.
Here are some suggestions:
- Carry-On Sizes (20-22 inches): essential for keeping travel necessities close. Perfect for nappies, snacks, entertainment devices, medications (according to OMS), and a change of clothes for everyone. Most airlines allow 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, which should accommodate 2-3 days' worth of essentials for a family of four.
- Medium Cases (24-26 inches): ideal for weekend breaks or short holidays. These typically offer 60-80 litres of packing space, which works well for 3-5 days for a family of four. They're still manageable for most family members to handle but offer significantly more space than carry-ons.
- Large Cases (28-30 inches): perfect for week-long holidays or longer adventures. With 90-120 litres of space, these can easily handle a fortnight's worth of clothing and supplies for a family. Just be mindful of weight restrictions – it's easy to exceed airline limits with these larger cases.
Remember that children's clothes take up less space, but you'll need more frequent changes. Factor in bulky items like pushchairs, car seats (if not hiring), and the inevitable collection of holiday souvenirs that'll need to fit on the return journey.
Our top picks: best luggage sets for families
After extensive research and considering expert reviews, here are our recommendations for family-friendly luggage that combines practicality with value.
MiaMily Carry-On with Built-In Seat
This isn't just luggage – it's a game-changer for family travel. The MiaMily Carry-On features a patented built-in seat that supports up to 100kg (220 lbs), transforming from a regular suitcase into a ride-on for children or a comfortable seat for adults. Perfect for crowded airports where seating is scarce, this innovative design means kids can ride their luggage whilst parents maintain control. The TSA-approved latch lock ensures quick access, and the 360° spinner wheels glide smoothly on any surface.
MiaMily Check-In Luggage (24")
When you need more space, the MiaMily Check-In size offers 77 litres of capacity whilst maintaining the same innovative seat functionality. Like all MiaMily luggage, it converts into a ride-on suitcase and provides a sturdy place to sit when gate seating is full. The zipper-free design with TSA-approved latch lock makes security checks faster, whilst the dedicated waterproof pocket keeps wet items separate from your clean clothes.
MiaMily Everyday Bag
For day trips and essentials, this versatile bag transforms from a crossbody during the day to a sleek clutch for evenings. It's like having five bags in one, perfect for parents who need to switch between practical day wear and stylish evening looks whilst travelling.
Packing tips for travelling as a family
Even the best luggage won't help if you're not packing strategically, following your packing checklist. Here's how to make the most of your family luggage investment:
- The one-hand rule: pack your carry-on so you can access everything important with one hand. Snacks in external pockets, tablets in easy-reach compartments, and spare clothes for the little ones near the top.
- Colour coordination: assign each family member a colour or pattern. This makes it easier to spot your luggage on carousels and helps children identify their belongings quickly.
- Strategic distribution: don't put all of one person's clothes in one case. If a bag goes missing, everyone should have at least one complete outfit in a different case. This applies especially to the carry-on – make sure it contains essentials for everyone. Don’t miss all the info about how to pack a luggage bag!
- Entertainment accessibility: long flights or car journeys are much easier when entertainment is easily accessible. Dedicate space in your carry-on for tablets, colouring books, small toys, and headphones.
- Essential items backup: pack critical items (medications, phone chargers, important documents) in multiple bags. The stress of a missing essential can derail an entire trip.
Remember, the goal isn't perfect packing – it's functional packing that makes your family's travel experience more enjoyable. Choose luggage that works with your family's travel style, not against it, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without proper family-friendly cases.
PAA
Is it better to fly with hard or soft luggage?
For families, hard luggage offers better protection for fragile items and easier cleaning after spills, whilst soft luggage is lighter and more flexible when overpacking. The best approach combines both: hard cases for checked luggage (better protection) and soft cases for carry-ons (lighter and more adaptable to overhead bins).
What size suitcase for a family?
A three-piece approach works best: carry-on (56cm) for essentials and 2-3 days, medium case (66cm) for weekend trips or one adult plus children's items, and large case (76cm) for extended holidays. This gives flexibility whilst managing airline weight restrictions and ensures everyone's belongings stay organised during family travel.
What is the best family luggage brand?
MiaMily is known and appreciated for innovative family-focused design, featuring luggage that transforms into ride-on seats supporting up to 100kg. This eliminates the need for pushchairs whilst providing seating in crowded airports. Other reliable family brands include Samsonite for durability and Amazon Basics for budget-conscious families seeking dependable quality.