Luggage when travelling with children

Luggage when travelling with children - Selective Focus Photography of Yellow School Bus Die-cast

When travelling with small children we strongly prefer to have few pieces of luggage, so they end up being rather heavy (unless driving). This is fine until you need to check-in for a flight, where many airlines (e.g. KLM, BA) insist on every bag being at most 23kg. The total weight of our luggage is always well within the sum of the limits for all the passengers (because kids get the same allowance), but every piece is too heavy. Did anyone figure out some reasonable way to work-around this limitation?



Best Answer

I think your best bet is to get some luggage that can be attached together. That way, each adult can wheel along 2-3 pieces together, whilst still being able to take them apart to check in individually.

As an aside - the reason for the 20-25kg limit (varies slightly between airlines) is that beyond that the airline normally has to pay extra to the airport for handling it. Cases much beyond about 20kg need special handling, such as multiple people to lift them safely. If you check a heavy bag, it'll almost certainly have warning labels added to it about the weight.

So, luggage you can attach together. There are two broad types here, those that were made with this in mind, and those where you can make it work!

A lot of airline crew luggage is designed to attach together, and you'll often see them wheeling a suitcase with another on top through the airport. Here, the aim is usually to keep both pieces within the cabin baggage size limit, and if it's a long trip they then attach the second one. Typically these attach by one joining on to the handle of the other, so you end up with a very tall suitcase. That said, these are normally smaller cases, so you may struggle to find large ones that'll do the same thing. You can also get ones where they attach with the largest sizes touching, to effectively give a very deep suitcase. A quick google only shows a luxury brand doing this, but I'm fairly sure I've seen others about.

Otherwise, you just need two fairly similarly sized suitcases, and some straps. Put one strap on the floor, stand the two cases together, wrap it around and tighten, then add a 2nd one the other way. Carefully tip forward onto the wheels of the bottom one, being aware that the centre of gravity is now likely off, and wheel away! (Note - don't just attach them at the top, otherwise the first time you corner or hit a bump, it'll probably go horribly wrong...)

Oh, and there is another option - many airlines allow their frequent travellers to check in heavier luggage without fees. Generally only the higher tiers, so you'll need to be doing a lot of flying to hit it... Oh, and many airlines also wave heavy bag fees for premium cabins, but that means expensive tickets!




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What size luggage is best for kids?

These bags tick lots of boxes \u2013 they are durable, lightweight and easy to roll, with an easy-pull handle that makes them perfect for little hands. The 18\u2033 models are fairly small in size, so we recommend using them for younger children only. For older kids and teens, we recommend 21-28\u2033 luggage.

Does a Trunki count as hand luggage?

The original innovative ride-on suitcase for kids! Trunki is the ultimate travelling companion for globe-trotting tots. Designed to be used as hand luggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belonging whilst parents keep them in tow.

How do you pack a trip with kids?

Family travel checklist: what to pack
  • wipes.
  • plastic bags \u2013 handy for rubbish or vomit.
  • spare clothes, in case of spills, accidents or delays.
  • hand sanitiser.
  • water in refillable drink bottles.
  • healthy snacks.
  • books, toys and games \u2013 ask your child to help you choose.
  • medication if your child needs it.


  • How do you travel with 2 kids on a plane?

    You can;
  • purchase a child seat and bring an airline approved car seat for the second child (most airlines will not provide this though); or.
  • You could have two in car seats and be completely hands-free if you want to spring for the cost, or if you know both children sleep better this way.




  • REVIEW: Is the Trunki a Flunki? Kids Suitcase FAIL | Are We There Yet? The Points Guy




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Nubia Navarro (nubikini), Ivan Samkov, Huy ProShoot, Vlada Karpovich