Essentials Shopping

Best luggage for families in 2024

By Leah Groth, Meredith Gordon, Kaylyn McKenna

Edited By Fox Van Allen

Updated on: June 24, 2024 / 11:40 AM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If you've ever ventured on a meticulously planned vacation only to have the fun ruined by a broken suitcase, or luggage that didn't suit your needs, you know firsthand that the right luggage can make or break a family trip. Packing for yourself and your family requires precision and organization, making sure all your travel essentials find their place while saving room for the treasures you may purchase along the way. Nothing can simplify travel better than the perfect suitcase.

However you like to travel, you'll want to dive into our list of best luggage for families in 2024. From triple-tasking ride-on carry-on bags and kid-sized suitcases to luggage sets and large trunks, you're going places this summer.

The best luggage for families in 2024

We've compiled luggage selections for all types of families and travel styles. Whether your kids prefer their own carry-ons or you need a large checked bag to hold all of the family's travel essentials, we've found the best luggage for your summer family vacation.

Best summer luggage sale: Save 30% on Samsonite this summer
For the family that likes to stay organized on vacation: Royce & Rocket The Castle
For the family with a toddler: JetKids by Stokke Bedbox ride-on carry-on suitcase
For the family that tends to overpack: Travelpro Platinum Elite
For the parent that needs a roomy check-in: Away The Large Flex
For the family that likes to travel in style: Monos Check-In Large
For the family that loves to match: Coolife luggage set
Best luggage for kids: Disney hardside spinner carry-on

Keep reading to learn more about our top picks and find the right luggage for your family. If you need more ideas, check out our full roundup of the best luggage in 2024.

Best summer luggage sale: Save 30% on Samsonite this summer

Samsonite is one of the top names in luggage. Known for lightweight, durable pieces designed to endure many summer family vacations, the brand is currently offering 30% off sitewide, with free shipping.

That means you can pack with confidence this summer with Samsonite's standout pieces, including the Freeform Medium Spinner (pictured here) now $168, reduced from $240; the 4.2-star rated Voltage two-piece set now $240, reduced from $400; and the brand's terrific Carrier GSD travel backpack now $50, reduced from $90.

Why we like Samsonite luggage:

The luggage is lightweight, yet durable.
Larger piece suitcases feature wheels that spin in any direction, making the bags easier to maneuver in transit.

Save at least 30% on Samsonite this summer

For the family that likes to stay organized on vacation:Royce & Rocket The Castle

Anyone who struggles to stay organized while temporarily living out of a suitcase will appreciate the clever built-in shelving of this super-sized 31-inch piece of checked luggage from Royce & Rocket.

Keep all of your family's items neatly organized by stacking everything on the two-tier shelves that fold down when the suitcase opens. Available in burgundy, silver and black exterior colors with the option of a pink or tobacco interior.

Why we like the Royce & Rocket The Castle checked luggage:

The included compression system and castle shelves help you fit everything your family needs and stay organized throughout your trip.

It includes a mesh zip and lots of internal pockets for easy organization.

It features a TSA-approved lock.

$615 at Royce & Rocket

For the family with a toddler:JetKids by Stokke Bedbox ride-on carry-on suitcase

This 19-inch carry-on serves multiple purposes. It's a suitcase, ride-on transportation for little ones up to 77 pounds, a foot rest and it provides an in-air sleeping surface for kids age 2 and up. It's an excellent starter option for kids who want their own luggage but may get tired of walking or holding onto their suitcase in the airport.

The case comes with an extendable lid elongating the seat, making it a great place to rest feet. During the flight, a built-in mattress helps this suitcase transform any airplane seat into a comfy makeshift bed.

"I dragged my feet on this purchase because of the price tag, but I have zero regrets after traveling solo with my two-year-old and five-year-old," one parent who purchased the suitcase says. "This thing was so easy to maneuver through the airport and through the plane aisles that my two-year-old pulled it herself for most of the trip. The bed feature was super easy to set up and we used it to and from our destination."

Why we like the JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase:

It has a versatile design that allows kids to pull or ride on the suitcase.
It has a fun kid-friendly design.
It offers ample storage to fit all of your child's travel essentials.

$229 at Amazon

For the family that tends to overpack: Travelpro Platinum Elite

The roomiest of the popular Travelpro Platinum Elite collection, the 29-inch check-in size offers 143.5 liters of packing space for families. Constructed out of a stain-resistant fabric with stylish leather accents, the softside suitcase offers durability and protection for your family's items. Keep clothes organized with the internal tie-down system, integrated accessory products, a built-in, foldable suiter and a removable, TSA-compliant wet pocket for toiletries.

Need more room? The suitcase also boasts a tapered expansion, offering an extra 2 inches when needed. Prices vary by color.

Why we like the Travelpro Platinum Elite spinner:

It's expandable up to an extra two inches in case your family overpacks or ends up buying a few too many souvenirs on your trip

It features eight self-aligning spinner wheels for a smooth glide.

It comes with a TSA-approved lock to keep your family's belongings secure.

$450 at Amazon

For the parent that needs a roomy check-in: Away The Large Flex

Away Travel's hard-sided polycarbonate bags offer great protection for all your family's belongings. At 29 inches (plus 1.75 inches of expandable flex space) and 99 liters of interior space, The Large Flex serves as a great option.

Features of this popular suitcase include 360-degree spinner wheels, a removable, washable liner and TSA-approved locks. If you don't like it, return it within 100 days for a full refund.

Why we like the Away The Large Flex suitcase:

It provides plenty of space for parents who are packing for themselves and their children.

It's designed to hold enough for a two-week trip, or enough for a parent and child on a shorter trip if sharing luggage.

It's durable, but still relatively lightweight.

$425 at Away

For the family that likes to travel in style: Monos Check-In Large

Available in a bunch of great colors and with features like an effortless telescopic handle, lots of pockets and compartments with zippers and an easy-to-use lock, this large check-in bag is worth considering.

The 30-inch, 99-liter Monos Check-In costs $100 less than the similar style from Away, with many of the same features plus a 100-day trial period and lifetime warranty. You can also pack smaller suitcases like the Monos carry-on into the large check-in for storage when not in use

Why we like the Monos Check-in Large suitcase:

It offers a spacious interior for your items.
This luggage is made with a high-quality polycarbonate shell.
It comes in thirteen color options and offers a sleek, stylish design.

$355 at Monos

For the family that loves to match: Coolife luggage set

Keep your family in coordinating style with a matching set of luggage. This top-selling polycarbonate hardshell luggage set from Coolife comes in sets of three (one carry-on and two check-ins) or four (two carry-on pieces and two check-ins) and costs less than a single suitcase from the competition.

Each suitcase comes equipped with quiet, multidirectional spinner wheels, an aluminum telescopic handle and interior mesh pockets for organizational purposes. Another cool feature? The suitcases fit inside one another for storage. Available in multiple colors.

Why we like the Coolife luggage sets:

Having matching luggage for the whole family makes it easier to keep track of your bags or find them at baggage claim.
The bags are lightweight, making them easier for younger family members to roll.
Each luggage piece features interior mesh pockets for organization.

Get a three- or four-piece set at Amazon by clicking the buttons below.

Get the 3-piece set for $179

Get the 4-piece set for $200

Best luggage for kids: Disney hardside spinner carry-on

Kids determined to carry their own luggage will like the Disney-themed collection from Target. Available in a variety of sizes and themes, including Disney Princess, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and "Frozen," the bag rolls on side-mounted skate wheels and has dual handles for maneuverability.

The carry-on has earned an impressive 4.5-star rating with 62% of Target buyers stating they'd recommend it. Target is home to a variety of Disney-themed luggage in various sizes and color options. We've linked to them all.

Why we like the Disney hardside carry-on:

You can buy this suitcase in a variety of design options featuring popular characters.
Reviewers report that it's durable enough to stand up to drops, scraps and kicking from little ones.
It's made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.

from $30 at Target