Family Travel Luggage Guide: Packing for Kids and Parents

Travelling with children multiplies the complexity of trip preparation exponentially. More people means more stuff, and children's unpredictable needs require flexibility that adult-only travel doesn't demand. As a mum of two who has navigated countless family trips across Australia and internationally, I've learned that smart luggage choices and organisation strategies make the difference between stressful chaos and manageable adventure.

The Family Luggage Strategy

Before diving into specific gear, it's essential to develop an overall strategy for family travel luggage. The approach that works for a couple won't scale to a family of four or five.

The Consolidation vs Distribution Debate

Should you pack everyone's items together in large bags, or give each family member their own luggage? Both approaches have merits:

Consolidation (fewer, larger bags):

• Easier to track—fewer bags to count and locate
• More efficient use of space (no wasted capacity in half-empty child bags)
• Adults control all access to items
• Works well for young children who can't manage their own bags

Distribution (individual bags):

• Teaches children responsibility
• If one bag is lost, not everything is gone
• Children feel ownership and engagement
• Works well for older children and teens

For most families, a hybrid approach works best: consolidate checked luggage into one or two large bags while giving older children their own carry-on backpacks with personal items and entertainment.

Choosing Family-Friendly Luggage

Family luggage faces rougher treatment than adult-only bags. Children drop things, drag bags across surfaces, and test durability in ways adults don't. Prioritise robust construction over aesthetics.

Checked Luggage for Families

For checked bags, consider:

• Hardshell construction: Withstands rough handling and protects contents from crushing. Children's toys, gifts, and electronics benefit from rigid protection.
• Spinner wheels: Easier to manoeuvre while managing children simultaneously. Less physical effort means more capacity to handle kids.
• Durable materials: Polypropylene or quality polycarbonate over budget ABS. Family bags see heavy use over years of travel.
• Distinctive colours: Easy to spot on carousels. Kids can help identify family bags. Avoid generic black.

Children's Personal Luggage

For children old enough to manage their own bags (generally 5+), consider:

• Backpacks over wheelie bags: Backpacks leave hands free, don't tip over, and work on varied terrain. Wheelie bags seem appealing but often end up being pulled by parents.
• Appropriate size: A bag that's too large tempts overpacking. Children should be able to carry their bag when full.
• Character bags (with caution): Kids love character luggage, but today's favourite becomes next year's embarrassment. Plain bags with removable character tags offer flexibility.

Ride-On Luggage

Ride-on suitcases (like Trunki) have become popular for young children. These function as carry-on bags that children can ride or be pulled on. They're excellent for:

• Keeping young children entertained during long airport walks
• Reducing the carrying burden on parents
• Giving toddlers "their" special bag

However, they have limitations: capacity is limited (18-20L typically), they're outgrown by age 6-7, and some airports restrict riding in certain areas. Consider them a useful tool for the toddler-to-early-school years rather than a long-term solution.

The Family Carry-On: Your Survival Kit

For families, the carry-on isn't just for valuables—it's a survival kit for managing children through airports and flights. Pack this bag strategically.

Essential Carry-On Contents for Families

Bag-Within-Bag Organisation

Use smaller pouches within your carry-on to keep items accessible:

• Documents pouch: All travel documents together, easily grabbable
• Snack bag: Separate from other items to prevent crumb contamination
• Entertainment bag: Quick access during flights and delays
• Emergency kit: Medications, band-aids, wipes—everything for minor emergencies

Packing Strategies for Families

Efficient packing is even more critical when managing multiple people's needs.

The Outfit Bundle Method

Rather than packing all shirts together and all pants together, pack complete daily outfits in bundles or packing cubes. Each bundle contains everything one child needs for one day: top, bottom, underwear, socks. This approach:

• Simplifies morning routines—grab one bundle, get dressed
• Makes repacking straightforward
• Ensures you've packed appropriately for the trip length
• Allows older children to manage their own outfits

The Emergency Redistribution Principle

Pack at least one complete outfit for each family member in each checked bag. If one bag is lost or delayed, no one is without clothes. This redundancy adds complexity but provides crucial insurance—I learned this the hard way when our only bag with children's clothes was delayed for 48 hours in Bali.

Laundry Planning

For trips over a week, plan for laundry rather than packing more. Most destinations have laundry facilities or services. Pack one or two extra outfits beyond the expected laundry cycle, but don't pack for every single day of a two-week trip.

Age-Specific Considerations

Luggage needs change dramatically as children grow:

Babies and Toddlers (0-3)

This age requires the most stuff relative to body size. Nappies, formula, bottles, special foods, and comfort items add up quickly. Consider:

• A dedicated nappy bag that functions as part of your carry-on allowance
• Extra capacity in checked luggage for bulky baby gear
• Whether to pack or purchase nappies/wipes at the destination
• Portable changing solutions for airports and flights

Young Children (4-7)

Children become more independent but still need supervision. This is the sweet spot for:

• Introducing their own backpack with personal items
• Ride-on luggage if appropriate for your travel style
• Teaching basic packing concepts (what to include, why)

Older Children (8-12)

Pre-teens can manage their own carry-ons and contribute to packing decisions. Encourage:

• Personal responsibility for their bag
• Input on what they want to bring
• Understanding of airline restrictions and why they matter

Teenagers

Teenagers often want their own full-sized luggage and privacy. Balance independence with family logistics:

• Their own checked bag if the family can manage the quantity
• Responsibility for packing and repacking
• Clear expectations about bag limits and what happens if they overpack

Managing Luggage at the Airport

Getting through airports with children and luggage requires choreography:

Pre-Airport Preparation

• Assign specific bags to specific adults—know exactly what you're responsible for
• Discuss the plan with children old enough to understand
• Check bags online if possible to reduce queue time with restless children
• Use luggage carts or trolleys—don't try to be a hero

Security Checkpoint Strategy

• Have electronics and liquids easily accessible
• Let one adult go through first to collect items while the other manages children
• Brief older children on what to expect (removing shoes, etc.)
• Use family lanes where available

Boarding Process

• Take advantage of family pre-boarding when offered
• Have entertainment items ready before settling in
• Store carry-ons strategically—frequently needed items accessible, bulk items overhead

Returning Home: The Post-Trip Reality

The journey home often involves more luggage than the outbound trip—souvenirs, gifts, and items purchased during travel. Plan for this:

• Pack a foldable duffel in checked luggage for overflow
• Leave some checked bag capacity unused on the outbound journey
• Consider shipping bulky purchases rather than carrying them
• Teach children that souvenirs must fit within their own bag space

Family travel requires more planning than solo adventures, but the rewards—shared experiences and memories—make every bit of effort worthwhile. With the right luggage strategy and organisation, you can focus on enjoying the journey together rather than wrestling with bags.