If you are looking for a fun and functional carry on luggage option for your kids look no further – we love the Trunki ride on suitcase. Even if you don’t realise you are looking for this – like us – the Trunki could work out well for your family. We have been using them for two years now and they have become an essential part of our family travel.
Below is our Trunki suitcase review. I first wrote it when our kids were 2 and 4 and we first started travelling with them. They are now 4 and 6 and we are still huge fans!
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Trunki review – kids ride on suitcase
I must admit that we were given our two trunkis for Christmas. It is not something I would have sought out – mostly because it did not occur to me that luggage like this exists.
Even once we were given it, I was not sure if it would suit us, primarily because I wasn’t sure if the kids would be happy to take it around with them everywhere.
Thankfully, I worried for nothing. It has been a big hit and worked out very well for us, especially as a stroller substitute in airports. They have also enabled us to return to travelling carry on only with our young kids. Below you will find why we love our Trunkis and how we use them.
Click here for the latest prices.Carry on size and spacious
First of all, the Trunki is carry on size and should be allowed on flights. We have had no problems taking ours on board. Despite being small enough for this, it holds a lot. Far more than the kids’ backpacks we have taken on previous trips. This means we are able to put toys in here, books, pencil cases and still fit lots of clothes and nappies.
We are able to fit everything in here that our kids’ need.
Someone asked me if it was an issue getting things out while on board a plane. Not at all. The strap holds things in place and the case is quite compact so it’s easy to open it and go through it on your lap on board.
Easy to pull around
The big plus about this option is that it has a “lead” that kids can use to pull the Trunki along themselves. It is very easy to do this and the strap is adjustable. This means when I pull it along that I can make the lead longer and then shorter when the kids do it. Even when the case is loaded full, it is still easy to pull.
Our 4 year old was very happy to pull hers along and always does it herself. Our 2 year old could be reluctant but he is no problem now he is 4. When he won’t do it, we attach it to our big suitcase or put it on our luggage trolley, so the extra item has not been a problem.
Kids ride on suitcase
One of the selling points of the Trunki is that it is ride on luggage – the kids can sit on them and push it around with their feet using the horns to steer. They loved doing this and have used it as a toy while travelling and while we have been in hotels/at home. It is an extra toy so that is an added bonus.
Seat while waiting
The Trunki also makes a great seat while waiting. The kids used them as seats while waiting in airport lines, for the bus or even just to sit down in a hotel room that was lacking chairs. In fact as much as I love the other functionality, as they get older (now 4 and 6) this is probably the best part of them.
Stroller substitute in airports
First of all, this is not a recommended feature by the manufacturers. I’m sure that by doing this, we are running the risk of the strap breaking. Do this at your own risk. However, we have done this quite a lot and had no problems.
A handy way to get around an airport in the middle of the night
We used the Trunkis as stroller substitutes in airports where we had to walk long distances, especially for Mr 2. He would sit on board and we would pull him along. It worked very well for all of us and this would have to be one of our favourite uses.
Colours and patterns
The Trunki comes in many colours and patterns. Miss 4 loves her pink Trunki, Mr 2 his tiger Trunki. I personally like the ladybird Trunki. There are also lots of other options.
Other features
The case also features carry handles which was handy when walking to our seat on the plane. The case is hard, solid and sturdy – thanks to built in stabilizers to prevent it toppling over. On the inside, there is a strap which helps to keep our things in place so everything doesn’t just fall out when we open it.
There is also a lock and key to secure the case, although we have not bothered to use this. It shuts very securely without it.
It’s recommended for 3+. Our first 4 year old is very big for her age at 23kg and 6 year old height and she has no problems sitting on it, riding on it and getting pulled along on it.
Now she is 6, she is 30kg and still sits on it and ride on it without an issue, but I am too paranoid to try pulling her around on it now.
The kids?
As you can probably guess, they love them! They are lots of fun and it gives them someone to do at boring waiting times on travel days. They can also easily pack them themselves and have a spare seat and toy whenever they want it.
My verdict
Overall, I like our Trunkis a lot. They have come in very handy. They hold a lot and make transporting the kids items easy, especially for Miss 4 who is more than happy to pull this along everywhere.
The trunki suitcase definitely helped us navigate the airports
For Mr 2, it is not as big a hit since he is not happy to pull it along for very long. However, it has also been a back saver in many airport where we have been able to pull him along on this instead of having to carry him. It has been worth having the Trunki just for this!
I recommend the Trunki for kids 3+ who are likely to be happy to keep pulling it themselves. I think it is particularly well suited for air and car travel. When it comes to overland travel in places without great sidewalks, it is more difficult to transport around and a small kids’ backpack might be better – it really depends how much space you need for your child.
I have heard some parents complain that their kids wouldn’t pull it so they weren’t a fan. Our kids are clear on the fact that it goes in the trash if they don’t pull it and this seems to ensure that we don’t have a problem.
Given they are less than $40, I think they are a bargain!
All in all, I can see us continuing to use the Trunkis often. They are fun and functional – the best qualities for kids’ travel items! They have also made it very easy for us to switch to travelling carry on only – you can see our packing list here!
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Have you used ride on luggage? What did you think?
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