Boarding a plane with a toddler, a stroller and a carry-on usually means emptying one bag to fit another. The TernX Carry On, a stroller suitcase hybrid, is designed to skip that step by folding a stroller without unpacking the suitcase it becomes.
Source note: The product specifications and sales details come from TernX and its Japanese distributor. The Shark Tank details come from a company press release dated November 12, 2024. The figures below are reported as the company gave them.
How the stroller suitcase hybrid switch works
The Carry On is a stroller suitcase hybrid: a suitcase and stroller in one unit. A hard-shell compartment sits behind the seat, and a separate open basket sits below it. TernX calls its folding system “loaded folding” because the packed compartment stays in place during the change.
Japanese launch materials describe a three-step switch. The user presses to unlock, pulls out the handle, and opens the seat. TernX says the change takes about five seconds.
If the three-step switch made you curious about other folding designs, backflip chair’s backrest mechanism turns seating permanent shows a similar transformation at work.
When folded, the unit takes on a luggage shape. It does not show the exposed frame tubes common on folding strollers. The black finish runs across the shell, frame and fabric, which gives it a uniform look.
The seat and the ride
The seat is a full stroller seat, not an add-on. TernX lists an adjustable five-point harness, a fixed footrest and two recline positions, at 99 degrees and 126 degrees. The backrest extends from about 15 to 20 inches (38 to 50 cm).
TernX says the seat suits children from six months old up to 48.5 pounds, or 22 kg, depending on size and fit. The Japanese release gives the same limit and lists a usage range up to age four. Newborns are not the intended users.
In suitcase mode, the bag has two wheels rather than four. You tilt it and pull it instead of rolling it upright, as with a four-wheel spinner. TernX says the wheels are recessed so the bag fits better in an overhead bin. Anyone used to pushing luggage alongside them should weigh that trade-off before buying.
Storage, size and weight
The enclosed compartment holds 18 liters. The under-seat basket carries up to about 4.4 pounds. TernX says the enclosed compartment stays reachable in both modes, so you do not need to unfold the stroller to reach diapers or a spare outfit.
Folded, this stroller suitcase hybrid measures 21.7 by 14 by 9.1 inches (55 by 35.5 by 23 cm). The Japanese release gives a combined three-side total of 113.5 cm and says the design fits the carry-on rules of more than 120 airlines. It also warns that aircraft with fewer than 100 seats may not accept it in the cabin. Airline rules still decide the outcome. Cabin space can run out, and a gate check can happen on any flight. Check your airline’s stroller and carry-on policy before you travel.
TernX lists the empty product at about 17.2 pounds, or 7.8 kg, without the canopy. Packed, it still has to be lifted into an overhead bin if the airline accepts it. Merging two items into one removes a trip to the gate, but it does not remove the lifting.
Packing two jobs into one object is a theme in home design too, as multi-purpose furniture helps small rooms do more with less floor space.
Background and recognition
Co-founders Tack Lee and Hoe Ping Lo developed the product after travel problems of their own. The company says the couple drew on physiotherapy and engineering knowledge while working on the stroller design. TernX is headquartered in Queensland, Australia.
A November 2024 press release says the product was featured on Shark Tank and drew two deal offers. Investor Robert Herjavec said, “The more you talk, the more I believe in you.” The release says the terms of the offers remain private.
The awards list also varies by source. The 2024 release says the product had won seven international design awards. The Japanese launch materials name five: Red Dot Award 2026 Best of the Best, iF Design Award 2024, German Design Award 2023, TIME magazine’s Best Inventions 2022, and the Good Design Award gold in Australia.
In Japan, TernX Japan opened pre-orders on the Makuake crowdfunding platform on October 31, 2026, at 10:00. The company reported that its 30 percent early-bird offer, priced at 73,500 yen including tax for 20 units, sold out on launch day. A 25 percent offer at 78,750 yen including tax, limited to 30 units, remained open.
The stroller suitcase hybrid answers a real problem. It removes the step of repacking a stroller at the gate, and it cuts the number of items a parent carries through the terminal. Before you buy, confirm the airline’s rules for your aircraft and your child’s age, weight and fit.
Via yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to switch the TernX Carry On from suitcase to stroller?
TernX says the TernX Carry On changes between suitcase and stroller modes in about five seconds. The Japanese launch materials describe a three-step switch: press to unlock, pull out the handle, and open the seat.
What is the maximum child weight for the TernX Carry On stroller seat?
TernX says the seat suits children from six months old up to 48.5 pounds, or 22 kg, depending on size and fit. The Japanese release gives the same weight limit and lists a usage range up to age four. Newborns are not the intended users.
How much does the TernX Carry On stroller suitcase weigh when empty?
TernX lists the empty product at about 17.2 pounds, or 7.8 kg, without the canopy. The article notes that the packed unit still has to be lifted into an overhead bin if the airline accepts it.
How much can the enclosed compartment of the TernX Carry On hold?
The enclosed compartment holds 18 liters, according to TernX. TernX says this compartment stays reachable in both modes, so you do not need to unfold the stroller to get items like diapers or a spare outfit.
More in
