Airline-Approved Pet Carriers That Make Traveling With Your Baby Boo Easy Breezy

I don’t know anyone who really ever wants to leave their precious pet(s) behind when they travel. And airlines get it.

As it becomes more and more common for people to prefer taking their pets along with them instead of boarding them up in a kennel, airlines have tried to make the process seamless and (almost) hassle-free. Brands have accommodated the demand with airline-friendly pet carriers in sizes that make traveling with your pet possible.

But before you start packing their tiny sunglasses and mini passport, it’s important to know the airline regulations. Each airline has its own set of rules for pet carriers; do your homework and read up on their specific requirements.

Here are a few things to look for that help make a pet carrier flight-friendly:

1. Snug as a Bug (Under the Seat): Size matters, especially when it comes to fitting under that airplane seat. Look for a carrier that’s spacious enough for your pet to stretch out and stand up but compact enough to cozy up under the seat in front of you.
2. Breathing Easy: Ventilation is key for your pet’s comfort, so make sure a carrier has plenty of mesh panels or ventilation holes. It’s like a little window seat for your furry friend.
3. Fort Knox Security: We’re talking about zippers, latches and locks. Your pet’s carrier should be super secure, with sturdy closures to prevent any Houdini-like escapes midflight.
4. Cozy Penthouse Vibes: Look for a carrier with a plush, padded interior — the Ritz-Carlton of pet accommodations. Bonus points if it comes with a removable, washable lining for easy cleaning.

So, are you ready to take to the skies with your four-legged friend in tow? Here are some airline-approved pet carriers to help you do just that:

Best Award-Winning Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Sleepypod Air

Having won countless awards, including the Pet Business “Industry Recognition Award” and the TICA Seal of Excellence, Sleepypod Air is an innovative pet carrier for accommodating conflicting airline size restrictions. Recommended for pets 18 pounds and under, the versatile airline-approved Air has a luggage-grade, ballistic nylon exterior with removable, ultra-plush bedding and hook and loop closures. The trolley pockets keep it secure to your rolling luggage but have a removable, adjustable shoulder strap with comfort padding to throw on.

Dimensions: 22 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches

Best Flexible Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

SturdiBag Flex-Height Pet Carrier

Perfect for pets up to 30 pounds, the machine-washable SturdiBag Pro 2.0 is made for in-cabin airline travel and is the largest soft-side size allowed by most airlines. This carrier features a flexible height that lets you fit under your seat. It has four-point carrier straps, luggage handle loops, snag-proof hook/loop closures and a soft foam pad.

Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 12 inches

Best Airline-Approved Pet Carrier With Wheels

Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Carrier Backpack

This 4-in-1 design pulls extra duty as a wheeled travel carrier, backpack, car seat or pet bed (in case your flight is delayed) while its telescope handle lets you adjust it to the perfect height. The Snoozer pet carrier features mesh panels on three sides for the perfect amount of ventilation. The large size holds up to 30 pounds.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 23 x 12.25 inches

Best Cause-Worthy Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier

“Because not all pets are lucky enough to have found their forever homes (yet!), we’re here to help the ones still waiting.” So, for every Paravel pet carrier purchase helps cover medical and transportation bills for dogs at Brooklyn, New York’s Rescue City.

If that’s not reason enough, then how about this? The pet carrier is made from durable, spill-proof and stain-repellent EcoCraft Canvas that comes from 38 recycled plastic bottles. It has also received a 5-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety.

Dimensions: 11 x 20.5 x 11 inches

Best Eco-Friendly Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Mr. Peanuts Wild One Everyday Carrier

Made from 80 water bottles, this tote by Mr. Peanuts, a family-owned business, will easily fit under the seats of most planes and is recommended for pets up to 20 pounds. It has dual-length carrying straps, four pockets and a machine-washable mat. Plus, you’ll receive a free set of Premium Gel Pee Pads and a collapsible travel bowl.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.25 x 7.5 inches

Best Airline-Approved Pet Carrier for Cats

Tuft + Paw Porto Cat Carrier

Cats are a persnickety bunch, so ensuring their comfort during a flight (and every other minute of the day) is vital to your sanity. The Porto Cat Carrier has multiple entry points, secure pockets and hidden structural panels for added stability. It also has a water-resistant exterior and interior, making it a breeze to clean. It’s made for pets weighing up to 30 pounds.

Dimensions: 18.75 x 11.25 x 10.5 inches

Popular Airline Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Regardless of the airline, pretty much every one of them requires that pet carriers be leakproof, well ventilated and small enough to fit under the seat in front of you in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Check specific airline rules and requirements for pets based on your carrier and FAA regulations before you purchase a pet carrier because different airlines may have different guidelines.

The following airline pet carrier size requirements are measured by length x width x height:

Alaska Airlines

In-cabin pets flying with Alaska Airlines count towards your carry-on allotment. You can bring a pet carrier and a personal item or a pet carrier and a standard-size carry-on bag. Soft carriers can’t measure over 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches, and hard carriers can’t be over 17 x 11 x 7.5 inches. The pet fee is $100 each way.

American Airlines

The American Airlines pet policy lets you bring one carry-on carrier, and you can’t bring another carry-on bag with you and has different size limits based on the aircraft. In general, soft-sided pet carriers can’t measure over 18 x 11 x 11 inches, and hard-sided carriers can’t be over 19 x 13 x 9 inches for mainland flights and 16 x 12 x 8 inches for regional flights. It’s $150 per kennel.

Delta Air Lines

Delta has select seats for those traveling with pets. Soft-sided carriers must have max dimensions of 18 x 11 x 11 inches. Pets in kennels will count as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, you can bring one personal item on board the aircraft. The Delta checked pet fee is $95 for domestic flights.

Southwest Airlines

If you’re flying Southwest, you’re allowed one pet carrier that must be no bigger than 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. But you can have two cats or two dogs (pets must be the same species) in one pet carrier. The Pet Fare fee is around $58 per pet carrier. Frequent Southwest flyer? Get the Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier to ensure compliance every time you fly.

United Airlines

United doesn’t have any breed restrictions, but soft carriers can’t be over 18 x 11 x 11 inches, and hard carriers must be under 17.5 x 12 x 9 inches. The airline charges a $125 pet fee each way and a $125 fee for each layover that lasts over four hours within the U.S. and over 24 hours internationally.

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