Keep your pet happy with these airline-approved carriers
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Traveling with a pet can be challenging. A good, airline-approved pet carrier can help reduce stress for both you and your pet.
What should you consider when choosing a pet carrier? Comfort is key, especially since you never know how long your furry friend will be in one.
“My cat has experienced some long travel days, including one that was more than 24 hours thanks to flight delays and rebookings,” says Jenny Hart, a travel journalist based in Mexico City, who has traveled extensively with her orange tabby Rajah. “I have never once regretted having a nicer, more comfortable carrier for him to travel in.”
Some shoppers underestimate the importance of storage when buying a pet carrier, but pockets and other compartments can really come in handy on the road. “I love pockets so you can store treats, a water bowl, a leash, etc. for easy access,” says Melissa Locker, a New York City-based freelance journalist, who frequently travels with her rescue dog, Steve. “It’s particularly important if you’re a carry-on-only traveler—which I am—because airlines limit carry-ons. Your pet basically becomes your personal item and you need to be able to fill up all that space.”
To help guide you in choosing the best airline-approved travel pet carriers, we did the research and sought advice from experts who have logged many miles traveling with their pet. Based on their insight and our own experience as journalists who travel with pets, we’ve determined that the Roverlund Out-of-Office is the best airline-approved pet carrier overall for its versatility. But several other carriers impressed us too.
The best airline-approved pet carriers
Our experts say the best travel pet carriers combine safety features, comfort, durability, and convenience. Below, we break down the important details you need to know about all of our picks.
Photograph courtesy Roverlund
Buy it now at Roverlund
Why we like it: The Roverlund Out-of-Office pet carrier is a true multitasker. It’s an airline-approved pet carrier that also serves as an easy-to-carry pet bed. When you don’t have your pet in tow, you can use it as a travel bag. It’s available in two sizes and several color and design options.
Locker has used a Roverlund carrier for years and likes the comfortable design, plentiful pockets, and ample ventilation. She’s a fan of the built-in leash too (the carrier includes a bonus leash).
This carrier is made to stand up to the rigors of travel. The handy rear pocket has an insert that can be removed if you need to make the carrier more compact. Roverlund also makes a rolling carry-on suitcase designed to pair with this pet carrier.
Keep in mind: While this Roverlund carrier is pricier than others, it does have a one-year warranty for manufacturer defects, and many customers say it’s well made.
Product details: Weight: 3 to 3.2 lbs., depending on model | Material: Waterproof 1200 denier polyester, mountain climbing rope | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (small); 18.5 x 11.8 x 11.5 in. (large)
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Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This pet carrier may not have as many fancy features as other models, but at under $50, it’s got everything a traveler needs in a basic carrier. It also has a few nice touches, like the storage pouches where you can stash treats or toys.
The plywood base is built to provide a sturdy foundation to support your pet. The padded fleece bed is cozy and comfortable, and the nylon exterior is waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
If you need something roomier, the brand also has an assortment of expandable pet carriers at slightly higher price points.
Keep in mind: Given its size and relatively lightweight construction, this carrier is intended for smaller, lighter pets (14 pounds or less).
Product details: Weight: 2.7 lbs. | Material: Nylon, fleece, mesh | Dimensions: 17.5 x 11 x 11 in.
Photograph courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: Sherpa is known for making soft, cozy pet products. This rolling pet carrier has a faux lamb’s wool liner that will keep your pet snug and comfy. It has two sets of wheels—a pair of spinning wheels in the front for maneuverability and another pair of recessed wheels in the back to enable a gliding motion.
We love this carrier’s versatility; you can use it as a rolling carrier, but it also easily converts into a pet tote or duffel bag. Sherpa’s Guaranteed On-Board Program provides assurances that this carrier meets the regulations of several major airlines (specific airlines and other details are on the company’s website).
When you’re sticking closer to home, you can use this carrier as a pet wagon for trips to the park or a stroll around the neighborhood.
Keep in mind: This carrier is only available in one size and color. The dimensions include the wheels, so the actual interior space isn’t quite as roomy as those specifications may imply.
Product details: Weight: 6.2 lbs. | Material: Nylon with PVC backing, polyester, PVC mesh, and other materials | Dimensions: 20 x 12.3 x 10.5 in.
Best soft-sided pet carrier for travel: SturdiBag Pro 2.0
Photograph courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: The SturdiBag Pro 2.0 pet carrier balances flexibility and strength. It’s built to be sturdy and durable, yet it’s soft and light enough for easy transport. The mesh window and door allow for breathability, but retractable privacy flaps can help block light so your pet can sleep. The base board at the bottom helps provide support and structure.
Other features we like include locking zippers, a safety tether, and seat belt straps. This carrier is machine washable and available in a variety of sizes and colors.
Keep in mind: Some varieties—particularly the largest size—may not be acceptable on all airlines, so be sure to check your airline’s regulations before you purchase.
Product details: Weight: 25 lbs. (medium) | Material: 600 denier polyester and foam pad | Dimensions: 11.8 x 12 x 15 in. (medium)
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Photograph courtesy Amazon
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Why we like it: Locker especially likes this PetAmi backpack carrier for the train and subway. It leaves your hands free to hold your coffee or phone or swipe your subway card. It has four-way access, so you have several options for loading/unloading and reaching your pet.
The base is made with a comfy Sherpa bed, giving your pet a soft place to relax. There’s a safety strap, several safety buckles, and multiple pockets and pouches for storage. It even includes a handy collapsible bowl.
Keep in mind: The interior space is relatively compact, so this carrier is best for a smaller pet. It may be more difficult to reach your pet in a backpack carrier—something to consider if your pet needs frequent attention.
Product details: Weight: 3 lbs.| Material: 600 denier polyester | Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.2 x 16.3 in.
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Transpurrter cat carrier is Hart’s favorite “because it fits comfortably under the seat and offers a lot of airflow.” You might think of this as the “Transformers” version of cat carriers—it can convert into five formats, including a traditional top-handle carrier or a backpack, for virtually any travel situation. There are several ways for getting your cat in and out of the carrier too. The slide-out insert is easy and convenient, but you can also remove your cat from the top or either side.
The mesh windows and paneling provide plenty of ventilation, with a rollup panel if you want to give your cat privacy and block the light. This carrier is designed to accommodate cats up to 30 pounds, which is a higher weight limit than many other cat/pet carriers.
Keep in mind: This carrier is expensive, but the brand’s many devoted fans say its convenient features and quality construction makes it worth the investment.
Product details: Weight: 4 lbs. | Material: Plastic, with fleece liner | Dimensions: 10.5 x 19 x 11 in.
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Photograph courtesy Diggs
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Why we like it: The Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier may be stylish, but its appeal isn’t just about looks. This carrier has gone through extensive crash testing for car travel, earning a five-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. The plush bed is designed to accommodate pee pads and make it easy to remove them—great for puppies or pets prone to accidents. (The company also sells pee pads that fit this carrier.)
This carrier is made to fit under most airline seats and has both top-carrying handles and a detachable crossbody strap. The mesh panel allows for sufficient ventilation, while also providing privacy and limiting the amount of bright light inside.
Keep in mind: This carrier is fairly expensive and is designed for smaller pets up to 18 pounds.
Product details: Weight: 4.5 lbs. | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 20 x 11.5 x 10.8 in.
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How we chose the best pet carriers for travel
In selecting the best pet carriers for travel, we consulted travel journalists and others who frequently travel with pets. We also compared features and important specs like price, weight, and dimensions. Some specific attributes we considered included:
• Airline-approved: There is no across-the-board rule for travel pet carriers on airplanes. The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t have a policy addressing specific dimensions. Airlines make their own rules, which may differ by type/size of each plane. Generally, a carrier must be small enough to fit under the airplane seat, but most airlines provide specific maximum dimensions. The pet carriers we’ve chosen are designed to meet the requirements of most airlines, but you should always check the requirements for your airline.
• Third-party reviews: We read many customer reviews from online retailers and other relevant sources, paying attention to attributes such as customer satisfaction, durability, and ease of cleaning. We also noted any issues customers reported with using carriers on certain airlines.
• Safety features: In making our picks, we also considered safety features like a built-in leash or leash tether, seat belt straps, and secure closures.
Tips for buying an airline-approved pet carrier
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an airline-approved pet carrier:
Size
When considering the best size for a pet carrier, look for a balance between one that’s not too bulky to carry nor too big to fit under the seat. It should meet airline regulations, while providing enough space for your pet to fit comfortably.
Expandable pet carriers can be a great solution. “I really like the carriers that you can make into more space,” says Lindsey Hall, a publicist for Denver, Colorado-based Campstories, a public relations and communications agency, who often travels with her cat, Smudges. “I think it’s more humane when carting your pet around and it gives her more space to stretch out.”
Material
The best airline-approved pet carriers are made with relatively lightweight, yet durable materials. They should be stain-resistant and easy to clean. Many pet carriers have a removable bed or insert that’s machine washable. There should be mesh or some other breathable material to allow for ventilation and airflow. A privacy flap over some or all the windows is a nice bonus. “I like that when I think she’s a little anxious, I can close the windows so she doesn’t have to see all the movement around her and—I hope—that alleviates a little bit of her cat stress,” says Hall.
Safety features
Hall notes that one of the most important features she looks for in a pet carrier is a way to secure her cat inside. Many carriers have a tether or built-in leash. “I am a big believer in a built-in leash,” says Locker. “My dog is pretty lazy, but after a long plane ride, he can get antsy and try to make a break for it, if I have the little windows open so his head can stick out. Having the built-in leash stops runaway dog issues.”
Airline policies
Since each airline makes its own rules when it comes to pet carriers, it’s a good idea to check the specific regulations for your airline, which you can find on their website. Additionally, review the maximum weight limits for pets, find out if there’s an extra charge for a pet carrier, and whether the carrier is considered a carry-on or personal item.
Frequently asked questions
What size pet carrier will fit under an airplane seat?
Although most airlines dictate that a pet carrier must fit under the airplane seat, there’s no universal rule specifying the exact size that meets this guideline. Many airlines have a maximum height of around 10 inches for pet carriers, but this can vary widely depending on the airline and type of plane. Always check the regulations for your particular airline and flight.
How do I know my pet carrier is airline approved?
Some airlines—including Southwest and Delta—sell their own branded pet carriers, which is the best way to know the carrier meets guidelines. Many other pet carrier brands list compliance with specific airlines or indicate that the carrier is designed to meet the regulations for most airlines. You can also note the dimensions of a particular carrier you’re considering buying and compare that with the rules listed on the airline’s website.
What is the largest pet carrier you can take on a plane?
The specific size limits for pet carriers vary by airline, but the carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat. Check airline websites for specific guidelines.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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