Dogs are a part of the family. When you travel anywhere, of course you want to bring your pup with you to share the experience and fun. If you are flying to your destination, keeping your dog in an airline approved dog carrier allows you to have your dog with you on the plane.
What Is An Airline Approved Dog Carrier?
An airline approved dog carrier is a kennel, either hard sided or soft sided, that meets the criteria of your airline in order to keep your dog in the cabin area of the plane. Your dog carrier must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
What Kind Of Dog Carriers Are Airline Approved?
In order for a dog crate to be airline approved, it needs to meet certain criteria.
- The carrier should not exceed the size requirement.
- It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
- Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down inside the carrier without difficulty.
- They must be secured inside the carrier at all times on the flight.
- There should be absorption padding inside the carrier to contain any accidents.
- It should be made of water resistant material.
- The carrier should have ventilation on 3 sides.
**Check with the airline before buying your carrier to be sure the one you want to buy will meet their requirements.**
What Should I Look For When Choosing An Airline Approved Dog Carrier?
When shopping for a pet carrier, there are a few things you may want to check for:
Size
Is the carrier large enough for your dog to lay down, turn, and stand in without them being too cramped? Does it meet your airline’s size requirements?
Ventilation
Will your dog have enough air while in the carrier? Your carrier should have ventilation on at least 3 sides.
Material
Is it hard or soft sided? Most airlines allow either one, with a few exceptions. Which will your dog be more comfortable in? Which carrier is easier for you to carry your dog in? Soft sided carriers are recommended over hard sided carriers due to the fact that soft carriers can exceed the size limit as long as it can be squished down to fit under the seat in front of you.
Pockets
Having at least one pocket to store any treats and dog bags to clean up after your dog.
Straps/Handles
Is the carrier easy to carry? Some have handles and others a shoulder strap. Are the straps or handles padded for your comfort?
Wheels
Do you want a carrier with wheels for an easier way to transport your dog while inside the airport?
Zippers
Are the zippers self locking (meaning they can’t be opened from the inside)? Can you zip and unzip the carrier easily?
Point Of Entry
How many points of entry are there into your carrier? Some have only one way in and out, while others may have 2 or 3.
Luggage Strap
If you have a small enough carrier, you can use the luggage strap to secure the carrier onto your own piece of luggage.
Safety Tether
Is your dog likely to try to escape their carrier? A safety tether inside the carrier attaches to your dog’s collar or harness.
Padding
Is the inside of the carrier lined with soft material to make your pup more comfortable? Most are lined with fleece for comfort? Is the padding removable? Can it be washed? Some pads are able to be machine washed and others need to be washed by hand.
Waterproof
Is the carrier able to keep from getting wet inside in bad weather? If your dog has an accident, will it prevent it from leaking out?
Storage
How will you store the carrier when it is not in use? Can it be folded?
Do Pet Carriers Go Through TSA?
When you have arrived at the airport with your dog, your carrier will have to go through x-ray at the security checkpoint. You must remove your dog from the carrier. Bring a leash with you to secure your dog as you both go through screening. You may also hold your dog as you walk through.
How Do I Know If My Pet Carrier Is Airline Approved?
Always check with your airline and confirm with them if your dog carrier meets their qualifications for type and size. Just because a dog carrier is listed as “airline approved “ doesn’t mean it will fit your specific flight. Some airlines only allow dog carriers on certain planes, so make sure to check the type of plane you will be on as well.
What Size Pet Carrier Will Fit Under An Airplane Seat?
Here are the requirements for sizes of dog carriers for some airlines. These are accurate as of this publishing, however, these could change. Double check with your airline for up to date information.
- Air Canada: Depends on plane you are on. The smallest: 14.5 x 16 x 8 inches. The Largest: 17 x 16 x 8 inches.
- Alaska Airlines: Hard sided: 17 x 11 x 7.5 inches. Soft sided: 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches.
- American Airlines: Hard sided: 19 x 13 x 9 inches. American Eagle: Hard sided: 16 x 12 x 8 inches. Soft sided: 18 x 11 x 11 inches on either American or American Eagle.
- Delta: 18 x 11 x 11 inches. Hard or soft sided.
- Frontier Airways: 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Soft only.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Soft sided: 16 x 10 x 9.5 inches. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin if they are coming from NY, Boston, Austin, or Orlando. Your dog and carrier together must not weigh more than 25 lbs.
- JetBlue: 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches. Hard or soft sided. Combined weight of dog and carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs. JetBlue sells a carrier you can buy for $40 in advance, $55 at the counter that is 16x 10 x 8.5 inches.
- Lufthansa: 22 x 16 x 9 inches. Soft sided only. Weight of the dog and carrier must not exceed 17 lbs.
- Southwest: 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. Hard or soft sided. Southwest sells a carrier you can buy for $58 measuring 17 x 10 x 9.5 inches.
- United: Hard: 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches. Soft: 28 x 11 x 11 inches. Soft sided can exceed slightly due to being able to compress to fit under the seat.
Can Large Dogs Fly In The Cabin Of The Plane?
Large dogs are not able to fly in the cabin of the plane with you because of their size. They will be required to fly cargo or in the baggage compartment of your plane.
Brachycephalic dog breeds are not able to be flown cargo due to breathing issues that may become exacerbated when under stress or at high altitudes.
Tips For Taking Your Dog On The Plane
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are going to be flying with your dog.
- Buy your carrier a few weeks before your trip so your dog can become familiar with it and comfortable being in it.
- Line the dog carrier with an absorbent pad, like a wee wee pad to soak up any accidents that may occur. This will allow for easy clean up.
- Make sure you have your dog relieve themselves before going through security. Airports have designated pet relief areas where you can bring them, but you may have to go back through security upon your return.
- Bring dog bags to clean up after your dog.
- DO NOT sedate your dog for the trip. It is not known how a tranquilizer will affect your dog at higher altitudes.
Other Things To know When Flying With Your Dog
- Your dog carrier will count as either your carry on bag or your personal item.
- Check the seat dimensions before you book. Some airlines recommend you book the window or center seat, others the window or aisle seat.
- You will not be allowed to sit in the bulkhead or an emergency aisle with your dog.
- You may have more than 1 animal in the carrier, however, they must be of the same species.
- Each airline will only allow a certain number of pets per flight.
- Your dog will have to meet age requirements as well. Some airlines allow dogs at least 8 weeks, others will only allow dogs over 12 weeks.
Best Airline Approved Dog Carriers
These are some of the top rated airline approved dog carriers, according to users. Product information is according to the manufacturer. All of these dog carriers are able to fit in the seat in front of you on a plane. Again, check with your airline before purchasing to be sure it will meet their qualifications.
Best Overall Airline Approved Dog Carrier
The Original Sherpa Deluxe Carrier
- Medium: 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches.
- Large: 19 x 11.75 x 11.5 inches.
- Medium for dogs up to 16 lbs.
- Large for dogs up to 22 lbs.
- Spring wire frame can be pushed down to fit under the airline seat.
- Mesh windows.
- Top and side entry.
- Locking zippers.
- Padded strap.
- Luggage strap.
- Removable, washable faux lambskin liner.
- Rear pocket.
- Guaranteed On Board: guarantees Sherpa carrier meets airline requirements to be allowed on board plane (small and medium sizes only are guaranteed).
- Folds flat for storage.
Best Expandable Airline Approved Dog Carrier
Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Soft Sided Pet Carrier
- Available in 5 colors.
- 18 x 11 x 10.4 inches.
- For dogs up to 15 lbs.
- Expands on one side of the carrier.
- Fleece pad.
- Inside safety tether.
- Metal shoulder strap connector.
- Mesh for ventilation.
- ID Holder.
- Self locking zipper (can’t be opened from the inside).
- Seatbelt attachment.
- Plywood base insert for support.
- Roll away privacy cover.
- Zippered mesh pocket.
- Padded shoulder strap.
- Waterproof bottom.
Best Backpack Style Airline Approved Dog Carrier
Convono Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack
- Available in 3 colors.
- 13.6 x 10 x 16.8 inches.
- For dogs up to 28 lbs.
- Transparent acrylic board.
- Mesh skylight.
- 9 venting holes.
- Mesh windows.
- Sun shade.
- Safety tether on inside.
- Metal zipper.
- Non-slip bottom.
- Chest buckle.
- 1 top entrance.
- 2 side entrances.
- 1 back entrance.
- Expandable back for increased space.
- Padded shoulder straps.
- Bottom is comprised of a wooden board, a foam board, and a washable fleece mat.
Best Airline Approved Dog Carrier With Wheels
Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier
- Medium: 20 x 13 x 10 inches.
- Large: 23 x 15 x 12 inches.
- Medium for dogs up to 15 lbs.
- Large for dogs up to 30 lbs.
- Available in 2 colors.
- 4-in-1 design: backpack, wheeled carrier, car seat, and bed.
- Telescope handle.
- Mesh on 3 sides.
- Inside safety hook to attach to your dog’s harness or collar.
- Needs to be assembled.
Best Splurge Airline Approved Dog Carrier
Roverlund Airline Compliant Air Carrier
- Small: 17 x 11x 10.5 inches.
- Large: 19 x 11.75 x 11.5 inches.
- Small maximum weight is 12.5 lbs.
- Large maximum weight is 20 lbs.
- Comes in 5 colors.
- 3-in-1 design: airline carrier, car seat, and a mobile bed.
- Can compress 1.5-2 inches in height by removing the rear pocket insert, thereby being able to fit under seats of smaller planes.
- Shoulder strap doubles as a leash.
- Storage pocket.
- Removable fleece lined interior bed.
- Carabiner clip.
Best Budget Friendly Airline Approved Dog Carrier
Suppets Dog Carrier
- Available in 6 colors.
- Medium: 15.7 x 11.4 x 11.4 inches.
- Large: 19.4 x 13.1x 13.1 inches.
- Medium for dogs up to 17 lbs.
- Large for dogs up to 25 lbs.
- Shoulder strap.
- 3 openings on the top, front, and sides.
- Removable mat.
- Mesh windows.
- Top handle.
- Metal zippers.
- Side pockets.
- Waterproof.
Best Airline Approved Dog Carrier For Cargo
Sport Pet Designs Plastic Kennel
- Large: 31.5 x 22 x 23 inches.
- X-Large: 35.5 x 23.8 x 26.8 inches.
- XX-Large: 39 x 27 x 30 inches.
- IATA Approved.
- Includes metal bolts and nuts.
- Has 2 handles.
- 4 wheels that snap on and off as needed.
- 2 bowls.
- 4 Live Animal stickers.
- Tie down holes.
- Floor gutter pulls accidents away from your dog.
- Metal door.
Other Dog Carrier Options
Akinerri Pet Carrier
- Available in 4 colors.
- Medium: 17.5 x 11 x 11 inches.
- Large: 19.5 x 12 x 12 inches.
- Medium for dogs up to 15 lbs.
- Large for dogs up to 18 lbs.
- Hand washable fleece mat.
- Shoulder strap.
- Luggage strap.
- Self lock zippers.
- Inner safety tether.
- Side pocket.
- Mesh windows.
- Steel frame.
- Top and side entrance.
- Folds flat when not in use.
A4Pet Expandable Dog Carrier
- Medium size: 17.7 x 11 x 11 inches.
- For dogs up to 14 lbs.
- Self lock zipper.
- Mesh windows.
- Inner safety tether.
- Side pockets.
- Removable, washable mat.
- Waterproof coating.
- Shoulder strap.
Away’s The Pet Carrier
- Available in 2 colors.
- 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.7 inches.
- For dogs up to 18 lbs.
- Removable, washable Sherpa bedding.
- Water resistant lining.
- Multiple pockets.
- Latches to secure to a car seatbelt.
- Luggage sleeve.
- Safety tether.
- Water resistant outside with leather trim.
- Top and side openings.
- Retractable privacy screen.
- 3 mesh panels.
- Removable name card.
- Can be personalized.
Airline approved dog crates can make traveling with your dog easier and less stressful by providing them with a space they feel comfortable being in, while you get to keep an eye on them throughout your flight.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.