The 5 Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

When traveling with your pet, you’d love to have the option to just hold them or carry them on with a leash. Maybe on a private jet! But for regular travel, you do have some options for traveling with your pet inside the cabin where they can be safe with you thanks to airline-approved pet carriers!

Airlines require a certain type of pet carrier for you to take your pet on board. If your current pet carrier is not approved by airlines, you won’t be able to board with your pet. To make sure that you have the best airline-approved pet carrier, we put together a list of the top products that are not just approved but also ultra-comfortable for your animal companion.

Different airlines may have different requirements, so we cover a variety of products that meet different sets of guidelines. If you’re planning to travel with your pet, make sure that you check your chosen airline’s policies to make the best purchase. Traveling with your pet does require plenty of preparation, including getting all vaccinations and supporting documentation in order. However, having your life companion along with you when you’re traveling makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. It means no separation anxiety for either of you.

We break down our top pick and give you all the details about what makes it our favorite. We also make sure to highlight an expandable option and a backpack option in case you’d prefer a less conventional design. Our aim is to provide you with a variety of high-quality products that consider your tastes, your wallet, and of course, airline requirements. If you’re still not sure which one to choose, we put together a helpful guide of several different factors you can consider before making your final choice. At the end of this article, we also answer some of your most frequently asked questions so that you can have all the information you need in one place.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

1. Best Overall: Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

The best overall airline-approved pet carrier is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag. This pet carrier is perfect for taking your pet inside the cabin when you travel by air. It’s equipped with a patented spring wire frame, which allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down so that it fits perfectly underneath airplane seats. Once you remove it from beneath the airline seat, it pops back up several inches, giving your pet extra room. It’s designed specifically for travel and features different mesh panels for ventilation. The zippers also lock to make it escape-proof, especially for skittish animals that may want to take off running.

There are two access points: on the top and on the side. If your pet is comfortable walking into the carrier, you can use the side entry but if your pet is feeling nervous, the top entry makes it super easy for you to pack him up and go. The interior base is waterproof, and it also has a removable, machine washable baseliner. In the case that your pet has an accident, you’d be able to quickly clean up and create a clean environment again. This design is versatile, meaning you can carry it using the padded top handle or you can use the over-the-shoulder strap to keep your pet snuggled up against your body.

Although this is a great option for air travel, you can also use this as your regular crate or pet carrier when your pet needs to go to the vet or the groomer. Aside from the spacious interior, this pet carrier also has a large storage pocket and a luggage strap that you can use as a seatbelt. So long as your pet is under 16 pounds, this is the perfect, roomy, ultra-comfortable pet carrier for them to tag along during your travels. There are small, medium, and large options that you can select from. To give you an idea, the medium pet carrier measures 17” x 11” x 10.5.” Be sure to double-check with your airline to determine which dimensions are allowed and then make your selection based on their guidelines.

One reviewer is a frequent flyer who needed a travel bag for his 15.8-pound long-haired dachshund. The first thing he commented on was the collapsible soft sides. He says they’re made perfectly so that he can squish them down to fit into tight spaces. He describes the interior as soft and plush with a rigid board that provides his dog with a solid place to lay or stand. He uses the pocket on the side to store treats and poop bags and he was even able to fit a few folded paper towels just in case there was an accident midflight. He offers a bit of insight as a frequent flyer for other pet parents: the middle seat has the most space for the pet carrier, the window seat is usually a lot smaller, and the aisle seat can provide your pet with enough foot traffic to keep him entertained. Overall, he rates this five out of five stars and intends to keep using it with his regular travel buddy.

The most frequent complaint had to do with zipper failures: “After four months the zipper has broken. We have only used it two or three times. We have planned to take our dog in it on a plane trip.”

Pros and Cons of the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

Best Overall

Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

• Features a patented spring wire frame
• Comes with mesh panels for ventilation
• Escape-proof
• Interior base is waterproof

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2. Best Expandable: Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier is soft-sided so that you can adjust it to fit underneath different airline seats and it has an expandable side to let your pet stretch out more comfortably after being enclosed for an extended period. There is mesh on all sides of this carrier, which allows for proper ventilation. The travel bed is covered in fleece for luxurious comfort and it’s removable (for a thorough cleaning!). At the bottom, there’s a plywood base that adds additional support and structure to the carrier and you can use the padded shoulder strap to keep your pet close while walking from terminal to terminal.

The zippers are self-locking, which is a great feature. Without working zippers, you don’t have a safe place for your pet. This pet carrier is designed with premium brand zippers and they’re constantly getting updated to incorporate better versions. This pet carrier also uses Teslin resin mesh, which is the strongest pliable type of mesh that’s available on the market today. This keeps your pet secure and prevents damage from sneaky little claws. This expandable, soft-sided pet carrier is available in four colors, including Deja blue, platinum gray, purple, and Rosa red.

One reviewer needed a pet carrier for a 25-hour-long trip. She inquired with her airline ahead of time, and they let her know that their maximum allowable weight is 17 pounds—that’s for her cat plus the weight of the carrier. This one was perfect. It’s light but still sturdy. Although her cat would usually howl in other types of carriers, he seemed to enjoy the comfort of the soft bed. Throughout her long travel day, her cat only complained once. She was ecstatic. The expandable part of the pet carrier was a very welcome feature, especially for her large cat. He really appreciated being able to stretch out. She also noticed that because of the way this particular pet carrier is styled, it looks very much like a regular tote bag and people around her didn’t even seem to notice that she was traveling with her cat. She loves it and highly recommends it.

Several reviewers said that the carrier didn’t fit under the airline seat: “This is a great bag for you general kennel needs. I personally purchased for a trip I was taking by air (5 hours each way) as the side of the bag Expands to allow for more room. BIG PROBLEM with the bag is it didn’t fit under the airline seat as described. I was lucky I had treated myself to a first class seat where they pretty much leave you alone. Otherwise I do not know what I would have done. That is the reason for the 3 star review. I will definitely use the bag for other travels. Well made.”

Pros and Cons of Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

Best Expandable

Mr. Peanut's Expandable Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier

• Features an expandable side
• The bed is covered in fleece
• Easy to clean
• The zippers are self-locking

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3. Best for Snoozing: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

If your pet is particularly stressed by travel, you’ll want to purchase the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier.

For some pets, travel is extremely stressful. You may even have to speak with your vet for medication that can help ease the anxiety your pet feels when traveling by air. When that’s the case, your pet will need a cozy, dark environment to relax and rest throughout the trip. The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier weighs only 4.5 pounds and provides your pet with a mobile bed to keep him comfortable. It fits pets weighing up to 17.5 pounds and includes a padded shoulder strap for your comfort. The bedding is ultra-plush and machine washable. Plus, it comes with an instruction card, so you have all the details you need regarding the sleepy pod upfront.

Both the top and the ends open for easy access, and you also have large zipper pockets on both sides to store any pet-related goodies. It’s made with luggage-grade nylon on the outside and plush, comfortable polyester inside. When you need to, you can compress this carrier from 22″ long, 10 1/2″ wide, and 10 1/2″ high down to 16″ long, 10 1/2″ and 8″ high. You can purchase this in several different colors including dark chocolate, glacier silver, jet black, orange dream, robin egg blue, and strawberry red.

One reviewer has a five-month-old kitten and she needed to travel with her for 17 hours. She knows that the price is higher than other options but for her, it’s well worth the splurge. She likes that it looks sleek and has two pockets where she was able to store Ziploc bags containing litter, a pee liner, some kitten food, and some treats. She used the inside tether on her flights to open the carrier and comfort her kitten. The carrier itself was long enough to let her turn around comfortably and stick her little curious head out when allowed. It fit perfectly underneath the seat in front of her. On one of her flights, she did remove the plush pad to give her kitten a bit more room. She commented that she chose the discreet black color and found it useful that no one knew she was traveling with a cat until she meowed.

The main complaint reviewers had with this pet carrier was poor ventilation: “I purchased the sleepydog a couple of months ago, but have not yet flown with it due to changing travel schedules. My dog is small enough, at 11 pounds and quite long, so I liked the fact it is sturdy and can hold the weight and that it flexes in and out at both ends. Decided to test it out and took my dog to the office in the sleepydog. Placed the carrier on the floor infront of the passenger seat. It was nice, because we live in Florida and I had the a/c running so my dog could get enough air. In the office i placed him on the floor. In the office, while he did well, I found that he was hot (not overheating). He was just not getting the a/c airflow. This concerned me as I imagined a long international flight would be worse for him! So, I have decided to return this beautiful carrier!

Pros and Cons of the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

Best Travel (Carry-On)

Sleepypod Air in-Cabin Pet Carrier

•Lightweight carrier best for traveling with small dogs

•Sits well in airline seats

•Comfortable bedding within for a relaxed trip

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4. Best Backpack: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

If you’d rather carry your pet on your back instead of off a shoulder or in your hand, the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack is the best airline-approved pet backpack carrier. It’s designed for maximum convenience and comfort during the often long treks it takes to get from terminal to terminal in large airports. It’s well-ventilated for optimal airflow and has a two-way entry for easy access. There is a zip-up mesh window that gives your pet more headroom and visibility, so if you have a curious love bug that wants to look around while you transport him, this is a great design.

Inside, there is a Sherpa-lined bed so that when your pet wants to take a snooze, he can do so comfortably. The backpack is structured firmly but still allows ample space for your pet to move around. This firm structure prevents the backpack from collapsing, which is a safety feature that not all soft-sided pet carriers have. It also comes with a safety strap and buckles to keep your pet secure and prevent him from making any escape attempts. For your comfort, the shoulder straps are packed with extra thick padding, which makes it easier for you to carry your pet’s weight.

On the sides, there are pouches where you can add essential pet supplies and there’s even a front pocket where you can store the collapsible pet bowl that comes with your purchase. You have 12 colors to select from if you choose this backpack ranging from neutral colors like black and charcoal to brighter colors like Heather purple, pink, and red. One of our testers used this backpack when traveling overseas. He loves that it was spacious enough for his three-year-old cat to move around, sit upright, and lay down. He has only good things to say about the sturdy design and plans to use it again when he returns home.

Some verified buyers reported that the bag wasn’t comfortable for their pets or for them: “It seemed like it might be big enough, until my dog got in and had to duck his head down to sit. No room to lie down either. I walked around with it on at home, and could see in my mirror that he was trying to find a comfortable position but couldn’t – his head was hunched over the entire time he was in there he eventually started whimpering. I’d lower the top opening, but it’s wide enough for him to easily jump through or fall out of, and the clip inside is thin and flimsy- seems pretty unsafe to have the flap open. It was also immediately uncomfortable for me. I’m 5’5” and this dug right into my lower back no matter how I adjusted the straps. I couldn’t imagine going on a full hike with this.”

Pros and Cons of the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

Best Backpack Carrier

PetAmi Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier

• Firm, durable structure for safe and comfortable transport
• Dual-entry points give cats options
• Spacious, well-ventilated main compartment
• Soft sherpa lining and mesh windows
• ID tag included for easy identification

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5. Best Rolling: Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier

You can carry your pet along on your shoulder, in your hand, on your back, or roll your furball through the airport in the Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier. You can use this pet carrier as a car seat for the ride to the airport, as a backpack whenever needed, as a rolling carrier to give you a little bit of relief from carrying your pet, and as a carry-on to store your pet underneath the seat in front of you. It converts from one type of pet carrier to the other for maximum versatility and convenience. It’s ideal for pets up to 30 pounds and the versatile design means you can use it anytime you leave home with you are animal companion.

It’s designed with strong-yet-lightweight mesh on three sides and has a front flap that can be rolled down, which allows your pet to see what’s going on. If you have a curious dog or cat, you can roll it down, and they can still feel the sense of security from the carrier while enjoying greater visibility as they roll along with you. The carrier is padded and comfortable, which allows your pet to snuggle up and rest when tired. Additional features include a multi-stage telescope handle, backpack straps with a storage pocket, and it’s available in red/black and black/gray.

One reviewer used this carrier on United Economy Plus with a 15-pound pup. It was a relatively short flight, only 3.5 hours. They gave their pup a good week to get accustomed to being in the carrier (they used lots of treats!). Their little fur baby didn’t love the slanted feel when rolling around, but he got used to it. All in all, it was a fantastic experience. Although there are small and medium options, they did have to go with the large and are happy to know that with United Airlines, the size was able to fit comfortably underneath the seat. The only thing they would have done differently is added a cooling mat. Although circulation was fine on the plane, they did feel more comfortable letting their dog poke his head out to enjoy a more comfortable experience.

Several reviewers said that the bag didn’t have ample space for their pet to get comfortable: “The quality is fine. The design is very great as a 4-in-1 product. I gave three stars for two reasons. First, it is too small for my 17-pound Westie while the description says it fits up to 30 pounds (or around). Probably it is because this bag is not good for dogs with a relatively long body and short legs such as West Highland terrier. Second, my westie resists getting into the bag and we had to force him into the bag. Sad. He felt uncomfortable to be in the bag and finally chewed through the bag at the first day of using the bag. I think it is a great bag but not for all small dogs.”

Pros and Cons of the Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier

Best Rolling

Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 Travel Dog & Cat Carrier Backpack

• Can be used as different types of carriers
• Features strong yet lightweight mesh
• Padded and comfortable
• Comes with a multi-stage telescope handle

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Materials

Materials are super important for the comfort of your pet. A good pet carrier should have mesh lining so that there is consistent airflow. Planes can get a bit stuffy and to prevent your pet from overheating, he needs plenty of air circulation. For longer flights, your pets will need a comfortable place to rest. A thick, plush, padded lining at the bottom gives them that comfortable resting area they need. Travel is already an uncomfortable experience but when they have something soft to lay their head on, it improves the ride. Also consider if the pet carrier you use is slightly collapsible, which can help you fit it underneath the airline seat (even if you need to squish the sides down). For more rigid pet carriers, you might encounter the issue of the pet carrier not fitting underneath the seat, which could dampen your travel plans.

Size

Especially when you’re looking for an airline approved pet carrier, size is crucial. Always start by inquiring directly with the airline you’ll be using to find out what their size limits are. This way, you can select a pet carrier specifically for the airline of your choosing. It should be big enough for your pet to comfortably turn around, stretch out, and rest. Some have expandable sides, so they fit underneath the seat in front of you and while you’re in the air, you can allow your pet a little more room. Just be sure that when it’s all closed up, it meets the requirements set forth by the airline you’ll be traveling on.

Extra Features

There are more basic pet carriers that offer your pet’s comfort, give you a few pockets to carry pet-related products, and there are other pet carriers with extra features. For example, expandable pet carriers provide you with an option to open up the enclosed space for your pet, and the 4-in-1 Snoozer gives you the ability to use it as rolling luggage, a backpack, a regular pet carrier, and even a car seat. Extra pockets and straps are also important to consider, including any safety buckles for added security.

Cost

Pet carriers vary widely in cost. On the lower end, you can pick one up for around $30, and on the higher end, you may be splurging, spending around $200. Consider the features of each option, the length of your trip, how many times you intend to use it, and of course, your budget. No matter how much you intend to spend, you can definitely pick up a high-quality carrier that transports your pet safely.

shape of the bag, so the cat wasn’t smooshed by a collapsed bag. So happy with this purchase.”

Final Advice on Traveling with Your Pet

Traveling with a pet can be stressful for your pet and for you. And we can imagine few scenarios worse than getting to the airport only to find that our pet carrier doesn’t comply with our airline’s requirements.

In general, the maximum dimensions for a hard-sided pet carrier are 17.5″ long x 12″ wide x 7.5″ high. Similarly, the maximum dimensions for soft-sided pet carriers are 18″ long x 11″ wide x 11″ high. But it’s important to note that the dimensions for compliance may vary from airline to airline. So please verify that your pet carrier meets your airline’s criterion.

Also, don’t assume that you can simply board any flight with your pet in lieu of a carryon bag. Most airlines allow a limited number of pets per flight depending on the type of aircraft. So make sure to reserve space for your pet when you book your ticket.