Top-10 The Best Airline Approved Pet Carrier

The best airline approved pet carrier is an ideal solution for transporting all sorts of small animals, and unlike the popular pet stroller, the carrier has no bulky frame to fold, transport and store.

If you are taking your pet on an aircraft, you will need to look for the best airline approved pet carrier that adheres to the airlines rules and regulations. Unfortunately, there are no universal standards when it comes to pet travel carriers, and different companies have different requirements. Most airlines state the size of the carrier and any other rules they have on their website.

For example:

The JetBlue website states; your pet carrier cannot exceed 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and the combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.

Southwest Airlines, “traveling with pets” page states;

  • The Southwest Airline Approved Carrier (17” long x 10.5” high x 10” wide).
  • Other pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide.
  • Soft-sided and hard-sided Airline Approved pet carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable.

And United Airlines “Animals in cabin” page states;

  • The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).
  • Soft-sided Airline Approved pet carriers may exceed these dimensions slightly, as they are collapsible and able to conform to under-seat space without blocking the aisle.

As you can see, the carrier sizes are similar, but not identical. So, make sure you check the sizes with the airline you are flying with before purchasing a carrier.

Airline Approved Carrier – Our Top 5 Choices

Reviews

Pet Magasin Soft Sided Dog Carrier (Airline-Approved) Pet Travel Bag for Dogs, Cats, and Puppies

81oUJywa6KL. AC SL1500

Features:

  • Sturdy construction to keep your pet safe
  • Soft-sided airline approved carrier
  • Comfortable internal padding
  • Internal leash
  • Plenty of ventilation
  • Carry handle and adjustable padded shoulder strap
  • Folds flat for storage
  • Made from waterproof material so it’s easy to clean

Dimensions:

  • Small – 12″ x 8.5″ x 8″
  • Large 18” x 11” x 10”

The Pet Magasin is the best airline-approved pet carrier that is lightweight yet amazingly durable. Weighing in at only 1.6 Lbs for the small size, and 2.2 Lbs for the large size, the carrier is one of the lightest on the market.

The interior has a padded insert for ultimate pet comfort and a firm base that stops the bottom from sagging. The mesh screens on the front and side provide plenty of ventilation.

Both the carry handle and adjustable, the padded shoulder strap is very well made and should take the weight of any heavy pet. Inside the stroller is a short leash that will prevent any “escape artists” from causing chaos on a flight. On the rear of the Pet Magasin is a mesh net for small items.

Video Review:

Conclusion:

The Pet Magasin is one of the best selling Airline Approved pet carriers on Amazon and has hundreds of positive reviews. This just goes to reinforce the fact that this product is an ideal airline small pet carrier that should stand some serious wear and tear.

A good quality product at an affordable price. What more can we say?

Lesure TSA

Sturdibag Airline Approved Carrier

71X8qP849gL. AC SL1500

Features:

  • Durable 600 Denier Polyester
  • Feather light construction
  • Adjustable 4-point padded shoulder strap & leather hand grip
  • Retractable privacy flaps on all mesh windows
  • Seatbelt safety straps

Dimensions – Product Weight – Weight Limit:

Small Dimensions: 18 inch length x 10 inch height x 10 inch width – Weight: 2.5 Lbs – Weight Limit – Up to 10 pounds

Large Dimensions: 18 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches – Weight: 3.0 Lbs – Weight Limit: Up to 25 pounds

Extra Large Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 16 inches – Weight: 3.2 pounds – Weight Limit: Up to 35 pounds

The Sturdibag pet carrier has been designed to provide the maximum amount of pet space whilst still adhering to most of the airline, under-seat size limits.

The ingenious construction of the carrier allows individual sections to be compressed, which is handy if the airlines seats don’t have much room below them. All of this is possible due to the five flexible, reinforcing tubes, three that go up the sides and over the top of the carrier and two that run down the length.

Inside the carrier is a washable fleece floor pad that is attached to the interior floor by way of two Velcro pads, which allows for easy removal for cleaning or storage when the bag is folded flat. Also inside is a leash tether point.

On the outside the Sturdibag carrier has Four vents, comprising of a material flap connected by Velcro to the plastic mesh, three of which unzip fully, are the main front door and 2 square vents on the top, each of which has a semi circular zipper, which allows you to interact with your pet, and also a half circle vent on the top of the back panel which doesn’t unzip. Also included is a 4 point, adjustable shoulder strap

The Sturdibag airline approved dog carrier is available in small, large, and extra large sizes. If you are thinking of purchasing the large or extra large versions, please check the accepted pet carrier sizes with the airline you intend to fly with before purchasing.

Video Reviews:

Conclusion:

When you combine the excellent design features with the top quality materials, you have an outstanding product that is not only functional but also great value for money.

Overall, the Sturdibag is a great pet carrier that we highly recommend.

VOLIXOD Pet Carrier

Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier

81N86SCqucL. AC SL1500

Features:

  • Airline approved carrier for under seat use
  • Stylish, lightweight design
  • Front and top entry
  • Seat belt safety strap fits conveniently over upright luggage handle
  • Washable faux lambskin liner
  • Mesh panels for ventilation
  • Durable quilted nylon construction

Dimensions:

  • Small: 15″ x 10″ x 8.5″
  • Medium: 17″ x 11″ x 10.5″
  • Large: 19″ x 11.75″ x 11.5″

Product Weight:

  • Small: 2.7 lbs
  • Medium: 3.6 lbs
  • Large: 4.35 Lbs

Weight Limit:

  • Small: 8 Lbs
  • Medium: 16 Lbs
  • Large: 22 Lbs

The lightweight Sherpa Deluxe original is an airline approved carrier that certainly lives up to the amazing Amazon reviews it has received.

The top and front entry points give the option as to which way to load and unload the pet, which is great if you have a nosey pet, it will load itself. ?

An adjustable shoulder strap is also included, which gives you the choice to carry the bag by hand or over the shoulder. Another nice feature of the Sherpa Deluxe is the fiberglass support rods that keep the carrier from collapsing and stop the sides from bowing in when using the shoulder strap.

A durable and strong mesh on the front and both sides provides the pet with plenty of ventilation, allows your pet to see you, and lets you check on your pet without disturbing it.

On the exterior of the carrier, there is a zippered storage pocket for small items such as poop bags, etc. There is are also a seatbelt loop for secure transportation in a vehicle, the loop also fits over an upright luggage handle, allowing the carrier to be pulled along on top of your luggage.

The interior of the carrier has a leash ring to stop accidental escapes and a Washable faux lambskin liner for maximum pet comfort.

Video Review:

Conclusion:

The Sherpa Deluxe original pet carrier is an excellent product that is well made, light, and sturdy. The inclusion of the fiberglass rods makes the whole construction very rigid.

If you are on the lookout for an airline approved dog carrier, the Sherpa Deluxe should be near the top of your list.

NextFri Soft Sided Carrier for Small Medium Cats Dogs

Pawfect Pet Soft Sided Airline Approved Carrier for Dog or Cat

91iUPWRBpgL. AC SL1500

Features:

  • Rugged support frame gives optimum structure, providing maximum space for your pet
  • Size meets most major domestic airlines under-seat cabin requirements
  • Manufactured from resilient and stylish microfiber material
  • Includes soft washable fleece bed
  • Rear pocket for storing of toys and treats
  • Adjustable shoulder strap for improved stability & support
  • Front and side mesh screens for optimal ventilation
  • Ideal for small dogs and cats up to 18 pounds
  • Soft washable fleece bed and rigid insert for pet comfort
  • Fast and easy to clean and folds flat for storage
  • Full zippered opening on top and both sides allows you to put your pet in without resistance
  • Included shoulder strap is optional, adjustable and padded for comfort to make transporting your pet easy
  • Accommodates dogs and cats up to 18 pounds. Measures 17.7 x 12.2 x 11.8 inches (LxWxH).

The size of the Pawfect Pet cat and dog carrier makes it compatible with most major domestic airlines under-seat cabin requirements, however, you should still check with the airline before booking, as the size restrictions can and do change on a regular basis.

Included with the carrier is an adjustable, padded shoulder strap that gives you the option to either hand carry with the two grip handles or attach the shoulder strap and carry it that way.

Manufactured from resilient and stylish microfiber material, the durability and strength of the carrier are excellent. The front and top openings have heavy duty, horseshoe style zippers, which allow for easy loading, unloading, and the ability to interact with the pet without fear of an accidental escape. There is also a zippered pocket on the back to carry treats, poop bags, or any other small pet accessories.

Ventilation is an important aspect of any pet carrier and the Pawfect carrier addresses this by having a heavy duty mesh at the front and on one side, giving plenty of air circulation.

Inside the carrier is very plush and features a soft ½ inch thick washable fleece bed inserts for maximum pet comfort, and below that there is a rigid insert that makes the floor very stable.

Video Review:

Conclusion:

Manufactured from high quality materials, the Pawfect Pet-Large Soft Sided Airline Approved Carrier for Dog or Cat is definitely one of the best carriers we have reviewed. From the quality stitching to the heavy duty zippers, everything has been well designed and put together.

With a 100% hassle free Replacement Guarantee, and very responsive customer service, the Pawfect carrier is well worth checking out.

CatRomance Cat Carrier

Petsfit Expandable Travel Carrier Airline Approved Carrier Soft Sided

71EDK6B pDL. AC SL1500

Features:

  • When unzipped it can be folded completely flat to save space, to approximately the size of a laptop case.
  • Side zips down to give extra space, while a sturdy wire frame maintains the shape.
  • Pet entrance has 2 zippers for easy access and secure closure
  • Perfect size for use as an under seat dog carrier
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap allows for comfortable carrying
  • The small carrier is suitable for pets up to 12 lbs, the medium carrier 16 lbs, the large carrier 20 lbs
  • Small Dimensions: 16″Long x 10″Wide x 9″High, 18″ Wide on the bottom when the porch folds out – Weighs 2 pounds
  • Medium Dimensions: 18″Long x 11″Wide x 11″High, 20.5″ Wide on the bottom when the porch folds out – Weighs 2.5 pounds
  • Large Dimensions: 19″Long x 12″Wide x 12″High, 22.5″ Wide on the bottom when the porch folds out – Weighs 3 pounds
  • Fabric: 600D X 600D Oxford cloth
  • Lining: 230D polyester
  • Zipper: metal slider and nylon teeth and durability is 10000 times

The Petsfit Expandable pet carrier is quite a unique design in the fact that it has an expandable patio area that allows the pet more room to lie down and move around. The patio area features a soft internal frame of its own that keeps the structure rigid and upright.

A wire frame inside the carrier gives makes it very rigid and keeps the Petsfit upright. Although the frame is quite rigid, it can be squashed slightly to get it under low airline seats.

The inside has a removable soft fleece mat that extends out into the pop-out patio area. Also on the inside is a leash ring for added security.

The Petsfit can be carried with two handles or an adjustable shoulder strap. The strap also doubles as a car seatbelt to secure the carrier into a vehicle. The exterior of the carrier has a zippered mesh front, top, and fold out area. There is also a large storage pocket

Video Review:

Conclusion:

The quality of both the materials and the workmanship is very good, and it’s only when you look at the small details like the stitching and the sturdy metal clips for the shoulder strap attachment do you start to realize that this is one very well constructed carrier.

CenKinfo Expandable Dog Cat Carrier

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