Traveling with your beloved pet can be a rewarding experience, but ensuring their comfort and safety, especially during air travel, is paramount. Selecting the best Pet Carrier For Airplane travel is not just about compliance with airline regulations; it’s about providing your furry friend with a secure, comfortable, and stress-free journey. An airline-approved pet carrier is specifically designed to meet the size and safety guidelines set by most major airlines, ensuring a smooth travel experience for both you and your pet.
To help you navigate the vast market of pet carriers, we’ve rigorously tested 15 of the top airline-approved options, evaluating them based on critical factors like size, material quality, pet comfort, ease of portability, design aesthetics, cleaning convenience, and overall value. Our hands-on testing, combined with insights from veterinary experts Dr. Chyrle Bonk of excitedcats.com and Dr. Paola Cuevas of petkeen.com, provides you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect pet carrier for your airplane adventure. Whether your pet is flying in the cabin with you or as cargo, our recommendations and expert advice will ensure they travel safely and comfortably.
Our Top Picks for Airplane Pet Carriers
- Best Overall: Away The Pet Carrier at Away Travel $225
- Best for Cargo Hold: Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate at Gunner.com $550
- Best for Cats: Travel Cat The Transpurrter at Amazon $170
- Best Budget Hardside: Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon $105
- Best Expandable: Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier at Amazon $53
- Best Style: Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier at Dagnedover.com
Best Overall Pet Carrier for Air Travel
Away The Pet Carrier
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Why We Love It: The Away Pet Carrier is a top-tier choice, blending comfort, thoughtful design, and aesthetic appeal seamlessly. It excels in meeting airline requirements while ensuring your pet’s journey is as pleasant as possible.
Things to Consider: This carrier is best suited for pets weighing up to 18 pounds, which might be limiting for owners of larger small breeds or medium-sized pets.
The Away Pet Carrier stands out as the “little black dress” of pet travel accessories. Mirroring the sophisticated design and high-quality construction of Away’s renowned luggage, this carrier is both functional and stylish. Its thoughtfully designed dimensions are perfectly suited for under-seat storage on most airlines, without compromising your pet’s comfort. We were particularly impressed by the smart pocket placements, offering convenient storage for essential pet and owner items. The inclusion of a waterproofed side pocket with drainage holes specifically for a collapsible water bowl is a testament to the carrier’s user-centric design.
Beyond its practical features, the Away Pet Carrier prioritizes pet well-being. It boasts water-resistant material for easy cleaning, a trolley sleeve for effortless airport navigation, secure seat belt latches for car travel, and breathable mesh panels to ensure ample ventilation. A retractable calming screen offers privacy for anxious pets without restricting airflow. The removable sherpa bed adds an extra layer of comfort, and there’s still enough space to include a favorite blanket or toy for added familiarity and reassurance.
Constructed from durable nylon and trimmed with chic black leather accents, the Away Pet Carrier is as durable as it is elegant. However, its single size offering may be a drawback for some. Expanding the size options would make this exceptional carrier accessible to a broader range of pet sizes.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Pet Weight Limit: Up to 18 pounds
- Materials: Nylon and Leather
A dog comfortably rests inside the Away Pet Carrier, peering out through the breathable mesh window, showcasing the carrier’s comfort and ventilation features.
A traveler effortlessly pulls the Away Travel Pet Carrier using the trolley sleeve, demonstrating its seamless integration with luggage for easy airport navigation.
The Away Pet Carrier is shown with its calming screen partially retracted, offering pets privacy while maintaining airflow, a thoughtful feature for anxious travelers.
Best Pet Carrier for Airplane Cargo
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate
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Why We Love It: The Gunner G1 Kennel sets the gold standard for hard-sided pet kennels, offering unparalleled safety and durability for pets traveling in cargo.
Things to Consider: The exceptional quality and safety features of the Gunner G1 Kennel come at a premium price, making it a significant investment. Its larger sizes can also be cumbersome to handle, especially with a pet inside.
For pet owners prioritizing ultimate safety for cargo travel, the Gunner G1 Kennel is unmatched. This hard-sided kennel boasts a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety, a testament to its robust construction. Numerous accounts from pet owners involved in serious accidents highlight the Gunner kennel’s life-saving capabilities for their dogs. Its double-wall rotomolded construction provides superior impact protection, crucial for the unpredictable conditions of air travel. The kennel’s design includes a wider base for enhanced stability, built-in tie-down rods for secure fastening, and all-weather windows to shield pets from harsh weather conditions during airport loading and unloading.
Inside, pet comfort is also considered. A soft bed can be added for cushioning, and raised, non-slip feet help regulate temperature by minimizing transfer from hot or cold surfaces. The primary drawback is the weight and size of the larger kennels, which can be challenging to manage alone, particularly with a pet inside. Our testing focused on the large size (72 pounds empty), but the Gunner G1 Kennel is available in small, medium, and intermediate sizes to accommodate different breeds and sizes.
Key Features:
- Dimensions (Intermediate): 34 x 23 x 28.5 inches (various sizes available)
- Weight (Intermediate): 48 pounds (various weights depending on size)
- Pet Weight Limit (Large): Up to 110 pounds
- Materials: Rotomolded Plastic and Stainless Steel
A dog comfortably peeks its head out of the Gunner G1 Kennel, demonstrating the kennel’s ventilation and secure environment.
A dog sits patiently in front of the Gunner G1 Kennel, highlighting the spacious interior and ease of access for pets.
A side profile of the Gunner G1 Kennel emphasizes its sturdy, hard-sided construction, built for maximum protection during travel.
Best Pet Carrier for Cats on Airplanes
Travel Cat The Transpurrter
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Why We Love It: The Travel Cat Transpurrter is packed with thoughtful features specifically designed for feline comfort and convenience, offering five different carrying options for versatile travel.
Things to Consider: The soft, plush interior, while comfortable for cats, tends to attract and retain cat hair, requiring frequent cleaning.
The Travel Cat “Transpurrter” Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier is a standout choice for cat owners seeking a versatile and feature-rich travel solution. Its five carrying options – over-the-shoulder, side handles, trolley sleeve, crossbody, and backpack – provide unparalleled flexibility for navigating airports and travel destinations. The carrier’s multiple access points are a significant advantage, with openings at both ends, the top, and a full side panel that can be unzipped to create more space while waiting at the gate. This expandable feature, combined with a bungee tether for security, allows cats to feel less confined during travel delays.
Thoughtful details abound in the Transpurrter, including calming privacy flaps to reduce stress, stretchy slip pockets for quick access items, organizational pockets for travel essentials, a slide-out lined basket for added comfort, and anti-scratch mesh panels on three sides for ventilation and durability. Our extensive testing, including multiple flights, confirms the carrier’s resilience and like-new appearance, with the exception of the interior lining’s tendency to collect cat hair.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Pet Weight Limit: Up to 30 pounds
- Carrying Options: Backpack, Shoulder Strap, Handle, Crossbody, Trolley Sleeve
A curious cat extends its head from the Travel Cat Transpurrter, showcasing the carrier’s easy access points and comfortable environment for feline travel.
Best Budget Hardside Pet Carrier for Air Travel
Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel
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Why We Love It: The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter offers exceptional value, providing a basic yet reliable crate-style kennel that meets FAA standards for airline travel without breaking the bank.
Things to Consider: This carrier is a no-frills option, lacking extra pockets or storage compartments. It focuses solely on the essential function of a safe and airline-compliant kennel.
For budget-conscious pet owners seeking a functional and airline-approved hardside carrier, the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter is an excellent choice. This kennel prioritizes practicality and meets all essential requirements for domestic air travel in the U.S. without unnecessary extras. It features three-sided ventilation to ensure airflow, a secure stainless steel door with squeeze latches to prevent accidental openings during flights, and a spacious interior to comfortably accommodate your pet, along with food and water bowls, and a blanket or toy if permitted by airline regulations. The darker-colored bottom is designed to tap into a dog or cat’s natural burrowing instincts, promoting relaxation during travel. The kennel’s simple assembly and disassembly make it convenient for storage and transportation when not in use. While lacking storage pockets for travel documents or treats, the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter delivers on its core function: providing a comfortable and airline-compliant pet travel solution at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- Dimensions (Small): 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches (various sizes available)
- Weight (Small): 9 pounds (various weights depending on size)
- Pet Weight Limit (Small): Up to 30 pounds (various weight limits depending on size)
- Materials: Heavy-duty Plastic and Metal
Best Expandable Pet Carrier for Airplanes
Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier
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Why We Love It: The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier offers a unique expandable design, providing extra space for your pet during layovers or gate waits. Removable fiber rods enhance flexibility for under-seat fitting.
Things to Consider: The carry handles lack padding, which can become uncomfortable during extended carrying.
The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier is designed for pet owners who value flexibility and space optimization. Its dual expandable sides, made of scratch-resistant mesh, offer a significant advantage by providing extra room for your pet to stretch out while waiting at the gate or during layovers, without fully removing them from the carrier. Our testing revealed a practical “hack”: unzipping the expandable sides even while the carrier is under the airplane seat, offering a bit more wiggle room for your pet during the flight. The carrier’s collapsible design and removable fiber rods in the top frame further enhance its adaptability, allowing for easier squeezing under tight airplane seats. A soft-lined bottom ensures pet comfort. While lightweight and portable, the unpadded carry handles were a point of discomfort during longer carrying periods. Despite this, the added space and flexibility of the expandable design make the Petsfit carrier a standout option.
Key Features:
- Dimensions (Small): 16 x 10 x 9 inches (various sizes available)
- Weight (Small): 2.1 pounds (various weights depending on size)
- Pet Weight Limit (Small): Up to 9 pounds (various weight limits depending on size)
- Materials: Polypropylene
A dog comfortably sleeps inside the Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier, placed under an airplane seat, demonstrating the carrier’s compact size and pet-friendly design for air travel.
Best Stylish Pet Carrier for Air Travel
Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier
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Why We Love It: The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier combines sophisticated style with durable, high-quality materials, creating a sleek and fashionable travel accessory for pets.
Things to Consider: The Kyoto Pet Carrier is slightly wider than some other models, which may cause the sides to overhang when placed on top of smaller carry-on luggage.
For pet owners who prioritize aesthetics without sacrificing functionality, the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is the epitome of travel chic. True to the Dagne Dover brand, this carrier is crafted from premium materials, including 900D polyester, breathable mesh, and soft sherpa lining, ensuring both style and resilience to travel wear and tear. Our testing, which included placing the carrier under airplane seats and on car floors, confirmed its durability – it maintained its pristine condition even after multiple flights and road trips. We tested the large size, ideal for a 12-pound Chihuahua mix, and found it provided ample space for the pet to move and rest comfortably. Available in a smaller size as well, the Kyoto carrier prioritizes ease of transport with features like multiple handles, a trolley sleeve, and spacious zippered side pockets. It conveniently packs flat for storage and is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Key Features:
- Dimensions (Large): 18 x 12 x 11.4 inches (small size also available)
- Weight (Large): 4.3 pounds (small size is 3.8 pounds)
- Pet Weight Limit (Large): Up to 20 pounds (small size up to 15 pounds)
- Materials: 900D Polyester, Mesh, Sherpa
A small dog sits comfortably inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier, showcasing the carrier’s spacious and cozy interior.
A dog is pictured inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier, with the ventilation mesh clearly visible, ensuring airflow and pet visibility.
The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is securely placed on top of a suitcase using the trolley sleeve, illustrating its ease of transport within an airport.
A side view of the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier on a suitcase, highlighting its stylish design and convenient travel integration.
A close-up of a dog looking out from the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier, emphasizing the pet’s comfort and secure feeling within the carrier.
The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is shown collapsed, demonstrating its space-saving design for easy storage when not in use.
The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is displayed open on a bed, highlighting the spacious and comfortable interior for pets.
A dog is comfortably situated in the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier under an airplane seat, illustrating its suitability for in-cabin airline travel.
The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is placed on top of a suitcase, emphasizing its convenient trolley sleeve feature for easy airport travel.
A dog appears relaxed and content inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier, highlighting the carrier’s comfort and pet-friendly design.
A dog sits comfortably within the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier, underscoring the carrier’s spaciousness and suitability for pet travel.
Other Noteworthy Airline-Approved Pet Carriers
While the following carriers didn’t top our main list, they deserve honorable mentions for specific travel scenarios:
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Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier: Though heavier and larger than our top soft-sided picks, the Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier’s five-star crash test rating, car-friendly design with seat belt and buckle clips, pee-pad compatibility, and zip-down side make it an excellent choice for car travel with pets. However, its size might raise eyebrows at airline check-in counters.
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Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier: Best suited for very small or teacup breeds, the Arlo Skye carrier felt a bit too snug for larger pets in our tests. For owners of tiny pets, its standout features include four-sided mesh ventilation, a memory foam travel pad, and a sturdy trolley sleeve for easy luggage integration.
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Wild One Travel Carrier: This lightweight and compact carrier is packed with thoughtful travel-friendly features, including dual-sided zippers, calming fold-down side panels, a lie-flat design for spot cleaning, and a built-in leash option. However, its 10-inch height felt restrictive for larger pets when placed under an airplane seat, making it a better option for shorter trips or smaller breeds.
A dog is pictured inside the opened Wild One Travel Carrier, showcasing the carrier’s interior space and design for pet comfort during travel.
Our Pet Carrier Testing Methodology
The Travel + Leisure team conducted rigorous real-world testing of 15 airline-approved pet carriers with our own cats and dogs. Our evaluation process involved measuring and weighing each carrier, assessing its overall build quality, and ensuring our pets felt comfortable within them. We then embarked on domestic and international round-trip flights on major U.S. airlines, including JetBlue, known for its stringent in-cabin pet carrier size restrictions. During our travels, we meticulously documented each carrier’s performance in terms of carrying comfort, pet comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, overall design, size compliance, and practical features.
We paid close attention to the ease of navigating airport security, waiting at boarding gates, stowing carriers under seats, and general airport transport. Pet comfort was continuously monitored before, during, and after flights, and we assessed the accessibility of pets during travel. Our scoring system heavily emphasized pet comfort, portability, useful features, value for money, and overall performance to identify the best airline-approved pet carriers for this comprehensive guide.
A dog is pictured sitting inside the Arlo Skye Pet Carrier on a carpeted floor, providing a clear view of the carrier’s size and suitability for pets.
Key Considerations When Buying an Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Selecting the Right Size Carrier for Your Pet
Choosing the appropriate carrier size is crucial for your pet’s comfort and well-being during air travel. The ideal size will depend on your pet’s size, weight, and ability to move comfortably. Remember, airline regulations stipulate that in-cabin pets must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally within the carrier. Avoid forcing your pet into a carrier that’s too small simply to meet airline size limitations.
Verifying Airline and Transportation Rules
Before purchasing any pet carrier, it’s essential to thoroughly review the specific pet and carrier policies of your chosen airline, as well as general FAA guidelines. Many train operators, like Amtrak, also have specific pet carrier regulations. If you plan to travel by car, consider crash safety features when selecting a pet carrier to ensure your animal’s security in transit.
Important airline pet travel rules to keep in mind: in-cabin pet carriers typically count as your carry-on or personal item, depending on the airline; pets must remain inside their carriers at all times during the flight; carriers must be stowed under the seat in front of you (on most airlines); and pets traveling as cargo cannot be sedated.
Deciding Between Soft-Sided and Hard-Sided Carriers
The choice between soft-sided and hard-sided carriers depends on your pet’s size, temperament, and travel needs. Soft-sided carriers, including dog backpack carriers, offer more flexibility in fitting under various airplane seats, and airlines often permit slightly larger dimensions for soft-sided options due to their collapsibility. However, pets traveling as cargo are required to be in hard-sided carriers for enhanced safety in the aircraft hold. Owners of larger or heavier in-cabin pets may also prefer hard-sided carriers for the added support and protection they provide.
Essential Comfort and Convenience Features
Prioritize your pet’s comfort when choosing a carrier. Look for features that enhance their travel experience, such as breathable mesh panels for ventilation, sturdy and supportive bottoms, multiple access points for easy pet interaction, pockets for treats and essential supplies, and calming blackout panels for anxious pets. Most airlines also mandate that pet carriers have a waterproof bottom to contain accidents.
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A dog is comfortably positioned in a blue pet carrier, emphasizing the importance of choosing a carrier with comfort-enhancing features for pet travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airplane Pet Carriers
How to Acclimate Your Pet to a Travel Carrier?
To help your pet adjust to a travel carrier, start by placing the carrier open in your home, allowing them to explore it and become familiar with its scent. Encourage them to enter by placing treats or toys inside. Once they are comfortable entering the carrier, try short car rides, gradually increasing the duration and rewarding them with treats after each ride. Make the carrier a positive space by lining it with familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy.
How Long Can a Pet Safely Stay in a Carrier?
Veterinarian Dr. Bonk advises that most pets can safely remain in an in-cabin travel carrier for six to eight hours, provided the carrier is appropriately sized. For cargo travel, dogs may be able to stay slightly longer if they are comfortable and have access to pee pads, food, and water. Dr. Cuevas recommends bathroom breaks every six hours if possible, which may necessitate shorter flights or utilizing a private pet transport service for longer journeys.
What Essentials Should You Pack Inside Your Pet’s Carrier?
While airlines don’t mandate specific items for in-cabin pets, both Dr. Bonk and Dr. Cuevas recommend carrying food and water (or treats), any necessary medications, and essential paperwork like vaccination records, which may be required at boarding or upon arrival. Enhance your pet’s comfort by including an absorbent pad, a familiar-scented item (like a blanket or your clothing), and their favorite toy to create a more reassuring environment.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure for Pet Carrier Recommendations?
Katherine Alex Beaven, in collaboration with Travel + Leisure editors and their pets (including Alex and her travel-savvy cat @hellomisterbo), conducted extensive research and testing for this article. Expert veterinary insights were provided by Dr. Chyrle Bonk of excitedcats.com and Dr. Paola Cuevas of petkeen.com, ensuring our recommendations are grounded in both practical testing and professional veterinary advice.
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Article updated by Taylor Fox, Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure, and Anne Taylor, Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure.
