10 Best Approved Pet Carriers for Airlines
Traveling is always more fun with a friend at your side—especially if that friend is your faithful furry companion. If you’re worried about bringing a dog or cat on an airplane, worry no more. The secret to traveling stress-free with pets is to have the right pet carrier. Get ready for your next trip with one of the best airline-approved pet carriers.
What makes an approved pet carrier for travel?
In order to be approved for airline travel, a pet carrier must have a waterproof bottom, mesh panels for ventilation, and a zip closure. Plus, bear in mind that your pet carrier must enclose your entire pet inside. This means that those cute purses where your dog’s head pokes out are a no-go.
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10 best approved pet carriers for airlines in 2024
1. Best overall pet carrier: Away
If your pet has racked up just as many frequent flyer miles as you, then it’s time to treat them with a pet carrier upgrade. The Pet Carrier from Away is a can’t-miss pick that’s sure to please you and your furry friend. With water-resistant lining, interior and exterior zip pockets, and a retractable privacy screen, it’s got all the essentials. To give your pooch extra comfort on the road, this carrier also comes with removable, washable sherpa bedding. Plus, there’s a latch to help you fasten it to a car seat belt and a trolley sleeve to slide it on your luggage so you can bring your pet on your next travel adventure, hassle-free.
Price: starting at $225
2. Best pet carrier with laptop sleeve: Béis
If you’re traveling with a carry-on bag, a pet carrier, and maybe even a checked suitcase, things can get a little cumbersome at the airport. That’s why we love The Regulation Pet Carry-On from Béis. Designed with both you and your pet in mind, this case will make sure you both travel in comfort. For you, there’s a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, a key leash, and two slip pockets to organize your travel essentials. For your pup or cat, there’s a washable pad, comfortable mesh side panels, and even an expansion feature for a little more paw room. With enough space for your laptop, pet, and in-flight necessities, you can streamline your baggage and ditch that checked bag altogether.
Price: starting at $168
3. Best luxury pet carrier: Shaya
Even our furry friends want to experience what it’s like to fly in first class. No matter what seat number is written on your ticket, this Vegan Black Canvas Pet Carrier from Shaya will make you both feel like you’re traveling in luxury. Ethically-sourced and handcrafted in Italy, this 100% vegan pet carrier is made out of a premium coated canvas that’s resistant to both water and unwanted scratches. Inside, it’s lined with antibacterial, accident-proof nylon with a special zip pocket to stow your pet’s treats, toys, and leash. Then there’s another zip pocket on the outside for your travel must-haves, as well as a chic top handle or a convenient crossbody strap so you can jet from city to city, hands-free.
Price: starting at $775
4. Best mesh pet carrier: Arlo Skye
If you’ve ever felt a little claustrophobic on a long plane ride, then imagine how your pet feels under the seat in front of you! To maximize their comfort and help them feel cozy and safe throughout the flight, turn to The Pet Carrier from Arlo Skye. With 360-degree ventilation, this pet carrier is airy and light, with plenty of breathable space for your cat or dog. A memory foam mattress (that’s removable and washable) helps them stay extra comfy, while a trolley sleeve helps you keep them secure and close to you while you walk through the airport.
Price: starting at $275
5. Best pet carrier backpack: Sherpa
Whether you’re getting ready for a long-haul flight or just a quick puddle jumper, the 2-in-1 Backpack Travel Pet Carrier from Sherpa is going to be your (and your pet’s!) new favorite travel companion. With the patented, spring-wire frame, you can push down the rear end of the carrier to easily slide it under airplane seats. The mesh panels and solid base, meanwhile, ensure your pet will stay comfortable and secure throughout your entire journey. There are even two convenient pockets to stash treats and toys for easy access when you need them.
Price: starting at $79
6. Best expandable pet carrier: Mr. Peanut’s
Everyone wants to feel comfortable when they travel—and that goes for cats and dogs, too! For a little extra breathing room on a long-haul flight, The Gold-Series Big Apple-Size Expandable Pet Carrier from Mr. Peanut’s is always a crowd-pleaser. With a special mesh side panel that can be unzipped and expanded, you don’t have to worry about your pet feeling cramped after long hours of travel. Faux fleece padding on the inside keeps them extra cozy, while large, open-air mesh windows on the top and side panels let in plenty of light and air. And at only 3.7 lbs, this pet carrier won’t weigh you down with too much extra weight.
Price: starting at $79
7. Best budget pet carrier: EliteField
If this is your first time traveling with your pet and you’re not sure you’re ready to invest in a $100+ pet carrier, dip your toe into the water with this affordable pet carrier from EliteField. The Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag has all the essentials you need: waterproof material, mesh panels, a removable plush bed, and even a seat belt loop and trolley sleeve. Available in six shades, from classic black to vibrant purple, this low-cost pet carrier lets you and your pet travel in comfort and style without cutting into your travel budget.
Price: starting at $20
8. Best pet carrier with built-in leash: Roverlund
Let’s face it: Some pets are more rambunctious than others. If your pup is particularly excitable and high energy, then it’s good to have a leash that’s always accessible and at the ready. The Out-of-Office Pet Carrier from Roverlund has got you covered. Inside, there’s a special leash attachment that clips to your dog’s collar to keep them snug and secure inside the carrier while you travel. Forget to bring your leash? No worries—this carrier’s shoulder strap does double duty by converting into an extra-strong leash when you need it on the fly.
Price: starting at $159
9. Best pet carrier with food and water bowls: Amica
Unfortunately, in-flight service doesn’t include refreshments for our furry travel companions. But this approved pet carrier from Amica helps you keep your pet hydrated, fed, and happy—even when you’re flying at 36,000 feet. A detachable water bottle makes it easy to give your cat or dog a quick drink in the middle of a long flight, while the detachable, foldable food bowl lets you serve up an in-flight pet meal in a pinch. Best of all, this pet carrier features a secret drawstring opening so you can easily feed or comfort your pet without unzipping the enclosure.
Price: starting at $39
10. Best wheeled pet carrier: Tucker Murphy Pet
For a smooth ride from security to take-off, try the Horan Airline-Approved Wheeled Travel Pet Carrier from Tucker Murphy Pet. With rubberized wheels for heavy-duty traction, this pet carrier makes it easy to bring your pet along for almost any travel adventure. Better yet—there’s no assembly required. Just take your pick between classic brown or playful blue and you and your loyal companion are ready to hit the road. Plus, when you reach your destination, this pet carrier easily collapses and folds up to be 2 inches thin so you can easily stow it away until your next flight.
Price: starting at $70
Approved airline pet carriers - common FAQs
What size pet carrier will fit under an airline seat?
To fit under an airline seat, a hard-shell pet carrier can be no bigger than 17.5 X 12 X 7.5 inches. For soft-shell pet carriers, you can go a bit bigger. Anything under 18 X 11 X 11 inches will fit under most airline seats. As always, check the rules of your specific airline before flying.
What is the best airline to travel with a dog?
The best airline to travel with a dog is Southwest Airlines. At $95, their pet carrier fee is one of the lowest out there. Plus, their refund policy also extends to pet carrier fees.
Where is the best place to sit on a plane with a pet?
The best place to sit on a plane with a pet is either in the middle or window seat. Both of these give you a little more space underneath the seat in front of you than an aisle seat. Plus, a window seat means no one will have to walk by you and potentially bump into your pet.
