The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers of 2021 (Updated October 2021)

There are so many questions about taking your pet on a flight with you.

Can I take Fido’s food?
Can I let them out of their carrier?
What even are airline-approved pet carriers?

This article will dive into what the best airline-approved pet carriers are.

Plus the most important features you must look out for when buying one.

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The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers Comparison Table

What To Look For in an Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Wheels

Wheels make life so much easier for you and your pet.

Most of the time your pet is under a lot of stress when in a cage and you want to make the journey as easy as possible for them.

Get a carrier with wheels. The smooth ride will calm your pet down, not to mention make it easier on yourself!

Pockets

You can never have too many pockets. Especially when it comes to traveling.

Make sure you choose a carrier that has ample pockets. You never want to run out of room to put something important.

A good idea is to find a model that has a range of pockets with different closure systems.

Get a mix of zippers, velcro, sleeves and adjustable closure systems. This will ensure you have a pocket for every item you need to bring.

Ventilation

Be sure to give your pet as much ventilation and natural light as possible.

This will calm down any pets who don’t feel too comfortable in confined spaces. Carry bags with adjustable ventilation/windows are perfect!

Straps

Carry straps are a grand option to have for those places where you can’t wheel though.

Be sure to find a model with comfortable straps and lots of options for adjustments.

Zippers

When traveling safety is a top priority.

You want to make sure that nothing is able to fall from your bag, or for that matter fall into your bag. We all know that can cause big life-changing issues you don’t need.

Make sure any bag that you go for has sturdy zippers which can be locked. This is the best way to ensure no one will tamper with it!

Note: Each airline is different and has different rules with carry-on luggage. They also have different policies with pets. We can not guarantee every pet carrier will fit in with every airline’s guidelines.

You should get in touch with your specific airline before buying any pet carrier. Ensure you get the exact luggage dimensions, pet policy, and luggage allowances & restrictions!

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The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers 2021

Petsfit Expandable Travel Dog Carrier

Dimensions of the Petsfit Expandable Carrier

Small: 16″ X 10″ X 9″ – Designed for pets up to 12 lbs
Medium: 18″ x 11″ x 11″ – Designed for pets up to 16 lbs
Large: 19″ x 12″ x 12″ – Designed for pets up to 20 lbs

What We Liked About It

• Comfortable, removable and washable mat inside
• Big pocket
• Pet entry at top and both ends
• Dual zippers on pet entries
• Double expandable sides for extra room
• Folds down completely flat for easy storage
• Mesh sides and top for ventilation and enhanced vision

Pets GO2 Pet Carrier

Dimensions of the Pets GO2 Pet Carrier

Small: 14″ X 6″ X 8″
Large: 19″ x 10″ x 13″

What We Liked About It

• Padded carry handle
• Padded and removable shoulder strap
• Mesh sides and top for ventilation and enhanced vision
• Double expandable sides for extra room
• Inside safety leash
• Folds down completely flat for easy storage
• Comfortable, removable and washable mat inside

Sleepypod Airline Under Seat Dog Carrier

Dimensions of the Sleepypod Airline Under Seat Dog Carrier

• One Size: 22″ x 10.5″ x 10.5″

What We Liked About It

• Folds flat for easy storage
• Car seat belt straps on both sides
• Lots of zippered side pockets
• Tough tear resistant mesh
• Comfortable carry handle with adjustable shoulder strap
• Warmer pad – sold separately
• Tear resistant meshing

Sherpa Deluxe Airline Dog Carrier

Dimensions of the Sherpa Deluxe Airline Dog Carrier

• Small: 15″ x 10″ x 8.5″ / for pet up to 8 lbs
• Medium: 18″ x 11″ x 10.5″ / for pet up to 16 lbs
• Large: 19″ x 11.8″ x 11.5″ / for pets up to 22 lbs

What We Liked About It

• Spring wire for easy on plane compression
• Durable carry handles
  Lockable zippers
• Padded and removable non slip shoulder strap
• Seat belt strap
• Removable and washable faux lambskin lining
• Top and side entries
• Mesh sides and top for ventilation and enhanced vision.

Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier

Specifications of the Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier

Small: 17.5″ H x 12″ W x 8″D
Medium: 20″ H x 14″ W x 11″D
Large: 23″ H x 15.5″ W x 12.25″D

What We Liked About It

• Packs flat for easy storage
• Durable retractable pull handle
• Wheels
• Backpack straps
• Multiple storage pockets with zip closure
• Super easy wipe clean
• Lots of side and front breathable mesh

Sturdibag Airline Friendly Dog Carrier

Specifications of the Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier

​One Size: 17.7″ x 11.8″ x 11.8″

What We Liked About It

• Duffle style
• Flexible rods to easily adjust height
• Super lightweight construction
• Safety straps
• Lots of side and front breathable mesh
• Comfortable 4-way adjustable shoulder straps
• Leather carry handle

Final Thoughts

We hope one of these airline approved pet carriers is the perfect one for your furry little friends.

You might be thinking these pet carriers are all a little too much for you.

If you would rather leave your furry little friend at home a better option might be getting a pet sitter in.

If you are interested check out some of the best house sitting sites we have come across so far!

We have used all these pet sitting sites (as house sitters) and back them 100%.

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