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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Table of Contents
The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers Comparison Table
| Name | Image | Storage | Wheels | Carry Straps | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petsfit Expandable Travel Dog Carrier |   |
Yes | No | Yes | |
| Pets GO2 Pet Carrier |   |
Yes | No | Yes | |
| Sleepypod Airline Under Seat Dog Carrier |   |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Sherpa Deluxe Airline Dog Carrier |   |
Yes | No | Yes | |
| Snoozer Wheel Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier |   |
Yes | Yes | No | |
| Sturdibag Airline Friendly Dog Carrier |   |
Yes | No | Yes |
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 2022
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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Hi,
I saw that the Pets GO2 Pet Carrier hold up to 18lbs, do you find that it sags at all when holding that much weight? I really would like to pick up one of these for my maine coone 🙂
Sandra
Morning Sandra,
The PetsGO2 pet carrier would definitely hold up to 18 pounds! Ohhh we looooove Maine Coones, we cared for two last summer in Melbourne, they certainly did a lot of lounging on those hot days!
Let me know if you go with that one or if you find a is the best pet carrier!!
Best,
Brittnay 🙂