The best airline-approved pet carrier is Mr. Peanut’s Monterey Series Approved Pet Carrier.
These days, most airlines allow travelers to bring their dogs. There are specific criteria that you must adhere to before you fly with your furry friend. Make sure that these criteria are strictly followed!
One of such criteria is that you need to keep your furry companion in an airline-approved pet carrier. It has to fit under a seat in the cabin.
Therefore, it is essential that you use only the best airline-approved pet carriers when traveling with your dog.
#1 Mr. Peanut’s Monterey Series Approved Pet Carrier
- Perfect for travels such as biking, hikes or whenever your hands are not available to carry a tote. Also can be used as...
- Plush Faux Fleece Padding with Plywood Base Insert For Pet Comfort and Stability
- Airline Capable 17" Length X 10" Width X 10" Height, Best Fit For Pets Approximately Up to 14" In Length While Laying...
Built from enhanced Nylon 600D composite material, the soft-sided Mr. Peanut’s Monterey carrier is one of the more durable pet carrier products out there, with locking zippers and a strong resin mesh to keep pets locked in.
Next, the Peanut’s Monterey carrier boasts a plush fleece padding over a plywood base insert, which helps ensure that your pet remains comfortable and stable for the entirety of the trip.
The carrier is lightweight, coming in only at a mere 2.8 lbs. Its dimensions are 18 inches long by 10.5 inches wide by 12.5 inches tall. It fits well for pets up to 15 inches long and has a weight limit of up to 18 lbs.
This Peanut’s Monterey product is built for maximum comfort and stability, and your pet can have no complaints about being transported in this carrier. And as a bonus, this carrier’s premium style and design make it worth showing off in public.
Pros
- Comes with open-air large mesh windows on four sides.
- Automatic self-locking zippers.
- Faux fleece padding with a plywood base insert.
- Frameless, soft-side.
Cons
#2 EliteField Deluxe Soft Pet Carrier
- Size: 18"L x 10"W x 11"H. Airline approved pet carrier with comfortable padding inside for cats, small dogs, and other...
- Made from durable, lightweight, waterproof material. Easy to clean. The front and sides are made of mesh netting for...
- A pocket for accessory storage. Carrying handle and adjustable padded shoulder strap allow for more carrying options....
For buyers who are on a tight budget, the EliteField Deluxe Soft Pet Carrier is the ideal product for you. The soft-sided pet carrier is approved by many major airlines and can be used for other small pets too.
Measuring 18 inches long by 10 inches wide by 11 inches in depth, it is neither too big nor too small. Weighing only a mere 3 lbs, it is definitely one of the lightweight pet carriers on the market.
A dog carrier that is soft to fit a dog without difficulty is something that’s even comfortable when in transit.
The carrier has an adjustable and padded shoulder strap with handles to make movement easier. The product is best for budget-conscious people. It comes with a washable and removable bed for the comfort of your pooch.
Pros
- Washable: A carrier that is washable and removable is something every pet owner will love to have. The bed cover is removable and washed to keep it neat.
- Built-In Leash: The availability of a pet bed makes this pet carrier one of the most sought-after on the market. A customized leash allows pets to stay safe and secured when they are kept inside the carrier.
- Waterproof And Lightweight: The carrier is made of a waterproof, durable, and lightweight material that makes movement easy. The mesh netting makes it breathable and allows sunlight to enter. As compared to others, the high-quality material from the product stands it out.
- Warranty: They offer a 3-year warranty on the product, along with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Cons
#3 Snoozer Wheel Around 4-In-1 Pet Travel Carrier
- FOR THE GO-EVERYWHERE PET. It’s a backpack. It’s a rolling carrier. It’s a carry-on. It’s a car seat. It’s the...
- FOR DAILY LIFE, TOO. Besides being perfect for travel, the Roll Around is also great for keeping pets safe on the way to...
- MORE TRAVEL, LESS STRESS. Travel can be stressful for our cats and dogs, but our Roll Around carrier can help reduce...
Thinking of a rolling carrier or backpack carrier for your canine companion, Snoozer Wheel is perfect for you. It is ideal for animals weighing up to 15 lbs. It is many things combined in one- a backpack, rolling carrier, and bed for your pets.
The size of the carrier fits under the economy seat. The carrier is also spacious to provide your dog comfort. The wheels will give you the speed you need if you are in a hurry without hurting your pet when you step out of an airplane.
Snoozer Carrier is easy to move around and unique in its appearance. You will enjoy the way the wheels are created to make your movement faster outside the plane.
Pros
- Ease Of Package: Snoozer Wheel carrier can be placed under a seat without difficulty. The product collapses and makes way for sleeping when it is under the seat.
- Comfort: Many pets find it hard to step inside a crate. With this pet carrier, it is fun for any pet to enter.
- Lightweight: The weight of the carrier is light and can be rolled around by anyone, including the kids.
- Ventilation And Pockets: The product has mesh window panels on three sides for ventilation. It also has two storage pockets on the sides for food, treats, and bowls.
Cons
#4 Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
- Mobile pet bed, in-cabin airplaine carrier and car seat, fits pets up to 17-1/2-pound
- Includes padded shoulder strap, machine washable Ultra Plush bedding and an instruction card
- Top and ends open for easy access to the pet, large zipper pockets on both sides
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier has redefined the way we travel with our dogs. The carrier offers dog owners an innovative way of ending the airline size limitations that are placed on pets. The flexibility and versatility of the carrier are awesome. The carrier measures 22 inches long by 10.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high.
Make sure that your pooch is measured before buying this pet carrier.
Sleepypod is an innovative dog carrier that is expandable and compressible when the need arrives. You can pick from any of the fantastic color designs.
Pros
- Unique Design: Sleepypod has a unique and extraordinary design that makes it easier for pets to be comfortable during takeoff or landing. This airline-approved pet carrier is expandable when the plane has taken off to give the pets more space.
- Ride And Safety: The carrier makes driving with the pet simple and exciting. There are straps on the carrier to provide safety for the pets when secured on a seat belt.
- Crash Tested: CPS has certified Sleepypod and proved safe during a car crash.
Cons
#5 Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
- Perfect for traveling in style and comfort by plane or car, for an adventure or just a trip to the vet
- Patented spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to conform to under-seat...
- Rear pocket for convenient storage of treats, leash, bags, or anything else your furry friend might need on the go
What sets the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier apart from other pet carriers out there is a special patented spring wire frame that makes it possible for this product to be pressed to fit under vehicle seats.
Mesh windows ensure proper ventilation for the pet, while both its top and side entry points make it highly convenient to fit pets in this carrier.
Additionally, the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier features a rear pocket for storing toys, treats, and anything else your furry friend may need during the trip. Locking zippers help keep your pet secured, and the Sherpa carrier also comes with a non-slip strap to provide a different carrying option.
What is also amazing is that this carrier comes in three sizes to choose from; Small – 13 inches long and 7.5 inches tall for dogs up to 8 lbs; Medium – 16 inches long and 10 inches tall for dogs up to 16 lbs; Large – 18 inches long and 11 inches tall for dogs up to 22 lbs.
The Sherpa original pet carrier’s versatility in several circumstances makes this a product worth purchasing to transport your furry friend. Additionally, this carrier is approved for use on most airlines, which means you can travel around without issues.
Pros
- Spring wireframe with mesh windows on three sides.
- The remaining rear-facing pocket is meant for storing treats.
- Top and side entry points.
- Locking zippers.
- Comes in three sizes to fit dogs of all sizes.
Cons
#6 Jet Sitter Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
- TSA COMPLIANT CARRIERS - For In Cabin Under Seat conforms precisely to United Airlines. Can also fit Southwest, JetBlue,...
- LUXURY TRAVEL CRATES - For puppy, kitten, rabbit, guinea pig, hamsters! Super plush fleece mat padding with stiff board...
- TOP LOAD AND COLLAPSIBLE - Open roof for easier access. Fold flat to store under your bed, closet, or suit case when not...
The Jet Sitter Luxury Carrier can fit both small and medium-sized pets weighing up to 14 lbs. The carrier measures 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high for the medium size option. It is expandable from the sides if the need be.
Make sure that you measure your pet before paying for this carrier.
The pet carrier has expandable sides and a large mesh window pocket that can store toys, accessories, food containers, and water bowls.
Pros
- Luxury: Even dogs would want to travel in luxury. The carrier has a super luxury fleece mat that is padded with the board. The upgraded fabrics and the stiff board can support even heavier animals.
- Collapsible: The roof is collapsible to allow easy access.
- Safety: A luggage loop and seat belt buckles are attached to fasten the carrier to avoid accidents.
Cons
#7 PetAmi Premium Airline Pet Travel Carrier
- Designed for the best and most convenient travel experience for you and your cat, dog, and pet! Measures approximately -...
- YOUR PET WILL TRAVEL IN COMFORT Well ventilated design for optimal airflow and checking on pet, soft cozy sherpa lining...
- DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND The bag comes with safety buckle zippers and safety strap to prevent escape. Furthermore,...
The PetAmi premium pet carrier boasts a comfortable and durable high-grade polyester build with a well-ventilated design that guarantees optimal airflow for your pet throughout the trip.
With a weight limit of up to 18 lbs, this PetAmi carrier should fit most small and medium-sized pets. And it comes with a soft, cozy lining, making it possible for pets to relax.
The additional but equally important features of this premium PetAmi carrier include a safety strap and the safety buckle zippers to prevent the pet dog, or try-hard escape artists, from breaking loose.
The carrier also features a stylish, handy name tag that makes it possible to identify pets. Furthermore, it is available in 14 different colors of your choosing to match your style.
The PetAmi premium pet carrier emphasizes comfort, both for the pet and handler, which makes it worth spending the cash on. At any point during the trip, if you’re separated from your pet, the name identification tag feature makes it easier to locate the pet in question.
Pros
- Two-sided access.
- Name identification tag.
- Detachable strap with padded handles.
- Straps and buckle zippers to keep the pet secured.
- Multiple mesh windows.
- A wide range of 14 colors to choose from.
Cons
#8 Prodigen Pet Carrier Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
- AIRLINE APPROVED PET CARRIER- ACCEPTED as a SOUTHWEST Airlines Pet Carrier, JETBLUE Pet Carrier, DELTA Pet Carrier Plus...
- ULTRA-SAFE, EXTRA DURABLE- UPGRADED to REINFORCED Polyester & CLAW-DEFENSE MESH on top & 4 sides ensures your pet has...
- EASY ACCESS & VENTILATED: Mesh windows on top and all 4 sides provide optimal airflow. Some have zippers to quickly...
When it comes to purchasing a durable and feature-rich pet carrier, you can’t go wrong with the Prodigen airline-approved pet carrier.
The Prodigen carrier’s strong and comfortable design is emphasized by a reinforced polyester build complete with wire meshes on all sides and zippers for easy access to the pet. For easy transportation, the pet carrier has an adjustable padded shoulder strap and carrying handles.
The Prodigen carrier also has a fleece travel bed that keeps the pet comfortable, and to ensure easy maintenance, this travel bed is designed to be removable.
All in all, the Prodigen pet carrier also has a storage compartment which makes it possible to easily keep and access your pet’s treats and toys as needed.
The Prodigen carrier’s sturdy design, no thanks to its 3-layer fabric design, is sure to provide you and, by extension, your pet the maximum value for money. Several features for comfort embedded in the Prodigen carrier also help ensure that your pet has a blissful travel experience.
Pros
- Durable reinforced polyester build.
- Breathable mesh on all four sides.
- Removable fleece travel bed.
- Storage compartment for treats and toys.
- Padded shoulder strap.
Cons
Airline-Approved Pet Carriers Buyer’s Guide
Before you read about how to buy the best airline dog carrier, there are airplane policies you need to know. Some of the policies include:
What Kind Of Pet Carrier Is Airline-Approved?
- Adequate size: The dog carrier you may want to use should have sufficient space for your pet. The size should make it easier for the pet to turn around or even lie down.
- Leak-proof: The dog carrier should be leakproof from the floor.
- Bite-proof: Your carrier should be bite-proof. This is very important for in-cabin travel.
- Breathable: Every carrier should be breathable if you are placing it under the seat.
The following are the features you should look out for when selecting a pet carrier.
The Lockable Zippers
There are amazing pets that want to explore when they are placed inside a carrier. A carrier with a lockable zipper should be used to keep the pet in check. Some dog carriers even come with clasps or clips to keep the zippers secured.
Durability And Mesh
Scratching, biting, and clawing are some of the attributes of cooped-up pooches. Before you buy that pet carrier, you should consider the mesh. Mesh windows are essential to ensure that your furry friend has lots of ventilation during the flight.
Floorboard
Pet carrier floorboards have to be sturdy to prevent them from being a hammock. With a floorboard that is washable, taking care of pets is simple. You can clean the floorboard when the pet has messed up the carrier. You can add a blanket to the carrier, too.
The Location of Doors
Pet carriers’ doors are designed to be either full zip or either half on both ends or one end. Some come with zippers placed on top as well. The use of a zipper is for pets that may find it hard to enter through the carrier door. One of the advantages of a door or zipper is that it is easier to pick up your pets from the carrier.
Expandable
For you to have a great pet carrier, it should be expandable. The expandable areas of a carrier are spacious during flight and have legroom. However, the expandable areas can add weight to the carrier. If you do not mind the extra weight, this feature will be great for you.
There are curious dogs that want to see what is happening around them. Mesh areas can be the best thing that would happen to these pets in the cabin when they are placed in carriers.
Some carriers come with shoulder straps and handlers. Some have attachments for relaxing on top of suitcases that are rolling, while others come with wheels. Personally, a carrier with shoulder straps is the recommended option. This allows you to sling your pet safely over your back.
You can make use of carriers that are designed as backpacks.
Airline Sizing Requirements And Pricing Details
United Airlines
For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17.5 inches long by 12 inches wide by 7.5 inches high.
For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high.
Pricing: $125 service charge each way. Additional $125 service charge for stopovers over 4 hours within the US or 24 hours outside the US.
To get more information, visit the United Airlines’ pets travel page.
American Airlines
For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 19 inches long by 13 inches wide by 9 inches high.
For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 19 inches long by 13 inches wide by 9 inches high.
Pricing: $125 service charge each way.
To get more information, do visit the American Airline’s pets travel page.
Alaskan Airlines
For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 7.5 inches high.
For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 9.5 inches high.
Pricing: $100 service charge each way
To get more information, visit Alaskan Airlines’ pets travel page.
Delta Airlines
Sizing Info: Maximum dimensions are dependent on your flight and vary from trip to trip. You have to contact Delta’s reservations to determine the exact size.
Pricing: $125 service charge each way
To get more information, visit Delta Airlines’ pets travel page.
Jet Blue
For Hard- and Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches high. The combined weight of both your carrier and your dog cannot exceed 20 lbs.
Pricing: $125 service charge each way
To get more information, make sure to visit Jet Blue’s pets travel page.
Southwest Airlines
For Hard- And Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 18.5 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches high.
Pricing: $95 service charge each way
To get more information, make sure to visit Southwest Airlines’ pets travel page.
Additional Information To Consider
- Many airlines recommend that your pet should have a spacious area to stand or lie during travel.
- The kennels must be in good condition without tears, cracks, or breaks.
- The number of pets allowed per flight is limited to one or two for business and first-class seating, while four to five are allowed for cabin seating.
- Your pet is expected to be kept in its carrier throughout the flight duration.
- Pet owners are not allowed to sit in any row where the under-seat space is not reserved for them.
- Most airlines prevent snub-nosed dogs from traveling with them.
- Pets that are not up to eight weeks are not allowed to travel in cabins.
- Minors are not allowed to fly with pets alone.
- Your pets should be immunized against rabies before they can enter the US.
These are some of the factors you should consider before you fly with your pet. Some carriers have wheels that make your pet carrier easy to move. Do not forget that if your shoulder is weak, you may avoid dog carriers that come in the form of backpacks.
One of the most important things to consider is ventilation. Every airline-approved dog carrier should have proper air circulation to keep the pet in comfort. Often, the cost may not be a decisive factor in choosing the right airline-approved carriers. All of the carriers we have listed can be your choice because they are carefully selected for you.
Final Thoughts
Each of the carriers is amazing and approved by major airlines. However, our top pick fares so much better because of its enhanced durability, thereby increasing the safety of your pet.
The comfort level is also one you should not neglect when it comes to pet carriers. Neglecting a pet’s comfort may lead to restlessness and unwanted movement within the carrier itself. At a reasonable price and the comfort feature it offers, this airline-approved top pick is a complete package and a good value for money.
