Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers – Our 2018 Reviews & Top Picks

Dog 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 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: Dog carrier should be leak proof from the floor.
• Bite-proof: Your carrier should be bite proof. This is very important 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 on the check. Some dog carriers even come with clasps or clips to keep the zippers secured.

Durability & 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. A durable mesh is essential because it will save you money in the long run and give you a piece of mind in a plane cabin with your furry friend.

Floorboard

Pet carrier floorboards have to be sturdy to prevent it 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 entering through the carrier door. One of the advantages of a door or zipper is that it is easier to pick 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.

You can make use of carriers that are designed as backpacks.

Airline Sizing Requirements + Pricing Details

1) United Airlines

​For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17.5” long x 12” wide x 7.5” high.

For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 18” long x 11” wide x 11” high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

Pricing: $125 service charge each way. Additional $125 service charge for stopovers over 4 hours within the US, or 24 hours outside of the US.

To get more information, do visit the United Airlines' pets travel page.​

2) American Airlines

​For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 19” long x 13” wide x 9” high.

For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 19” long x 13” wide x 9” high.

Pricing: $125 service charge each way.

To get more information, do visit the American Airline's pets travel page.​

3) Alaskan Airlines

For Hard-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17” long x 11” wide x 7.5” high.

For Soft-Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17” long x 11” wide x 9.5” high.

Pricing: $100 service charge each way

To get more information, do visit the Alaskan Airlines' pets travel page.​

4) Delta Airlines

Sizing Info: Maximum dimensions are dependent on your flight and varies 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, do visit the Delta Airlines' pets travel page.

5) Jet Blue

For Hard & Soft Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 17” long x 12.5” wide x 8.5” high. Combined weight of both your carrier and your dog cannot exceed 20 pounds.

Pricing: $125 service charge each way

To get more information, do visit the Jet Blue's pets travel page.

6) Southwest Airlines

For Hard & Soft Sided Crates: Maximum dimensions are 18.5” long x 13.5” wide x 8.5” high.

Pricing: $95 service charge each way

To get more information, do visit the Southwest Airlines' pets travel page.

Additional Important 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.
• It is expected that your pet is kept in its carrier throughout the flight duration.
• Pet owner is not allowed to sit in any row where the under-seat space is not reserved for you.
• 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 for movement. 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 carriers 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 pet carriers. All of the carriers we have listed can be your choice because they are carefully selected for you.