Best pet carriers for travel in 2023

By Leah Groth, Kaylyn McKenna

June 9, 2023 / 2:09 PM / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Taking your furry friend on a trip this summer? Don't just upgrade your luggage. Your pets need to travel in style and comfort too! A pet carrier, like one of the highly rated and reviewed options below, makes traveling with your dog or cat a little more enjoyable for the both of you.

Top products in this article:

Away The Pet Carrier, $225

Wild One travel carrier, $125

Diggs Passenger pet carrier, $185 and up (reduced from $195)

The first thing you should know about traveling with your pet is that different airlines have different rules. Some will charge you extra to bring your pet. Some airlines will limit the total number of pets on a flight, while other airlines don't allow pets to fly at all, even in a carrier marketed as "airline approved." So, when shopping for airline-approved pet carriers, it pays to check your carrier's website first for restrictions.

Most soft-sided travel carriers fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you so your pet stays close to you during the flight. Common features include mesh sides or windows for breathability, removable pads for comfort, straps to attach the carrier to a seat belt or your luggage and pockets to stash essentials.

If your pet can only fly in the cargo space underneath the plane, look for hard-sided pet carriers to offer the most protection during the flight.

We rounded up a few great pet carriers to transport your precious cargo on your next trip.

The Pet Carrier, available in black or "Coast" (blue) nylon, transports canine or feline friends in sleek style. It features sherpa bedding to feel like an at-home pet bed and is lined with water-resistant material (in case of accidents).

Latch it into a car seat belt or secure it via a sleeve to your Away luggage when you're on the move.

Away The Pet Carrier, $225

Wild One, a brand focused solely on furry friends, has constructed a streamlined and reasonably priced travel carrier that doubles as an on-the-go pet bed. Mesh walls offer breathability during travel, while the shoulder strap detaches to become a travel leash. The interior cushion also folds down completely, so the carrier can double as a pet bed.

This carrier is airline-compliant and is recommended for use with dogs up to 16 pounds.

Wild One travel carrier, $125

The Diggs Passenger carrier is designed for easy cleaning. You can attach a pee pad to the carrier bed. Then, if you pet gets car sick or has an accident, you can easily swap out the pee pad through the side panel. The carrier meets most airline requirements and has been crash-tested for car travel.

Choose from four colors. Two color options are currently on sale.

Diggs Passenger pet carrier, $185 and up (reduced from $195)

Frequent fliers looking for an indestructible crate for travel, hotels and even at home should consider investing in an Impact collapsible dog crate. Engineered out of military-grade aluminum, these lightweight, stackable crates offer great features, including handles, airline rails and ample ventilation. Available in several sizes.

Impact collapsible dog crate, $999 and up

Those who prefer transporting their pets backpack-style should invest in this highly rated pet backpack from PetAmi. Designed for small to medium pets, the carrier offers two-sided access, breathable mesh windows, pockets for your personal items and a safety strap to secure your pet during transport. Available in 12 colors.

PetAmi pet backpack, $40

Unfortunately, not all pets can fly in the main cabin of an airplane. Designed for cargo transport, this pet kennel with ventilation on all sides is available in six sizes, ranging from 21 to 48 inches, and protects animals and keeps them safe. It meets most airline cargo specifications for easy and safe travel. All sizes include clip-on bowls and ID stickers, while the 21- and 28-inch versions offer a handle for carrying. Make sure to get the right size kennel for your pet, generally a crate allowing for space to stand, turn around, sit erect or lie down.

Prices vary by size, starting at $55. Most sizes are currently on sale.

Petmate Sky Kennel (21 inch), $55 (reduced from $102)

This TSA-approved pet carrier doubles as a backpack. The carrier features breathable mesh walls, four self-locking zippers and a built-in safety leash so that you can feel confident that your furry friend is secure. The two-in-one carrier can attach to your luggage, be worn as a backpack or carried with standard pet carrier handles. It's suitable for dogs or cats up to 15 pounds.

Lesure 2-in-1 pet backpack and travel carrier, $49 after coupon (reduced from $58)

Most over-the-shoulder pet carriers work great for animals on the lighter side. But anyone with a heavier pet (up to 30 pounds) should consider a rolling style. This convertible option offers four breathable sides, plus a mesh window on top for pet access. Pull your pet through the airport with the convenient retractable handle.

Petsfit rolling breathable pet carrier, $100

First published on June 9, 2023 / 2:09 PM