The 9 Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers of 2024, Tested by Real Pet Parents

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Love Thy Beast is our favorite in-cabin carrier for a cozy and comfortable flying experience

Lindsay Tigar is an experienced travel and lifestyle journalist, content strategist, and editor. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Vogue, USA Today, Fast Company, and other publications.

In This Article

People / Anna Mejorada

If you're taking your furry friend along for your next adventure and need to board a flight to reach your destination, you’ll need an airline-approved pet carrier to keep them safe and sound.

While we’d love to say it’s a stress-free endeavor to take a four-legged pal on an airplane, most pet owners will admit it can be difficult and requires some preparation. To ensure you have the best experience possible, check your airline’s specific pet restrictions and requirements — including maximum pet weight, carrier dimensions, and paperwork — to avoid mishaps.

At the time of publishing, to travel with a pet on Delta, United, or American Airlines, your soft-sided pet carrier must be 18 by 11 by 11 inches or smaller. To travel with a pet on JetBlue, your in-flight carrier can't exceed 17 by 12.5 by 8.5 inches, and cargo hold dimensions vary. Some airlines may have smaller requirements for regional flights, so check your specific airline for dimension limitations.

We tested 13 popular pet carriers by taking our pets aboard recent flights and evaluated each on size, quality, comfort, portability, design, ease of cleaning, and value.

These are the best airline-approved (and pet-approved) carriers PEOPLE Tested.

Compact

Shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry

Easy to clean

Only fits pets up to 25 pounds

Lightweight and durable, this pet carrier has everything you need for a solid travel day with your furry pal. We tested this bag on JetBlue and Delta flights, and it fit underneath the seat easily. Not only is it compact enough for easy storage and travel, but the roomy interior allows pets to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around while they’re inside. One key feature we loved was the mesh paneling that provides shy or anxious pets privacy from fellow travelers but still allows your four-legged buddy to see (and smell) you for reassurance.

This pet carrier features supportive shoulder straps for extra security at the airport. Or, if you have a roller carry-on bag, the two smaller pockets with zippers also function as a loop for suitcase handles. (Psst: Use these to secure seatbelts in your Uber ride, too!) There's also a large zippered pocket for your phone, wallet, boarding pass, headphones, and your pet’s treats, so you don't necessarily need an additional bag or purse.

If your dog or cat has an accident during your journey, you’ll appreciate the platform on the bottom of the bag that can easily be removed and cleaned. The only fault we could find with this bag is that it has a 25-pound weight limit, so it won't work for all pets.

Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 12 inches | Weight Limit: 25 pounds

Sturdy yet lightweight

4 storage pockets

Pets can peek out

JetBlue-approved

No trolley sleeve

Basic design

One thing is for sure about this airline bag: You know it’ll fit underneath the seat for JetBlue flights since it’s the airline's official pet carrier. There is plenty to love about this budget-friendly buy: It's sturdy, lightweight, easy to carry, and super functional. We love the four pockets: one for treats; one for your passport, wallet, and phone; one for a tablet or book; and one for (human) snacks. We also appreciated the nylon material that’s super simple to clean in case our furry friend has an accident.

The only downfall is that it’s a bit on the shorter side, and it doesn’t have a sleeve to slip onto a roller suitcase. It’s also not exactly chic, so you won’t be turning any heads when you stroll down the terminal. However, if you’re looking for a budget-minded carrier that you know is approved by JetBlue Airlines, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 x 10 inches | Weight Limit: 20 pounds

High-quality materials

Breathable

Matches luggage

Awkward handle length

Doesn’t comply with some airlines' size requirements

If you love your Away luggage, consider giving your best friend a matching carrier. We love this bag's sturdy, sleek, modern design, which can easily fit a small to medium-sized dog. Made with high-quality materials, the bag has plenty of spacious pockets to store your (and your dog’s) essentials.

We appreciate the machine-washable, fuzzy interior lining for a cozy touch and the mesh panels to provide fresh air for your pet. In addition, the built-in shades can be pulled down to provide darkness and security to your pet while flying. You can carry it like a tote bag or put the carrier straps over your shoulder, though we did find the handle length slightly awkward. Keep in mind that it doesn’t fit underneath the seat of every airline, particularly budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant. While it’s on the pricey end, it’s a worthwhile investment for frequent fliers.

Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | Weight Limit: 18 pounds

Well-made and lightweight

Strap for suitcase handle is very secure

Chic design

Folds flat when not in use

Too big to fit under seats on some airlines

For style-conscious pet owners, the Wild One Travel Carrier is the perfect blend of chic and practical. It stands out for its convenient and functional features and easy-to-access pockets for travel essentials. Mesh panels with pull-down covers provide ventilation and privacy for pets, while supportive straps make it comfortable to carry through the airport.

The carrier also has a sleeve to slide it onto your rolling suitcase handle to make travel easier. Once you arrive at your destination, it folds flat for storage. Now for the downsides: medium-sized dogs must lie down to fit, and while short dogs can lift their heads, the carrier’s height is limited. Additionally, Delta told us that it’s too big to fit under a seat in the main cabin or Delta Plus. Add if it can’t fit under a Delta seat, it may be too large for budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 10 x 11 inches | Weight Limit: 16 pounds

Pet can move around

Comfortable

Mesh sides

Soft-sided, so it won’t last as long as a plastic kennel

Can't fit under seat when expanded

We love a lot of things about this expandable carrier. This bag is well-made, sturdy, and portable. When waiting to board, you can expand the mesh panels to the left and right, so your pet can stretch out, move around, and get comfortable.

However, when the bag is zipped shut, your pet may not be able to stand up fully (though they can likely move around and reposition themselves). Unfortunately, it can’t fit underneath the seat with the sides expanded. And while the materials feel secure, it’s made of a soft lining and is soft-sided, so we worry it may not last as long as other airline-approved pet carriers, but that all depends on how often you fly — and, ahem, how destructive your dog or cat is when under stress. We weren't big fans of the handles since they hurt our hands over time, and we would have preferred some extra padding.

Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 9 inches | Weight Limit: 13 pounds

Sturdy

Can fit kennel pad inside

Easy to wipe down and disassemble

Gate can open from right or left

No storage or pockets

No handles or wheels

If you plan to bring your big buddy along for your next adventure and you’re looking for a cargo pet carrier that gets the job done but isn’t fancy, this is your best bet. This crate has enough space for a cozy kennel pad, a few dog toys, a blanket, and a travel water and food bowl.

This super-sturdy crate is mainly made of plastic, making it easy to clean and break down to store after your trip. We liked how easy it is to open and close the gate with one hand, and the gate could be put on either side, allowing it to open to the left or the right. We also had zero problems getting the kennel through TSA; we just had to go through the scanner to ensure everything inside was safe for travel.

Dimensions: 36 x 24.5 x 27 inches | Weight Limit: 30 pounds

Elegant design

Comfortable and lightweight

Can place over luggage handle

Not tall enough for pet to turn around when closed

Pricey

If you have limited storage, you’ll appreciate this carrier's versatility and foldability. It’s made of high-quality materials that are easy to spot-clean when needed. The comfortable handles came in handy when carrying this bag through the airport, and the hidden pocket slips over your roller carry-on luggage if you'd rather wheel Fido along with you.

Inside the carrier is a soft pad, so your pup feels cozy. However, this is a compact carrier. We found that a dog has to be lying down to close the top, and they can’t turn around in the carrier when it’s closed. Some airlines require your animal to be able to turn around in their carrier, so you’ll want to test it before a trip. Because of its small size, there also isn’t extra room for a blanket. However, if you have a small breed and value a chic, foldable design, it could be worth the investment.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 11 x 10 inches | Weight Limit: 25 pounds

Spacious

Strong, escape-proof zippers

Scratch-resistant mesh

Versatile carrying options

Might not fit under some airplane seats

Backpack straps aren't padded

With a sturdy yet lightweight design, this long and spacious bag gives your cat plenty of room to move around comfortably. We’re fans of the scratch-resistant mesh and escape-proof zippers for curious cats. Inside the carrier is a super-soft felt lining that’s cozy for your cat and removable for easy cleaning. You can pull down a total blackout side panel to make your cat feel secure and calm.

There are plenty of ways to tote this cat carrier: on your shoulder with a padded strap, as a backpack, or as a crossbody bag. However, we found the crossbody style awkward and uncomfortable, and with the backpack option, you lose the much-needed padding for your shoulders. On the plus side, there are well-organized storage pockets to carry your phone and boarding pass. The only real downfall is the length of this pet carrier, which may not comply with all airline size requirements.

Dimensions: 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight Limit: 30 pounds

Comfortable and roomy

Has wheels for travel

Easy to clean

Heavy

If you plan to travel frequently with your bigger dog, this cargo kennel is worth the investment. It’s been tested by the Center for Pet Safety and received a five-star rating — the highest accolade. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know your purchase is a safe bet. We flew with two larger canines in this kennel, and it was not only roomy and comfortable for both of them, but we felt that each was safe and secure.

Like other cargo kennels, there is enough room to add a dog bed or pad, your pup’s beloved toys, a blanket, and a water or food bowl. We found it relatively easy to assemble, but it’s important to note that it’s heavy (27 pounds when empty) due to the high-quality, durable materials. While it does have back wheels that make it easy to move, loading and unloading it into your vehicle may require two people.

Dimensions: 33.25 x 21 x 29 x 23 inches | Weight Limit: 75 pounds

If you’re shopping for airline-approved pet carriers, you might also be interested in these other PEOPLE-Tested pet products. Our recommended picks go through rigorous testing from both our editors and independent testers with their own pets.

When choosing a pet carrier for a plane ride, the first step is to check your airline's specific size requirements. Every airline has slightly different rules, so double-check that your favorite carrier complies with your favorite airline's required dimensions.

Consider if your pet will be coming on board with you or if they will be traveling in a cargo hold. Most soft-sided, in-cabin pet carriers are suitable for pets up to 20 pounds, and most airlines only allow pets up to this size in the cabin, says Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, chief veterinarian at Petco.

“Regardless of where your pet will be during the flight, their carrier should provide enough room to stand up, sit, lay down, and turn around without issues, as well as ventilation from at least three of its sides,” says Miller.

Most airlines consider this and require your pet to be able to turn around in their carrier. Our best expandable carrier, the Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier, provides extra space for your pet to move around safely. In addition to a comfortable carrier, perhaps add your pet's favorite toy or small blanket in case they get anxious or chilly.

If you only take your pet on a trip every few years, you may not need an expensive pet carrier that's versatile and packed with features; the budget-friendly JetPaws carrier may do the trick. If you frequently travel with your furry friend, investing in a high-quality pet carrier that's comfortable for both you and your pet is worth the extra cash. For frequent travelers, we think Away's The Pet Carrier is worth the investment.

People / Anna Popp

We tested 13 top-rated airline-approved pet carriers to determine which were the best.

The only true way to know if a pet carrier is airline-approved is by buying one straight from the airline itself, like our budget pick from JetBlue. However, airlines generally have size requirements for pet travel carriers, so you can choose to purchase your own. Amanda Farah, national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, says to begin your search by checking the allowable overall size, dimensions, materials, and so forth for your specific airline.

Pet carry-ons are generally limited to around 17.5 by 13 by 8 inches, and they must fit underneath the seat in front of you, says Kate Karam, pet expert for Chewy. Some budget airlines, like Frontier, Allegiant, or Spirit, may have slightly smaller dimension requirements, so you must check when you book your pet’s ticket. Medium-sized dogs can fly in the cabin, but they usually need to be 20 pounds or less (and that includes the weight of the pet carrier). This number varies depending on the airline, so it’s best to do your homework before takeoff.

Lindsay Tigar is an experienced travel and lifestyle journalist. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, Vogue, USA Today, Fast Company, and other publications. To bring you this review, she consulted our testers for their impressions of pet carriers, considering effectiveness, durability, and ease of use, as well as airline restrictions. While researching pet carriers, we spoke with Dr. Whitney Miller, chief veterinarian at Petco; Amanda Farah, national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society; and Kate Karam, pet expert and former editor-in-chief at Chewy.

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