The best airline-approved pet carriers make traveling with your dog or cat not only possible, but safe—because after all, there’s no cargo more precious than your pet. We consulted with veterinarian Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, to find the best pet carriers on the market today. Our top pick is the Sleepypod Air, a soft, padded carrier that keeps pets comfortable and doubles as an on-the-go pet bed.
The best airline-approved pet carriers make traveling with your dog or cat not only possible, but … (+) safe.
Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer
To board the plane—whether in the cabin or the cargo hold—your pet must be securely in a carrier that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Additionally, your carrier will need to meet specific sizing and ventilation requirements. Below, the best airline-approved pet carriers sure to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable until you reach your destination.
Best Airline-Approved Pet Carrier Overall: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Cat & Dog Travel Bed & CarrierBest Budget Airline-Approved Pet Carrier: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet CarrierBest Foldable Airline-Approved Pet Carrier: Roverlund Out-Of-Office ProBest Expandable Airline-Approved Pet Carrier: Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Double Expandable Pet CarrierBest Airline-Approved Pet Carrier For Cargo Hold: SportPet Designs Plastic KennelBest Versatile Airline-Approved Pet Carrier: Katziela Luxury Rider Pet CarrierBest Splurge Airline-Approved Pet Carrier: Away The Pet CarrierBest Underseat Airline-Approved Pet Carrier : JetBlue PetPaws Pet CarrierBest Airline-Approved Pet Carrier For Cats : Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Airline Compliant Pet CarrierBest Airline-Approved Pet Carrier For Organization: Mobile Dog Gear Pet Carrier Plus
Dimensions: 16 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches (and up) | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Polyester, nylon | Maximum pet weight: 18 pounds
Pros:
Attaches to rolling luggageCrash-test certified by the non-profit Center for Pet Safety (CPS)Inside cushion is removable and washableOptional privacy screen
Cons:
Pets can get anxious during flights and in the airport, and who can blame them? Veterinarian Joanne Fernandez-Lopez suggests easing travel jitters with a carrier like the Sleepypod Air, which has an optional privacy screen to control your pet’s view of their surroundings. Once you reach your destination, the carrier unzips across the back, top and sides to transform into a travel pet bed. It provides plenty of room for your pet to stretch out at your final destination or between flights, and it adapts by compressing about 2.5 inches on each end to fit under smaller airline seats without sacrificing comfort. Its crash-tested frame has a soft, machine-washable padded base, and the carrier easily slides over your carry-on handle.
Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 8.5 inches (and up) | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Material: Polyester | Maximum pet weight: 16 pounds
Pros:
Locking zippers for added securityRemovable and washable insertFront and side-entry options
Cons:
The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t cut corners on quality, comfort or safety, and it’s priced at just under $60. If you’ll be boarding a flight with tighter restrictions, like JetBlue, the brand’s patented spring wire frame allows it to bend while still holding its shape to fit under the seat. The small and medium-sized options are covered by the Guaranteed On-Board Program, which means that if the carrier gets rejected at the gate, the company will cover your domestic flight and your pet’s travel fee. This carrier features both side and top entry points; according to Fernandez-Lopez, the top entry is especially handy for coaxing a reluctant cat inside, while the side entry typically works better for dogs.
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches (and up) | Weight: 3 pounds | Material: Polyester, mountain climbing rope | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Attaches to rolling luggageTSA-compliant pet carrier, car seat and travel bag, all in oneOptional matching travel set for humans
Cons:
Climbing rope handle and shoulder strap lack padding
If you’re tight on space at home or in your hotel, the Roverlund Out-Of-Office Pro is an excellent choice—it folds flat for easy storage, making it one of the best options for compact travel, and its climbing rope carry strap doubles as a built-in leash. Other handy features include a waterproof, leakproof bottom, a washable fleece lining and roomy pockets for treats and other essentials. You can easily remove the pocket insert to reduce the carrier size, and the tough mesh screen resists wear and tear, standing up to claws and teeth. If you prefer not to carry your pet, the built-in luggage sleeve attaches to your rolling suitcase. While Roverlund offers a matching carry-on for a complete travel set, the sleeve works with most roller bags.
Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Material: Nylon | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Lightweight design Rollaway privacy coverVegan leather accents
Cons:
Only one pocket for storage
When you’re traveling with your pet, it’s not just about the time in the air—there may be long delays and layovers, too. That’s where an expandable carrier could be your best bet. Recommended by Fernandez-Lopez, the Peanuts Expandable Pet Carrier gives your pet extra space to stretch out and wiggle around between flights. It has mesh windows on all sides, but unlike other carriers, two sides expand to nearly double the interior space. The soft fabric lining means your pet can stay cozy, whether in-flight or during a long wait at the terminal.
Dimensions: 23.8 x 15.8 x 16 inches (and up)| Weight: 6.5 pounds | Material: Plastic, metal
Pros:
Detachable wheelsGood value
Cons:
Waterproof bed sold separately
While there is no shortage of durable pet carriers on the market, few meet the stringent requirements of airlines for traveling in the cargo hold. The SportPet Airline Plastic Kennel, however, does: it has four ventilated sides, a top handle, a secure wire door, and comes with live animal stickers, two attachable water dishes and pre-drilled tie-down holes (bungee not included). It’s up to you to choose the adequate size for your pet—large enough for them to stand up without their ears touching the top—but with six different sizes available, you’ll find the right fit. You can attach the crate’s wheels for smooth navigation to the check-in counter, then remove them to meet TSA loading requirements.
Dimensions: 19.25 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Material: Polyester | Maximum pet weight: 22 pounds
Pros:
Six wheels for 360-degree maneuverabilityRemovable, machine-washable bed Flexible frame
Cons:
May need to remove wheeled baseboard to fit underseatFront-entry only
A versatile pet carrier gives pet parents flexibility and ease of movement through crowded airports, and the Katziela Luxury Rider is our top choice for versatility. With six wheels for smooth, 360-degree movement and a telescoping handle, you can turn on a dime while navigating through busy terminals. Just keep in mind that for a snug fit under the seat, you might need to pop off the wheels and stash them in the overhead bin. While some reviewers note that it could benefit from a top-loading option, the carrier has two side-entry doors and mesh ventilation on all sides. Plus, it comes with a storage case to pack it away until your next travels.
Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Material: Nylon, leather | Maximum pet weight: 18 pounds
Pros:
Top and front entry Rollaway privacy screenCrash-test certified by CPS
Cons:
More expensive than other options on this listSells out often
Away luggage has consistently been one of Forbes Vetted’s top luggage picks, earning high praise in our guides for Best Luggage, Best Carry-On Luggage, Best Checked Luggage and Best Weekender Bags. If you’re also a fan of the brand’s signature sleek design, durable construction and thoughtful details, you’ll love that your pet can enjoy the same high-quality travel experience with the Away The Pet Carrier. It’s TSA-compliant and comes with safety details any pet parent can appreciate: an ID tag, a retractable privacy screen and an internal safety clip to prevent escapes when you peek in or offer a mid-flight treat.
Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Material: Polyester | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Detachable shoulder strap Ample pocket spacePlush interior bed is machine washable
Cons:
No luggage sleeveComes in only one color (blue and orange)
If you’re looking for a no-frills, guaranteed-fit option, the JetBlue JetPaws Pet Carrier is a great go-to. With JetBlue’s tightest airline restrictions in mind—16 inches by 8.5 inches by 10 inches—this carrier is designed specifically to slide under even the smallest seats. It has top and side entry points for easy access, plus five secure zip compartments for essentials. As JetBlue’s website warns, “this pet carrier is extremely small,” so make sure your pet can comfortably stand up and turn around inside. However, Fernandez-Lopez notes that too much space can actually pose a risk during turbulence, so a snug fit is safer for travel. This carrier is all about logistics, not bells and whistles—perfect for pet parents focused on fitting airline regulations with no hassle.
Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Material: Nylon | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Secure luggage strap Water-resistant lining Interior leash tether Self-locking zippers
Cons:
When I traveled cross-country with my cat, the Mr. Peanut’s Carrier had everything we needed for a smooth trip. This soft-sided carrier has self-locking zippers, a rollaway privacy cover and ID tag and a luggage sleeve. Its multiple openings made it easy for me to reach in and give my cat some comforting pets mid-flight and there’s ample storage for treats. The carrier tucked right under the seat, and neighboring passengers were surprised when a cat emerged once we landed—they had no idea she was there the whole time.
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 11 inches | Weight: 3.45 pounds | Material: Nylon | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Built in seat belt clip and luggage sleeveDetachable, adjustable crossbody strap Storage space plus a feeding system
Cons:
While the extra compartments for storing pet essentials are handy, they can add to the overall weight of the carrier when fully packed
If you’re looking for a pet carrier that keeps you organized on the go, the Mobile Dog Gear Pet Carrier Plus is hard to beat. Fernandez-Lopez suggests packing calming treats or chews to help your pet relax mid-flight, and with this carrier, you’ve got plenty of pockets to store them, along with compartments for travel documents, poop bags, pee pads and more. With three pockets—including one side mesh pocket within a zippered compartment—you’ll have everything within reach. The zippered pocket even includes a feeding station complete with a removable placemat, food storage bags and collapsible silicone bowls, perfect for when your pet gets hungry during long layovers.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has extensive experience covering the best travel products on the market, including the best weekender bags, travel totes, carry-on backpacks and more travel must-haves.
This story was overseen by Astrid Taran, a seven-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and travels at least twice each month.
Janelle Leeson, the author of this story, is an experienced pet owner who has successfully flown several times with her cat. She has researched and tested a wide range of pet products, including airline-compliant pet carriers. Janelle is a regular contributor to Forbes Vetted, where she has authored several pet guides, such as the best cat collars, the best harnesses for dogs that pull and the best couches for both dogs and cats.
For this story, we interviewed veterinarian Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Dutch Pet, Inc. and a consulting veterinarian for breeders.
How We Chose The Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers
To select the best airline-approved pet carriers, Leeson consulted a veterinarian with over a decade of experience in canine and feline medicine. She focused on options made from tough, easy-to-clean materials with key safety features, although comfort was also a top priority. Only carriers that meet IATA requirements for air travel were included in her final recommendations.
What To Look For In An Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
When choosing an airline-compliant pet carrier, there are several factors that will make your trip and your pet’s smoother. Here are the things to keep in mind.
Carrier size and ventilation
Pet carrier size requirements vary depending on the airline. For example, Delta, American Airlines, and United allow carriers up to 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches tall. However, some airlines have smaller size limits, so always check your airline’s website before flying with your pet. Additionally, the IATA live animal regulations require that pet carriers provide at least 16 percent ventilation.
You should also take your pet’s size into account while shopping. Fernandez-Lopez suggests that your pet’s carrier should provide enough space for them to stand without their head touching the top, turn around comfortably and lie down comfortably. Too much space, she says, can pose safety issues during turbulence. “I recommend leaving about two to three inches of headroom and one to two inches on each side for most pets. This balance ensures comfort without compromising safety.”
Safety features
Look for a pet carrier with safety features like interior safety tethers and secure fasteners that prevent your pet from opening the carrier. We like carriers with self-locking zippers and ripstop mesh and fabric. Additionally, carriers that are crash-test certified by the CPS have undergone rigorous testing and meet strict safety standards, protecting your pet in the event of a car accident.
Additional features
When choosing a carrier, think about how you’ll use it and which features are most important to you. A foldable carrier can save valuable storage space at home or when you’re away. You might also want a carrier with wheels for easy navigation through airports or one with extra room for long layovers. If your pet tends to get anxious, privacy screens could be an important feature to help them feel more secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Size Pet Carrier Will Fit Under An Airline Seat?
Most airlines allow carriers up to 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high, but some have stricter limits. For example, JetBlue restricts pet carriers in coach to 16 inches long by 8.5 inches high by 10 inches wide. Since size limits vary by airline, it’s important to check your specific carrier’s requirements before flying.
What Kind Of Pet Carrier Can I Take On A Plane?
As long as the carrier meets the airline’s size requirements to fit under the seat in front of you, both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are permitted for travel in coach. Soft-sided carriers, with their flexible frames, can be easier to fit into tighter spaces. Some, like the Sleepypod Air, are designed to compress and expand depending on your needs. If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, they must be in a hard-sided carrier that meets IATA and the airline’s specific requirements.
How Do I Know If My Pet Carrier Is Airline-Approved?
To board the plane—whether in the cabin or the cargo hold—your pet must be securely in a carrier that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. All of the selections on our list qualify as airline-approved pet carriers.
