We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The 9 Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers of 2024, Tested by Real Pet Parents Love Thy Beast is our favorite in-cabin carrier for a cozy and comfortable flying experience By Lindsay Tigar Lindsay Tigar 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. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 7, 2024 02:00PM EST In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: 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. The More You Know 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier at Lovethybeast.com Jump to Review Best Budget: JetPaws Official Pet Carrier at Walmart $45 Jump to Review Best Design: Away The Pet Carrier at Awaytravel.com $225 Jump to Review Best Design, Runner-Up: Wild One Travel Carrier at Wildone.com Jump to Review Best Expandable: Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier at Amazon $53 Jump to Review Best for Cargo Hold: Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon $105 Jump to Review Best Foldable: Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier at Arloskye.com Jump to Review Best for Cats: Travel Cat The Transpurrter at Amazon $170 Jump to Review Best Investment: Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate at Gunner.com $550 Jump to Review Best Dog Backpack Carrier: JESPET Pet Backpack Carrier at Amazon $55 Jump to Review Best Overall Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier PHOTO: Love Thy Beast View on Lovethybeast.com Star Qualities Compact Shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry Easy to clean Red Flags 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 Best Budget JetPaws Official Pet Carrier PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Walmart $55 at QVC $45 at Tractor Supply Co. Star Qualities Sturdy yet lightweight 4 storage pockets Pets can peek out JetBlue-approved Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Morgan Ashley Parker PHOTO: People / Morgan Ashley Parker Best Design Away The Pet Carrier PHOTO: Away $225 at Awaytravel.com Star Qualities High-quality materials Breathable Matches luggage Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Alessandra Amodio PHOTO: People / Alessandra Amodio PHOTO: People / Anna Popp PHOTO: People / Anna Popp Best Design, Runner-Up Wild One Travel Carrier PHOTO: Wild One View on Wildone.com View on PETCO Star Qualities Well-made and lightweight Strap for suitcase handle is very secure Chic design Folds flat when not in use Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Anna Mejorada PHOTO: People / Anna Mejorada PHOTO: People / Anna Mejorada The 9 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE Best Expandable Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier PHOTO: Amazon $53 at Amazon $51 at Wayfair View on Petsfit.com Star Qualities Pet can move around Comfortable Mesh sides Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / JT Wilde PHOTO: People / JT Wilde Best for Cargo Hold Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel PHOTO: Petmate $105 $95 at Amazon $140 at Cabelas.com View on Petmate.com Star Qualities Sturdy Can fit kennel pad inside Easy to wipe down and disassemble Gate can open from right or left Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples The 12 Best Dog Beds of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs Best Foldable Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier PHOTO: Arlo Skye View on Arloskye.com Star Qualities Elegant design Comfortable and lightweight Can place over luggage handle Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Kate Rousu PHOTO: People / Kate Rousu Best for Cats Travel Cat The Transpurrter PHOTO: Travel Cat $170 at Amazon View on Yourcatbackpack.com Star Qualities Spacious Strong, escape-proof zippers Scratch-resistant mesh Versatile carrying options Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Morgan Ashley Parker PHOTO: People / Morgan Ashley Parker Best Investment Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate PHOTO: Gunner $550 at Gunner.com Star Qualities Comfortable and roomy Has wheels for travel Easy to clean Red Flags 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 PHOTO: People / Lisa Pezzuto PHOTO: People / Lisa Pezzuto PHOTO: People / Lisa Pezzuto The 8 Best Dog Backpack Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Add to Cart 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. JESPET Pet Backpack Carrier $55 $50 at Amazon Whisker Feeder Robot $299 at Amazon $299 at Litter-robot.com Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test $105 at Amazon $85 at Chewy View on Wisdompanel.com Furbo 360° Dog Camera $99 $91 at Amazon View on Furbo.com What to Know About Airline-Approved Pet Carriers Airline Requirements and Restrictions 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. Pet Comfort “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. Frequency of Travel 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 Behind the Scenes We tested 13 top-rated airline-approved pet carriers to determine which were the best. Setup: Before traveling, we assessed each carrier for size, comfort, and durability. We also made sure that we were able to open and close all of the flaps and zippers and that the carrier was secure before placing our pet inside.Airport Test: Then, we went through the airport — from check-in and security to boarding — and rated the bag’s wearability. We also noted if the bag could fit underneath the seat in front of us or if we needed to check our animal into the cargo area of the flight.Flight Test: Our testers took their pets on flights to determine how these airline-approved pet carriers performed in the real world. We tested the ease of putting our animal into the carrier, the comfort and calmness of our pet once inside the carrier, and storage options for essential goodies — like treats or a blanket.Ratings: After our in-flight experience, we rated each pet carrier on size, quality, comfort, portability, design, ease of cleaning, and value. Frequently Asked Questions How do you know if a pet carrier is airline-approved? 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. Can medium-sized dogs fly in the cabin? 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. The 12 Best Dog Harnesses of 2024, Tested by Real Dogs Why Trust PEOPLE? 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. Our Expert Panel Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, is the chief veterinarian at Petco. Amanda Farah, CPDT-KA, is the national training and behavior coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society. Kate Karam is a pet expert and former editor-in-chief at Chewy. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.