Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers 2024 [Safety Guide]

​Safety first also applies to how you keep your pets when you are on board an airplane. Airline pet carriers help keep your pet safe and comfortable when flying.

Before buying one of these equipment’s, you should carefully select one that will provide quality pet carrier service.

​You should always think of your pets safety because it is important.

​Top 5 Airline Approved Pet Carriers on Amazon

Model ImageModel NameCustomer Rating
sherpa deluxe pet carriers4.5Check Price on Amazon
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier4.4Check Price on Amazon
4 Way Expandable Soft Sided Airline Approved Pet Carrier4.6Check Price on Amazon
Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier [Airline TSA Approved]4.5Check Price on Amazon
Airline Approved Pet Carriers w/ Fleece Bed For Dog & Cat3.5Check Price on Amazon
Model ImageModel NameCustomer Rating
sherpa deluxe pet carriers4.5Check Price on Amazon
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier4.4Check Price on Amazon
4 Way Expandable Soft Sided Airline Approved Pet Carrier4.6Check Price on Amazon
Luxury Soft-Sided Cat Carrier [Airline TSA Approved]4.5Check Price on Amazon
Airline Approved Pet Carriers w/ Fleece Bed For Dog & Cat3.5Check Price on Amazon

​Pet Airline Safety Tips

1. Get familiar with airline pet policies

airline pet policies

​For starters, you should get familiar with the pet policies of the airline you are traveling with. Ensure it allows you to travel with pets in the cabin.

This is because some airlines do not allow some pets to some part of the world while others allow household birds, dogs or cats to travel with a passenger in the cabin.

​However, there are some exceptions to these traveling privileges like travelling to japan, Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Hong Kong and other countries. These countries may permit the pets to travel as a cargo.

To view airline pet policies check the airline pet policies page on their website. In general cases, most airlines only allow one carrier per passenger (That is one pet per carrier) and a maximum of two to three pets per flight.

2.Get familiar with the airline space allocated for pets

Pet Carrier

​The weight and size of your pet determines how much room it will carry.

You need to ensure that your pet’s size and weight is in accordance with airline regulations.

General weight capacity is usually around 11-12 pounds and 18” inch long should be allowed by any standard airline.

​If you call the airlines to make enquires about the aircraft you are taking, they will let you know how much much is underneath the seat in front of you. This could also serve as a storage seat for you pet carrier.

3.Pet Carrier Requirements

​The following features outlines what is expected of Your pet’s carrier before it is fitted under the seat in front of you.

  • paw​Adequate ventilation – The pet carrier should have at least 2 sides of mesh ventilation.
  • paw​A waterproof bottom – also get good pet pads to put underneath.
  • paw​You must enclose your entire pet – The pet carrier should be able to enclose  your pet’s head, it should not stick out of the carrier.
  • paw​Security- your carrier should have zippers, no snaps. The airlines prefer zipper locks.
  • paw​ It is recommended that you travel with soft sided carriers as they can fit into any space. The rigid carriers are always difficult to fit. As long as the carrier is the proper size for your pet, you will be allowed to fly with your pets.
  • paw​A strong shoulder padded strap carrier is best suited for this purpose. A pet pad should be installed to protect your carrier as accidents especially with cats are always difficult to wash out.
  • paw​To keep you pet calm and quiet, privacy panels are excellent for that, it will not expose them to busy airport activities.
  • paw​If you have an airline carriers which has wheels, it should only be used for small pets because they may not be as flexible as the regular pet carriers.
  • paw​The carriers with wheel are convenient, but you need to measure your pet to know if it will fit the regular space allocated for pets.

4. How to measure your pet

pet carrers

​If you want to take the measurement of your dog or pet to know its length, you should measure it when it is standing erect from top of the head to the ground. Also take its measurement from the tip of the nose to the tail.

Comparte these measures and take that to where you want to buy your carrier.

Your pets measurement should be smaller than the measurement of the carrier.

Conclusion

​It is important you buy a carrier that will enable your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. Stuffing your pet to one corner will restrict its movement and make it uncomfortable.

Stand the risk of getting sent away at the gate instead of making your pet comfortable.

​Always carry a metal free collar leash with you, as you will be asked to take out your pet from its carrier at the security checkpoint.

Ask for a room if your pet may slip for your hand. It may delay the process, but it’s better to delayed than having your pet slip from your hand.

Robert Walker