10 Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers In 2021 – Buying Guide and Reviews
If you are a pet parent, you know how hard it is to be away from your little furry or feline baby. Most of the times, you leave them behind because you cannot carry them in your suitcase. Well, times are changing, and now you can bring your baby with you when you travel in the best airline-approved pet carriers.
Why do you need a specific carrier for your pet? Because airports have specifications, one of them being the ability to place a carrier under a seat. Naturally, your pet will need enough space to stretch and play in especially during long flights, or they will become anxious and fussy.
How do you determine the best travel carrier for your pet? We address that in the buying guide below.
Table of Contents
- Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers – Reviews
- 1. Premium Airline Approved Expandable Pet Carrier
- 2. Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- 3. Mr Peanut’s Expandable Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
- 4. Petper Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- 5. JESPET Soft Pet Carrier
- 6. Mr. Peanut’s Malibu Series Airline-approved Backpack
- 7. X-ZONE Airline-approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
- 8. PETYELLA Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- 9. Akinerri Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- 10. PPOGOO Large Pet Travel Carriers
- Airline-approved Pet Carriers – Buying Guide
- Airline-approved Pet Carriers – FAQs
Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers – Reviews
1. Premium Airline Approved Expandable Pet Carrier
- The extra space.
- Sturdy material and stitching.
- Non-collapsible build.
Your furry friend deserves some love when traveling in a plane and that is why this airline-approved pet carrier by Pet Peppy is designed to give them the best. It is spacious and expandable to create enough space so your pet can lie comfortably as they travel. Being air-travel approved, you won’t have to worry about being turned back when boarding the plane.
It is made of pristine grade nylon material that is not only durable but breathable too. Inside, the carrier is lined with fur for comfort and the extra storage compartments on the side are for storing your pet’s treats during the ride. Since the material is not flammable, you are assured that your pet will be safe.
The top of the carrier has a wide mesh opening to let in air and light, so your dog does not feel trapped. The bag is not collapsible, and so it creates a bubble that your furry friend will safe in even if they are prone to anxiety. A removable floor pad is easy to clean and stable enough to handle your pet’s weight.
- Think straps to protect your shoulders.
- Reinforced stitching to handle the pet’s weight.
- Reasonably priced for a product of such high quality.
- Extra compartments for pet food and toys.
- The zip starts to stick after some time.
2. Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- Non-slip shoulder straps.
- Locking zippers.
- Compartments.
Airports approve the Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier for its ability to be placed under the seat comfortably. It features mesh panels that make it possible for the pet to breathe easily while on transit and even sight-see to ease their anxiety. The large compartments on the side are ideal for storage of toys and treats so you can reach them easily when traveling. The patented spring wireframe on the bag is foldable to conform to an airline’s requirements, while thick straps ease pressure on shoulders when you sling it. The back is padded for extra comfort, and a machine-washable lambskin liner completes the list of features that make this item a delight to have.
The materials that make up this product – Polyester, Mesh, and Fleece – are washable and breathable. They come in different sizes to accommodate pets as heavy as 22lbs and are reasonably priced. It is available in black, charcoal grey, plum, and brown.
- Lengthy enough for a small dog to lie comfortably.
- Mesh at the top for ventilation and light.
- Has seat belt straps for more security when travelling.
- Naughty pets – cats especially – could rip off the netting at the top.
3. Mr Peanut’s Expandable Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
- Soft-sided for comfort.
- Expandable interior to fit under seats.
- Plenty of ventilation.
Mr. Peanut’s carrier for pets is expandable to fit perfectly under a seat in the plane and has lots of ventilation, thanks to large mesh windows that predominantly make up this luggage. A Sturdy Plywood Base ensures that the carrier will not collapse under your pet’s weight, thereby protecting its back, and a plush fleece bedding saves you money while keeping furry friend warm.
It measures 16″Lx10″ H that fits a 15lb pet, and the straps are reinforced to ensure that this weight does not harm your shoulder. It is designed so that your pet will be lying on the length of the carrier for comfort. The compartments on the side are not all that big, but they could accommodate a few toys and treats.
The carrier is made of waterproof nylon that is also sturdy and durable. It is good looking too, making it the carry bag of choice for stylish pet owners.
- Comes with a lush fleece blanket.
- The frame can be folded to fit under most plane seats, making it airplane-approved.
- Roomy and plush inside.
- The compartments could be bigger.
4. Petper Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- Large mesh windows.
- Stylish.
- Adjustable shoulder strap.
The Petper Airline-approved Pet Carrier is compact, stylish, and can hold up to 10lbs. It measures 16.1″H*9.6″ W*7.9″H, which is the ideal size to fit under most plane seats. At the top is a mesh window that allows in plenty of light and air, and the handle at the top gives you options on how to carry this package. It comes with a thick strap reinforced with extra padding to carry the bag easily.
This bag comes in two primary colors; green and orange. It is made of nylon that is not only waterproof but also easy to clean with a damp piece of cloth. It has two zippered openings, and the mesh is heavy so that naughty pets don’t chew through. In addition, it also has a harness that you can attach to the leash on your pet to keep them safe. Since the zipper at the top is easy to open, you can easily place a hand in the larger compartment to comfort a distraught pet.
- Thick mesh that is not easily ripped by pets.
- Can handle up to 10lbs, and so it is ideal for heavy cats.
- Lightweight.
- It only goes as far as 7.9”.
5. JESPET Soft Pet Carrier
- Roomy.
- Foldable.
- Esthetically pleasing.
The largest JESPET Soft Pet Carrier measures 19″ L x 10″ W x 13″ H, which is good enough for the small pets it is designed for. It comes in exciting colors, including pink and turquoise, but you don’t have to worry because the material is easy to clean. The mesh at the top brings in lots of light and air, while the safety belt loop makes it ideal for road travel. The zipper at the top gives you easy access to your pet when they need comforting. Since your pet will be standing at his full length when inside the carrier, they will adjust to jumping in quite easily. If they are unlikely to jump out while on the move, you won’t have to zip the carrier at all.
The removable pad that is placed at the bottom of the carrier is easy to clean and sturdy enough that it won’t collapse under your pet’s weight. This carrier is foldable, lightweight, easy to clean and maintain, and well-ventilated.
- Coated mesh for ventilation and several attractive colors.
- Roomy for small pets.
- The top compartment is accessible to comfort your pet.
- Has side compartments for toy storage.
- Only ideal for small pets.
6. Mr. Peanut’s Malibu Series Airline-approved Backpack
- Roomy.
- Detachable wheel assembly.
- Waterproof material.
If you want to take your pet with you but they are a little too heavy, or you have other luggage with you, and so you cannot sling a backpack comfortably, this carrier is for you. Featuring a removable fleece padded bedding, this stroller is the ideal pack for a heavy pet. It has large windows for ventilation and can carry pets as heavy as 14lbs comfortably. The windows allow the pet to see what’s happening outside for they don’t get anxious while on the move. The entryway I also large to enable a pet to jump right in without much prodding.
Measuring 13.8″ W x 10.4″ L x 16.1″ H, this stroller allows your pet to lie and even move a little while inside there. It is not only excellent for travel but also restaurant visits. You can also carry it as a regular carrier bag using the thick strap that is padded for comfort. A sturdy base protects your dog’s back as it won’t collapse.
- Lots of air, thanks to the mesh windows.
- Detachable wheels to make it easy to wheel your pet.
- Has a removable floor pad.
- Has small compartments.
7. X-ZONE Airline-approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
- Mesh sides for ventilation.
- Durable material.
- Lightweight.
One of the most notable features of this carrier is the mesh sides that let in plenty of air and light. The main compartment is zipped with a high-quality zipper that gives you access to your pet when they are in distress, and the two side compartments are enough to store pet toys and some treats. The bag comes in black, brown, and purple, and it fits well under seats. It measures 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H and weighs 16lbs, which is ideal for small pets. The frames inside prevent the carrier from collapsing and hurting your pet while the removable pad on the base offers support for weight.
You can use either the handles on this pack or the reinforced handle that is padded for comfort to carry this carrier. It comes with a hand-washable cozy fleece pet bed for comfort and warmth. It is made of polyester, which is easy to clean and dry. Also, it has a seatbelt strap for road travel.
- Is available in two main sizes; medium and large.
- Mesh sides for light and air.
- Fleece bed for comfort.
- The mesh is prone to scratches.
8. PETYELLA Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- Collapsible.
- Free blanket and a collapsible bowl.
- Removable floor pad.
This carrier is foldable for easy transportation and then expandable to the side for when you are transporting a large pet. They have the freedom to move as much as they wish, and these compartments is also mesh for maximum aeration and light. The primary compartment is a crate that will not collapse to harm your pet, and you can adjust it to fit under airplane seats.
This carrier is made for pets measuring 11 x 11 x 18 inches to 31 x 11 x 18 inch, and weighing not more than 11ls. It comes with a free fleece blanket for the comfort and warmth of your pet, and the floor pad at the base of removable for easy washing. Inside is a leash clip to prevent pets from running out and off. It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap that is thick and padded for your sake.
It is made of canvas for durability and comes in Oxford Mélange Grey and brown. You get a collapsible bowl with each purchase and a year’s money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your purchase.
- Free fleece blanket and a collapsible bowl.
- A year’s money-back guarantee.
- Collapsible to create more room for your pet.
- Could be bigger.
9. Akinerri Airline-approved Pet Carrier
- Can hold up to 15lbs.
- Free fleece pad.
- Mesh windows for ventilation.
- Collapsible side compartments.
This Akinerri Airline-approved Pet Carrier measures 17.5″L x 11″W x 11″H and can handle up to 15 lbs. It has a shoulder strap that is sturdy and able to carry that much weight without breaking. It also has handles for options when travelling with your pet. And, it has two entries on the side that are meshed all the way to provide as much light and ventilation as possible. When not in use it folds easily and can be stored away without taking too much space. The base is made of a removable pad that you can wash separately. The material lets in enough air to rid the bag of odors, and it also is easy to clean. It does not hold pet hairs as some fabrics do.
The frame inside the bag prevents it from collapsing under the weight of your pet, while the fleece blanket that is part of the package saves you money.
- A free fleece blanket will save you money.
- The frame does not collapse under your pet’s weight.
- It is reasonably priced.
- Small compartments.
10. PPOGOO Large Pet Travel Carriers
- Large – up to 22lbs.
- Roomy.
- Waterproof.
This PPOGOO carrier measures 20.9″ x 10.2″ x 12.6″ – LxWxH – and has enough space for a 22 lbs. pet. They can even play inside there as there is enough room. A user-friendly zipper prevents your per from jumping out without your permission, while the side mesh windows bring in plenty of light and air. A rigid bottom plate prevents the bag from collapsing under the weight of the pet, and in so doing, protects it back. When folded, it weighs a mere 2 lbs. and is easily transported.
It has two entryways, both zipped and well ventilated, and it is made of washable, breathable and yet durable material. It is reasonably priced and a good investment for owners of medium-sized pets. You can carry it suitcase-style using its handle or sling it on your shoulder through a padded strap. Overall, the carrier is sturdy, roomy, and great for pet transportation.
- This carrier is large enough for a 22 lbs. pet.
- Has large compartments for storage.
- Firm bottom plate.
- The sides are not collapsible.
Airline-approved Pet Carriers – Buying Guide
These are the main features for a suitable pet carrier.
Lockable Zippers
Now, pets are known to be playful, and the last thing you need is a cat running through the isles of a plane daring you to catch her. While they may be totally safe in unlocked bags while walking, you would need to lock that zipper when traveling in a plane. Some airline-approved pet carriers have clasps in the place of locks, and that works just as well.
Acceptable by Airlines
Different airlines have different guidelines, and so you want to ensure that the ones you fly regularly accept the kind of bag you are about to buy. Most airlines have those guidelines on their websites, and so you should have all the details you need just before you spend your money on a pet carrier.
Durable Mesh
A mesh window is not only great for ventilation, but it also ventilates the carrier. The larger the meshed window, the less anxious your pet will be. Bored pets, and especially cats, find mesh quite ‘tasty,’ and so they will chew on it and drill holes enough for them to escape. Ensure that the mesh is durable by touching it if you have the chance or reading online reviews if you are about to make an online purchase. Better quality may also cost a little more, but it will be worth the cost.
A Washable Floorboard
Floorboards should be sturdy so they won’t collapse under the pet’s weight. They should also be removable so that you can wash them separately without having to clean the entire carrier. A strong floorboard also protects the pet’s back, and so you want to prioritize it. If it is machine-washable, you will be luckier. You can also wrap a blanket around it to make it easy to clean.
A Wide Entryway
Most pets will be anxious about getting inside a bag – especially before they get used to it – and so you want a carrier with a wide opening so they can hope in easily without too much prodding. If you can have two entryways, the easier it will be to convince your pet to hop in.
Collapsible sides and Compartments
Some carriers collapse on the sides to allow the pet more space to play in. The sides will be meshed to make them feel safe and free to play inside the bag. This extra space comes at a cost – the carrier will be heavier – and so you should weigh your options. Compartments are great because they allow you to store your pet’s favorite toys and treats. They also save you the trouble of carrying extra bags.
Airline-approved Pet Carriers – FAQs
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
It is possible to get the best airline-approved carrier for your pet so that you can bring them with you on trips. This guide contains some of the best there is on the market and an exhaustive buying guide. Remember to look out for dimensions, the regulations of your preferred airlines, material that makes a carrier, and ventilation, so your furry baby doesn’t feel trapped inside. These airline-approved pet carriers that we have reviewed here take all these factors – and more – into considerations.