During the best of times, travel is stressful! However, once you throw in a pet, navigating your way through the airport and onto a plane becomes more complicated. But before you despair, check these pet carriers for airlines and find the perfect way to carry your fuzzy bundle of joy everywhere you go!
A sturdy, comfortable, and reliable pet carrier makes it easy to throw it over your shoulders, even when your hands are full of luggage. Plus, your companion pet deserves a magnificent piece of luggage for themselves too. Whether you are going on a month-long vacation in another state or for a quick weekend getaway, these pet carriers offer Fido a confined, safe place during transport.
However, finding the right carrier can be challenging. You need something stylish and comfortable but works with your airline to reduce the chances of a delay at security. To help you choose the best carrier for your small dog, cat, and even larger pets, here are a few practical tips. These suggestions are sure to keep your pet protected and comfortable during your next out-of-state trip.
Contact the airline in advance
Before flying, it’s a good idea to check with your airline of choice. You can do this by calling their customer service number or confirming if the information is available on their website.
Each airline has its own set of policies regarding carriers for your companion pets, especially when they travel in the cabin. Such policies include regulations on maximum carrier dimensions and the total weight of the carrier with a pet. Some subjective regulations include:
- Carry on carriers for your small pets and easily fit under the seat in front of yourself
- Pet travel crates airline approved carriers that allow larger dogs to ride comfortably in the cargo area
- The carrier should be big enough to allow a pet to turn around completely and lie down
- A leak-proof bottom
- Pets must not be able to chew through the carrier
- Breathable so your companion animal can breathe freely through the carrier
Theoretically, you can determine the exact dimensions under the seat. However, an aircraft swap or unexpected in-flight entertainment box may ruin your plans. Instead, it’s advisable:
- You use a carrier that bigger than the smallest dimensions allowed by the airline
- Get a soft-sided carrier that compresses easily
If you follow the airline’s recommendations, you shouldn’t have any issues. Remember that airlines have different regulations depending on whether you are on a domestic U.S. or international flight.
Measure your pet
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Pet carriers are available in an array of shapes, styles, and sizes. However, choosing the right carrier for your companion requires more research. Style and looks are nice, but the most critical things to look out for as you check these pet carriers for airlines are the right size, proper ventilation, and pet comfort.
Start by getting the dimensions of your pet. Have your dog or cat stand up and take these measurements:
- Measurement A—Run a string from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Don’t include the tail.
- Measurement B—Measure from the forearm elbow joint to the ground.
- Measurement C—Measure the distance across your pet’s shoulders.
- Measurement D—Measure from the tip of the ears (held erect) to the ground.
Next, use these measurements to find the ideal carrier size for your furry companion. To do this, use these formulas:
- For carrier length—A plus half B
- For carrier width—C multiplied by 2
- For carrier height—D
Minimum carrier measurement requirements may also be different depending on the number of animals in a single cage. For example, American Airlines pet carrier size regulations only allow a single pet for each passenger, unless you are transporting a mother dog or cat with unweaned litter.
Get a big carrier if you intend to carry two puppies, toy dogs, or kittens. Make sure that all your small pets have enough room to stand up and turn around. Further, the total weight of your carrier must not be over 20 pounds.
Consider carrier quality
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If you are on the market for the best quality airline approved pet carrier size, expect to spend some money. However, think of the money as a long-term investment.
The high-quality pet cargo crate or carry-on is an investment towards the safety of your furry best friend. Such carriers feature fabric that will not rip and have bottoms that will not fail mid-journey.
Other features to look for include:
- Mesh panels—The location of the panels is critical. For instance, top panels let you look down at your cat.
- Door locations—Doors on pet carriers are usually full or half zip on both or one end. Others have top door zipper locations that are handy for retrieving and placing your pet in the bag, especially when they do not want to enter or exit a carrier. Easy retrieval of your pooch at security checkpoints helps reduce stress for everyone.
- Extra pockets—Additional pockets provide convenient spaces for storing a harness, toys, or treats.
- Lockable devices—These are especially critical if your bundle of joy is playful or an escape artist. Zippers should be easy to unlock from the outside and not inside. Some carriers come with clasps or clips that secure the zippers, while others have zippers that lock using a luggage lock.
Quality also means considering the appearance of your carry-on. Select one that coordinates with your other bags or pet color, or consider a carrier with bold colors to make a statement. Make traveling fun with a small dog or a cat by showcasing your sense of style!
Bottom Line
Traveling across the country or even the world with your furry bundle of love is fun. But before you check these pet carriers for airlines, you must consider these factors. Travel with a pet requires extra diligence and planning to reduce stress and keep your pet companion safe. Airline requirements will help you choose a carrier that is comfortable for both you and your pet.
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