Airline Approved Cat Carriers for Taking Your Cat on a Plane in the Cabin

Your Guide to Flying with Cats in Airline Approved Carriers

If you’re planning a trip with your feline friend, you may be wondering how to travel with your cat on the plane in a way that is safe, stress-free, and allowed by the airline. This article will answer all your questions about using an airline approved cat carrier in the cabin.

What is an Airline Approved Cat Carrier?

An airline approved cat carrier is a hard-sided carrier that meets the size requirements set by most major airlines for transporting cats in the passenger cabin of a plane. These carriers are specifically designed for safety during air travel.

From my experience traveling with cats, I can tell you the most important features an airline approved carrier should have:

1. Made of rigid plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum – no soft-sided pet carriers
2. Securely closing door or lid that your cat cannot escape from
3. Large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in comfortably
4. Secure handles or straps for safely handling the carrier
5. Ventilated sides with small holes or wire mesh for airflow

Most major airlines require the carrier to fit under the seat in front of you, so it should not exceed a size of approximately 9″ x 13″ x 16″ inches.

Will All Airlines Allow Cats in Cabin?

While policies differ slightly between airlines, all major US carriers do permit cats to travel in the cabin as long as they are kept inside an airline approved hard-sided carrier for the entire flight.

I’ve run into issues before when flying smaller regional airlines or international carriers where pets are only allowed as checked baggage. It’s crucial to thoroughly review the pet policies on the specific airline’s website before booking your trip.

What Documents Do You Need?

In addition to the properly sized carrier, there are a couple important documents you’ll need:

1. Veterinary health certificate – show proof of current vaccinations
2. Passenger ticket for the cat – most airlines charge a pet fee

I made the mistake one time of assuming my vet records were enough and ended up having to rush back home to get the certificate. Don’t put yourself in that kind of stressful situation!

How to Prepare Your Cat

Even with the best carrier, flying can still be totally freaky for cats. Here are some tips to get them carrier trained and calm for the big day:

1. Feed them snacks in the carrier daily to form positive associations
2. Give calming treats 1 hour before leaving if needed
3. Use a snuggly item that smells like home for comfort
4. Cover carrier with a light cloth to avoid visual stressors
5. Practice car trips with carrier before the flight

From my experience, I can’t stress enough how much preparing early makes a difference. Cats who practice their carriers are wayyy more chill come travel day.

What to Expect at the Airport

Now that your cat is prepped, here’s what will go down during your airport trip:

1. Check carrier policies and allow extra time before security
2. Keep cat in carrier during check-in and security screening
3. Store carrier under the seat during flight – do not let cat roam plane
4. Expect extra screening of travel documents and carrier checks

I’ve had TSA agents get finicky about my cat’s papers. Cut yourself some slack and get there super early just in case.

Is it Worth the Hassle?

Flying with cats definitely requires more preparation than traveling solo. But for many people, the bonding experience with their furry family member makes it worthwhile.

From my own relocations across states, I can say that seeing how happy and comfortable my cat was curled up in her carrier made all the extra work feel totally worth it. She was clearly more at ease being with me versus shipped as luggage.

While flying commercially with pets adds challenges, I believe the companionship helps offset stress we may face on long trips too. And isn’t that what pet parenthood is really about?

Does this help address all your questions about safely transporting cats in airline approved carriers? Let me know if any other topics need more clarity. Happy travels!

Criteria for Selecting an Approved Airline Cat Carrier for Cabin Travel

Carrier Size	Airline Limit	Ventilation	Collapsible	Comfort
Small (up to 10 lbs)	Most airlines allow	Vents on 3 sides minimum	Folds flat for storage	Cozy interior, plush bed
Medium (11-20 lbs)	Allowed if fits under seat	Mesh panels provide airflow	Integrated handle for lifting	Water and stain resistant
Large (over 20 lbs)	Permitted only in cargo hold	Multiple, well-spaced vents	Not foldable but durable	Ample space to stand and turn
Hard-sided vs Soft-sided	Both approved if sized correctly	Mesh or plastic panels	Soft-sided collapses for travel	Cat’s preference or airline policy

FAQ

1. What size cat carrier is allowed?

   Most airlines will permit hard-sided carriers that are no bigger than roughly 20 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Soft-sided carriers a bit larger are sometimes okay too. But it’s always important to check the specific size rules for your airline.

2. Do I need to take my cat out of the carrier during the flight?

   No, unlike animals in the cargo hold, cats flying in-cabin should remain inside their carriers for the entire flight. It’s safer and less stressful for them this way. The crew will handle giving your cat food, water and occasional bathroom breaks as needed back in the carrier.

3. How early should I get to the airport?

   It’s wise to plan on arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. Check-in for in-cabin pets can take a while as airport staff may want to inspect the carrier. You’ll also need extra time to get through security with your cat. However, at the same time, it’s not good for cats to spend too much extra time in carrier before flight either.

4. What paperwork is required?

   All in-cabin cats need valid health certificates from a licensed vet. Some airlines also require proof of vaccinations. Be sure to carefully review all documentation rules for your specific airline well ahead of time to avoid any last minute scrambles or hassles at check-in. It’s also a good idea to make extra copies of important paperwork just in case.

   

5. Does my cat need a ticket?

   Yes, your feline flying companion will need their own plane ticket purchased, usually for a fee of $125 or so each way. Tickets for cats are non-refundable, so be absolutely certain Fido is approved for the cabin before reserving their seat. Check with your specific airline for more details on pet travel policies and costs involved.

6. What if my cat acts up on the plane?

   Most cats do just fine in carriers during flights. Nevertheless, it’s possible for some kitties to get restless or vocal. The crew has tranquilizers on hand as a last resort if a cat becomes seriously unruly. However, it’s still best to take along toys or treats to help keep your cat calmly occupied instead. Making sure they’re tired out before the flight can help too. With a little preparation, most cat travels go smoothly.

7. Can I bring more than one cat?

   It depends on the airline, but often one cat per person is the limit. In some cases two small cats flying together inside one carrier may be allowed. However, bring more cats than permitted could mean being denied boarding with all critters. So it’s definitely crucial to confirm pet travel policies, including quantity allowed, with your specific airline before trip planning.