Airline Cat Carrier Size Requirements and Allowed Dimensions for Flying With Your Cat

All You Need to Know About Airline Cat Carrier Dimensions

While traveling by air with your furry feline friend can be a fun experience for both you and your cat, it’s important to make sure your cat carrier meets airline size restrictions. This article will discuss everything you need to know about selecting the right sized carrier to fly with your cat.

Understanding Common Airline Size Restrictions

Most major airlines have size limits for carry-on pets to ensure the safety of your pet and provide adequate space in the aircraft cabin. The most common dimension restrictions include:

• Length: Generally no more than 18 inches
• Width: Usually 10-13 inches maximum
• Height: Typically 9-10.5 inches or less

Note that these are only general guidelines – you’ll want to double check the specific size policy of the airline you’re flying as restrictions can vary slightly between carriers. Always measure your cat’s carrier carefully before flying to avoid problems at check-in.

Choosing the Right Sized Carrier for Your Cat

When selecting a carrier, it’s important to find one that provides enough interior space for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably without feeling cramped. From my experience owning cats, here are some tips:

1. Measure your cat and add 2-4 inches to dimensions for space. Don’t tightly squeeze your cat in.
2. Opt for “airline approved” carriers that are already the right size rather than DIY carriers.
3. Soft-sided carriers usually provide more maneuverability than hard plastic ones.
4. Look for carriers with handles, mesh windows, a sturdy door, and absorbent bottom.

I’ve found soft-sided carriers by Petmate and Sherpa to be excellent options that are airline compliant in size yet still roomy inside. Their foldable designs also make them handy for travel.

Tips for Getting Your Cat Used to the Carrier

Even if you pick the perfect sized carrier, your cat still may not be thrilled about confinement. Here are some ways to get them acclimated:

1. Start desensitizing them to the carrier weeks in advance with treats and praise.
2. Keep the carrier out with a favorite toy or blanket inside so it’s a familiar place.
3. Practice short training sessions with praise by putting them in and letting them out again.
4. Use calming pheromone sprays, calming treats, or calming beds in the carrier.
5. Cover the carrier with a dark cloth during travel to help them feel secure.

Basically, the more confident your cat becomes with the carrier before the big trip, the smoother the whole flying experience will go. Don’t rush this training process.

Other Tips for Flying with Cats

A few other important things to keep in mind when flying with your cat:

• Always check with your vet about health certificates required by your destination.
• Bring extra food, water, litter, and any medications in your carry-on.
• Consider sedating anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your vet if your cat is incredibly stressed.
• Never let your cat roam freely on the plane – they must remain in the carrier at all times for safety.
• Expect TSA security to very briefly open and inspect your carrier during screening.
• Try to book direct flights rather than connecting ones if possible to minimize stress.

Air travel safety is a team effort between you and the airlines. Kind of do your research thoroughly so your cat’s comfort comes before the trip!

Real-Life Story: My Cat’s First Flight Experience

I still recall my own cat Mr. Mittens’ maiden voyage in his carrier. As a kitten, he was quite fearless and adventurous so I figured the flight would be a breeze. Boy was I wrong! Despite weeks of carrier training, as soon as we reached the airport he turned into a meowing, yowling mess. The noise drew stares from all around.

By some miracle, the calming aid from our vet managed to take the edge off his panic for boarding. But he spent the two hour flight pacing and crying sadly. I felt awful seeing him so distressed! From that point on, I began sedating him for all flights no matter how short. The stunned sleepy state was far better than his usual hysterics. Thankfully he’s gotten used to flying now without meds after many trips. But those first airborne cries sure taught me not to underestimate flying jitters in pets.

The moral is no matter how accustomed your cat seems to the carrier, flying itself can ignite real fear. Be prepared with extra calming help from vets. Because at the end of the day, their comfort matters way more than any disruption they may cause. With patience and care, most kitties can learn to fly just like Mr. Mittens did!

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully this in-depth guide answered all your questions about airline cat carrier dimensions and flying with feline friends. To summarize the main points:

1. Check specific size limits for your airline and don’t exceed them.
2. Choose a carrier big enough for your cat to move around easily.
3. Use carrier training well in advance and calming aids if needed.
4. Bring supplies, check health paperwork, and follow all safety protocols.
5. Expect stress may occur, so plan accordingly with vet input if necessary.

With the right preparation using these guidelines, you and your cat should cruise through air travel smoothly. Safe flying!

Airline Pet Carrier Dimensions

Carrier Type	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Maximum Weight
Soft-sided	18″ x 13″ x 8″	15 lbs
Hard-sided	21″ x 15″ x 10″	20 lbs
Oversized	24″ x 18″ x 12″	No weight limit
Under-seat	18″ x 11″ x 8″	10 lbs or less
Collapsible	Folds down to 12″ x 9″ x 6″	15 lbs

FAQ

1. How large can an airline cat carrier be?

   Most airlines allow cat carriers up to 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall. However, some smaller regional jets or charter flights may restrict sizes to smaller dimensions like 14x10x8 inches. Always check the specific airline’s pet policy website for exact specs.

   

2. Is there a size limit for soft-sided carriers?

   While hard-sided carriers usually have set size limits, soft-sided carriers are typically a bit more flexible. The overall dimensions still can’t exceed what will fit safely under an airline seat or in the cargo hold. As long as it’s not too enormous, airlines generally allow soft-sided carriers as long as your feline fits comfortably inside with room to move around a bit.

3. What if my cat carrier is too big?

   In the event your pet taxi exceeds the maximums, you’ll have to check it as oversized luggage for an additional fee. The airline may also require you to sign a liability waiver. But remember, being too cramped in a small space can basically stress out cats. So it’s best to go with the recommended size or a little bigger if possible.

4. Is there leeway on the height requirement?

   Typically height is where airlines are most firm because tall carriers may not fit under seats safely. However, some carriers that are like an inch over may potentially slide by depending on the specific aircraft type and how busy it is. But I wouldn’t bank on that because if it truly doesn’t fit, they could possibly refuse your kitty as cargo. Maybe consider a smaller alternative carrier just in case.

5. What else do I need to know?

   Be sure any zippers, clasps or other closing parts are strong and won’t come undone accidentally. It’s also smart to attach an ID tag on the outside in case of an emergency. On the other hand, you want air vents for proper airflow. Comfy padding and your pet’s favorite blanket or toy inside help reduce stress too. But ultimately, the most important thing is finding a carrier that’s never too big or wee bit too small.

6. Are there any new airline regulations coming?

   The Department of Transportation has been considering imposing stricter size limits that align perfectly with the most common pet carriers. Sort of as a way to standardize things across carriers. However, critics argue smaller dimensions might harm animals. For now, it seems the rules will likely stay the way they are. But it’s always possible something may change down the track, so keep tabs on the DOT website just in case.