Your Guide to Airline Pet Carrier Requirements
Whether you’re taking your furry friend on vacation or moving to a new home, understanding pet carrier size limits for flights is crucial. As anyone who has transported pets before can tell you, not knowing the right dimensions is a surefire way to butt heads with airline staff. Let’s break down everything you need to know to stay on the good side of aviation rules.
Checking the Rules for Each Airline
From my experience traveling with animals, the first step is checking the policies for your specific airline(s). While dimensions tend to follow similar guidelines across carriers, requirements can differ in small but impactful ways. Rather than assuming all airlines allow the same size, take ten minutes to Google “pet policy” plus the airline name. Most provide the details clearly on their websites.
As an example, here are the size limits from a few major American carriers:
- American Airlines: must fit under the seat in front of you and be no more than 18 inches long by 14 inches high by 9 inches wide.
- Delta: maximum size is 17 inches long by 12 inches wide by 9 inches high.
- United: carrier cannot exceed 16 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches high.
As you can see, the numbers are close but not identical. Checking beforehand prevents issues at the airport. The key things to note are length, width, and height.
Considering Your Pet’s Comfort
While following airline dimensions is a must, don’t forget about your pet’s comfort too. Simply because a carrier meets minimum size rules doesn’t mean Fido or Fluffy will be happy confined in it for hours. Most pets prefer more space than the bare minimum.
When selecting a carrier, pay attention to how much room your pet has to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without being cramped. Go a size up if they seem restricted. A content pet is less likely to be disruptive. As the saying goes: the bigger, the better – within reason.
Bringing the Right Carrier Type
In addition to dimensions, airlines typically stipulate that pets must travel in hard-sided carriers with secure latches or buckles. For safety and security, soft-sided bags and cloth carriers are a no-go. You’ll want a sturdy plastic or metal kennel.
I made the mistake once of showing up with my cat in a soft travel bag, thinking it would be fine. Of course, gate staff informed me Hard-Sided was mandatory for under-seat travel. Needless to say, it added stress having to sprint to the nearest pet store right before boarding! Don’t be me – do your homework on carrier material.
Understanding Under-Seat vs Cargo Placement
Where your pet travels – under the seat or in cargo – also depends on their size. For certain domestic flights, many carriers allow cats and dogs under 20 pounds in approved carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you. This keeps them close by in the cabin.
However, if your pet or their carrier exceeds the under-seat dimensions, most airlines require them to ride in the main cargo hold, which is located in the belly of the plane. Temperatures cannot be controlled precisely down there, so this option poses more risks to pets. It should generally be avoided if possible.
In the interests of your pet’s health and safety, ensure their carrier fits regulations for under-seat travel before booking flights that require cargo placement instead. A larger carrier might seem better for comfort but could hurt your furry friend in the long run.
Proper Preparation is Key
As any pet owner knows, traveling can be stressful even under ideal conditions. To help your pet feel as safe and tranquil as possible, I suggest the following preparations:
- Familiarize your pet with the carrier before the big day through short training sessions at home.
- Bring essential comfort items like a familiar toy or blanket from home inside the carrier for long flights.
- Pack extra water bottles in case of delays, plus any medications if needed.
- Label carriers clearly with your contact info in case of separation.
- Consider calming aids like CBD or pheromone diffusers to keep them chill.
While we have little power over flight delays or cancellations, diligent preparation minimizes fear and discomfort for our beloved animal companions. A happy pet makes for a much smoother travel experience!
Planning Ahead for International Travel
If touring abroad with pets is on your bucket list, be sure to research import regulations starting 6-12 months in advance for the countries on your itinerary. Specific health records, vaccinations, microchipping and even quarantine periods upon return may be mandated.
For instance, when my wife and I brought our dog Piper to visit family in India last year, we had to obtain an Import Permit well before the trip. She also needed rabies titers drawn and a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of departure. Failing to plan accordingly could mean denied entry at customs.
International animal transport rules make domestic flying look simple! So regardless of your planned destination, start checking guidelines for each location sooner rather than later to avoid hiccups.
In closing, while airline pet travel restrictions can seem limiting at a glance, they exist primarily for safety reasons. By choosing the right carrier, preparing thoroughly and following guidelines to a T, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy stress-free journeys with your furry friend. Safe travels!
American Airline Pet Carrier Dimensions
| Carrier Type | Maximum Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Soft-sided carrier | Maximum size of 18″ x 13″ x 9″ |
| Hard-sided carrier | Maximum size of 19″ x 13″ x 9″ |
| Under seat carrier | Must fit completely under the seat in front of you and maximum size of 16″ x 10″ x 11″ |
| Pet in cabin | Dogs must be able to sit, stand and turn comfortably within their carrier and maximum carrier size is 17.5″ x 12″ x 7.5″ |
| Pet in cargo hold | Maximum carrier size is 50 lbs and 120 x 80 x 80 cm or roughly 18″ x 30″ x 24″ |
FAQ
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What size pet carrier can I bring on an American airplane?
Most major American airlines allow pet carriers up to 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches tall. However, it’s always best to double check the specific rules for your airline and the type of pet you’re traveling with.
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Do pet carriers have to fit under the seat?
Yes, for safety reasons during takeoff and landing all pet carriers must fit completely under the seat in front of you. The carrier cannot take up leg room or block the aisle. Make sure to measure your pet’s carrier before flying to ensure it meets the size limits.
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Are soft-sided carriers allowed?
Basically, as long as the carrier meets the size rules and can be securely closed, most airlines are cool with either hard carriers or soft-sided ones. I’d pick a carrier that’s comfy for your pet but also reinforced, just in case they get a bit rowdy during turbulence.
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What about airlines with extra leg room?
If you spring for extra leg room on a flight, it’s possible the space under the seat in front of you might be a little more generous. But don’t count on it – always make sure the carrier fits under the regular economy seat to stay on the safe side. Better to be prepared, right?
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Can I bring two pets in one carrier?
As cute as it seems, most airlines have a strict “one pet per carrier” rule. It’s for the safety of your pets as well as the passengers. Overstuffing a carrier risks injury if it gets tossed during turbulence. Play it safe and use separate appropriately-sized carriers for multiple animals.
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What happens if my carrier is too big?
If your pet carrier exceeds the size limit, the airline may not allow it in the cabin. You’d be faced with checking your pet into the cargo hold, which is usually a last resort. Or the other option appears to be driving instead of flying with your furry friend. Always measure twice to avoid such an awful situation!
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Do international carriers have the same rules?
International flight rules can vary even more than domestic ones. It’s stunning how much homework you need to do to fly with pets abroad – from size limits to health certificates. My advice is to contact your airline well in advance and check guidelines for any country you’re entering or leaving from. Better safe than sorry!
Does this help answer your questions about american airline pet carrier dimensions? Let me know if you have any other questions! I’d be happy to help however I can. By the way, does anyone out there have any funny pet travel stories to share? Traveling with animals can surely lead to some chuckle-worthy memories, both good and bad.