Best Pet Carrier for Spirit Airlines – Top Choices for Your Pet When Flying Spirit

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pet Carrier for Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines, known for its extremely low base fares, also has fairly strict rules when it comes to transporting pets on board. As both a frequent flier and pet owner myself, I’ve faced situations where ensuring my furry companion’s safety and comfort during air travel was no easy task. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to select the best pet carrier that meets Spirit’s guidelines.

Spirit’s Pet Carrier Requirements

1. The carrier must be sturdy enough to fit under the seat in front of you without collapsing or failing.
2. It cannot exceed 16 inches in length by 13 inches in width by 8 inches in height.
3. It must have adequate ventilation (openings or mesh screening).
4. The pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
5. There should be no dangerous protrusions on the carrier.

Make sure to double check these size restrictions, as not meeting them could result in your pet being denied boarding. Now that we know what Spirit allows, let’s look into top carrier options.

Hard-Sided Carriers

Hard-sided carriers, sometimes called “pet kennels,” provide maximum security and impact protection during turbulence or rough landings. From my experience, they’re a great choice for anxious pets or flights with connections. Here are some top picks:

1. Petmate Sky Kennel – Lightweight aluminum construction meets Spirit’s dimensions perfectly. Mesh windows provide ventilation and line of sight.
2. Go Pet Club Collapsible Dog Crate – Can fold down for storage and has a leakproof plastic bottom, ideal for longer trips or use as an in-cabin kennel.
3. Iris Oasis Airline Approved Pet Carrier – Sturdy steel wires are chew proof and give a 360-degree view out of the carrier.

Hard carriers can run upwards of $100, so if budget is a concern, soft-sided options are a decent alternative for calmer pets.

Soft-Sided Carriers

Soft carriers offer less impact protection but are kinder on the joints for smaller dogs or cats. Plus, their flexible design allows for tighter packing. Here are some top soft carriers under $50:

1. Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier – Breathable nylon fabric that has carried dogs and cats safely for over 25 years.
2. PetMagician Portable Dog Carrier – Super lightweight at only 2.5 pounds and folds into its own storage pouch for travel.
3. Living Pet Carrier Backpack – For hands-free travel, this straps over your shoulders and has mesh top/sides for airflow.

With proper padding and secured latches, a quality soft carrier can still keep your pet content for short domestic flights. Just be prepared for some anxious scooting around during takeoff/landing.

Other Important Considerations

When choosing a carrier, think about your pet’s likes, dislikes, and any medical conditions. For example:

• Pets that get car sick may prefer a carrier with more open ventilation.
• Anxious dogs appreciate being able to see out the carrier through mesh windows.
• Arthritic pets need extra padding and a larger size for comfort.
• No wire door models work better for pets with chewing tendencies.

It’s also wise to use the carrier for training sessions at home before your trip. Get your pet used to seeing it as a safe, comfortable space rather than a punishment. Try feeding them in it and leaving it out for short periods with treats inside.

The process of finding a pet carrier may seem daunting initially, but keeping Spirit’s guidelines in mind and considering your own pet’s profile will lead you to the right fit. Safe travels to you and your furry friend! Let me know if you have any other Spirit pet travel questions.

Best Pet Carriers for Spirit Airlines

Carrier	Size	Weight	Soft or Hard?	Spirit Airlines Approved?
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel	Up to 24″ L x 16″ W x 15″ H	5 lbs	Soft-sided	Yes
Pet Gear IGO Travel Dog Crate	Up to 24″ L x 17″ W x 15″ H	7 lbs	Hard plastic	Yes
MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate	Up to 24″ L x 18″ W x 18″ H	8 lbs	Hard plastic	Yes
Snoozer Lookout Pet Carry On	19″ L x 13″ W x 9″ H	4 lbs	Soft-sided	Yes
Petsfit Pet Carrier	Up to 22″ L x 15″ W x 15″ H	6 lbs	Soft-sided	Yes

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier is allowed on Spirit Airlines?

   Spirit Airlines allows soft-sided pet carriers that are no larger than 14 x 9 x 7 inches. The carrier needs to easily fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

2. Do I need to buy a special airline-approved carrier?

   Kinda. While Spirit doesn’t require an official “airline-approved” carrier, the carrier does need to meet their size limits. Many pet stores sell carriers labeled as airline-approved that are the perfect size. Otherwise, you can measure a regular soft carrier to check the dimensions.

3. Is my hard-sided carrier OK?

   Nope, Spirit only accepts soft-sided carriers. Hard carriers do not fit safely under the seat. You’d have to check it as luggage.

   

4. What if my pet is too big for the carrier?

   If Fluffy is a chonky boy who doesn’t fit, you’ll need to check him as baggage. Check ahead on fees and make sure you get an enclosed kennel with proper bedding and tags. The airline recommends booking flights with convenient connections in case of delays, just in case your pet has to wait longer in cargo.

5. Is there a weight limit for carry-on pets?

   Yup, pets and their carrier cannot weigh over 20 pounds total. That includes Fido and his carrier. So if your pet himself weighs 15 pounds, his carrier would need to be pretty lightweight. Sometimes you gotta go on a diet bud!

6. What about emotional support animals?

   Although Spirit allows ESAs in the cabin, unlike service animals they do need to meet the same size and weight limits for carriers as regular pets. However, their rules for ESAs are kinda wonky and confusing, so double check ahead of time if you’re traveling with an emotional support critter.

7. Any other tips?

   Label everything clearly with your info and “Live Animal” tags. Bring water and try to get your pet used to their carrier before the flight. Download any required forms from the Spirit website. Although it’s not pleasant for us or the pups, their rules are there for safety. With some prepping your furry friend can fly easy breezy!