Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Under Seat Pet Carrier
Whether you’re traveling by car, plane or public transportation, having the right under seat pet carrier can make things a whole lot easier when transporting your furry friend. In this article, I’ll break down the top considerations and options to help you find the best carrier for your pet and needs.
Size Matters
- Make sure to measure your pet and the available under seat space before buying a carrier.
- Airlines only allow carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you, usually up to 18 inches tall by 16 inches wide by 8 inches deep.
- For cars and buses, you have more flexibility but don’t want something too bulky that it takes up half your leg room.
From my experience, sizing up if your pet is on the larger end of the allowed measurements is better than cramming Fido into something too small and stressing him out for the whole trip. Kind of a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed how many folks I’ve seen trying to squish their retriever lapdog into an airline-approved carrier.
Ventilation and Comfort
Proper air flow and padding are crucial aspects for keeping your pet happy during transport. Look for carriers with:
- Multiple ventilation holes or mesh panels on at least 2-3 sides
- Comfortable, removable padding or liners that can be washed
- A large door that opens fully on one side for easy in-and-out access
- Being tossed in cargo holds or under seats by handlers
- Chewing and scratching from an anxious pet passenger
- Potential spills from accidentally tipped water dishes
- Shoulder strap or handles for easy carrying
- Outer pockets for storing paperwork, toys or waste bags
- seat belt attachment loops for securing the carrier safely
- Black or neutral colors that hide dirt and stains
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What size pet carrier is best for under the airplane seat?
Most airlines allow small, soft-sided carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking out. Basically, look for something no bigger than about 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches tall. Kind of like a purse or backpack size. These will easily tuck away without issues.
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How do I know my carrier will fit under the seat?
To be sure, measure the space yourself before choosing a carrier. Sometimes airline seats are a bit differently sized. Major carriers post the max dimensions allowed on their websites. You may need to dig around a bit to find it. On the other hand, sticking to the basic recommendations above is a safe bet.
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What features should I look for in an under seat carrier?
A good underseat carrier needs to be collapsible, lightweight, and have strong but breathable mesh panels. At the same time, it’s important the doors close securely so your pet doesn’t accidentally pop out mid-flight. Handles for easy carrying are also a nice feature. Pockets inside can hold toys, bowls or waste bags.
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Is it OK to bring more than one small pet per carrier?
Most airlines require cats or dogs to ride individually in their own FAA-approved carriers. Perhaps multiple hamsters or small birds in one carrier could be allowed though. I’d contact the airline beforehand to get their policy in writing. Better to be safe than be forced to kennel critters separately at the airport.
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What should I put in the carrier for my pet?
Make sure to bring comfy padding, a leash or harness, favorite toys, bowls, doggie bags, and a couple changes of clothes if your furry friend has accidents when stressed. Water bottles are a no-no on flights due to spill risks. However, you can wet some cloths and blankets or chew toys to help calm them. Still, stress on planes shouldn’t last too long!
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Is it cruel to keep pets under the seat for hours?
Many experts say keeping pets unrestrained in tight quarters for multiple flights could cause undue stress. Nevertheless, carriers provide a safe space to rest and feel protected. As long as the pet can stand up and turn around, and you stop frequently for water, exercise, and relief breaks, then under-seat travel is doable and a viable option to avoiding cargo. At the same time, very long haul trips could call for reconsidering an alternate plan.
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Can I put my pet in the overhead bin instead?
No, overhead storage is definitely a no-no for live animals! Cramming pets on top risks getting injured or suffocating in the intense heat. Under-seat is safest and widely accepted by airlines, so I wouldn’t chance getting arrested or hurting Fluffy. The crate must stay with you or under your control at all times.
On long trips, you’ll appreciate being able to offer your pooch snacks and water without acrobatics. Basically, the comfier the carrier the better-behaved passenger your pal will be. I’ve faced situations where an overheating, claustrophobic pup turned a road trip into a tantrum- throwing fiasco! Yikes.
Durability and Security
When choosing carriers, consider how much wear and tear it may face from:
Strong, reinforced zippers and latches prevent escapes. Mesh that won’t rip from claws is also key. As for chewing, some pets get separation anxiety during transport. Padded interior wall material and maybe a chew toy can help distract them. Basically you need something tough that will last through many trips and not let your pooch bust out mid-flight!
Extras
Handy added features to look for include:
I mean let’s be real – pets can kind of be some dirty dawgs at times! The dark hues help camouflage everyday messes better than a neon pink carrier might. Extra pockets are also rad for staying organized on the go.
Soft or Hard Shell?
Soft-sided carriers are lightweight, inexpensive and tend to be more comfy for pets. However, hard cases offer maximum security from chewing/clawing and can take more abuse from baggage handlers.
Some brands make hybrid designs with a plush inner layer and hard outer shell. I find those kind of represent the best of both worlds – solid protection but still cozy inside. Either option works though, so don’t sweat it too much.
Top Brands to Consider
After my years of professional pet wrangling and personal carrier searching, here are some awesome brands that consistently get five-paw reviews:
PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier: Features plenty of ventilation, pockets, handle and seatbelt loops. Soft sides but very durable fabric.
Sleepypod Air Dog Carrier: Ultra-protective hard-sided impact resistant design. Padded hexagon mesh panels provide visibility and airflow.
SAPLINGSMART Collapsible Carrier: Lightweight nylon makes it compactly portable. Great for planes/cars. Mesh walls and pockets.
Frisco Foldable Pet Carrier: Budget-friendly soft case that packs into its own pocket. Breathable Oxford fabric stands up to dirt/drool.
PET GEAR Travel Lite Soft Carrier:) Similar sleek appearance to hard carriers but cozier thanks to plush lining.
All in all, those brands offer the ventilation, protection and features you need at a range of price points. Basically you can’t really go wrong with any of them depending on your budget and transport situations.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Basically the most important advice is to take accurate measurements before ordering to avoid frustration or non-compliance on planes. Like I said, nothing spells disaster like a pup wedged into a carrier half his size!
Also check airline policies – most are the same but some regional carriers have their own quirks. Like Allegiant for example randomly only allows hard-shells for some reason.
Kind of annoying, but it’s better to know that sort of thing ahead of time rather than showing up to the airport and finding out Fido has to stay home! Basically, thorough research saves headaches down the road.
A Real-Life Example
I remember helping my friend Susan fly cross-country with her black lab Toby a while back. We definitely hit some snags initially with carrier selection.
After trying out three different too-small soft cases, Susan finally settled on the PetAmi deluxe – and thank goodness because Toby weighed over 70 pounds! The extra large size and cushioned walls made him look quite comfy tucked under the seat.
Basically those few trial-and-error attempts taught us not to skimp on measurements or carrier quality. With the right fit and features, Toby snoozed like a baby the whole trip. And thankfully there were no mid-air meltdowns or turbulence traumas!
Final Thoughts
In the end, there’s no single “best” carrier. It depends totally on your dog’s size, how you intend to travel, and budget. Take your time choosing one with all the specs that fit your dog and transportation needs best.
Also don’t forget to break in your pup with short practice sessions in the carrier before the big travel day. The more comfortable they feel inside it from the start, the smoother the whole journey will be for everyone.
Hope this guide gave you a solid sense of what to consider! Feel free to hit me up if you have any other pet passenger questions while carrier shopping. May all your road trips be stress free for both you and your fur pal from now on. Bon voyage!
Best Under Seat Pet Carriers
| Carrier | Size | Weight Limit | Ventilation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Magasin Soft-Sided | Small | 15 lbs | Mesh sides | Lightweight, breathable | Small size only |
| Paws & Pals Sherpa | Multiple sizes | 22 lbs | Mesh panel | Variety of sizes, comfortable | Not completely breathable |
| K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty | Universal size | 22 lbs | Mesh vents | Thermal insulation, adjustable openings | More expensive |
| Pet Gear Travel Lite | 3 sizes | 20 lbs | Mesh panels | Lightweight, durable material | No topside handle |
| Sleepypod Air | 2 sizes | 15 lbs | Mesh fabric | Secure straps, crash tested | Most expensive option |