Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Perfect Under Seat Pet Carrier
If you’re planning on traveling with your furry companion, an under seat pet carrier is essential. But with so many size options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you and your pet. In this article, I’ll cover all the important factors to consider when selecting an under seat carrier, as well as provide sizing guidelines and recommendations from my own experience.
Understanding Size Requirements
The most important specification is making sure the carrier you choose fits under the seat in front of you based on the dimensions allowed by your airline or mode of transportation. Some key size limits to keep in mind include:
- Standard under seat airline size: Most major US carriers require carriers to be no more than 16x16x8 inches.
- Regional/commuter airline size: Some smaller aircraft only allow carriers up to 14x9x7 inches under seat.
- Bus/train size: Generally 18x13x8 inches is the maximum for storing a carrier under your seat on public transit.
It’s also critical to choose a carrier your pet can stand up and turn around in comfortably. As a general guideline, small dogs up to about 15 pounds do best in the standard airline size, while medium dogs 15-30 pounds prefer carriers around 18x13x11 inches. Larger dogs over 30 pounds may require a larger soft-sided carrier that goes in the cargo hold instead of under the seat.
Additional Sizing Considerations
Beyond the absolute external size limits, there are a couple other sizing factors worth considering:
- Varying Internal Dimensions – Not all 16x11x6 carriers have the same interior space, so pay attention to these measurements as well.
- Future Growth – If your pet is still young, opt for a carrier they can grow into over several years of travel.
- Type of Pet – Cats tend to feel more comfortable with width for stretching while dogs prioritize length for standing/turning.
From my experience, it’s better to err on the slightly larger side of recommendations if possible. An oversized carrier is preferable to one your pet feels cramped in. But going too big can cause other issues, so measure your pet carefully against the dimensions.
Soft vs Hard Construction
Carriers come in soft-sided fabric or hard plastic varieties. Both have pros and cons:
- Soft carriers are lighter and tend to be slightly more pet-friendly. But fabric can get dirty or torn more easily over time.
- Hard shells offer greater protection and durability. However, rigid plastic material may stress pets out more than soft-sided versions.
Personally, I find a high quality soft-sided carrier to be the best balance of features for both pets and owners. Just be sure to check for reinforced stitching and zippers on soft carriers before purchase.
Extra Features to Consider
Beyond size and construction, some other handy features to look for in an under seat pet carrier include:
- Ventilation – Holes or mesh ensure your pet gets air flow.
- Side petting – Mesh windows or openings make it easier to comfort your anxious pet.
- External storage – Pockets are useful for essentials like poop bags or water.
- Handles – Sturdy grab points make lifting the heavy carrier much easier.
- Wheels – Carriers with wheels let you roll your pet stress-free through the airport.
Extra padding or a cozy blanket inside can also help pets feel more secure. But go easy on treats, as those may attract unpleasant odor or mess over an extended trip. Just be sure any additions don’t put the carrier over size limits!
Preparing Your Pet
Getting your pet accustomed to their carrier before a big trip is kind of important. I like to start by feeding my dog in his carrier and making it a positive space with treats and praise. Over time, I gradually increased the amount of time he spends inside getting relaxed and comfortable. Come travel day, it’s basically his safe den already!
You can also try desensitizing your pet to traveling noises if flying. Play recordings of airplane takeoff sounds during carrier training sessions. The more comfortable they get, the less anxious they’ll feel on the actual journey.
Putting It All Together
Hopefully this gives you a pretty comprehensive overview of everything to consider when selecting an under seat pet carrier. To summarize the key points:
– Make sure it meets size limits for your mode of travel
– Choose a carrier your pet can stand up and turn around in
– Consider future growth potential and pet type
– Soft vs hard depends on pet temperament and durability needs
– Extra features like ventilation, storage are handy bonuses
– Gradually train your pet to associate carrier with positive things
With the right preparation and carrier selection tailored to your pet’s needs, you can feel more confident keeping Fido or Fluffy safe, secure and comfortable by your side throughout any journeys ahead. Let me know if you have any other carrier questions!
Under Seat Pet Carrier Size Comparison
| Carrier Size | Pet Size | Interior Space |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Small dogs, cats | Limited space for pet, can fit under most seats |
| Medium | Medium dogs | More space for pet, may not fit under all seats |
| Large | Large dogs | Significant space for pet, will not fit under many seats |
| Extra Large | Extra large dogs | Maximized space for pet, will only fit in vehicle cargo area |
| Collapsible | All sizes | Folds down small for storage, expands as needed for pet |
FAQ
- What size under seat pet carrier is best for air travel?
Most airlines require pets to travel in hard-sided carriers that can fit completely under the seat in front of you. Generally, carriers should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm). This is the maximum size that will fit safety under most airline seats without sticking into the aisle.
- Are soft-sided carriers allowed on planes?
Soft-sided carriers are sometimes permitted for pets, but many airlines have restrictions. Hard-sided carriers offer better protection for anxious animals during take-offs and landings when air pressure changes. It’s always best to check the specific policies for your airline.
- What size pet is appropriate for an under-seat carrier?
Most cats and small dogs under 20 pounds can fit snugly in the regular maximum-size hard-sided carrier. Larger dogs and bigger breeds may feel more comfortable in a slightly bigger carrier that is still allowed as personal item luggage stowed under the seat or in the overhead bin. Remember, the bigger the pet, the less room there is for their essential supplies.
- How do I know what size carrier to get for my specific pet?
To find the suitable carrier for Scruffy or Fluffy, measure their dimensions when curled up in a relaxed position. Add a few extra inches for wiggle room. Also think about how much space is needed for their bedding, food, water and other travel essentials. It’s better to go a little bigger than too small where they won’t fit comfortably.
- Is it OK to use an larger carrier as long as it fits under the seat?
While a larger carrier may work for your pet’s comfort, going over the common airline size limits could potentially cause issues. Flight attendants aim to keep the space under seats clear for safety during take-off and landing. An oversized carrier may get in the way if it creeps too far under the seat ahead. Playing it safe with the standard size is usually best to avoid problems.
- What else do I need to consider when picking a carrier?
Other important factors include easy-open doors or tops, good ventilation, sturdy construction for crashes, comfy padding and a water bottle holder. Some carriers have extra amenities for nervous pets like pee pads, toys or a cozy blanket. Basically, go for durable, comfy and airline compliant when choosing an under-seat carrier for Fido’s flying adventure.
- Are hard-sided carriers really necessary?
While soft-sided carriers can work in some situations, the FAA and most airlines strongly recommend hard-sided for safety during take-offs and landings. The air pressure changes could potentially injure pets not secured in a sturdy enclosure. Hard sides offer better protection from loose items too. Perhaps it’s not necessary, but is it worth risking poor pup’s health and comfort? Stick with hard-sided for peaceful peace of mind.
- What size carrier is allowed as a personal item?
All major US airlines allow personal item carriers measuring up to approximately 20 x 14 x 9 inches (50 x 35 x 23 cm). This size easily fits under most airplane seats or in overhead bins. Checking with your specific airline is wise to avoid issues. carry-on personal carriers tend to work well for smaller dogs and cats. But oversized pets may feel kind of cramped, so a larger checked carrier could sort of be better.