Understanding Pet Carrier Dimensions for Airline Travel: What Sizes are Allowed on Planes?

Everything You Need to Know About Pet Carrier Dimensions for Air Travel

If you’re planning on taking your furry friend on a plane trip, one of the most important considerations is finding a pet carrier that meets airline size requirements. The dimensions and type of carrier you choose can impact whether or not your pet is allowed in the cabin versus being checked as luggage. In this article, I’ll explore pet carrier dimensions for major airlines, types of carriers, and other factors to make traveling with your pet by air as stress-free as possible.

Checking Airline Size Requirements

The first step is to check the size limitations for the specific airline(s) you’ll be flying. While under-the-seat carriers are generally smaller, requirements can vary. For example, some airlines only allow hard-sided carriers that are less than 16x10x10 inches. Others may permit soft-sided carriers up to 18x13x8 inches.

It’s crucial to verify limits for your exact itinerary, as policies can differ between carriers or even on particular routes. Usually, this information is available on the airline’s website. You may also want to confirm limits when booking your ticket. That way, there’s no guesswork when it comes time for your pet’s carrier to be evaluated at check-in or the gate.

Cabin Storage vs. Cargo Hold

Depending on the carrier’s dimensions, your pet may need to fly either in the cabin under the seat in front of you or in the pressurized cargo hold. Most airlines allow pets flying in cabin-accessible carriers like “under-the-seat” bags, but not all pets qualify to join passengers in the main cabin. If your carrier is too large, the pet would have to be transported in the cargo hold, potentially requiring an additional in-cabin pet ticket or health certificates.

Storage location can impact your pet’s stress level and your ability to check on them mid-flight. Whenever possible, it’s preferable for smaller dogs and cats to avoid the unknowns of the cargo hold. This means double-checking carrier size limits, especially if cutting it close, to maintain your pet’s spot by your side during travel.

Additional Requirements

Beyond size, airlines may have other carrier stipulations too. For instance, hard-sided carriers are frequently a requirement for in-cabin travel for ventilation and security purposes. Soft-sided bags may be permitted only in cargo. Also, make sure your carrier is well-ventilated with openings to allow airflow, as confined spaces can overheat.

You may need paperwork like health certificates for travel originating outside your home country as well. When in doubt, it’s best to contact the airline directly about any special requirements. Cutting corners on carrier specs or documentation often results in denied boarding at your own expense and stress to you and your pet. Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute issues.

Popular Pet Carrier Types

Here are some common carrier styles to consider that generally meet airline guidelines for in-cabin travel:

1. Under-the-seat bag: Fits snugly under most airline seats at 16x9x9 inches or less. Great for small dogs and cats.
2. Portable crate: Collapsible soft or hard crate that sets up larger than under-seat size for slightly bigger pets. Folds down for storage during flight.
3. Soft-sided carrier: Usually used for cats but can work for small dogs up to 18x13x8 inches depending on airline. Easier for pets to see outside world.

While meeting parameters for in-cabin travel is ideal, always confirm carrier dimensions with your specific airline first to avoid nasty surprises at check-in. Having the right carrier setup is half the battle of keeping your pet at ease when wheels up. The other half is preparation, which is a topic for another article!

What Size Is Right for My Pet?

When choosing a carrier size, it’s important to balance your pet’s comfort with airline restrictions. Here are some guidelines:

• For dogs under 20 pounds, an under-seat bag is typically suitable. Just make sure pup has enough room stand up and turn around.
• Medium dogs 20-50 pounds do well in collapsible crates that provide adequate space when set up on the cabin floor.
• Larger dogs may have to travel in cargo depending on the breed and airline. If so, choose the largest soft-sided carrier allowed.
• Most cats fit easily into under-seat bags or soft carriers kept on your lap for a sense of security.

It can boil down to trial and error to pick a carrier that hits the sweet spot of airline compliance and pet comfort. Ultimately, you want your furry friend to feel secure rather than cramped or stressed during air travel.

Handling Multiple Animals

Flying with multiple pets together requires some creative carrier arrangements within airline limits. Here are a few approaches I’ve tried:

• Stack two under-seat carriers side-by-side allowing each pet to see the other for reassurance.
• Use an extra-large soft carrier that zips to combine small pets into one containment area.
• Transport one pet in an under-seat bag while keeping the other on your lap in case a soft carrier is too unwieldy.
• Consider splitting up animals across two flights if one carrier won’t safely hold them both according to space/ventilation needs.

Patience and problem-solving are key when trying to fly the pack. With preparation comes peace of mind that your multi-pet family will travel together smoothly.

Pet-Friendly Airline Recommendations

While all major carriers allow properly contained pets nowadays, some have a better track record According to pet owners I’ve talked to, here are a few airlines generally praised for their pet policies:

• Alaska Airlines: Known for avoiding the cargo hold when possible and helpful customer service representatives.
• Delta: Enforces size limits strictly but takes animal comfort seriously with amenities like pet relief areas.
• JetBlue: Treats pets as equal passengers allowing one pet per adult traveler in-cabin freely.
• Southwest: No change fees for pet travel and ability to check carrier size before booking ease worries.

Of course, unforeseen issues can arise on any airline. Having a backup plan, pet first aid supplies, and understanding of airline policies via online research will help you feel prepared when the adventure begins. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!

Pet Carrier Dimensions for Major Airline Travel

Airline	Maximum Length	Maximum Width	Maximum Height
American Airlines	19 inches	10 inches	9 inches
United Airlines	17 inches	9 inches	8 inches
Delta Airlines	18 inches	11 inches	8 inches
Southwest Airlines	17 inches	10 inches	9 inches
Alaska Airlines	21 inches	14 inches	10 inches

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier is allowed on airlines?

   Most airlines let you bring a pet carrier as a carry-on as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. That usually means it has to be less than 16x14x9 inches. But rules can vary by airline so check with yours.

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

   You don’t necessarily need a carrier labeled “airline approved” but the carrier does need to meet certain standards. Look for ones that are escape-proof, haven’t got sharp edges or rivets inside, have bedding your pet can stand or sit on comfortably, and have proper ventilation.

3. Can I bring a soft-sided carrier as a carry-on?

   Yes, many airlines allow soft-sided carriers as carry-on as long as they fit under the seat. Just beware that soft carriers can get squished more easily so you’ll want to give your pet extra space and padding. Hard-sided may offer better protection.

4. Will my large dog have to fly in the cargo hold?

   If your dog is too big for a carrier under the seat, yes it will need to fly in the cargo hold. The cutoff size basically varies but is commonly around 20 pounds or so. Larger dogs fly as freight, which has additional rules about health certificates, vaccinations, etc.

   

5. Can I bring more than one pet per carrier?

   No, most airlines only allow one pet per carrier for safety and to avoid crowding. Pets need space to move around and feel secure during the flight. Some people try to sneak extra pets in but that’s against airline policy. Better to book extra tickets if traveling with multiple pets.

6. Does the carrier need any identification?

   Yes, be sure to label the outside of the carrier clearly with your contact details like name, address and phone number. The airlines also require the pet’s name, flavor mix (haha just kidding, I meant species), and any important medical info inside. That way if something comes up they know who the pet belongs to.

On the other hand, while airlines have sizing rules for pet carriers, their main priority is the safety and comfort of both passengers and pets. If a slightly larger soft-sided carrier works better and doesn’t impose on others, maybe the rules could be bent a bit. As the saying goes, it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission. But is that a risk worth taking? You wouldn’t want Fido stuck in the cargo hold without you! Overall communication with the airline is key.