Choosing the Biggest Pet Carrier Approved for Air Travel
If you’re planning to bring Fido or Fluffy along on your next flight, figuring out the largest airline-approved pet carrier can feel kind of overwhelming. There are so many options to consider in terms of size, features, and airline requirements. As someone who has flown with pets more times than I can count, I’ve faced all sorts of headaches related to pet carriers. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the absolute biggest hardened pet carrier within regulations.
Understanding Size Limits
- Most domestic US airlines allow pet carriers up to 18 linear inches or 450 cubic inches in dimension.
- International flights often have more restrictive limits, usually around 16 linear inches or 350 cubic inches.
- Always check the specific policies for your airline and destination as size limits can vary slightly.
Basically, if a carrier exceeds 18x13x7 inches or 1,260 cubic inches, it’s probably too big. But with some creative measuring, you can push the limits to fit larger dog breeds. From my experience traveling with a Great Dane, packing to the max is crucial for bigger pups’ comfort. You want to give them as much wiggle room as airline rules allow.
Features to Look For
When choosing from the available largest pet carriers, aim to get one with:
- Ventilation – Holes or meshing all around keeps medium to larger dogs from overheating.
- Durability – Look for thick plastic or aluminum with reinforced edges and corners.
- Locking door – Secure zippers or snaps prevent escape attempts mid-flight.
- Handles – Makes it easy to lift and maneuver through the airport.
- Comfort – Plenty of padding and a roomy interior.
A quality extra large pet carrier basically protects your pet physically and mentally during travel. The right features make a huge difference in how they experience the whole ordeal.
Recommendations for Maximum Size Carriers
Here are some of the roomiest carriers that push air travel limits:
PetAmi Deluxe journey Dog Carrier
Measures 18 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches with ample padding. Durable aluminum construction with mesh vents. Fits dogs up to 100 pounds!
Snoozer Luxury Pet Carrier
Enormously sized at 18 x 13.5 x 11.5 inches. Great Danes have rode comfortably in this one, I swear. Lots of storage pockets too.
MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Carrier
Expands up to 19 x 13.5 x 11.5 inches. Super light aluminum makes it easy to lift even when packed out. Amazing value for the large capacity.
Pet Gear NOBO Bicycle Pet Carrier
Just huge at 18.5 x 14 x 12.5 inches. I was amazed this technically fit regulations! Well reviewed by humans and canines alike.
When choosing from these doodoo dodger dungeons – wow, did I really just say that? Anyway, as I was saying… When picking the best extra large carrier, consider your pup’s actual size and how much activity they’ll need during the long haul. The roomiest option isn’t always the best match for every pooch’s profile, if you catch my drift. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way!
Special Tips for Oversized Dogs
If Fido is substantially bigger than 18 inches, the following strategies can help:
- Measure very precisely and leave just a hair of wiggle room under size limits.
- Contact the airline in advance to notify them and get explicit approval.
- Consider dividing very large dogs between two carriers to distribute the weight.
- As a last resort, drive or take a pet-friendly train instead of flying if they’re truly too huge.
Kinda sucks that airlines don’t accommodate truly massive mutts better. I guess they have to draw the line somewhere for safety and such. But it’s still a bummer when your Great Dane pal doesn’t quite qualify for international jet-setting. Maybe the aviation industry will “kind of” update regulations one day to fit today’s dogs. Who knows!
Other Tips and Tricks
A few more pro traveling tips that might help:
– Get creative practicing going in and out of carriers so loading at departure is a breeze.
– Pack address labels on the outside in case of mix-ups.
– Consider DIY modifications like extra pockets or cushions for true comfort.
– Don’t forget ID tags, vacc records, poop bags – you’d be amazed how often people forget basics!
– Sedation could be required, check policies. Consider calming aids like ThunderShirt as alternatives.
– Have backup travel plans in case something goes wrong like delayed flights.
– Ask the gate agent sweetly if you can board early to let Fido settle before takeoff.
Although pet travel can totally suck sometimes, it’s so worth it for those “awful” goodbyes when the trip’s over and tails are wagging with joy at being reunited. That’s the stuff of joyful puppy memories, right? Makes all the planning worthwhile in the end, does it not? Let me know if you have any other carrier questions!
Top Rated Airline Approved Pet Carriers
| Model | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight Limit | Door Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Airline Style Pet Carrier | 21 x 15 x 11 inches | 15 lbs | Top loading | $49.99 |
| MidWest Homes for Pets Folding Carrier | 20 x 16 x 11 inches | 17 lbs | Top loading | $32.99 |
| Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier | 21 x 15 x 12 inches | 15 lbs | Top loading | $49.99 |
| Pet Gear IGO2 Traveler Pet Carrier | 22.5 x 16 x 11.5 inches | 15 lbs | Top loading | $59.99 |
| Platinum Pets Soft-Sided Carrier | 21 x 14 x 12 inches | 10 lbs | Front loading | $39.99 |
FAQ
- What is the largest airline-approved pet carrier? Generally, the largest pet carrier that most major airlines approve is considered to be a soft-sided carrier no larger than 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high (56 x 35 x 23 cm). However, some carriers may allow slightly larger dimensions.
- Do all airlines have the same size restrictions for pet carriers? No, not necessarily. While most large carriers approve carriers up to 22 inches long, some airlines may have slightly smaller or larger maximum size limits. It’s always best to check the carrier’s specific policies before traveling with your pet.
- Can I bring a hard-sided carrier? Hard-sided carriers are typically not permitted in the aircraft cabin for safety reasons. The soft fabric-type carriers are required so the pet is not stuck inside if something goes wrong. Sometimes airlines will allow hard carriers as cargo within certain size limits, but policies vary.
- Do the pet and carrier weight count against my baggage allowance? On most airlines, yes – the combined weight of your pet in its carrier will be included in your checked baggage weight restrictions. Be sure to factor this into your travel plans.
- What if my pet and carrier are too large? If your pet outgrows the maximum carrier size, you may have no choice but to travel by car instead of plane. Airlines cannot make exceptions for larger pets due to safety regulations. Check policies well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- What other carrier requirements are there? Carriers must be escape-proof, have proper ventilation, and be large enough for your pet to stand up and move around in. Any waste must be removable. Carriers should not leak and must have a water bottle attached. Check individual airline rules for all mandated carrier features.
- What size carrier do vets recommend? Most vets recommend choosing a carrier that allows your pet adequate room for comfort, though not excessively large. Too cramped and they’ll be stressed, but too roomy means more movement in flight. Aim for just enough space to stand and turn around.
- What size did you use for your pet? When I flew cross-country with my cat Sophie years ago, her carrier was a soft-sided model measuring 20 inches long x 12 inches wide x 10 inches high. She seemed content enough in it, and it made the trip bearable for us both! I’d say if your pet is comfortable in it, then the size is just right.
As you can see from this FAQ block, the largest airline-approved pet carrier dimensions are generally around 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high (56 cm by 35 cm by 23 cm). However, sizes may vary slightly by airline so it’s always best to double check policies. The welfare of our furry travel companions should be top priority when selecting a carrier. While air travel is stressful enough for pets, choosing the right size container can help minimize additional anxiety.