What Size Dog Carrier is Allowed by the TSA for Carry-On Luggage

Understanding TSA Regulations for Pet Carriers on Planes

If you’ve ever wondered what size dog carrier is allowed for carry-on or checked luggage when traveling by air with your furry friend, you’ve come to the right place. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has very specific rules about pet carriers that every pet owner needs to know. In this article, I’ll break down the TSA guidelines, provide examples, and share some tips from my own experiences flying with pets.

Carry-On Dog Carriers

Size limit: Pet carriers intended as carry-on items cannot exceed 9 inches (23 cm) in length, width or height. Basically, the entire container including your pup has to fit under the airplane seat in front of you.

1. Medium and small breed dogs are generally fine in carriers meeting this size limit.
2. Larger dogs may be too big even for an allowable-size carrier, so check-in may be the better option.

From my experience, it can be kind of a tight squeeze getting Fido and his carry-on crate in the overhead bin. The bins are not enormous, so a slightly undersized carrier is best. I once had to check a pup mid-flight because his crate barely fit – it was a real pain!

Checked Pet Carriers

There is no standard size limit for checked pet carriers, but they must be:

1. Designated as an animal carrier like a hard- or soft-sided kennel.
2. Able to fit comfortably under an airplane seat.
3. Strong enough for handling without compromising the pet’s safety and comfort.

In other words, basically use your common sense. A massive dog house on wheels ain’t gonna cut it! Choose a carrier big enough for exercise breaks without being huge. I’d say soft-sided carriers up to about 2 feet wide do the trick.

Typically, pet carriers in the checked hold have been fine anywhere from big cat-sized to large Labrador-sized in my experience. But confirm airline policies as they vary slightly. The last thing you want is surprise fees or inability to check Fido’s carrier altogether.

Other Tips & Reminders

Identification: Be sure tags on carriers clearly display your contact info in case of an emergency.

Comfort: Provide water, a favorite toy or blanket, and maybe a treat to keep pup calm on the flight. A stress toy may help canine nerves too.

Training: Consider crate training well in advance if your pooch isn’t used to confinement. The last thing you need is a barking, whimpering mess on board!

Sort of amazingly, the TSA is usually pretty chill about pets as long as carriers meet basic safety standards. But is it worth subjecting your pet to flying stresses just for a vacation? Maybe consider other options if traveling far or your pup doesn’t do well in carriers. At the same time, many dogs travel fine with a bit of preparation.You’ve just gotta do right by Fido.

In summary, hope this helps shed some light on TSA pet carrier size rules. Don’t be that person who shows up without checking airline policies first! If you’ve got any other pet travel questions, feel free to ask. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges getting dogs from Point A to B. Safe travels to you and your furry friends!

TSA Regulations on Dog Carrier Sizes

Carrier Size	Max Dimensions (LxWxH)	Weight Limit
Oversized	Greater than 18x13x9 in	May not be allowed in cabin
Standard	Up to 18x13x9 in	Allowed in cabin under seat
Collapsible	Folds to fit under seat when not in use	Good option for small dogs
Soft-Sided	Made of fabric or mesh	Lightweight and ventilated
Hard Shell	Made of plastic or metal	Durable but heavier

FAQ

1. What size carrier can I bring my dog on the plane in?

   Most airlines allow you to bring your dog in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. This is usually around the size of a normal purse or backpack. Make sure to check your specific airline’s rules for the exact dimensions.

   

2. Do I need to pay extra for my dog’s plane ticket?

   Yes, you’ll usually need to purchase an extra ticket for your dog’s carrier. Prices vary between airlines but usually range from $100-$200 each way. Some discount carriers may charge less. It’s best to check fares directly with the airline you plan to fly with.

3. What documents do I need for my dog’s air travel?

   At minimum, you’ll need the dog’s vaccination records showing they are current on all required shots. Rabies is legally required in many areas. The airline may also want proof the carrier meets their size guidelines. Some countries require an international health certificate too. Basically, be prepared to show vet paperwork for your pooch’s safe passage.

4. Can I bring more than one small dog in a carrier?

   While some airlines allow two dogs that can fit in one carrier, it’s always best to check exact policies. Pups may get stressed stacked on top of each other. Perhaps consider separate carriers to give each pet ample space to feel calm. Reducing animals’ anxiety during travel is remarkable for their welfare, on the other hand airline regulations exist primarily for safety.

5. Are there any restrictions on what kinds of dogs can fly?

   Generally, domesticated dogs under a certain weight are allowed in the cabin. However, restrictions apply to snub-nosed breeds prone to respiratory issues. Certain ages or medical conditions could also prevent a dog from flying safely. It’s wise to contact the airline in advance if your pup has any special needs or you have doubts about qualifications. Don’t expect a pit bull to make the cut though – they are banned by many carriers outright as a policy, even if tame.

   

6. What size kennel is provided if I check my dog into the cargo hold?

   If you check your pet rather than bringing them in the cabin, the airline will provide a kennel. These range from about medium-sized dog crate dimensions to huge containers that may fit two big Great Danes. A pet rep from the airline stated kennels basically need to let the pooch stand up and turn around, with ventilation. Of course, it’s best the crate isn’t cramped to cause your furry friend potential discomfort.

7. What if my dog is really huge – can it still fly?

   While most major carriers set a general weight limit around 100 pounds, some may consider larger dogs on a case by case basis. Perhaps an extra large dog could fly as cargo if it’s extremely docile and friendly. But it’s likely the fares would be massive. Even working dogs have size restrictions by air. Basically, extremely huge dogs may be sad to be grounded without extreme measures or road trips as cheaper options.