Everything You Need to Know About Airline Approved Pet Carriers
If you’re planning to travel by air with your furry companion, having an airline approved pet carrier is crucial. The rules regarding pet carriers can seem complex, but don’t worry – this guide will answer all your questions and make the process a breeze.
What Makes a Carrier Airline Approved?
For a carrier to be considered airline approved, it needs to meet specific size and strength requirements set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Carriers must:
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably while the carrier is in an upright position
- Be escape-proof, meaning the carrier is sturdy and has no openings or gaps that would allow your pet to escape during transit
- Be leak-proof so that accidents inside don’t stain or damage other items
- Have proper ventilation to ensure adequate airflow
Most major airplane carriers accept soft-sided carriers or hard-sided kennels that are IATA-compliant. Always check the specific policies for your chosen airline prior to booking travel.
Size Guidelines to Follow
When selecting a carrier, pay close attention to size limits based on your pet’s weight and breed. As a general rule:
- Small dogs and cats under 20 pounds can travel in carriers up to 16″ x 10″ x 11″ or dimensions close to this
- Medium dogs 20-50 pounds need carriers around 18″ x 13″ x 14″ or larger
- Large dogs over 50 pounds require carriers at least 21″ x 18″ x 19″ or larger
Always allow extra space for comfortable movement. Overly restrictive spaces cause undue stress. Measure your pet and choose a carrier that provides spare inches on all sides.
Material Types to Consider
Most airlines accept soft-sided fabric carriers or hard plastic kennels. Each has pros and cons:
Soft carriers:
- Generally lighter and more portable
- Less stressful noise and feel for pets
- Easy to ventilate and keep cool
- May be less durable for large or reactive dogs
Hard carriers:
- More durable and escape-proof
- Provide visibility and structure pets find reassuring
- Heavier and take up more cargo space
- Noisier and less breathable in hot weather
Consider your pet’s personality and needs. A stressed pet may prefer soft sides while a boisterous dog feels safer in hard plastic. Test carriers before your trip.
Additional Features to Look For
Beyond basic sizing, some extra features make carriers even more travel-worthy:
- Wheels or extendable handles for easy portability
- Removable/washable lining for accidents or messes
- Vented windows or mesh panels for airflow and visibility
- Comfortable padding or toys to reduce stress
- Sturdy zippers that won’t snag fur or paws
You can even add tags with contact info in case the carrier is lost. These premium touches provide value and peace of mind.
Training Tips for New Carriers
Whether bringing home a new carrier or using an old one, it’s vital to acclimate pets well beforehand. From my experience training fearful dogs, these tips help:
- Feed meals inside to build positive carrier associations
- Give treats and praise when they enter or remain calm within
- Start with short intervals and build up time over several days
- Consider clicker training for targeting and rewarding calm behavior
- Never force anxious pets in – maintain a fun, relaxed environment
With gentle repetition, you can turn even the shyest pet into a pro traveler with ease. An early foundation makes flying day much less traumatic.
Following Check-In Procedures
Once at the airport, be sure to follow carrier check-in rules to avoid problems: arrive early, present health certificates if required, and check for weight and size limits again beforehand. Most carriers are stowed in cargo with your pet.
For added assurance when I fly with pets, I sedate them lightly using calming supplements. Be sure to get veterinary approval first. This ensures smooth journeys without stress. Coordinate pick-up upon arrival too so no one is left waiting long.
With advanced prep like carrier selection, training, and check-in care, you and your pet pal can explore new places together with ease. Safe travels! Please feel free to ask if you need any other pet travel tips.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the main points:
- Choose an IATA-approved carrier meeting size needs for your pet’s comfort
- Consider soft-sided or hard materials based on your pet’s personality
- Look for handy extras like wheels, padding, and reinforcements
- Train pets to enjoy carriers well before flights through positive reinforcement
- Carefully follow check-in rules to ensure a hassle-free journey
Proper carrier selection and training is the foundation for stress-free air travel. Always consult your vet too if needed. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!
Features of an Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
| Carrier Size | No larger than 20 x 14 x 9 inches to fit under the seat. |
|---|---|
| Labeling | Clearly labeled with your contact information in case it gets misplaced. |
| Ventilation | Openings for airflow with mesh windows or vents on at least three sides. |
| Durability | Hard-sided with secure, lockable latches to prevent escape during takeoff/landing. |
| Comfort | Padding and ability to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably. |
| Handles | Handles, straps, or harness for easy carrying onto and off the plane. |
| Approved Airline | Meets size requirements for carrier to fit under seat of your airline. |
FAQ
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What size pet carrier is considered airline approved?
Most airlines approve hard-sided carriers that are no bigger than approximately 20 inches long by 16 inches wide by 10 inches high. However, it’s best to check the specific size limits for the airline you’ll be flying with.
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Does the pet carrier have to be hard-sided?
While soft-sided carriers can work in some cases, the majority of airlines actually require hard-sided carriers for safety reasons. Hard sides provide better protection for pets during takeoff, landing, and possible turbulence. So to be safe, it’s a good idea to use a hard carrier if flying with pets.
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What other features should an airline approved carrier have?
Carriers approved by airlines usually need to have sturdy handles for lifting, ventilation holes, a waterproof bottom in case of accidents, and a secure zippered or latched door. Some even require side clips to attach to airline kennels securely. Always check airline rules for any other necessary features.
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Is there a weight limit for pet carriers?
Yes, most airlines limit the total weight for pets inside their carriers. It’s commonly around 20 pounds or less. Overweight carriers can cause issues like being difficult for staff to lift or taking up too much valuable cargo space. So be sure to weigh your pet and carrier together before flying.
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Do soft-sided carriers ever work for plane travel?
On rare occasions, airlines may allow soft-sided carriers–usually only for very small pets like cats. However, their regulations around size, durability, and secure closure can make soft carriers ineligible more often than not. Basically, if traveling by air, hard-sided is the safest choice.
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Are airline approved carriers worth the extra cost?
Despite seeming pricey at times, approved carriers can actually save money in the long run. Pets refusing regular carriers cause delays, whereas approved ones meet rules ensuring smooth trips. On the other hand, noncompliant carriers risk being rejected at check-in requiring costly changes. So in this case, it pays to invest in quality–plus it’s less stressful for the pet!
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“Are any airlines allowing multiple pets per person now?”
Most airlines still limit travelers to just one pet per person in the cabin. However, perhaps to boost revenue, a few budget carriers have recently begun testing rules that allow 2 pets for an extra charge. But restrictions apply as to size, breed, and even if seats are available. One has to wonder if multiple animals traveling together might get unruly! Regardless, checking policies is key to avoid disappointment.