Planning a trip but loath to leave your furry friend at home? Thanks to these cozy, secure pet carriers, you can take your pet along for the ride, whether you’re embarking via plane, train, or automobile. Reliable, comfortable, and sturdy, these carriers are easy to tote around wherever you go without hurting your shoulder or tiring you out. Plus, some even feature handy design amenities like luggage sleeves and seat belt buckle clips so you can keep your pet safe and maximize hands-free travel. If you do plan to bring your carrier on the plane with you, make sure you’ve chosen a style that is TSA-approved and meets all FAA requirements (but a good rule of thumb is to check with the specific airline you’re flying since regulations vary across different companies).
Whether you’re headed on a road trip, embarking on a transatlantic flight, or simpnly visiting family for the weekend, these carriers keep pets comfortable and safe throughout your travels. Scroll down for 15 of the best pet carriers for dogs and cats, including a space-age pod that’s perfect for naps and an Arlo Skye carrier that attaches to your favorite carry-on—but first, a few tips to keep in mind while you shop and plan.
What size pet carrier will fit under an airline seat?
Size requirements vary by airline, so always double-check with the one you’re flying for the latest pet guidelines before departure. Here are size and weight specifications for JetBlue (17″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″), American Airlines (18″ x 11″ x 11″ for soft-sided bags, 19″ x 13″ x 9″ for hard-sided kennels), and Delta and United (both 18″ x 11″ x 11″). Make sure your pet has room to stand up and turn around while inside.
Does a dog carrier count as a carry-on?
Pet carriers must fit under the seat in front of you. However, they can affect your luggage allotment. On JetBlue, for fares above Blue Basic, a carry-on suitcase, backpack, or duffel is allowed so long as it fits in the overhead compartment. However, on other airlines, like American and Delta, your pet carrier replaces your carry-on bag, and your second item is limited to a personal item.
What type of carrier should I get?
It depends on what size pet you have and how you travel. A soft-sided carrier or backpack carrier is easiest to fit under an airplane seat, and may be more comfortable and breathable for your pet.
Think through your typical (non-pet) travel routine and how you’ll need to adjust it when your personal item is dedicated to your pet. If you often travel with another person, that person can store things you’ll want accessible during the flight in their personal item, but if you’re traveling solo, you’ll probably want to pick a carrier with additional storage for your boarding pass, earphones, and other small essentials. Backpack carriers are best for smaller dogs or cats, though all come with weight guidelines to help you determine whether they’ll fit your pet.
