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Best Airline Pet Carriers for 2024

We analyzed top picks to find the best carriers for your traveling needs

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 24th, 2024

✈️Traveling with your pet can be quite the challenge, but the right carrier can make all the difference. Whether you're headed to the vet or embarking on a long trip, your pet's well-being is essential. We've dug into the top airline-approved pet carriers of 2024, considering their size, materials, safety features, and user ratings to help you find the perfect fit for your furry companion.

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Overall Best: Away The Pet Carrier

ROVERLUND Airline-Compliant Pet Carrier | Includes Leash | Suitable for Pets up to 20lbs Camo Orange LARGE - UP TO 20 LBS

The Away Pet Carrier earns the 'Overall Best' title for its thoughtful design and premium materials. Made from water-resistant nylon, it includes a cozy sherpa bedding to keep your pet comfortable during travel. It meets FAA in-cabin travel requirements, making it perfect for air travel. Additionally, it’s designed with a trolley sleeve for easy attachment to your luggage and seatbelt latches for secure car trips. Sized at 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches, it can accommodate pets up to 18 pounds.

One standout feature is the roll-down privacy screen, which gives your pet a secluded space when needed. Customers often praise its durability and the convenience of multiple pockets for storing essentials. While it is a bit pricier, its multifunctional design and high-quality construction make it a fantastic choice for frequent travelers.

Lowest at Amazon

$169.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$160.00 at Walmart

More Answers

Still curious about the ROVERLUND Pet Carrier (Camo Orange)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the ROVERLUND pet carrier airline-compliant for most major airlines?

Hey, if you're thinking about bringing your furry friend along on a flight and considering the ROVERLUND Pet Carrier, here's the scoop: it's usually okay to bring on most major airlines like Delta, American, and JetBlue for in-cabin travel—according to our research. Now, a heads up: it doesn't have those expandable sides some folks like for giving pets a bit more wiggle room on long flights. But, still, it's got some pretty handy features. There's a leak-proof bottom to handle any surprises your pet might have and it's ventilated on three sides which helps keep the air flowing, so your pet stays comfy. One cool little thing about this carrier is the shoulder strap that doubles as a leash. Pretty nifty, huh? But, just to be real with you, some people have mentioned it can be a bit uncomfortable if you're carrying a heftier pet since the strap's not super padded or adjustable. When you're deciding if this is your jam, think about your pet's size and how much space they need. It's built solidly and works for smaller pets who don't need extra space, especially if you're keeping an eye on airline rules. But if your pet's nearing the 20 lbs mark and could use more stretch room, you might want to look at other options with expandable sides. In the end, it's about what works best for you and your pet. Double-check the airline's specific rules, and definitely consider how your pet handles travel. Figuring all this out can make flying together a lot more chill.

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What are the dimensions of the ROVERLUND pet carrier?

The ROVERLUND Airline-Compliant Pet Carrier in Camo Orange is specifically designed for in-cabin travel on most major airlines. From the manufacturer's description, it fits common airline requirements for pet carriers, which is handy if you're frequently traveling with your pet. The dimensions are 19 inches long, 11.75 inches wide, and 11.5 inches high. It's a good idea to double-check these measurements with the specific airline's under-seat dimensions, just to be sure there's no hiccup at the gate. According to our data, people have used this carrier on airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue without a hitch. It's soft-sided and has three sides with good ventilation, which meets many airline guidelines neatly. But heads up—experiences can differ by airline and plane type. We've found that it might be a tight squeeze on American Airlines' Airbus A321s and that some Southwest flights present space issues, likely due to their seat setups. To keep things smooth, it's smart to look up the pet travel rules of your specific airline before you fly. Checking the carrier's size against the airline's seat dimensions can save you hassle. Aside from airline travel, people generally like the carrier's practical features, like its leak-proof bottom and sturdy build. But if you plan to use the shoulder strap a lot, know that some folks find it could use more padding or length. In short, while the ROVERLUND carrier is typically airline-friendly, doing a bit of homework in advance can make travel more straightforward. This way, both you and your pet can enjoy a pleasant journey.

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How comfortable is the ROVERLUND pet carrier for dogs and cats?

The comfort of the ROVERLUND pet carrier for your furry friend has a few angles to think about. It's built for air travel and is in line with the in-cabin size rules of most big airlines, which makes traveling with your pet a bit less stressful. The manufacturer mentions it's airline-friendly, and our research backs that up. Folks have managed to use it on Delta, American, and Spirit flights without a hitch. As for your pet's physical comfort, this carrier is pretty sturdy. It's generally praised for being tough and functional. Still, a few things come up based on what some pet owners have experienced. Some folks have found the carrier's size a bit tricky to fit under certain airplane seats, especially on Southwest flights. Careful measuring and planning are essential to make sure it fits. In terms of using the carrier, there's a shoulder strap included, which is a nice touch, although a few people have mentioned it's not the comfiest because it lacks padding. If you have a long walk through the airport, that might be worth keeping in mind. It doesn't have expandable sides or a luggage strap either. Some would appreciate those for a bit more flexibility and easier hauling. All in all, our data suggests that the ROVERLUND pet carrier strikes a good balance between being practical and meeting airline rules. Just remember to double-check each airline's seat sizes ahead of time. A padded strap might be a good add-on for your comfort. Despite some minor issues, it seems to be a quality choice. Just make sure you prepare properly for your trip. It's also a smart move to test it out with your pet at home to see if they find it comfy. That way, you won't have any surprises on your journey.

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Runner-up: Sherpa Pet Carrier

Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Black Lattice Stitching, Large (Frustration Free Packaging) (55554)

The Sherpa Pet Carrier comes in as our 'Runner-up,' particularly shining for air travel due to its ability to fit under most airline seats. It features mesh panels that ensure proper ventilation and houses a cozy, removable, and washable liner.

With dimensions of 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches, it supports pets up to 16 pounds. Additionally, it includes a seatbelt strap for added safety during car rides. While some users have pointed out concerns about the hardware's long-term durability, its overall performance and user-friendliness still make it a strong contender in this category.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$57.20 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Vceoa Soft-Sided Cat Carrier

Vceoa 17.5x11x11 Inches Cat, Dog Carrier for Pets Up to 16 Lbs, Soft-Sided Cat Bag Animal Carriers Travel Puppy Carry As a Toy of Fabric Pet Home

For those looking to travel with their pets on a budget, the Vceoa Soft-Sided Cat Carrier offers superior value for its price under $25. Boasting tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, this carrier provides mesh ventilation on all four sides and has zippered entrances at the top and front for easy access.

Measuring 17.5 x 11 x 11 inches, it's suitable for pets up to 16 pounds. It includes a hard base and a soft mat for added comfort. Despite its budget-friendly price, the plastic hardware may feel less sturdy, and it lacks feet, meaning the bottom rests directly on the floor. Nonetheless, it's an excellent economical option, particularly for shorter trips.

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$19.99 at Amazon

Best for Large Pets: Gunner Kennel G1

When it comes to larger pets, the Gunner Kennel G1 is the 'Best for Large Pets' due to its incredibly robust and secure design. It has earned a 5-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), featuring a durable aluminum frame and reinforced construction.

Although it’s not suitable for in-cabin air travel, its resilient build makes it an excellent choice for car travel with larger dogs. It comes in various sizes, accommodating pets up to 110 pounds. While more expensive and bulkier than other options, the peace of mind provided by its superior protection makes it a worthy investment.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Long-Distance Car Trips: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier, Strawberry Red

For pet owners who frequently embark on long car trips, the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is a top pick. This versatile carrier doubles as a plush bed at home and easily transforms into a travel carrier with a simple zip. It is constructed from durable hardware and features a washable faux-fur lining and a sturdy nylon exterior.

Designed to fit pets up to 18 pounds, with dimensions of 22 x 10.5 x 10 inches, it can also compress to fit under airplane seats, making it suitable for air travel. Additionally, it’s crash-tested, underscoring its sturdy build quality and versatility. Its thoughtful design makes it a superb option for both long road trips and flights.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$184.99 at Amazon

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