Traveling with pets can involve many challenges, but having a designated carrier to safely and comfortably transport your pet can make the journey much easier. A good one should meet the airline material and size requirements and comfortably fit your furry friend. Our top picks for the best pet carriers include the EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, and we also recommend the Henkelion Pet Carrier.
The best pet carriers for flying are lightweight, comfortably fit your pet, and adhere to your airline’s size and weight requirements.
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“When I’m helping clients choose a carrier for air travel, I always tell them to prioritize structure and ventilation,” says Ezra Ameis, DVM and founder of Paw Priority Veterinary Urgent Care. “A good carrier keeps its shape when lifted, has plenty of airflow and is easy to secure under an airplane seat.” Other important factors include sturdy zippers that won’t break and enough structure so that it won’t collapse onto your pet. Ahead, the best dog carriers for airplane travel in 2025.
EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag
Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric | Maximum pet weight: 18 pounds
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to carry
Side pockets for storing pet accessories
Removable bed
Cons:
Mesh panels on the smaller side
If you’re bringing your furry friend on an upcoming trip, the EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is our top choice overall thanks to its light yet durable construction, convenient size and portability. The exterior pockets can fit brushes, doggy bags, a leash or other pet accessories you might need on the road. The straps are comfortable to carry, and the mesh netting on the front and sides provides excellent ventilation for your pet. There’s also a removable bed inside to give your furry friend a soft surface to sleep on—and you can choose from two sizes.
Dimensions: 18 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Material: Polyester | Maximum pet weight: 25 pounds
Pros:
Has a luggage sleeve
Removable and washable bed
Shoulder strap converts to a leash
Rear pocket for pet accessories
Cons:
On the pricier side
While many pet carriers have a more utilitarian design, this option from Roverlund has a stylish design that stands out when you’re traveling (there are seven fun colors and patterns to choose from). Beyond its eye-catching aesthetic, it has tons of helpful features, including a luggage sleeve, a convertible rope shoulder strap and washable fleece bedding. When it’s not being used, it folds flat for easy storage, and the bottom is leak-resistant.
Best Dog Crate For Flying
Ideal For Medium-Size Pets
Amazon
Petmate Sky Kennel
Dimensions: 24.2 x 19.5 x 18.2 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Material: Polypropylene | Maximum pet weight: 30 pounds
Pros:
Luggage sleeve
Removable and washable bed
Shoulder strap converts to a leash
Rear pocket for pet accessories
Cons:
Specifically for cargo travel
If you’re searching for a crate that meets most airline cargo requirements, the Petmate Sky Kennel is a great option. It’s constructed from polypropylene, a type of plastic that’s durable and strong yet relatively light, which lends itself well to a travel crate. There are openings on every side of the crate for ventilation, and there’s enough room for your pet to move around without feeling cramped. This is the largest pet carrier we recommend and is therefore suitable for medium-sized pets that could benefit from the extra space.
Best Cat Carrier For Flying
Compact With Excellent Ventilation
Amazon
Henkelion Pet Carrier
Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 11 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Dual seat belt or luggage strap
Comfortable loop handles
Cozy mat
Cons:
It may be too small for larger cats
Does not meet the airline size requirements for some airlines like Southwest Airlines or Alaska Airlines
Traveling with a cat requires a slightly smaller carrier, and the Henkelion Pet Carrier fits the bill. Three large mesh panels open to help you quickly and conveniently remove your pet, and a safety leash provides peace of mind. The zippers are sturdy, and there’s a cozy mat on the bottom to keep your cat comfortable. “We used these carriers for our cross-country move, flying with our two cats from NY to LA, as well as for the occasional vet appointments,” says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung. “They were just the right size for our medium-sized kitties while abiding by in-flight regulations. The overall quality was good, and it felt sturdy with smooth zippers and a cozy little washable pad at the bottom.”
Best Small Dog Carrier For Flying
Structured Option Keeps Smaller Dogs Secure
Amazon
Mr. Peanuts Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Material: 600D nylon | Maximum pet weight: 15 pounds
Pros:
Structured frame holds its shape well
Waterproof bottom panel
Integrated ID holder
Leash tether
Cons:
Pockets could be bigger
To ensure your smaller pet travels comfortably, this pet carrier has many helpful features that make it a top choice. The nylon exterior is structured enough that it won’t fold in on your pet, and the self-locking zippers can’t be opened from the inside. There’s also a leash tether, name tag holder, reinforced mesh panels on all sides for airflow and seat belt straps for extra safety. “I’ve been using this pet carrier for over four years, and it has held up really well,” says Forbes Vetted supervising deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “It fits perfectly under an airplane seat, and I love that it’s lightweight and has a luggage sleeve since I always have my hands full while traveling. My dog is also really comfortable in it—the interior is spacious and soft and doesn’t make her feel cramped or trapped like other designs I’ve tested.”
Best Dog Carrier With Wheels
Versatile Option That's Easy To Maneuver
Chewy
Katziela Rolling Rover Airline Approved Bag
Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Material: 600D nylon | Maximum pet weight: 22 pounds
Pros:
Expandable telescopic handle
Six wheels for easy movement
Wheel baseboard is removable
Cons:
No pockets or leash tether
Navigating a busy airport or bus terminal with luggage of your own in addition to a pet can be stressful and cumbersome, which is why you might opt for a pet carrier on wheels. The Katziela Rolling Rover Airline Approved Bag is a top-rated option with six wheels attached to the base (the entire baseboard is removable), and the expandable telescopic handle makes it easy to move. Similar to other picks on our list, there’s a padded handle and removable shoulder strap, breathable mesh panels on several sides, and a fleece pad that keeps your pet comfortable. If you’re transporting a larger pet, this bag can accommodate animals up to 22 pounds; the only carrier on our list that can accommodate larger pets (by weight) is the Petmate Sky Kennel.
How We Chose The Best Pet Carriers For Flying
We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best dog carriers for airplanes.
The winners were evaluated based on their materials, dimensions, portability, durability and maintenance. As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
We researched all the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation and positive reviews, focusing on models with an average rating of at least four stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Consider In A Pet Carrier For Flying
When traveling with your pet, several features ensure your pet is safe and comfortable. After consulting an expert, here are three key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Materials And Ventilation
Look for durable materials that hold their shape so the frame won’t sag or collapse on your pet during transit. There should also be a minimum of 16% ventilation (of the total surface area) so there’s cross ventilation. “Durable nylon or polyester with reinforced mesh panels tends to be the sweet spot for in-cabin carriers,” says Ameis. “They’re lightweight, tough and breathable. For pets flying in cargo, rigid plastic kennels with metal doors are the safest option; they can withstand impact, prevent escape and meet most international airline requirements. Avoid carriers with thin plastic clips, overly flexible sides or decorative mesh that can tear with a single claw swipe.”
Size
According to Ameis, the general rule of thumb is that your pet should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. “I always recommend measuring your pet’s length (nose to base of tail) and height (floor to top of head or ears, whichever is taller) before you shop. Then compare those numbers to the airline’s size restrictions, not just the manufacturer’s label.” Soft-sided carriers are flexible and can slide underneath the seat in front of you, but you’ll still want enough space for your pet to switch positions comfortably.
Safety Features
Carriers with self-locking zippers, ripstop mesh and interior tethers are advisable, as they prevent your pet from opening or damaging the carrier while in transit. Seat belt straps are another helpful feature that adds another layer of security.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage and travel products.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel, fashion and beauty topics.
This article was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel, beauty and fashion verticals. She is an avid traveler who used one of our picks to transport her two cats from NY to LA, as well as for the occasional vet appointments.
We regularly update this story to ensure our recommendations remain relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best TSA-approved pet carrier that we recommend is the EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, which is a lightweight polyester carrier with mesh panels on the front and sides. We like that it includes a seatbelt loop and a removable bed to keep your pet more comfortable.
There isn’t a label that designates a carrier as “FAA-aproved,” but it should meet the requirements of the airline you are flying with. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the airline you’re flying (or any other mode of public transportation).
As long as the carrier is under 12 inches in height, it should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. However, be sure to check the airline regulations before you fly.
