For pet owners, the thought of traveling with their furry companions can be both exciting and daunting. While road trips may seem like a fun adventure, air travel with pets can be particularly stressful. Many airlines have strict guidelines for pet carriers, and it can be difficult to find one that meets the requirements while also ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety. Soft-sided pet carriers are a popular choice for flying with pets in the cabin, as they are generally more flexible and lightweight than hard-sided carriers. However, not all soft-sided carriers are created equal, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your furry friend.
One of the most important requirements is that your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and the combined weight of your pet and carrier must not exceed a certain limit. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best airline-approved soft-sided pet carriers available in the US, to help make your next trip with your pet a breeze.
Major US Airlines' Size Requirements For Pet Carriers
- Alaska Airlines - 17 inches long x 11 inches wide x 9.5 inches high
- Allegiant Air - 19 inches long x 16 inches wide x 9 inches high
- American Airlines - 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high
- Delta Air Lines - 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high
- Frontier Airlines - 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 8 inches high
- Hawaiian Airlines - 16 inches long x 10 inches wide x 9.5 inches high
- JetBlue Airways - 17 inches long x 12.5 inches wide x 8.5 inches high
- Southwest Airlines - 18.5 inches long x 13.5 inches wide x 8.5 inches high
- Spirit Airlines - 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high
- United Airlines - 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high
7 Best Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Pet Carriers in The US
1. Petskd Pet Carrier For Alaska Airlines (17x11x9.5)
The 17x11x9.5 Petskd Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who frequently travel by air. Specifically designed for Alaska Airlines passengers, the carrier is also compliant with other airlines. It boasts mesh ventilation on five sides, ensuring that pets stay cool and comfortable during their journey. Meanwhile, pet owners can easily check on their furry friends thanks to the carrier's multiple openings and non-slip zippers. Whether you're traveling with a cat, small dog, or other small pet, the Petskd Pet Carrier is a reliable and safe choice for your next trip.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 17"L x 11"W x 9.5"H
- Suitable for: Up to 10 pounds pets
- Target species: Cats, rabbits, small dogs
- 5 Mesh windows
- 3 Openings
- Built-in adjustable rope buckle
2. Petskd Pet Carrier For Delta, American, and United Airlines (17x11x10.5)
The 17x11x10.5 Petskd pet carrier is a must-have for pet owners who frequently travel on Delta, American, and United Airlines. This carrier is designed to meet the size requirements of these airlines, making it easy for pet owners to travel with their furry friends. The carrier is also equipped with mesh ventilation on five sides, ensuring that pets are comfortable throughout the journey. Additionally, the mesh material has been upgraded to prevent pets from tearing it with their nails and falling out of the carrier, providing pet owners with peace of mind during their travels.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 17"L x 11"W x 10.5"H
- Target species: Cats, rabbits, small dogs
- Features five Mesh windows
- Has three openings
- Built-in adjustable rope buckle
3. Petskd Pet Carrier For JetBlue and Allegiant Airlines (17x12x8.5)
Pet owners who frequently travel with JetBlue and Allegiant Airlines can now rest easy knowing that Petskd has designed the perfect carrier for their pets. This carrier is specifically sized to be in compliance with the requirements of both airlines, making travel a breeze. But that's not all - Petskd has also upgraded the carrier's structural design with stainless steel and fiber rods, ensuring that it will not become misshapen or sagged during transit. Your furry friend will be comfortable and secure in this carrier, no matter where your travels take you.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 17"L x 11"W x 10.5"H
- Target species: Cats, rabbits, small dogs
- Has five mesh windows and 3 openings
- Built-in adjustable rope buckle
- Material: Polyester and metal
4. Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier For Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines(16"Lx10"Wx9"H)
This carrier is a versatile option for pet owners who are looking for a comfortable and practical way to transport their small animals. With a normal size of 16"Lx 10"Wx 9"H and an expandable size of 23.5"Lx16"Wx 9"H, this carrier provides ample space for pets weighing up to 9 pounds, including rabbits, chinchillas, and ferrets. The carrier is also lightweight, weighing around 2.5 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The extra space created by the 2 mesh windows allows pets to stretch out and relax during a flight.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 15.75"L x 9.84"W x 9.06"H
- Target species: Small animals, cats, dogs
- 2 Expandable mesh windows
- Two flexible handles
- Thick comfy washable and removable plush pad
5. Petsfit Two-Way Placement Pet Carrier For Allegiant Air (19"x 12"x 9")
Petskd's Two-Way placement pet carrier is the perfect companion for Allegiant Airlines travelers with furry friends. Measuring 19" x 12" x 9", it accommodates pets up to 16 pounds, with dimensions of 18"x 11" x 8". This carrier boasts an airline-approved design that can be positioned horizontally or vertically, with a compressible top that can be reduced by 0.5". Its three openings have self-locking zippers and built-in safety ropes to connect to your pet's collar. The carrier's soft, removable, and washable cushions ensure extra comfort and hygiene for your pet during travel.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Petskd
- Dimensions: 19"L x 9"W x 12"H
- Target species: Cats, small dogs
- Features three openings
- 3 Mesh windows
- Built-in safety ropes
6. Lesure Collapsible Pet Carrier (17.5x11x11)
Lesure's pet carrier is a versatile option for frequent travelers, particularly those flying with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines. Measuring 17.5" x 11" x 11", it offers ample space for pets to move around, making it ideal for trips to the vet, vacations, and long car rides. The classic design features a detachable shoulder strap and is both safe for pets and comfortable for owners. The carrier's unique frame design ensures it maintains its shape even on long trips, while the waterproof fabric, anti-scratch mesh walls, and metal detailing offer added durability. Overall, this pet carrier is a great option for pet owners looking for a reliable and comfortable way to transport their furry friends.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Lesure
- Dimensions: 17.5"L x 11"W x 11"H
- Features a top mesh window
- Three-sided breathable mesh walls
- Airline-approved design
- Spacious and durable
7. Mr. Peanut's Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
When it comes to traveling with a pet, having the right carrier can make all the difference. The 18"L x 10.5"W x 11"H pet carrier is a great option for those with small pets up to 15 pounds. Not only does it fit pets up to 16"Lx10"H, but it also complies with major airline configurations, making it a versatile choice for air travel. In fact, some US pet owners have even flown with Southwest Airlines using this carrier without any issues. With its soft-sided design and adjustability, it's no wonder why this pet carrier is a popular choice for pet owners on the go.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Brand: Mr. Peanut's
- Dimensions: 18"L x 10.5"W x 11"H
- Features a padded shoulder strap
- Zippered mesh storage for treats
- Seatbelt attachments
- Removable fleece travel bed
Also check out:
