Pet Carriers
Travel in style!
Traveling with a our pet can be tough, but these carriers help transport your pet in comfort. With essential features and plenty of ventilation, you and your pet will feel at ease.
Most Recommended Pet Carriers to Keep Dogs & Cats Comfortable & Safe in Transit
Traveling with a pet requires sorting out a whole lot of logistics—beyond making sure your own packing list has been properly ticked off, you’ll need to factor in the food, toys, and gear your pet will need on the road and wherever you’re headed. But even before that’s been mapped out, you’ll want to find a trustworthy pet carrier. Reliable, comfortable, and sturdy pet carriers to throw over your shoulder or on your back when your hands are full make navigating the airport a more streamlined experience, and keep your pet comfortable while in transit.
Scroll down for a dozen great pet carriers for dogs and cats, including a space-age pod that's perfect for naps and a carrier that attaches to your favorite carry-on—but first, a few tips to keep in mind while you shop and plan.
Does a dog carrier count as a carry-on?
Pet carriers must fit under the seat in front of you. However, they can effect 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 side 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 it'll fit your pet.
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.
