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Best Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Published Jul 27th, 2021 3:33PM EDT

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Let’s face it: we don’t like to leave our pets at home. Leaving them in a kennel is an even tougher idea and why pay to board them when you could bring them with you? If your dog or cat is a part of the family and you want to bring them on your next trip, you can do so thanks to these airline approved pet carriers. Whether it’s a service animal or just your family pet, having to worry about them when you are traveling isn’t fun for anyone. So check out our picks for the best airline approved pet carrier we’ve selected for you and hop the next flight with your pup.

Expand your airline approved pet carrier

Best Expandable Pet CarrierImage source: Petsfit/Amazon

If you’re looking for a carrier for in the air and on the ground, the Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier Dog Carriers gives your pet ample room. There are three different sizes you can choose from and each one is expandable to give your pet some more room to move around in. The medium is 17″ x 11″ x 11″ when closed and, when opened, it is 20″ x 17″ x 11″. The carrier can be folded completely flat when it is not in use. The solid wire structure keeps the carrier from collapsing and it is flexible enough to compress to fit under an airplane seat. This features self-locking zippers that prevent your pet from escaping. There are multiple ways to carry this, allowing you to juggle luggage and this at the same time.

Key Features:

  • Can be folded completely flat when not in use
  • Solid wire structure
  • Self-locking zippers
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Let you pet breathe in this airline approved pet carrier

Best Mesh Pet CarrierImage source: Sherpa/Amazon

To maximize air flow and allow you to see your pet inside, the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Pet Carrier has mesh windows on the sides, ends and top. It has a padded, adjustable strap for your shoulder, as well as a seat belt strap for the car or plane. The liner is washable, making the entire carrier easy to clean. The wire springs allow it to be folded and stored easily when not in use. Its size (17″ x 11″ x 10.5″) is perfect for a medium-sized pet.

Key Features:

  • Perfect for a medium-sized pet
  • Liner is washable
  • Padded, adjustable strap for your shoulder
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Easily get your pet through the airport

Best Pet Carrier on WheelsImage source: Petpeppy.com/Amazon

Petpeppy.com’s Premium Expandable Pet Carrier is ideal for wheeling your pet through the airport. It comes with 360° rotational and removable wheels as well as a 45° articulating and collapsible handle for simple transportation. It has an easy-to-use mechanism that detaches the wheels from the bag, so you can pick up the bag by the handle and continue to move. It is built for pets up to 14 lbs. and two of the sides are expandable. The ventilated top and sides make it great to be used at home or on the road. The carrier has a side pocket that you can store treats in.

Key Features:

  • Built for pets up to 14 pounds
  • Two of the sides are expandable
  • Comes with 360° rotational wheels
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Blend in with your luggage

Best Color VarietyImage source: Henkelion/Amazon

Don’t have the pet carrier stick out against your other luggage. With the Henkelion Cat Carrier Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Dogs, it won’t be a problem. There are six color options for you to choose from: grey, pink, purple, green, blue, and black. This will give you the opportunity to best match it up with your other cargo. This airline approved pet carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying. The adjustable shoulder strap helps you with hands-free carrying. It is waterproof and durable while being easy to wash. This can fit dogs or cats that are about 15 pounds.

Key Features:

  • Six color options
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Waterproof and durable
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Let your pet ride in comfort

Most ComfortableImage source: Amazon Basics

The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier provides some luxury for your pet. That’s because it is offered in three different sizes, depending on their height and length. It has a removable fleece pad that gives them a pleasant area to lay on top of. This has carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. There are soft sides that conform to the under seat dimensions of most airlines. The pad is machine washable. There is plenty of airflow for the pet, thanks to the mesh construction.

Key Features:

  • Plenty of airflow for the pet
  • Fleece pad gives them a pleasant area to lay on top of
  • Machine washable
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

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Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.