6 Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers in 2024 – tuft + paw

May 20,2024

If you want to fly with your cat, you’re going to need an airline approved cat carrier. We know traveling with your little buddy can be both an exciting adventure and stressful debacle, but choosing the right carrier can make it much more the former than the latter. In this article, we’ll tell you what to look for in a.
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If you want to fly with your cat, you’re going to need an airline approved cat carrier. We know traveling with your little buddy can be both an exciting adventure and stressful debacle, but choosing the right carrier can make it much more the former than the latter. In this article, we’ll tell you what to look for in a flight-friendly cat carrier and give you our picks for the 6 best airline approved cat carriers on the market today. Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the carrier features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which cat carriers offer the best overall performance. Tip: See our list of the best cat carriers and the best cat carriers for car travel for even more carrier recommendations. Note: The term airline approved is not regulated or standardized. It simply means the cat carrier will meet the size requirements for some airlines, not all airlines. Every airline has their own specific carry-on regulations, so double check those before booking a flight with your cat. Cheat Sheet: The Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers 1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier Main Pros top & front entry, converts into bed, quality materials, hidden structural panels, limits stimulation for anxious cats, water resistant, seatbelt & luggage compatible, folds flat for storage, ID tag, interior safety tether, stylish design Cons pricey, some cats may prefer more mesh Size 18.75L x 10.5W x 11.25H Weight Limit 30 lbs Price $99 2) Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier Main Pros adjustable sizing for airline restrictions, quality construction, 4-star CPS crash rating, luggage compatible, privacy insert for mesh windows, interior safety tether, stylish design Cons expensive, relies on one giant zipper Size 22L x 10.5W x 10H (length folds to 16”) Weight Limit 18 lbs Price $200 3) Sturdibag 2.0 Pro Pet Carrier (Size Small) Main Pros durable materials, flexible size, limits stimulation for anxious cats, fully machine washable, front and top entry w/ privacy flaps, luggage compatible, interior safety tether, locking safety zippers, removable platform base, replacement parts available Cons limited ventilation, may be cramped for large cats, pricey Size 18L x 10W x 10H Weight Limit 25 lbs Price $94 4) Sherpa Original Deluxe Medium Pet Carrier Main Pros covered by Guaranteed-On-Board Program, top & front entry, solid base panel, locking safety zippers, flexible spring-wire frame, 1 year warranty, available in S, M, L Cons insecure luggage strap, uncomfortable shoulder strap, no interior safety tether, some quality concerns Size 17L x 11W x 10.5H Weight Limit 16 lbs Price $39 ($70 full price) 5) Mr Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier Main Pros top & front entry, quality materials, self-locking zippers, ID tag, privacy flap for mesh windows, interior safety tether, removable plywood base, luggage compatible, portion of profits go to animal shelters Cons vegan leather components flake over time, some quality inconsistencies, pricey Size 18L x 10.5W x 11H Weight Limit 15 lbs Price $89 6) Diggs Passenger Travel Pet Carrier Main Pros comes with pee pads, high quality materials, top, front, and side entry, 5-star CPS crash rating, Luggage compatible, Limited side visibility for anxious cats, Interior safety tether, Stylish design, 1 year warranty Cons expensive, some quality concerns, no instructions included, too large for some airlines, doesn’t fold flat Size 20L x 10.8W x 11.5H Weight Limit 18 lbs Price $195 What is an Airline Approved Cat Carrier? A cat carrier that is “airline approved” meets the under-seat luggage size requirements for most airlines. A minority of airline approved carriers are approved by specific airlines to be used as carry-ons, but most are not. Most airline approved cat carriers have the following characteristics: Dimensions of roughly 18”L x 11”W x 11”H Soft sided construction Multiple mesh vent panels Trolley sleeve for attaching to luggage handles Every airline has their own specific size requirements for pet carriers, so always check before you fly. Never assume that a carrier advertised as “airline approved” will automatically be allowed on a flight. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and Center for Pet Safety have useful information about how to fly with pets and are worth consulting before booking your flight. Note: Due to size restrictions, most carriers designed for large cats are not airline approved. Credit: Daniel Eledut on Unsplash Flying With a Cat In-Cabin vs Cargo Hold We do not generally recommend traveling with your cat in cargo unless you have no other choice. The cargo hold is a loud, dark, and scary place for a cat, and you can’t always trust luggage handlers to carry them as gently as you would. Furthermore, the cargo hold cannot be accessed from the passenger cabin, so your poor cat will be on their own for the duration of the flight. A hard-sided kennel is required for animals to fly in the cargo hold. We always recommend flying with your cat in-cabin whenever possible. This way you can keep tabs on your little buddy should they need any help, and it’s more comfortable for them too. Comfort and safety are always top priority when traveling with your cat. Permitted Carrier Dimensions for Leading Airlines American Airlines 18” x 11” x 11” Delta 18” x 11” x 11” United 18” x 11” x 11” Southwest 18.5” x 13.5” x 9.5” Alaska 17” x 11” x 9.5” JetBlue 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 What to Look for in an Airline Approved Cat Carrier When choosing an airline approved cat carrier, several key factors come into play. These considerations ensure that the carrier meets both the airline's regulations and your cat's comfort and safety requirements. Compliance With Airline Regulations The most important feature for an airline approved cat carrier is its airline approval. While each airline has its own set of rules regarding carrier dimensions, you can cover most of your bases by getting a carrier with dimensions of roughly 18”L x 11”W x 11”H. Make sure it’s soft-sided too so you have some wiggle room. Speaking of which… Soft Sided Soft sided cat carriers are the best choice if you want to fly with your cat in-cabin. These carriers are lightweight, flexible, and easy to maneuver, making them convenient for fitting under airplane seats and navigating through airports. The best soft sided carriers also have a plush interior bed, which makes for a comfy home-away-from-home for your cat when you reach your destination. Porto Cat Carrier in Charcoal by tuft + paw - Shop Here Cat Comfort Once you’ve determined your carrier is actually allowed on board a plane, the next most important thing is your cat’s comfort. Make sure the carrier is large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and adjust their position. As mentioned above, the best carriers will come with a cushioned bed, but you can also add blankets and cushions yourself to ensure a cozy flight for your cat. Adjustable Sizing Some airline approved cat carriers have an adjustable sizing feature, which is great for peace of mind when buying flight tickets for you and your feline. This feature allows you to adjust the carrier's dimensions to fit under an airplane seat (while still comfortably accommodating your cat). Trolley Sleeve Having a cat carrier with a built-in trolley sleeve (also called a luggage strap) can be a game-changer when traveling by plane. The strap allows you to secure the carrier onto the telescoping handle of your suitcase, adding a much-appreciated dose of convenience to traveling with your cat. Porto Cat Carrier in Sand by tuft + paw - Shop Here Ventilation + Visibility Proper ventilation is crucial for your cat's well-being during air travel. Look for carriers with mesh panels or windows that provide ample airflow. Good ventilation ensures that your cat remains comfortable and cool throughout the journey, and prevents dangerous overheating. A well-ventilated carrier will have multiple mesh windows, which will also provide visibility for your cat. Every cat has different preferences when it comes to seeing outside their carrier. Some prefer it, others get very anxious and overstimulated. Know your cat's preferences and choose a carrier based on their goldilocks zone: enough mesh for airflow and visibility, but not so much that it's overwhelming. Accessibility (for security checks) When passing through security checks at the airport, it's important to have a carrier that allows easy accessibility. Look for carriers with multiple entry points, such as top-loading options, to facilitate hassle-free security checks. Easy access not only speeds up the process but also reduces stress for both you and your cat. It also helps when getting your cat into the carrier. A carrier that can open from both the top and side improves accessibility. Porto Cat Carrier by tuft + paw - Shop Here Safety Features A great airline approved cat carrier will have safety features to keep your cat secure while traveling. Two key features to look out for are 1) zipper safety clips to prevent the zippers from being forced open, and 2) an interior safety tether for clipping onto your cat’s harness. When bringing your cat to a busy and unfamiliar place like the airport, the risk of them trying to make a break for it should be taken seriously—well-designed safety features help minimize that risk. Material & Durability The best airline approved carriers are made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for a carrier with sturdy stitching, quality zippers, and robust handles/straps. A well-constructed carrier will provide peace of mind knowing that your cat is safe and secure throughout the journey. ID Tag In the case of lost luggage (and a lost cat), having an ID tag on the carrier is essential for easy identification. You can add an ID tag yourself, but the best carriers will have a designated area for writing your contact information. Easy to Clean Unfortunately, sometimes are feline buddies get a little nervous when traveling and do their business inside the carrier. In these instances, a cat carrier with a water-resistant interior and machine washable removable bed come in super handy. @tuftandpaw Replying to @lola_corolla Accidents can happen, but rest assured, our materials are designed for easy cleaning. If a mess occurs, start by using paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any solid waste or excess liquid. Gently blot the affected area with a dry cloth to soak up the remaining liquid. Then, apply a mild, unscented laundry soap to spot-clean the area. Let it air dry, and if a stain persists, consider using a household fabric stain remover following the manufacturer's spot treatment instructions for upholstery. For urine stains, use an enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine, available at most pet stores. The bed is machine-washable on a gentle, cold cycle, and it's best to air-dry it. Minor scuffs or stains can be tackled with a stain remover pen. #largecatcarrier #neutralcatcarrier #highqualitycatcarrier #travelingwithcats #easytocleancatcarrier #catcarrier ♬ original sound - editzzz Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers Airplane compatibility — Includes the carrier’s dimensions, luggage compatibility, and any airline certifications. Build quality — A good carrier should be sturdy, made from durable materials, and able to comfortably hold a large cat. Cat comfort — A comfortable carrier should have soft interior surfaces, a stable structure, and enough room for a cat to stand and turn around in. Ease of use — This includes the carrier’s strap design, entryways (top and/or front entry), carrying comfort, and method of carrying (e.g. backpack vs shoulder bag) Ease of cleaning — Easily cleaned carriers are made from water resistant materials and have removable bedding/liners. Ease of storage — Is the carrier collapsible to save storage space? Ventilation + visibility — Includes how much mesh is incorporated into the carrier and whether there is a privacy flap. Car compatibility — Includes the carrier’s seat belt compatibility and whether it has been crash tested. Safety features — Includes internal safety tethers, zipper buckles, etc. Other features — Anything else that improves the carrier’s functionality, like pockets or an ID card. Style — Cats don’t care much, but a stylish carrier is nice for humans. Price point Deep Dive: The 6 Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers 1) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier Price: $99Rating: N/ASize: 18.75L x 10.5W x 11.25HWeight Limit: 30 lbsMaterials: Water-resistant canvas and liner, spacer mesh, foam, metal, faux shearling Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat carrier here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat carriers on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other product on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents. Our pick for the best airline approved cat carrier is the tuft + paw Porto. It offers everything we want as cat parents for under $100. Getting cats into and out of the carrier is always a hassle–especially when traveling–and the Porto fixes this problem with its innovative zipper structure. This allows each panel to be unzipped independently, so cat parents can open or close it as needed, whether that’s just opening the front door, completely opening the top, or converting it into a “home away from home” when you reach your destination. Leaving it out in its unzipped bed form lets your cat get comfortable with it and associate it with relaxing rather than scary traveling (a big problem with most carriers). It also really comes in handy for vet visits and security checks. The faux shearling padding serves as a small bed or a larger lounging surface when unfurled. It’s also removable and machine washable. The body of the Porto is made of a durable water-resistant canvas and features hidden structural panels to keep its shape. Importantly, the body of the carrier is still flexible enough to squeeze under an airplane seat. The mesh windows allow for visibility and airflow, but they’re strategically placed to limit stimulation for anxious cats. It’s also seatbelt- and luggage-compatible, and its dimensions meet carry-on regulations for most major airlines. Cat parents will also appreciate the ID tag and interior safety tether when on the go. This makes the Porto an incredible travel companion, and its ability to convert into a cozy bed will help your cat feel at home wherever you go. In terms of weaknesses, larger cats or those prone to overheating may prefer a carrier with more mesh for ventilation. At $99, the Porto offers great value compared to other carriers on the market, but it may be slightly out of budget for some. Pros Cons Top & front entry Quality materials Machine washable removable bed Converts into cozy bed Hidden structural panels Water-resistant material Seat belt compatible Luggage compatible Mesh panels for ventilation Limits stimulation for anxious cats Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether ID tag One exterior pocket Multiple color options Stylish design Some cats may prefer more mesh Pricey @tuftandpaw Join us for an exclusive hangout with Zoe, our Director of Product at tuft + paw, as she takes us on a tour of the Porto Cat Carrier. Zoe dives into the details our product design team poured their hearts into perfecting. She highlights the carrier's remarkable features, including its water-resistant canvas, a coated bottom panel for base protection, breathable mesh windows for ventilation and visibility, the convenience of slipping it over luggage handles for effortless airport travel, its compatibility with securing onto a car seat, an outer pocket for storage, a shoulder strap for easy carrying, and internal wires and structural panels that ensure the carrier's shape remains intact, avoiding any sagging or flattening. Moreover, it boasts a built-in name tag for travel and vet visits, the ability to partially unzip for a home away from home experience, and a removable, foldable faux shearling bed for ultimate comfort. For added convenience, it can be fully unzipped and collapsed for easy storage. Loading your cat into the carrier is a breeze, whether from the top or the side entry. The Porto Cat Carrier is available in two sophisticated colors, Sand and Charcoal, to suit your style preferences. 🐾✈️ #catcarriereview #cattravelessentials #bestcatcarrier2023 #travelingwithcat #comfycatcarrier #neutralcatcarrier #portocatcarrier #largecatcarrier #cleaningcatcarrierr ♬ Cooking, bossa nova, adults, light(950693) - Kids Sound 2) Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier Credit: Price: $200Rating: 4.5/5 with 850 reviewsSize: 22L x 10.5W x 10H (length folds to 16”)Weight Limit: 18 lbsMaterials: Nylon outer, polyester mesh and interior fleece, metal zips Our runner up for the best airline approved cat carrier is the Sleepypod Air. This stylish, high-end carrier is an excellent choice for cat parents who fly frequently and have a bigger cat carrier budget. The main reason it ranks so highly on this list is thanks to the foldable end sections, which can be easily flipped up to fit under different sized airline seats. This size flexibility offers peace of mind for cat parents who are scared of getting turned away at the airport. It also has a solid trolley sleeve, seatbelt loop, and it’s even been crash tested by the Center for Pet Safety. Comfort-wise, the top mesh section of the carrier provides good airflow, but it can also be blacked out by a privacy insert if your cat is an anxious traveler. Finally, we love that the plush bedding is removable and machine washable. Understandably, the main weakness of such a deluxe cat carrier is the $200 price tag, which is certainly out of reach for some cat parents. The other notable weakness is the reliance on a single large zipper to open and close the top section of the carrier. This means any problems with the zipper could make the carrier functionally useless. Pros Cons Quality materials Adjustable size Machine washable removable bedding Water-resistant material Luggage compatible Seat belt compatible 4-star CPS crash rating Well-ventilated + privacy insert Tote handle & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether Two exterior zip pockets Multiple color options Expensive Relies on one giant zipper 3) Sturdibag 2.0 Pro Pet Carrier (Size Small) Credit: Sturdi Products Price: $94 Rating: 4.5/5 with 200 reviews Size: 18L x 10W x 10H Weight Limit: 25 lbs Materials: 600D polyester, foam bedding, faux leather If your cat suffers from travel anxiety and would rather not see the big scary outdoors, then the Sturdibag 2.0 Pro might be perfect for them. This hard-wearing bag is made almost entirely from 600D polyester and has relatively few windows, which helps muffle noises and reduce visual stimulation. The flexible frame can be compressed to reduce the height of the carrier when stored under an airplane seat, and the length can be adjusted by removing the longitudinal support rods and/or base platform. This makes the Sturdibag 2.0 a great option if you fly often and adjustable sizing is paramount. We also love that the entire carrier is machine washable and replacement parts are available on Sturdibag’s website. The Sturdibag 2.0 Pro has many strengths, but the reason it didn’t rank higher is largely due to the limited ventilation. To reduce visual stimulation and improve the bag’s sturdiness, mesh windows had to be forfeited, resulting in worse airflow. It’s up to cat parents to decide whether that’s the right tradeoff for their cat’s comfort. Additionally, the small size of this carrier may be cramped for large cats. Cat parents can size up, but that will limit which airlines you can bring your cat on. Finally, at $94 this carrier isn’t the most expensive on our list, but it’s still pricey. Note: We chose the small size of the Sturdibag 2.0 Pro because it complies with most airline’s carrier size guidelines and is the best fit for most cats. M-XXL models are also available. Pros Cons Durable materials (25lb weight limit!) Flexible height and length Limits stimulation for anxious cats Fully machine washable Machine washable removable bedding Front and top entry w/ privacy flaps Luggage compatible Interior safety tether Locking safety zippers Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Seatbelt compatible One exterior pocket Removable platform base Replacement parts available Lots of color options Limited ventilation May be cramped for large cats Pricey 4) Sherpa Original Deluxe Medium Pet Carrier Credit: Chewy Price: $39 ($70 full price) Rating: 4.6/5 with 11,200 reviews Size: 17L x 11W x 10.5H Weight Limit: 16 lbs Materials: Polyester, plastic, metal If you’re on the market for a new cat carrier, chances are you’ve heard of Sherpa’s Original Deluxe Carrier, and that’s justified–it’s been around for ages and covers most cat parents’ bases for an affordable price. Like the Sturdibag, this Sherpa carrier has a flexible frame which allows the back end to squeeze under most airplane seats without sacrificing structure. It’s got a generous helping of mesh for ventilation, and the body of the carrier is made from a water-resistant polyester. Inside, the cozy bedding is removable and machine washable. What deserves separate mention is Sherpa’s Guaranteed-On-Board Program, which will reimburse the cost of a cat parent’s flight if they are denied entry because of the pet carrier’s size. This program applies only to the small and medium sizes of this carrier. On the cons side, some recent reviews have mentioned the build quality of the current carrier is worse than older versions. Other reviewers found the shoulder strap uncomfortable and the luggage strap insecure. Sadly, there’s also no interior safety tether—a feature we definitely look for in airplane-friendly carriers. Pros Cons Guaranteed-On-Board Program (small & medium only) Flexible sizing due to spring-wire frame Top and front entry Machine washable removable bedding Water-resistant material Luggage compatible Seat belt compatible Well-ventilated Solid base panel Tote handle & shoulder strap Folds flat for storage One exterior pocket Locking safety zippers 1 year warranty Luggage strap works poorly Shoulder strap unpadded No interior safety tether Some quality concerns 5) Mr Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier Credit: Mr Peanut's Price: $89 Rating: 4.7/5 with 2,700 reviews Size: 18L x 10.5W x 11H Weight Limit: 15 lbs Materials: Nylon, metal hardware Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Pet Carrier is an excellent choice for cat parents who want an all-around carrier that still meets most airlines’ size requirements. It’s luggage- and seatbelt-compatible, has plenty of mesh windows for airflow and visibility, and the built-in privacy flaps can be rolled down if your cat gets anxious. The fabric is an easily-cleaned water-resistant nylon, and the removable bed can be machine washed according to some reviewers (though the brand recommends hand washing). Traveling cat parents will also appreciate the safety features–an interior safety tether and self-locking zippers. Did we mention it has top and front entry too? Basically, this carrier has everything most cat parents need for under a Benjamin. This carrier has few glaring weaknesses, but most revolve around quality inconsistencies. A small minority of reviews mention stitching issues and poor mesh durability. From a pure style standpoint, we also don’t love the vegan leather trim, which can flake over time. Of course, this is purely a cosmetic issue and shouldn’t affect the carrier’s structural integrity. It also doesn’t have any air-travel-specific features that would elevate it on this list. Note: We also considered the expandable version of this carrier, but did not pick it due to the higher price point and durability concerns regarding the expandable mesh sections. Pros Cons Top & front entry Quality materials Machine washable removable bed Removable plywood base Water-resistant material Seat belt compatible Luggage compatible Well-ventilated w/ privacy flap option Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Folds flat for storage Interior safety tether Self-locking zippers ID tag Two exterior pockets Multiple color options Portion of profits go to animal shelters Vegan leather components flake over time Some quality inconsistencies 6) Diggs Passenger Travel Pet Carrier Credit: Diggs Price: $195 Rating: 4.3/5 with 78 Diggs reviews Size: 20L x 10.8W x 11.5H Weight Limit: 18 lbs Materials: Nylon, metal hardware The Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier is a luxury option for the traveling cat parent. It may look more like a high-end weekend bag than a pet carrier, but it’s got pet-friendly features a-plenty — we’re talking three different entryways, water-resistant nylon body, and a hand-washable cozy foam bed. The side walls are mostly windowless so as to not overstimulate nervous cats, but the ventilation is still adequate. Safety-minded cat parents will appreciate the 5-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety, seat belt buckles, and interior safety tether. Diggs’ cherry on top is that this carrier is compatible with pee pads—just change them out through the side door whenever necessary. If your cat has a tendency to soil their carrier, this feature could be seriously helpful. Unfortunately, this carrier does have some drawbacks, the first of which is the price: at $195, it’s in the same ballpark as the Sleepypod Air. For such a steep price, some cat parents were unimpressed with the lack of instructions provided, especially considering how many features this carrier boasts. Some reviewers encountered weak stitching, though this was a small minority. Frustratingly, this carrier is also slightly too big for some airlines’ requirements, which limits travel options for cat parents. Lastly, it doesn’t fold flat for storage. Pros Cons Top, front, and side entry Quality materials Water-resistant material Hand washable removable bed Seat belt compatible 5-star CPS crash rating Luggage compatible Well-ventilated Limited side visibility for anxious cats Tote handles & padded shoulder strap Comes with puppy pad Interior safety tether Three exterior pockets Multiple color options Stylish design 1 year warranty Expensive Some quality concerns No instructions included Too large for some airlines Doesn’t fold flat Conclusion Flying with your cat can be a daunting mission, but with the right airline approved cat carrier you can significantly ease the process. We hope this list has provided you with some insights on what to look for and which carrier might be right for you and your cat. Our top choice is the tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier for its versatility, high quality materials, and design. Our two runners-up are the Sleepypod Air and Sturdibag 2.0 Pro because of their handy adjustable sizing and plethora of features. If you’re on a budget, we think the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier is your best bet, and their Guaranteed-On-Board program is an awesome service for frequent flyers. If you don’t fly too often but want a versatile carrier that can do it all, Mr Peanut’s Gold Series will serve you well. Finally, Diggs Passenger Carrier is a sleek option for cat parents who value stylish design. Whichever carrier you choose, just remember to double check each airline’s pet carrier regulations before you book your next cat-inclusive trip. Good luck and happy flying!