Air Travel Planned? Check Out These Top, Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

(photo credit: Javier Brosch / shutterstock.com)

If you’ve ever flown out on vacation, you already know the stress of flight delays, missed connections, and crowds of travellers all standing in line trying to get through security.

And if your adventures include the family pet, there’s more worry about whether your little buddy will be chill with all these new sights, sounds, and people. Or is he/she going to have a meltdown and fret (yowl and bark) the entire way? Particularly problematic if they’re accompanying you in the cabin.

Now, if they’re flying cargo (gulp!) your mind will run amok – have they broken out and are they running around amidst the luggage? Are they inconsolable and crying for you? Are they too cold, too warm… you know the drill.

Assuming that a splurge on a private airline isn’t in the cards, you’ll need to work within the confines of commercial air travel. That means the rules and restrictions put out by each airline.

But you can gain a little peace of mind before packing your bags… and your pet.

Number one, prep your pet for travel. Feed him well in advance of take-off, ensure he’s had a “productive” potty break, and then hold back on snacks and liquids before putting him back into his crate or carrier. This is particularly true if your pet is going to travel in the cabin with you and may become vocal about needing to relieve himself.

Pack his favorite blanket, toys, or a worn article of clothing. All may bring him comfort when you’re not handy.

Finally, do your homework. All airlines have pet travel standards and while many are similar (size, breed, and carrier type) for in-cabin and (crate size/construction) for cargo, there are some important differences that if missed, can make the difference between being able to board your flight, or not.

For travel via cargo, all airlines dictate the animal must be over eight weeks of age, weaned, and, depending on your destination, you need proof of age and vaccination. Sick or injured animals may be declined while those with a chronic condition (such as diabetes) may require a medical certificate – particularly for international travel.

Receiving any of these documents can be a lengthy process, so plan ahead to avoid added stress or possible disappointment.

If your pet tends to be a nervous nelly and travels best with a dose of Gravol or mild sedative, be aware most airlines will decline to accept your pet if he’s been dosed. This is due to the “considerable risk in sedating animals transported by air, as tranquillizers reduce the ability of the animals to respond to stress during transportation.”

Further, several airlines refuse to accept brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies, etc.) because of the high risk of health issues.

Now, when it comes to airline-approved crates and carriers, all agree that the container must be sturdy, clean/odour-free, have no cracks or damage, have substantial ventilation on three if not four sides, and be sized so that the animal can stand, lay, and turnaround, comfortably. For cargo travel, wheels need to be removable and when it comes to pets accompanying their owner, the carrier must fit under the seat.

So, which are the best of the best when it comes to meeting these stringent standards?

This airline-approved travel kennel from SportPet ticks a number of the requirements and is ideal for larger pets who fly cargo. Metal bolts safely secure both halves of the crate, appropriate ventilation includes a series of metal grids with slats narrow enough to prevent noses and paws from sticking through. And rolling wheels that make it easy for you to move through the airport with your pet pre-boarding, can be easily removed when it’s time to check your pet.

If your vacation includes your small dog or feline companion, this Henkelion Carrier for pets up to 15 pounds, is a winner. Its lightweight polyester shell is perfect for tucking under seats pre-takeoff and with multi-side ventilation, your pet can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the flight. Best of all, you can check on/interact with him as needed. An adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes it easy to disembark and move through the airport with ease.

I love how this Petmate Sky Kennel anticipates and responds to the IATA requirements for pet travel. Heavy duty, plastic construction with 360-degree ventilation and interior food/water dishes to keep your pet happy and content during travel. This manufacturer has also included two “live animal” stickers, ID stickers, and an absorbent pee pad to help your pet stay clean and dry. This unit is sized to hold a small to medium dog weighing between 15 and 30 pounds.

Protecting your pet from the bumps and jolts that can come with air travel is important and this heavy-duty SPORT PET Guardian dog crate can help. Made from super durable plastic with a steel frame door, this dog kennel features padded outer corners to help buffer dings and bounces and make this unit a little more shock-resistant than most. A three-bolt latch system and side slots versus an open grid, allow your pet to feel a little cozier and secure. Interior food and water bowls and wheels that can be removed before loading, mean this big boy is totally IATA compliant.

In-cabin travel for your pet doesn’t have to become stressful as you push and shove their carrier under your seat before take-off. This Sherpa pet carrier has you covered with its patented spring wire frame that allows the rear part of the unit to be compressed several inches for easy under-seat tucking. Mesh sides allow for optimal air circulation and a waterproof base with removable, washable liner keeps your pet dry and comfortable. Add in escape-proof locking zippers and you’ll understand why this option is airline-approved.

Even though your pet needs to remain in their carrier and under your seat during flights, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a chance to stretch out and relax pre- and post-boarding. That’s just one reason I love this large soft side carrier. with top and front entry. You see, in addition to meeting all the airline standards regarding ventilation and tuck-ability, both sides of this waterproof carrier fold down flat to create a wider floor space for your pet to stretch out. A breathable mesh canopy continues to provide protection and allow you to interact with your pet when not in flight.

Travelling with kids, loads of luggage, a carry-on and more? This rolling Petsfit Carrier with snap-on/off wheels is exactly what you need when adding a pet to the mix. It’s essentially a mobile platform with a pet travel carrier attached. Five mesh panels ensure optimal ventilation and make this unit fully IATA-compliant. Harried travellers will love the caster-style wheels that rotate a full 360 degrees and that elongated handle that makes moving through crowded airports a breeze. Assembles and disassembles in seconds!