The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers (Updated 2023)

Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier

This pet carrier is suitable for cats, small dogs, and all other small animals that weigh up to 18 lbs. The non-expanded dimensions of this carrier are 18” x 11” x 11”. However, all 4 sides of this bag can be expanded, so that your furry friend can have plenty of space to move around.

Once expanded, the wireframe will hold the shape of the carrier in place. Additionally, a comfortable pad for your pet to rest on is included in the purchase.

In terms of the practicality of this carrier, there are both padded shoulder straps and carry handles for your comfort. There is also a luggage slit on its back so that you can prop it on your suitcase, pulling the handles of the suitcase through the slit.

The carrier fits under most airline seats, and once it is fully folded, it takes up very little space. In addition to all that, the 4 expanded sides of the carrier are all closed off with mesh lining, which provides superb airflow. And, your furry little buddy will always stay in your sight.

Sleeko Soft Sided Portable Airplane Travel Tote Bag

This is a particularly stylish pet carrier. You can get it in 3 different colors, and all of them gorgeous. With the Sleeko pet travel tote, you also get 2 removable pads for your pet, as well as a carry pouch for the bag.

The carrier is made from tear-resistant mesh and polyester, and its structure is further reinforced with inserts on various sides so that it doesn’t fall flat. The mesh allows for excellent airflow, so your pets will stay comfortable. It is also expandable, so they can have enough room to move around.

The Sleeko pet travel tote also has clip-on shoulder straps and padded carry handles, for your comfort. In addition to that, there are also 2 seatbelt buckles so that you can secure the carrier to a car seat, or an airplane seat.

And, with a safety buckle zipper, built-in leash ring, and night visibility reflective straps, your pet will always stay safe and comfortable, even during the night.

Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier

The Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier is suitable for most small pets, and you can choose the best size for your furry friend. The small and medium sizes of this carrier are definitely approved in the cabin, but for the largest size, you will have to check with the airline.

It can comfortably fit under airline seats, and the spring-wire frame allows the rear of the carrier to be pushed down a few inches so that it can conform to any under-seat requirements.

A downside of this Sherpa carrier is that it is not expandable, and your pet will not really have much moving room. On the other hand, there are 2 openings with zippers that can be locked, so you can be assured that your pet will be safe.

This particular carrier also has a rear pocket for a leash or any treats that your furry friend might need during the flight. It also has mesh windows for ventilation, and a faux lambskin liner so that your pets can travel in style.

For your comfort, there is a non-slip shoulder strap, as well as padded carry handles. Additionally, this carrier can be secured to the airplane or car seat, as well as the handles of your suitcase with the seat belt/luggage strap.

Pawfect Pets Soft-Sided Pet Carrier Backpack

The Pawfect carrier stands out because it is actually a backpack. The straps of the backpack are padded and adjustable, so you should stay comfortable while carrying your pet.

Additionally, there is extra-thick padding on the back of this carrier, for your shoulders and lower back.

This carrier comes with 2 removable soft fleece mats, so you will have an extra one, in case your pet decides to treat the first one like a toilet. There are also 2 side pockets, so you can store everything you might need to have handy for your furry friend.

The downsides of this carrier are that it is not expandable, and is not really suitable for anything larger than a pug. My cat wouldn’t really fit into this carrier, as she weighs more than 10 lbs. But, if your cat or dog is small enough to fit into this backpack, then it is a really cool choice.

The cool thing about this is because it is a backpack, you can also use it when you want to go on hikes or walks. It features 2 mesh windows so that your pet can have enough air, and the zippers of the windows have mini buckles that ensure that the tiny rascal can’t escape.

Additionally, the top window of the carrier can roll up, and your pet can stick out its head and have a pretty good view of what is going on around them. And, there is a leash tether on the inside, so even if you open up the window, they still can’t escape.

SunShack Soft Sided Travel Pet Carrier

The SunShack pet carrier can comfortably fit under an airline seat, and it has 4 mesh vents so that your pet can have plenty of air. It also has a pocket for any treats and accessories your pet might need during transport. When it is not in use, it can be folded for easy storage.

This carrier comes with a foldable silicone pet bowl, which is really cool! Additionally, you will also get a removable hard base fleece pad, so that your furry friend will be sufficiently comfortable.

The carrier can be secured to a seat, and the high-capacity steel carabiners will ensure that it doesn’t budge an inch. There is also padded carry handles on the carrier, as well as a non-slip shoulder strap.

The shoulder strap is not padded, unfortunately, so it carrying this bag on your shoulders might make you uncomfortable.

Jet Sitter Luxury Soft Sided Pet Carrier

The Jet Sitter Luxury carrier is available in 2 sizes, the smaller of which is definitely airline approved.

The larger version of the carrier exceeds airline requirements, but some people have gotten away with bringing it into the cabin! It really looks like a luxurious little condo for your pet, but the best part of it is that its price doesn’t reflect that.

This carrier is made of the same material which laptop bags are made of – 600D polyester, so you know that it is durable. The expanded sides feature durable, scratch-resistant mesh, which also provides excellent ventilation.

Additionally, on the inside of the carrier, there is a plush fleece pad that is removable and machine washable. The bottom of the carrier is reinforced with plywood so that it can support even the heavier pets.

As for the straps and handles, there are padded carry handles, as well as a padded shoulder strap. In addition to those, there are also buckles that allow you to secure this carrier to a seatbelt, for the ultimate safety of your furry friend. Another awesome feature of this bag is the luggage strap, which allows you to secure it on top of your suitcase.

Honestly, this is my favorite carrier out of the bunch, but there is one thing I’m not a big fan of – the color. It is available in 2 colors, both of which are really light, which means that they will get dirty really easily.

WPS Airline Approved Pet Carrier with Wheels

If you want your pet to feel like the royal they are (particularly your cat), then look no further. This awesome pet carrier comes with 6 removable wheels and a sturdy metal rod, so that you can when your pet around.

Color me impressed! Once the wheels are removed, the bag itself complies with airline carry-on requirements, and it can easily fit under most airplane seats.

The carrier comes with a comfortable bed for your pet, and the mesh windows provide great ventilation, as well as let your pet see what is going on around them. Unfortunately, this bag can’t be expanded, so it might get a bit tight on the inside.

A carry case is included with the WPS carrier. There are also several pockets on this carrier, as well as padded carry handles and a non-slip shoulder strap.

And finally, the zipper lock is escape-proof, so you have some peace of mind knowing that your pet won’t be able to get out of the bag, no matter how hard they try.

Pet Peppy Expandable Pet Carrier With Tunnel

This particular carrier is impressive because one side of it can be expanded into a tunnel. This will not only help your pet feel more comfortable on an airplane (particularly your cat!), but it is also a great carrier for trips to the vet.

The tunnel will make them playful, and they’ll forget all about the fact that they are going somewhere. When the carrier is fully zipped up, it can comfortably fit under airline seats.

Two other sides can be expanded as well, and they have scratch-resistant mesh fabric. This allows for excellent ventilation, but it also gives your pet the opportunity to see what is going on around them. And, there is also a pocket on the carrier, in which you can store treats, toys, or anything you might need handy for your pet.

Additionally, the carrier comes with a machine-washable mat on the inside, as well as a random color food bowl!

In terms of the transportability of the carrier, it has a padded shoulder strap, and carry handles (not padded, unfortunately). Additionally, there is also a slit strap through which you can pull the handle of your luggage so that the carrier can safely rest on the top of your suitcase.

Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack Pet Carrier

This cool, futuristic carrier is made of PU leather and durable mesh. It is available in at least 8 different colors, so there is plenty of variety to choose from.

The design of the window is really what makes it stand out and look so futuristic. The bubble allows your pet to peak outside the carrier, and see what is going on outside.

On the other hand, you can also remove the bubble and just secure the mesh lining, for extra ventilation. Although, you probably won’t need the extra ventilation, as there are several small holes and another mesh window for excellent airflow.

This backpack opens up from the sides, for easy access. On the inside, there is a removable soft pad for your pet, as well as a built-in security leash. In addition to that, the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, for your comfort.

This backpack is really plain on the inside; it can’t be expanded, and what you see is what you get. However, its overall design is really innovative, and it will definitely make you stand out.

Because this is a backpack, there is the added benefit of it being suitable for hikes, walks, and trips to the vet, and just superior overall practicality, in comparison to a traditional carrier.

Mr. Peanut's Expandable Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier

This pet carrier is made from Cationic linen, which a highly durable material. This is combined with a durable mesh top, as well as mesh lining on all 4 sides of the carrier, which allows for superb airflow.

Your furry friend will have plenty of air, and will also be able to look out and see what’s happening on the outside. This is important because carriers that are fully closed of can cause anxiety in your pets, and you definitely want to avoid that.

This is an expandable bag, and your pet will have plenty of room to play around in it. The expanded compartment can also be unzipped and act as a door, but don’t worry; the carrier features YKK zippers with locking metal clasps, so your furry friends won’t be able to escape from it.

Additionally, a detachable fleece pad is included in the purchase, as well as a bottom waterproof board.

There is also a luggage strap, as well as a side pocket for any accessories or treats you might want to keep close. And, for your carrying comfort, there is a padded shoulder strap, as well as padded carry handles.

What is the downside of this carrier, you might be asking yourself? Well, it doesn’t have clasps that allow you to securely attach it to a seatbelt. This means that you will have to pay extra attention to your pet during the flight, if you choose to place them on a seat, rather than under it.