Traveling with your pet on an airline can be a stressful ordeal. There are long security lines, baggage checks, and countless restrictions. Each airline has different rules for travelers, baggage and pets, making it hard to keep track of what the specifications are.
Depending on which airline you fly with, it’s important to know where your pet will be stored. Some airlines allow well-behaved pets to sit in a carrier under the airline seat in front of you. While other airlines require that pets fly in the cargo area.
Choosing a proper dog carrier might help your dog feel more comfortable if they do get anxious during a flight or get stored in a cargo area. Their carrier is their home on the airplane and needs to be the right fit, along with other reasons. Here are some tips on how to pick out the best airline-friendly dog carrier.
Choosing an Airline-Friendly Dog Carrier
Traveling with your pets on road trips, even short overnight ones, requires extensive planning, preparation, and having all the supplies your dog or cat may need. It can be a hassle and you will often find yourself worrying about forgetting essential items like food or medication for your dog.
Planning a trip on an airline with your dog requires even more preparation. There are several things to keep in mind when traveling with your dog on an airplane:
- You need an airline-approved pet carrier.
- Your dog carrier needs to satisfy the material and size requirements for the airline you’re traveling on.
- It needs to fit your dog comfortably.
- Your dog needs to feel comfortable in it.
The Best Size Carrier for Your Pet
Your dog needs to be able to move around comfortably in their carrier. So don’t just settle for any type of carrier. They also need to be able to stand up and lie down.
Your dog may be too large to fit in a carrier that meets size requirements for under the airline seat. If so, they will need an appropriately-sized carrier for the cargo hold. Determine your dog’s weight, body frame, and mobility, and then choose a carrier that will allow them room to move around.
Know the Rules for Your Airline
You need to know the rules and requirements for the specific airline you plan to fly on, as well as the general FAA guidelines, before choosing the right dog carrier. If you want a carrier that will also be allowed on trains, double-check with their guidelines. You can then ensure you pick a dog carrier that can easily be accommodated on either mode of travel.
Consider these things when choosing your dog carrier:
In-Cabin Pets
Keep in mind that in-cabin pets count as your carry-on or personal item. It is non-negotiable unless your dog is a service dog. Also:
- Pets must remain in their carrier at all times during the flight.
- Carriers must fit and remain under the seat in front of you during the entire flight (on most airlines).
- Most airlines require your carrier to have a waterproof bottom in case of accidents.
Cargo Pets
Pets traveling as cargo are not allowed to be sedated. Keep that in mind if you have a nervous and excitable pup. You may want to get them more gradually used to travel before throwing them straight into the cargo hold.
Airline Rules
Rules to consider when planning an airplane trip with your dog are:
- Carrier size and weight requirements
- Pet fees (airlines will vary, but most charge an additional fee for pets, especially in cargo)
- Number of pets or dogs that are allowed to travel on the plane (there may not be any room left for your dog)
- Documentation needed (you may need vaccine records, vet reports, etc.)
- Any weather restrictions
- Rules and requirements during layovers, departures, and arrivals
Choosing a Comfortable Carrier for Your Dog
The first thing you need to know before choosing the best carrier for your dog is whether they will be flying under the seat or in cargo. Then, you should decide if you want a soft-sided or hard-sided dog carrier.
Soft-sided dog carriers: They are more flexible for fitting under the seat, and some airlines even allow larger soft-sided pet carrier dimensions because of their flexibility. Some pet carriers even have pop-out expansions to allow your dog more room during the flight.
Hard dog carriers: You can also choose a hard carrier for under the seat, depending on which type your dog may be more used to. Some dogs may feel more secure in hard carriers, and it is more protective in case of accidental kicks.
If your dog is flying in cargo, hard carriers are the definite choice. They will be better protected with a hard carrier, as they provide better support for your dog.
Comfortable Features
Features to consider when choosing a dog carrier are:
- Breathable mesh
- Multiple pockets to hold treats, water, clean-up supplies, blackout panels, pee pads, or little squeaky toys (a must-have)
- Strong and supportive bottoms that are also waterproof and have room for a pee pad
- Several openings or access points (to make it easier to retrieve your dog or give them some attention or air)
Getting Your Dog Used to The Carrier
Decide on your pet carrier weeks or months before your planned trip. Place it in an area where your dog can explore it at will. Be sure to leave the door open, and place a favorite blanket or toy inside. You may find that they end up napping in it at times.
You can also take your pup on short car rides while inside the carrier. Take them someplace enjoyable, like the dog park, and give them treats afterwards. You can extend the amount of time for the trips each time.
Best Dog Carrier Picks for Airlines
Choosing the best dog carrier will depend on whether you want a soft-sided or hard carrier. It will also depend on airline restrictions and rules, and if your dog will be in the cargo or under the seat.
Here are a couple of top picks to consider:
JetPaws Official Carrier
The JetPaws Official Carrier of JetBlue Airlines is specifically-designed to meet JetBlue’s size rules. It fits under all of the airline’s seats. Which means it will likely comply with size requirements for other airlines, though it’s best to check beforehand.
The JetPaws Carrier is lightweight and comes with five pockets for storing necessities. It also has a detachable padded shoulder strap for ease in carrying. It’s made of durable material that is easy to wipe clean. You can place a small doggie bed inside the bottom, or line it with a pee pad. The carrier is small and will only accommodate small pets.
Gunner G1 Kennel
The Gunner G1 Kennel is a hard-sided kennel that has been awarded a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety. The kennel has double-wall rotomolding for extra impact protection. It’s also got a wider base for stability against tipping and comes with built-in tie-down rods. It offers all-weather windows so that your dog can be shielded from nasty weather while being loaded and unloaded at the airport.
You can add a soft bed inside to make your pup more comfortable. The carrier also has raised non-slip feet to lower temperature transfer from hot or frigid surfaces. The main downside of this carrier is that the larger sizes are difficult for one person to manage with a dog inside. It does offer larger sizes, though, so should be sufficient for your largest furry family member.
Final Thoughts
It is considered safe for a dog to stay in a pet carrier for 6-8 hours. Ensure they can move around comfortably, have pee pads in case of accidents, and have access to food and water.And remember to include a favorite blanket, toy, or something that reminds your dog of you and your scent. This will keep them more comfortable and happy during the flight. Soon, your dog will be a pro flier, just like you!