How do you know if a pet carrier is airline approved?

Here are the minimum features that your carrier must have to be airline compliant:
  • Your carrier must have a waterproof bottom.
  • Your carrier must have adequate ventilation.
  • Your pet must be securely fastened in the carrier. ...
  • Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Your pet must fit entirely in the carrier.




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The TSA does not have general guidelines for pet carriers, but carriers typically go through an X-ray machine (while pets must go through a metal detector, just like their owners), so it's a good idea to bring a leash or harness, so your pet doesn't break loose at security.

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At 17 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches, the medium, airline-approved pet carrier is most suitable for cats and smaller dogs up to 15 pounds — which is obviously the case if you're fitting them under your airplane seat.

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All pets should be brought to a security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier on the checkpoint conveyor belt so it can be X-rayed. Never place a pet in the X-ray tunnel.

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These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey.

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Pets weighing up to 5 kg, including the weight of the kennel/crate, are permitted as cabin luggage. Pets weighing 32 kg, including the weight of the kennel/crate, are permitted as checked in baggage and over 32 kg should be booked as cargo.

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Measure your pet Your pet's measurements should be slightly smaller than the carrier measurements. If you need an extra bit of height, the SturdiBag carrier will give you that. The airlines will require that your pet can stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier.

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You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

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All pets should be brought to a security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier on the checkpoint conveyor belt so it can be X-rayed. Never place a pet in the X-ray tunnel.

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Exception: Working dogs on a leash. Working and service animals are allowed inside the passenger terminals as long as they are on a leash. All other animals must be in a kennel. Not all those traveling with pets adhere to these rules, and many can be seen walking their dogs on leashes throughout the airport.

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Here are the minimum features that your carrier must have to be airline compliant:
  • Your carrier must have a waterproof bottom.
  • Your carrier must have adequate ventilation.
  • Your pet must be securely fastened in the carrier. ...
  • Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Your pet must fit entirely in the carrier.


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There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally. You cannot use travel credits to pay this fee.

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A TSA officer will give the pet owner's hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the owner's hands.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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A 40-pound dog is indeed too large to travel in-cabin on most (if not all) airlines and will have to ride as cargo.

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So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.

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Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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