What are the requirements for a dog carrier on a plane?

Common Requirements: Must be big enough for dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally and comfortably in the kennel/carrier. Dog cannot protrude out from the carrier. Must fit under the seat directly in front of you. Must be leak-proof, escape-proof and ventilated on at least 2 sides.



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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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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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Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules.

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However, some airlines just don't allow pets in the cabin and to ensure that no passengers suffer from an allergic reaction while on board. Airlines must choose to put the needs of their human passengers first.

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If you are in any other section, it's best to get a middle seat. There is actually less room next to the window because of how the plane curves, and if you are in the aisle there's a greater chance that your service dog's tail might get stepped on or run over by one of the flight attendants' carts.

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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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They can. But basically, they take a look at the pet when you get to the counter and determine if the pet and it's carrier will fit under the seat. A pet who is not a service animal can only travel in the cabin if he weighs 20 pounds or less and is inside an approved carrier.

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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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American Airlines offers one of the biggest carrier dimensions (19 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches), so your pup can enjoy a bit more space during the flight, though the total weight limit is half what Spirit allows.

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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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Pet dogs and cats travelling to an international destination are placed in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Even though it is part of the cargo hold, your per will not travel stacked on top of the baggage.

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You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

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Small pets may be taken into the passenger cabin with you as carry-on luggage on most airline flights. This places the animal's welfare squarely in your hands but is feasible only if he is very well-behaved and fits comfortably in a container that meets standard carry-on regulations.

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Most airlines do not accept exotic or unusual pets, regardless of their status. These may include rodents, reptiles, arachnids, hedgehogs and ferrets, but this rule can apply to any animal. Call your airline and check the rules before booking a trip for you and your exotic pet.

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AirAsia (3.1), Fiji Airways (0.7), South African Airways (0.6), Azul Airlines (0.3) and Jetstar Airways (0.0) round out the bottom five airlines for traveling pet owners as each either doesn't allow pets at all or limits pet travel to the cargo hold.

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