Simone Lawson
When travelling with a pet, it is important to ensure that you have an airline-approved pet carrier to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable. The specific requirements of an airline-approved pet carrier vary across airlines, so it is crucial to check the requirements of your chosen airline. Generally, these carriers need to be adequately ventilated, with mesh ventilation on three or more sides, and your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier must also fit securely under the seat in front of you, and your pet should be securely fastened inside with a zipper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pet security | Pet must be securely fastened in the carrier. Zippers are better than snaps. |
| Carrier size | The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Pet size | The pet must fit entirely in the carrier. It should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down. |
| Weight | The pet's weight should not exceed 15 pounds (some sources suggest 25 pounds) and the carrier should not exceed 13 pounds. |
| Carrier dimensions | Dimensions vary by airline. For example, Delta, United, or American Airlines require soft-sided carriers to be 18 by 11 by 11 inches or smaller. JetBlue allows up to 17 by 12.5 by 8.5 inches. |
| Ventilation | The carrier should have mesh ventilation on three or more sides to ensure adequate breathing and temperature regulation. |
| Material | The carrier should have a smooth interior with no protrusions. Soft-sided carriers are allowed and sometimes preferred. |
| Portability | The carrier should have handles, pockets, and a trolley sleeve for easy transportation. |
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What You'll Learn
Size and weight restrictions
Size Restrictions
The size of the pet carrier should comply with the allocated space under the aircraft seat. Most airlines require the carrier to fit entirely under the seat in front of the passenger to provide adequate legroom and ensure the comfort of both the pet and the passenger. This means that the size of the carrier will depend on the aircraft and seat configuration. It is recommended to contact the airline directly to obtain accurate size restrictions for the specific flight.
Some general size guidelines for pet carriers include:
- The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, sit, and lie down comfortably without touching any side or the top of the carrier.
- The carrier should enclose your entire pet, ensuring that their head and paws cannot escape or protrude, preventing potential injuries and providing a secure environment.
- Soft-sided carriers are generally preferred as they can compress into smaller spaces and allow for a larger pet due to the added height. These carriers are flexible and can "squish" down to fit under the seat.
- Hard-sided carriers typically have maximum dimensions of 17.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high.
- Soft-sided carriers usually have maximum dimensions of 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.
- Some sources recommend choosing a carrier that is slightly larger than your pet's size to provide a comfortable and spacious environment.
Weight Restrictions
Weight restrictions for pet carriers vary depending on the airline and the class of travel. It is essential to check with the specific airline to determine their weight limitations. Some general weight guidelines include:
- The combined weight of the carrier and the pet should not exceed the maximum weight limit specified by the airline.
- For smaller pets, the weight limit for flying in the cabin is typically around 18 pounds, including the weight of the carrier.
- Some airlines may have more restrictive weight limits, such as a maximum combined weight of 20 pounds or 9.07 kg.
- Larger pets that exceed the cabin weight limit may need to travel as checked baggage or cargo, depending on the airline's policies.
- It is important to consider the weight of the carrier itself, especially for soft-sided carriers, to ensure it meets the weight requirements.
It is worth noting that some airlines may require your pet to remain in the carrier with the door closed and placed under your seat during the flight. Additionally, airlines may have specific requirements regarding ventilation, leak-proof designs, and the use of secure fasteners or zippers. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the airline's policies and ensure that your pet's carrier complies with all applicable size and weight restrictions.
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Ventilation and temperature control
The amount of ventilation required in a pet carrier is regulated by the IATA (International Air Transport Association). According to IATA live animal regulations, both soft- and hard-sided pet carriers must have a minimum of 16% ventilation. This regulation is in place to ensure the health and safety of animals during air travel.
When selecting a pet carrier, it is important to consider the number of mesh ventilation panels and their placement. Some carriers offer four-sided mesh ventilation, providing maximum airflow and ensuring your pet has access to fresh air from multiple directions. This feature is especially important if your pet is prone to overheating or experiences anxiety during travel.
Additionally, the size and design of the mesh panels can vary. Larger mesh panels will naturally provide more ventilation, while smaller panels may offer slightly reduced airflow. It is also worth noting that some carriers allow you to cover the mesh panels with privacy flaps, which can be useful if your pet prefers a more enclosed space or additional shade.
Temperature control is another important consideration. Some pet carriers are designed with raised non-slip feet, which help to reduce temperature transfer from hot or cold surfaces. This feature ensures that your pet's carrier remains at a comfortable temperature, even when placed on varying surfaces during travel.
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Pet comfort and safety
When it comes to travelling with pets, their comfort and safety are paramount. A good-quality airline pet carrier will provide a safe and comfortable space for your pet when it is taken out of its usual environment.
The first thing to do is check that the airline that serves your route permits pets to travel in the cabin. Airline rules for pets travelling in the cabin vary, but many airlines will allow small cats and dogs or household birds to travel with an adult passenger in the cabin. However, some countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Hong Kong, require pets to enter as cargo.
If your pet is travelling in the cabin with you, you will need to ensure that it is an appropriate size for your animal. Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in its carrier. It is important not to try to squeeze your pet into a carrier that is too small. The carrier should be slightly larger than your pet's measurements from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, and from the top of its head to the ground.
Your pet carrier must also have adequate ventilation. A carrier with mesh ventilation on three or more sides is usually acceptable. This ensures your pet can breathe and keeps the temperature constant. The carrier should also have a waterproof bottom, and it is a good idea to get some pet pads to protect the carrier in case of accidents.
It is also important to ensure that your pet carrier is secure. It should have zippers, not snaps, and you can also buy zipper locks to keep the zippers closed. A carrier with a leash attached to your pet's collar can also prevent your pet from escaping when you open the carrier.
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Material and design
The design and material of an airline-approved pet carrier are crucial factors in ensuring pet carrier safety. The ideal pet carrier should have a smooth interior with no protrusions that could entice the pet to scratch or bite. The openings should also be paw and nose-proof to prevent injuries to both the pet and handlers.
Most airlines that allow pets on board require the use of an approved pet carrier. The specific requirements vary across airlines, so it is important to check with the airline in advance. However, some common design and material considerations for an airline-approved pet carrier include size, weight, ventilation, and comfort.
Size and weight are crucial factors, as the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The allowable size and weight will depend on the airline and the type of aircraft. Hard-sided kennels typically have maximum dimensions of 17.5 inches x 12 inches x 7.5 inches, while soft-sided kennels can go up to 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches. It is important to measure your pet's length (from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail) and height (from the top of the head to the ground) to ensure they have enough room in the carrier.
Ventilation is another important consideration. Most airlines require the carrier to be adequately ventilated, with mesh ventilation on three or more sides to ensure proper airflow and temperature regulation.
The pet carrier should also be comfortable for your pet. It should be made of soft, padded, or fuzzy materials to provide a cosy space for your pet to curl up and snooze. Some carriers even come with memory foam travel pads for added comfort. It is also important to ensure that your pet can turn around comfortably in the carrier, although it is not necessary for them to be able to stand up fully.
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Portability and ease of cleaning
When choosing an airline-approved pet carrier, portability and ease of cleaning are important factors to consider. Portability is influenced by the carrier's size, weight, and design, while ease of cleaning is determined by the materials used and the presence of features like removable inserts or machine-washable components.
Let's start with portability. An airline-approved pet carrier should be easy to carry and manoeuvre through busy airports. Look for carriers with comfortable handles, shoulder straps, or adjustable straps that allow you to wear the carrier crossbody or as a backpack. Some carriers also come with a trolley sleeve or a sleeve that slides onto your rolling suitcase handle, making transportation even more convenient. Ensure the carrier's dimensions comply with your airline's requirements, as you'll need to stow it under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers are a good option, as they can be \"squished\" down to fit under the seat without causing harm to your pet.
Weight is another critical factor in portability. Some airlines have strict weight requirements for pets and carriers combined, so check with your airline beforehand. You don't want to be in a situation where you and your pet are unable to board due to exceeding weight limits.
Now, let's discuss ease of cleaning. Accidents can happen during travel, so choosing a carrier that is easy to clean is essential. Look for carriers made with materials like nylon, which is known for its simplicity to clean. Some carriers even have a removable platform or insert at the bottom, making it convenient to clean up messes. If you're concerned about odours and stains, consider a machine-washable carrier or one with a removable, machine-washable interior liner. This way, you can thoroughly clean the carrier once you reach your destination.
Additionally, ventilation and breathability are important considerations for both portability and ease of cleaning. A well-ventilated carrier will help keep your pet comfortable and calm, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Look for carriers with mesh ventilation on three or more sides to ensure adequate airflow and help maintain a constant temperature.
In summary, when considering portability and ease of cleaning in an airline-approved pet carrier, opt for carriers that are easy to carry, comply with size requirements, have convenient features like trolley sleeves or adjustable straps, and are made with materials that are simple to clean. Don't forget to check your airline's specific requirements and choose a carrier that best suits your pet's needs.
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