
The mpet airline carrier offers a range of features and benefits that set it apart from other airlines.
One of the key benefits is its competitive pricing, with prices often lower than those of traditional airlines.
mpet airline carrier's unique business model allows it to keep costs low, which is then passed on to customers.
The airline's fleet of modern aircraft ensures a comfortable and safe travel experience for passengers.
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Airline Carrier Requirements
Your pet's carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, so it's essential to choose one that meets this requirement.
To ensure your pet's safety and comfort, their carrier must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation, with at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international).
Soft-sided carriers are often a good choice because they can compress into smaller spaces, allowing for a larger pet due to the added height of the carrier.
A strong, padded shoulder strap is also a good idea to make carrying the carrier more comfortable.

Here are the key features your pet carrier must have:
- Fit under the seat in front of you
- Large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Enclose your entire pet, with no head sticking out
- Waterproof bottom
- Adequate ventilation (at least 3 sides for domestic US, 4 sides for international)
- Security (zippers, not snaps)
- Soft-sided carrier (recommended)
Remember, pets traveling in the cargo hold must use a cargo crate, which differs from in-cabin carriers.
Airline Carrier Rankings and Reviews
Alaska Airlines offers the best overall experience for flyers with pets, according to NerdWallet's analysis. Alaska Airlines allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the main cabin, with a cost of $100 per carrier, and up to 2 carriers per passenger.
Delta Air Lines has the lowest pet fee at $95 each way, making it a great option for pet owners on a budget. However, it only allows 1 pet per passenger, unless the pet is between 10 weeks and 6 months old and can fit in a single carrier.
Frontier Airlines has a pet fee of $99 each way, and allows domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or small household birds in the main cabin. But it only allows 1 pet per passenger.
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Here's a comparison of the major airlines' pet fees:
When choosing an airline-approved pet carrier, look for features such as machine washable linings, built-in trolley sleeves, mesh panel ventilation, and a structured but flexible build. This will ensure your pet's comfort and safety during flights.
Airline Carrier Features and Benefits
Our airline carrier is designed with your pet's safety and comfort in mind. It features an adjustable luggage sleeve to keep your pup secured on your suitcase. This is especially helpful when navigating through crowded airport terminals.
The carrier also boasts tear-resistant mesh siding, which is stronger and more durable than previous models. This feature provides added protection and peace of mind for your pet. The bonus leash is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to easily convert the shoulder strap into an extra-strong leash.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of our airline carrier:
- Luggage Sleeve: Keeps your pup secured on your suitcase.
- Tear-Resistant Mesh Siding: Stronger and more durable than previous models.
- Bonus Leash: Converts to an extra-strong leash.
- Leak-Resistant Bottom: Prevents accidents from making a mess.
- Washable Fleece-Lined Dog Bed: Easy to clean and maintain.
Award-Winning Features
The award-winning features of this airline carrier are truly impressive. One of the standout features is the adjustable luggage sleeve, which keeps your pup securely attached to your suitcase.

This feature is a game-changer for travelers with pets. The luggage sleeve makes it easy to transport your pet without worrying about them getting lost or injured during transit.
The tear-resistant mesh siding is another fantastic feature. It's even stronger and more durable than the previous version, making it perfect for pets that like to scratch or chew.
Traveling by plane can be stressful for pets, but the flexible rear frame makes it easier. This feature allows you to remove the rear pocket insert to comply with the sizing requirements of smaller aircraft.
The built-in tether is a thoughtful touch. It clips to your pup's collar, keeping them safely inside the pet carrier.
Here are some of the award-winning features of this airline carrier:
- Luggage Sleeve
- Tear-Resistant Mesh Siding
- Built-in Tether
- Flexible Rear Frame
The rear pocket is a convenient storage space for your pet's travel essentials. You can store food, toys, and other important items in one place, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
The leak-resistant bottom is a must-have feature for any pet owner. Accidents can happen, and this feature ensures that your pet's carrier stays clean and dry.

The washable fleece-lined dog bed is a thoughtful touch. Simply remove the extra thick fleece bedding and wash it on a gentle cycle. Hang it to dry, and it's good as new.
Folding the pet carrier flat for easy storage is a breeze. To collapse it, unzip the front opening, lift up the dog bed, and detach from the velcro. Then fold under each end of the pet carrier to lay flat.
Pre-Flight Relaxation
If you're heading to an Alaska lounge, your pet can come too, as long as it's well-behaved. Pet fees are a nonrefundable $99 per pet, per direction.
You can bring your pet into the lounge, but only if it's quiet and in a carry-on kennel. The airline accepts quiet service animals and pets in these kennels.
Frontier's pet policies have a significant limitation - your pet can't fly in the baggage compartment or cargo, only in the main cabin. This means your pet must be small enough to fit underneath your seat.
Maximum pet container dimensions on Frontier are 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
Airline Carrier Travel and Safety

Your pet's carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, so make sure to choose one that meets this requirement. A soft-sided carrier is a great option, as it will compress into smaller spaces and allow for a larger pet.
To ensure your pet's safety, look for a carrier with a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation, with at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international). You'll also want to get a carrier with a strong, padded shoulder strap to make it easier to carry.
Here are the key features to look for in an airline pet carrier:
- Fits under the seat in front of you
- Large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Encloses your entire pet, with no head sticking out
- Waterproof bottom
- Adequate ventilation (at least 3 sides or 4 sides)
- Security features, such as zippers
Traveling Challenges
Traveling with pets can be a hassle, and it's essential to be aware of the challenges you may face.
Even with the most pet-friendly airlines, there are still many restrictions around a pet's size and how free (or confined to the kennel) they can be when traveling within the main cabin.

Some individual routes or aircraft have their own unique limitations beyond the standard airline pet policy, and rules can even vary by state.
You'll likely also incur a bunch of paperwork and phone calls before your pet can fly.
All airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed in the main cabin and cargo, so it's not a guarantee that your pet can fly, even on the best airline for flying with pets, Alaska.
You'll generally need to contact the airline to reserve a space for your pet, and always confirm space is available before booking your own seat.
Southwest scored some extra points for having many ways to reserve your pet's spot, including via Facebook and Twitter.
Here's a summary of the airlines that transport pets in cargo or checked baggage:
Don't let this discourage you – with some planning and research, you can still make your pet's travel dreams come true.
Airline Carriers: Safe and Comfortable Flying

Airline carriers are a must-have for safe and comfortable flying with your pet. Your pet's carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
To ensure your pet's safety, the carrier must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. Most airlines require at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international) for ventilation.
A soft-sided carrier is the most popular choice for pet travelers, as it's flexible and will compress into smaller spaces. However, some pet owners prefer rigid carriers for their small dogs or cats.
If you're considering a pet carrier on wheels, be aware that they're designed for smaller pets and may not be as flexible as regular airline pet carriers. Measure your pet carefully before making a purchase.
You'll also want to get a carrier with a strong, padded shoulder strap and consider adding a pet pad for protection. Privacy panels can also help keep your pet calm and calm during airport activities.
Other Reasons Airlines Won't Let You Fly

Some airlines don't accept pets in the baggage or cargo compartments during holiday travel periods. This is usually announced by the airline, so be sure to check with them before booking.
If you're flying with a short-nosed dog or cat, you might have trouble getting them on the plane. These breeds, which include pit bulls, Boston terriers, and many types of bulldogs and pugs, often have breathing problems that can be made worse by flight stress.
You'll need a valid health certificate from your vet to get your pet on the plane. This is usually required by most airlines, but it's not always necessary for main cabin flying.
If your pet gets anxious or agitated in the airport, the gate agent might deny boarding. This can happen even if your pet is normally well-behaved at home, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don't go smoothly.
Airline Carrier Sizing and Storage

When choosing an airline carrier, it's essential to consider the size and storage requirements. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, with a maximum carrier measurement of 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high for hard-sided kennels or 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high for soft-sided kennels.
You'll also want to ensure your pet has enough space to stand up and turn around comfortably. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to move around freely, with at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international) for adequate ventilation.
Here are some key airline carrier sizing and storage requirements to keep in mind:
- Maximum carrier measurement: 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (hard-sided) or 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (soft-sided)
- Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
- Pet must have enough space to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Carrier must have adequate ventilation (at least 3 sides for domestic US or 4 sides for international)
Sizing and Dimensions
Sizing and Dimensions are crucial when it comes to airline carrier storage. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
You'll want to consider the size of your pet and the type of carrier that suits them best. Small carriers are suitable for dogs up to 15lbs and have exterior dimensions of 17” length, 11” width, and 10.5” height.

Medium-sized carriers are suitable for dogs and cats up to 25lbs and have exterior dimensions of 18.5” length, 11.75” width, and 11.5” height.
To ensure a comfortable fit, the carrier should allow your pet to stand up and turn around easily. The carrier must also enclose your entire pet, with no head sticking out.
A waterproof bottom is essential, and you'll also want to get some good pet pads to protect the carrier. Adequate ventilation is also necessary, with at least 3 sides for domestic US flights or 4 sides for international flights.
Here are the key dimensions to keep in mind:
Remember to check your carrier's weight, which should be around 3lbs for small carriers and 3.2lbs for medium carriers.
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Know Your Storage Space
First, you need to know the size and weight of your pet to ensure it complies with airline regulations. Pets up to 18″ long and weighing 11-15 pounds should be okay, but check with the airline for specific policies.

The size of your pet carrier also matters. Hard-sided kennels can be up to 17.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high, while soft-sided kennels can be up to 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.
If your pet is too big to fit under the seat, consider booking a window or middle seat as these often have more space. You can call the airline to confirm the aircraft serving your route and ask about the space under the seat in front of you.
Here are the average maximum carrier measurements that airlines generally allow:
If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it can travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment within the U.S. for $150.
Fewer Airlines for Cargo Transport
Only three major U.S. airlines, Alaska, American, and Hawaiian, will transport pets in checked baggage and/or cargo.
United suspended its pet cargo services early in the pandemic and hasn't resumed them.
Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines never accepted pets in cargo.
Alaska and Other Airlines

Alaska Airlines is the best airline for traveling with a pet, with relatively low fees and a flexible pet policy. They allow a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to birds and even reptiles.
Only Alaska, American, and Hawaiian airlines transport pets in checked baggage and/or cargo. This is a significant consideration for pet owners who need to travel with their pets.
Flying can be unpredictable, and other airlines may not allow pets due to various reasons, including the pandemic. United Airlines suspended its pet cargo services during the pandemic and has yet to resume them.
Airline Carrier Methodology and Recaps
We analyzed nine U.S. airlines to determine the best pet-friendly carriers. Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines stood out as the top options.
The analysis considered factors like pet fees, airline safety records, and pet policies. We looked at the cost of transporting pets in the main cabin, the number of pets allowed per passenger, and the types of animals permitted.

Here's a breakdown of the pet fees and policies for each airline:
Measure Your
Measuring your pet is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe flight. You'll need to measure your pet from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and from the top of their head to the ground when they're standing erect.
To do this accurately, you can use a piece of string and then measure the string. This will give you a more precise measurement than trying to stretch a measuring tape around your pet.
Your pet's measurements should be slightly smaller than the carrier measurements. This is because the carrier needs to provide enough room for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.
If you stuff your pet into a carrier, you risk being turned away at the gate. So, make sure to choose a carrier that's the right size for your pet.

Here's a quick guide to help you measure your pet:
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and choose a carrier that's a bit larger than your pet needs. This will ensure their comfort and safety during the flight.
Methodology: Our Ranking Process
We analyzed the same nine U.S. airlines that were reviewed as part of NerdWallet's Best Of Airlines rankings, considering factors like pet fees, airline safety records, and whether pets are allowed.
We gave each airline a score from 1 to 5 across 12 categories, with some categories receiving more weight than others, such as safety.
The primary factors we considered included cost for main cabin pet transportation, refunds, accessibility, and ease of booking a pet space on the flight.
Cost for main cabin pet transportation ranged from $95 to $125 each way per pet, with the average being $118.
Here are the primary factors we considered, along with their corresponding weights:
- Cost for main cabin: 15 points
- Refunds, accessibility and ease: 10 points
- Number of pets allowed per passenger: 8 points
- Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: 8 points
- Allow pets in cargo: 5 points
- Cost for cargo, if even possible: 5 points
- Injuries, deaths or lost pets: 5 points
We looked at Department of Transportation data from June 2021 to May 2022 for reports of deaths, injuries, or losses of pets shipped via cargo, and normalized the data relative to overall passenger count.
Airlines Recapped

Alaska was the best of the bunch for pet travel, but even they have limitations.
Airlines that allow pets, such as Alaska, have restrictions that can feel burdensome.
Some private and semi-private jets, like JSX, won't clamp down on breeds or sizes, making them a more pet-friendly option.
You don't exactly have your pick of the litter when it comes to airlines that allow pets.
A road trip or even a private jet might be a better choice than flying commercial with a pet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size pet carrier will fit under an airline seat?
For carry-on pets, a carrier no larger than 19-by-9-by-16 inches is required to fit under the seat. This size ensures a comfortable fit for your pet.
What is the best airline to fly with pets?
For overall pet travel, consider Delta Air Lines, while American Airlines is best for service animals.
What makes a pet carrier airline approved?
For a pet carrier to be airline approved, it must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and provide enough space for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. This ensures a safe and comfortable travel experience for both you and your pet.
Sources
- https://www.roverlund.com/products/out-of-office-pet-carrier-1
- https://www.delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overview
- https://www.pettravel.com/information/pet-travel-by-air/airline-pet-carriers/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/most-pet-friendly-airlines
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-airline-approved-pet-carriers-7229075
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