Airplane Pet Carrier Requirement 2024
Airplane Dog Carrier Regulations
Traveling in an airport and on airplanes can be particularly challenging. Many dogs get anxious in large groups of people, or excited to play with potential new friends. Insure your sanity and your pup’s safety, airport pet carriers help keep them calm and by your side as you make your way to your plane.
Many airlines allow you to bring small dogs in the plane cabin with you, so long as you use an Airline-Approved Dog Carrier.
These hard-side or soft-side carriers must fit under the seat in front of you, and your dog stays tucked inside for the duration of the trip. Each airline has its own rules, so be sure to check with your airline for specifics. Larger dogs need to travel in the luggage compartment in a specially designed Airline-Approved Dog Carrier for big mutts.
What are the rules for flying in an airplane with my dog? Traveling with your pet on an airplane has certain restrictions. Airline regulations and policies require your small dog or cat to be in a carrier sized to fit under the seat in front of you on your flight.
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.
- Must not exceed specific dimensions, listed below for each airline.
- Airlines require pre-notification of pets boarding Fee Likely.
- Certain breeds may be dis-allowed. (Think Pitbulls)
- In cabin dogs may not permitted in First or Business class
- Many fees start around 125$ each way
Airline Pet Policies and Dog Carrier Dimensions
If you're planning to travel with your dog on an airplane, and carry them in the cabin with you, read your airline's pet policies to be sure you comply with their current requirements regarding pet carriers.
See links below to several Airline's Dog Carrier Requirements.
17”W x 12”D x 8.5”H
Hard-sided kennel: 17”W x 12”D x 7.5”H
Soft-sided carrier: 17”W x 12”D x 9.5”H
Any pet in a kennel too small or in obvious distress due to illness or injury will be refused travel.
carrier size: 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)
19"W x 13"D x 9"H if hard sided
Soft-sided pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible.
Continental (merged with United)
Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight. You must contact Delta reservations to determine the appropriate kennel size.
There may be certain seats which cannot accommodate your pet container, but we'll work with you to get a seat assignment that works. Maximum dimensions are based on aircraft type (see above).
17”W x 12.5”D x 8.5”H
Combined weight of your pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds.
Southwest Airlines Regulations
Customers may bring a soft or hard-sided pet carrier that is leak proof and well ventilated. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the Customer and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The dog or cat must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier with ease.
Under seat dimensions: 19"L x 14"W x 8.25"H
18"W x 14"D x 9"H
United Airlines Regulations (search on pets)
Hard-sided kennels: 17.5"L x 12"W x 7.5"H
Soft-sided carriers: 18"L x 11"W x 11"H
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Browse AIRLINE APPROVED PET CARRIERS approved for in cabin flight.
Documents required to Fly with Dogs In-Cabin
The documents required to fly with a dog in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. Generally you will require the following:
- Microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Animal health certificate
- Additional vaccination certificates
- Rabies test results
- Parasite treatment certificate
This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country.