Traveling with your pooch can be easy peasy, especially when you have a good airline-approved dog carrier. No matter where you’re off to, your top priority should be to ensure your canine companion is safe and comfortable when traveling. However, since the market is crowded with options, it can get tricky trying to pick the best one.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the best dog carriers for airplane USA reviews, letting you know the standout features and any downsides that the product may have. From compact designs to larger options, we’ve listed them all.
Whether you’re looking for an airline-approved pet carrier in-cabin with wheels or an airline-approved pet carrier for a 30lb dog, our picks will ensure that you and your four-legged angel have a safe, smooth travel!
How to Choose a Dog Carrier
When you’re choosing a dog carrier, it’s important that you consider a couple of factors, especially if you’ll be traveling by air. Below, we’ve listed a few points to help you make the right decision:
Airline Approval
First things first, you must ensure that the dog carrier is approved by the airlines. Each airline has specific requirements for pet carriers, such as dimensions and ventilation. Also, most airlines require the carrier to comfortably fit under the seat that’s in front of you. We suggest that you check the airline-approved dog crate sizes so that you can be sure that your carrier meets the required guidelines.
Comfort and Space
When choosing a dog carrier, it’s essential that you check to see if your pet has sufficient space to sit, stand, and turn around while closed inside the carrier. This way, you’ll know that they’re going to be comfortable during the trip. For air travel, carriers like the Sherpa pet carrier are preferred — it has soft sides, breathable mesh panels, and other features that will keep your pet comfy during the flight.
Durability and Safety
To ensure that your pet will be safe during transit, you must choose a sturdy carrier that has been meticulously constructed. Check to see if the materials used are durable — the carrier should be able to withstand potential rough handling and conditions. The best dog carrier for airplanes in the USA and international will have both reinforced zippers and secure latches to ensure your pet stays safely inside.
Ventilation and Visibility
Airflow is an important factor that helps keep your pooch comfortable during the flight. Carriers that offer good ventilation will usually have mesh sides or ventilation holes, ensuring your dog doesn’t get overheated.
Ease of Use and Portability
When you’re moving around in the airport, you’ll appreciate a dog carrier that is easy to handle. Features such as adjustable straps, easy-entry openings, and collapsible designs can make things easy for you.
What Size Pet Carrier Will Fit Under an Airplane Seat?
Before you purchase a pet carrier for air travel, we suggest that you find out the size restrictions of the airline you’re flying with. Generally, airline-approved dog carriers should be able to fit under the seat that’s in front of you — the majority of airlines approve carriers that are around 17-18 inches in length, 11-12 inches wide, and 9-11 inches in height. However, it’s always a good idea to call and confirm with your airline since the required dimensions can vary slightly.
The Best Airline-Approved Dog Carriers to Buy in 2025
Now that you know how to choose a dog carrier and what to look for in one when you’re traveling by air, let’s find out what our top picks are:
BEST OVERALL
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Can be used as a soft-sided crate
Large storage pocket
Luggage strap that doubles as a seatbelt for car rides
Spacious
Suitable for cats as well
But…
High price point
Available in 4 sizes and 2 color variants, this Sherpa pet carrier features a patented spring wire frame that allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches, which helps it to easily fit into cars and under seats during domestic rail travel. There are 4 mesh panels that offer ample ventilation, escape-proof zippers for safety, top and side entries for easy loading, a waterproof interior base, and a removable, cozy base liner that’s machine washable. The padded top handle makes it comfortable to be carried by hand, or you can also choose to use the over-the-shoulder carrying strap — whichever you prefer. The brand also promises that it’s guaranteed on board, making it a great airline-approved dog carrier for pets up to 22 lbs.
BEST FOR VET VISITS
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Max weight of 22 pounds
Suitable for cats and dogs
Easy to clean
Offers good ventilation
Very convenient
But…
Zipper isn’t very durable
This large soft-sided pet carrier from Amazon Basics is a great way to keep your fur baby comfortably contained when you’re traveling or taking them to the vet. It comes with a removable and machine-washable fleece pad and mesh ventilation panels that promote comfortable airflow and visibility. The front and top zippers allow easy loading and access, while the connecting top handles and adjustable shoulder strap ensure that carrying is convenient. We suggest that you wash the fleece pad separately in cold water using a mild detergent and dry it completely before using it again. Last but not least, it conforms to the under-seat dimensions of most airlines — we recommend that you give your airline a call and check if it’s good to go.
BEST COLLAPSIBLE
Henkelion Collapsible Dog Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Safe design
Suitable for cats as well
Woolen inner mat
Anti-scratch mesh
Deluxe zippers
But…
Leash hook is hard to open
The Henkelion Collapsible Dog Carrier has an airline-approved design, allowing you to take your pet with you wherever you go. It has two connecting loop handles that make carrying easy and a dual seat belt cum luggage strap for secure transport. Additionally, the carrier is crafted from a durable and lightweight polyester fabric, and the four-sided mesh will allow you to check on your pet easily, while also keeping your pooch comfortable. Since it has a foldable, collapsible design, storage and portability are both going to be a breeze.
BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
Vceoa Soft-Sided Dog Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Steel frame
High-quality self-lock zippers
Anti-scratch mesh
Breathable design
Safety inner leash
But…
Some customers complained that it was smaller than they expected
This soft-sided dog carrier from Vceoa matches the under-seat dimensions of most airlines; however, since every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, contacting the airline before flying would be the smart thing to do. The carrier has mesh windows that offer good ventilation, and top and side entry locking zippers that ensure your pet’s safety. Additionally, it also comes with carrying handles, an adjustable shoulder strap that also acts as a seatbelt, and a back strap that can fasten the dog carrier to your luggage. Furthermore, there’s a removable base insert, which creates a sturdy surface for your fur baby to stand on, along with a removable and washable fleece bed, which acts as a cozy sleeping space when you’re traveling with your pet.
BEST EXPANDABLE
Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Can be used as a pet house
Waterproof material
Reflective strips
Easy access window
Non-slip bottom
But…
Shoulder strap loop is quite flimsy
The Maskeyon pet carrier is just what you need if you plan on flying with your precious pooch. This airline-approved dog carrier for 20 lbs pets measures 19.5” L x 12” W x 12” H, and expands to 43.5” L x 32” W x 12” H for extra room, if required. It also features multiple entry points, including a ventilated top opening and two side zippers, providing easy access for your fur baby. The durable steel frame ensures that there’s no sagging, while the removable fleece pad is machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. The best part is that the carrier comes with handy pockets where you can store pet essentials, making it a must-own for pet owners who love to travel!
GUARANTEED ON BOARD
Sherpa Delta Airlines Travel Pet Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Spring-wire frame
Seatbelt safety strap
Folds flat
Collapsible design
Easy to carry
But…
Aggressive chewers might be able to chew through the material
This Sherpa Pet Carrier is airline approved and part of the brand’s guaranteed “On Board” program, ensuring that pet owners get the peace of mind that they deserve. The carrier has a patented spring wire frame that allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches so that it easily fits under airplane seats, meeting most major airline requirements and FAA regulations. It also has mesh panels for ventilation, locking zippers, top and side entries for easy and comfortable loading, a waterproof interior base, and a removable and cozy base liner that’s machine washable. The design makes it easy to carry both by hand using the padded top handle and over the shoulder using the included detachable carrying strap and integrated metal D-rings.
BEST WASHABLE
Petsfit Expandable Dog Carrier
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Airline-approved design
Expandable
Soft-sided
Unfolds to reveal 50% more space
Plush mat
But…
Low durability zippers
If your furry friend enjoys some extra space to sprawl out and relax, then they’re going to love the Petsfit Expandable Dog Carrier! You can use it on flights, in the car, and on trains, folding it when not in use. The solid wire structure keeps it from collapsing, while still being flexible enough to be pushed under an airplane seat. There’s a top window and two windows on the side that are made of anti-scratch mesh. Additionally, a PP board base keeps your pet steady, while a plush, washable, and removable pad is used as the base cover. There’s also a self-lock zipper that prevents your pooch from escaping and a strap that can be slid around the extendable handle that you use to move your luggage around. Furthermore, two flexible handles are also present if you prefer to carry it around by hand.
How We Chose the Best Dog Carriers
When looking for the best dog carriers, we looked into important factors such as comfort, durability, and ease of travel. Among all of the top choices available, we listed airline-approved dog carriers that ensure you have a stress-free journey — the Sherpa Pet Carrier stands out for its design and versatility. For those who’ll soon be flying with their pets, our options feature the best dog carriers for airplanes in the USA reviews, giving you stylish and practical options to choose from.
FAQ
What is a TSA-approved pet carrier?
A TSA-approved pet carrier is a soft-sided bag with good ventilation that fits under the airplane seat in front of you. It should meet your airline’s size requirements for in-cabin pet travel.
Can a 25 lb dog fly in a cabin?
Yes, a 25 lb dog can fly in-cabin on select airlines, as long as they are able to fit comfortably inside an airline-approved dog carrier, which must either fit under the seat in front of you or on a separate seat, if purchased. However, most airlines have very strict weight limits and would require both the dog and the carrier to be under 20 lbs when weighed together.
What airline has the biggest pet carrier size?
JSX has one of the largest pet carrier size allowances — it permits pets up to 25 lbs in the cabin. Most other major airlines have smaller size limits for in-cabin pets, which are usually 18” x 11” x 11”.
What airline is best to fly with a dog?
JetBlue is often considered to be one of the best airlines to fly with dogs since they have pet-friendly policies, such as a larger in-cabin pet carrier size allowance, along with reasonable fees. Alaska Airlines is also highly rated for the pet services that they offer — they ensure that you and your dog are comfortable, and the customer support when traveling with pets is unmatched.
How strict are airlines with pet carrier size?
Airlines are usually very strict about pet carrier size — the carrier must fit under the seat that’s in front of you, while also complying with the airline’s specific dimensions. If your carrier is too large, then your pet might not be allowed in the cabin, so it’s important for you to properly ensure that you’re meeting the airline’s requirements.
Do airlines check if a dog can stand in a carrier?
Yes! Airlines typically require that pets be able to stand, turn around, and stretch out comfortably in their carrier, but whether they check this or not, we can’t really say. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog carrier complies with the airline’s requirements before you travel.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?
Some airlines let you purchase an additional seat for your dog, especially if it’s a larger pet that won’t be able to fit under the seat. To do this, though, you will have to book a separate ticket that meets specific carrier requirements. Airlines like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines provide this option for in-cabin travel.
