A carrier is one of those purchases most pet owners make in a hurry, right before a flight or a vet visit, and then regret. The right one depends less on looks and more on three things: whether your airline will actually accept it, whether your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down inside, and whether it holds up to repeated use. Here is how to choose, plus real options across styles and price points.
There is no single universal standard. "Airline approved" generally means a carrier fits within the underseat dimensions used by most major US carriers, typically around 18 x 11 x 11 inches for soft-sided bags, and has enough ventilation and a leak-proof base. Every airline sets its own exact limits and pet policies, so always double-check with your specific airline before booking, especially for international flights. The U.S. Department of Transportation's guidance on traveling with animals says each airline establishes its own policies on top of federal rules, and that some airlines allow the kennel in the cabin as carry-on only if it fits under the seat, so check with the carrier you plan to use. The USDA adds that pets traveling in the cabin with their owner fall outside the Animal Welfare Act transport standards (USDA APHIS).
Soft-sided carriers suit cabin travel and errands, hard-sided carriers add structure, and wire crates suit car rides. The table compares them.
| Style | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-Sided | Cabin travel, everyday errands, small to medium pets | Less structure; not for checked cargo |
| Hard-Sided / Shell | Checked cargo travel, extra durability | Heavier and bulkier to store |
| Wire / Collapsible Crate | Home use, car rides, larger dogs | Not airline cabin-approved; bulkier to transport |
Match the carrier style to how you travel, then check the size against your pet and your airline's limits.
Bark Avenue Cylindrical Carrier
Heavy nylon, airline approved, structured cylindrical shape.
$50.99 Shop Now →
Mystique Carrier w/ Pouch
Circular mesh venting on both sides, includes a matching pouch.
$46.99 Shop Now →
Phenom-Air Collapsible Carrier
Ballistic nylon and micro-mesh, folds flat for storage.
$44.99 Shop Now →
Zip-N-Go Contoured Carrier
Bendable internal wire frame keeps its shape under the seat.
$37.99 Shop Now →
Monterey Series Backpack Carrier
An airline-compliant horizontal backpack carrier for hands-free travel and extra structure on longer trips.
$139.00 Shop Now →
Deluxe 360° Vista View Crate
Metal-framed with removable bowl, sized X-Small through X-Large.
from $72.99 Shop Now →
Capacious Expandable Wire Crate
Dual-sided expansion, sized X-Small through X-Large.
from $66.99 Shop Now →
Fur-Cycle Bike Attachment Carrier
Straps to bicycle handlebars for rides around the neighborhood.
$42.99 Shop Now →
Measure your pet from nose to base of tail for length, floor to top of head or ears (whichever is taller) for height, and across the shoulders for width. Add 2 to 4 inches to each measurement, since your pet needs room to stand fully upright, turn around in a full circle, and lie down flat without curling. The American Kennel Club gives similar guidance: the carrier should be large enough for your dog to turn around easily and to curl up or stretch out when lying down, and if your dog falls between sizes, choose the larger carrier.
Introduce it slowly and make it a place for treats and naps. The AKC suggests using the same methods as crate training and says it can take some time (AKC).
Yes, there are more pet carrier options at every price point. Here are more in-stock picks from our catalog, from everyday basics to premium upgrades, so you can compare across price points.
500ml Outdoor Portable Pet Water Bottle
Leakproof Dog & Cat Travel Cup with Drinking Bowl Feeder.
From $13.44 Shop Now →
Touchcat 'Tote-Tails' Designer Airline Approved Collapsible Cat...
An entry-level pet carrier pick in this lineup.
$46.99 Shop Now →
Cat Dog Carrier Front Backpack
A solid mid-range pet carrier option worth comparing.
$51.99 Shop Now →
3-in-1 Pet Stroller for Small Medium Dogs Foldable with Detachable...
A solid mid-range pet carrier option worth comparing.
$109.40 Shop Now →
4-in-1 Double Pet Stroller with Detachable Carrier and Travel Carriage
A premium pet carrier upgrade for when you want the best.
$149.99 Shop Now →
Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier with 6 Wheels & Double Telescopic Handle
Airline Approved for Small Dogs & Cats, Gray/Black.
$220.53 Shop Now →
Fashionable Pet Dog Cats Four Wheeled Cart Lightweight Foldable...
A premium pet carrier upgrade for when you want the best.
From $675.82 Shop Now →
It generally means the carrier fits standard underseat dimensions used by most major airlines, but every airline sets its own pet policy and size limits. Always confirm directly with your airline before flying, especially internationally.
Your pet should be able to stand fully upright, turn around in a complete circle, and lie down flat without curling. Measure length, height, and width, then add 2 to 4 inches to each dimension.
Soft-sided carriers are lighter and better for cabin travel and everyday errands. Hard-sided carriers offer more structural protection and are typically required for checked cargo travel.
Start at least one to two weeks ahead. Leave the carrier out at home with treats or bedding inside so your pet already sees it as a safe, familiar space before travel day.
Many soft-sided airline-approved carriers work fine for both, as long as they can be secured in the car with a seatbelt strap or in the footwell. Wire crates are excellent for car rides but are not typically cabin-approved for flights.
Related reading: For a wheeled option, see the airline-approved wheeled pet carrier. Flying with a Frenchie has extra heat and breathing concerns, covered in the French Bulldog travel guide. Cat owners can read how to travel with two cats. If you also need a crate for home, compare options in the dog crate and kennel buying guide.
Sources: American Kennel Club, How to Choose the Best Dog Carrier, retrieved 2026-10-11; U.S. Department of Transportation, Plane Talk: Traveling with Animals, retrieved 2026-10-11; USDA APHIS, Transporting Animals in Commerce, retrieved 2026-10-11.
$220.53
$47.32
$52.99
$23.45
$129.45
$220.53
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