The 7 Best TSA Approved Pet Carriers for Dogs & Cats
Traveling with your furry companion can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right TSA approved pet carrier. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which carrier will meet the requirements set by the TSA. In this blog post, we will be discussing the 9 best TSA approved pet carriers for dogs and cats.
We’ll take a look at the dimensions, requirements, and overall design of each carrier to help you make an informed decision for your next travel adventure. Whether you’re looking for a TSA approved dog carrier or a TSA approved cat carrier, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect TSA pet carrier for you and your furry friend!
TSA Pet Carrier Dimensions and Requirements
When it comes to TSA approved pet carriers, dimensions and requirements can vary from airline to airline. It’s important to check with your specific airline for their specific guidelines, but here are some general requirements and dimensions to keep in mind when choosing a TSA approved pet carrier for your furry companion.
One important factor to consider is the weight limit. Most carriers have a weight limit, and the combined weight of the carrier and your pet must be under a certain limit for each airline. For example, JetBlue, American Airlines, and United have a weight limit of 20 pounds.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the carrier. Carrier size limits vary based on the aircraft, but airlines generally have similar dimensions. For example, JetBlue’s carrier size limit is 17 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches high. American Airlines and United’s carrier size limit is 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high.
It’s also important to note that some airlines allow pets to fly in the climate-controlled cargo hold, but restrictions vary depending on the age, size, and breed of your animal. Hard-sided carriers or crates with a metal grated door are typically required for cargo-hold travel.
As a rule of thumb, American Airlines advises that the carrier be longer or taller than your pet when they are standing outside of it, which ensures your pet will have enough space to stand, sit, and lie in a natural position. Meanwhile, Delta has placed a temporary embargo on pet cargo shipments globally.
7 TSA Approved Pet Carriers for Dogs & Cats
Now we will be highlighting the 7 best TSA approved pet carriers for dogs and cats. These carriers have been rigorously tested and meet the TSA’s requirements for size, design, and safety.
Each of these carriers are designed to provide your pet with a comfortable and secure travel experience while also being easy to transport.
Whether you’re looking for a soft-sided carrier or a hard-sided one, this list has options for every pet owner’s needs. Let’s dive in and find the perfect TSA approved carrier for you and your furry companion.
1. JetBlue JetPaws Official Pet Carrier – Best Value
The JetBlue JetPaws Official Pet Carrier is a TSA approved pet carrier that is specifically designed to fit under JetBlue’s cabin seats. This soft-sided carrier is made of durable and lightweight fabric and comes in a blue color. The carrier measures 16 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width and 10 inches in height, making it perfect for small pets.
One of the great features of this carrier is that it comes with five pockets for storage of accessories and three mesh panels, providing ample ventilation for your pet. Additionally, the carrier is lined with a washable pad for your pet’s comfort, and an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying.
The carrier itself weighs 2 pounds, which makes it easy to carry and move around. The carrier is also a good choice for frequent flyers as it is designed to fit easily under JetBlue’s cabin seats.
Pros:
- Specifically designed to fit under JetBlue’s cabin seats
- Five pockets for storage of accessories
- Three mesh panels for ventilation
- Lined with a washable pad for pet’s comfort
- Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap
- Durable and lightweight
- The carrier itself weighs 2 pounds
Cons:
- Only available in one color
- Some customer reviews have noted that the dimensions may not be suitable for all pet breeds.
Overall, the JetBlue JetPaws Official Pet Carrier is a great choice for small pets, especially for JetBlue airline flyers, as it is designed to fit under the seats. However, it is worth noting that the carrier has a weight limit of 20 pounds and is only available in one color. Additionally, some customers have noted that the dimensions may not be suitable for all pet breeds.
2. Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier
The Roverlund Pet Carrier is an innovative, award-winning design that serves as an airline compliant in-cabin pet carrier, car seat, mobile dog or cat bed, and everyday pet travel bag. Voted People Magazine’s ‘Best Pet Carrier’ of 2022, and featured on Good Morning America, this carrier is loved by many.
The carrier features a flexible rear frame that can be removed during plane travel to allow the carrier to conform to the in-cabin pet carrier requirements of smaller aircrafts. The carrier also includes bonus features such as a shoulder strap that doubles as a bonus leash, storage pocket, removable fleece-lined interior dog bed, and carabiner for poop bag holder, keys or leash storage.
The Roverlund Pet Carrier comes in two sizes: SMALL, suitable for most dogs up to 12.5lbs and LARGE, suitable for most dogs up to 20lbs. The carrier measures 19 inches in length, 11.75 inches in width, and 11.5 inches in height. The carrier is also waterproof, collapsible, vented siding, and exterior pocket included.
Pros:
- Innovative award-winning design
- Airline compliant in-cabin pet carrier
- Can also be used as a car seat, mobile dog or cat bed
- Bonus leash included
- Waterproof, collapsible, vented siding, exterior pocket included
- Suitable for most dogs up to 20lbs
Cons:
- May be too small for larger dogs
- Some customers have reported that the carrier is not sturdy enough for larger pets.
Overall, the Roverlund Pet Carrier is a versatile, innovative and award-winning design that can be used for a variety of purposes such as an airline compliant in-cabin pet carrier, car seat, mobile dog or cat bed and everyday pet travel bag. The bonus features such as the bonus leash, water proof, collapsible, vented siding, exterior pocket included makes it a great option for pet owners. However, it may be too small for larger dogs, and some customers have reported that the carrier is not sturdy enough for larger pets.
3. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Carrier – Best Overall
The Mr. Peanut’s Soft Sided TSA Approved Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a carrier that is airline compliant and suitable for small animals, cats and dogs. The carrier comes in the color Deja Blue and is made of durable nylon. The carrier measures 18 inches in length, 10.5 inches in width and 11 inches in height.
The carrier is lightweight, weighing only 2.7lbs, and is designed with breathable mesh on all sides for proper ventilation. It also comes with a removable fleece travel bed with a plywood base for additional support, a padded shoulder strap, a name tag, zippered mesh storage for treats, medication papers, seatbelt attachments, and a Mr. Peanut’s Cool logo storage pouch.
One of the standout features of this carrier is that it is designed with a ventilated top to meet all airline regulations of under-forward seat compatibility including Delta, Southwest, United, American, Virgin and others. The carrier also includes premium self-locking zippers and a plush removable faux fleece pad with a plywood base insert for additional stability and weight handling.
Pros:
- Airline compliant
- Suitable for small animals, cats, and dogs
- Lightweight, only 2.7lbs
- Designed with breathable mesh on all sides for proper ventilation
- Removable fleece travel bed with a plywood base for additional support
- Padded shoulder strap, name tag, zippered mesh storage for treats, medication papers, seatbelt attachments and a Mr. Peanut’s Cool logo storage pouch
- Designed with a ventilated top to meet all airline regulations of under-forward seat compatibility
- Includes premium self-locking zippers
- Plush removable faux fleece pad with a plywood base insert for additional stability and weight handling
Cons:
- Only fits pets up to 16 inches in length and 10 inches in height, and up to 15lbs
- Pets might not be able to stand in it
- Some customers have reported that the carrier is not sturdy enough for larger pets.
Overall, the Mr. Peanut’s Soft Sided TSA Approved Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a carrier that is airline compliant and suitable for small animals, cats and dogs. The carrier is lightweight, designed with breathable mesh on all sides for proper ventilation, and comes with a removable fleece travel bed with a plywood base for additional support. The carrier is also
4. Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who want a carrier that can be used as a mobile pet bed, an in-cabin airplane carrier, and a car seat. It is suitable for pets up to 17-1/2 pounds and comes in a variety of colors.
The top and ends of the carrier open for easy access to the pet, and there are large zipper pockets on both sides. The carrier is made of luggage-grade nylon outside and Ultra Plush polyester inside. It compresses from 22 inches long, 10-1/2 inches wide, 10-1/2 inches high down to 16 inches long, 10-1/2 inches wide, 8 inches high.
The carrier is also airline compliant and meets all TSA requirements. Its unique design allows it to contract in size to fit in the space below most airline seats during the restricted times of takeoff and landing. Once the plane is in the air, the carrier can be expanded to allow the pet the largest possible space below an airline seat.
The carrier also includes straps on both sides to secure the carrier in a car seat, which is helpful for car safety during travel. Additionally, the carrier is crash tested and certified by CPS, ensuring the safety of your pet while on the road. The carrier also includes a trolley pocket for travel, making it easy to attach to your carry-on luggage.
In terms of additional features, the Sleepypod Air also includes a separately sold electrical warmer pad, a removable privacy panel, a safety tether to prevent pet escapes, an adjustable comfort shoulder strap, a padded carry handle and a carrier weight of 4 pounds.
Pros:
- Suitable for pets up to 17-1/2 pounds
- Can be used as a mobile pet bed, an in-cabin airplane carrier and a car seat
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Has a padded shoulder strap, machine washable Ultra Plush bedding and an instruction card
- Top and ends open for easy access to the pet, and large zipper pockets on both sides
- Compresses from 22 inches long, 10-1/2 inches wide, 10-1/2 inches high down to 16 inches long, 10-1/2 inches wide, 8 inches high
- Airline compliant and meets all TSA requirements
- Includes straps on both sides to secure the carrier in a car seat
- Crash tested and certified by CPS
- Easy to clean with provided instructions
Cons:
- Weighs 4 pounds
- Has a maximum weight limit of 17-1/2 pounds
- Additional features like electrical warmer pad and privacy panel are separately sold
- Not suitable for larger pets
- The carrier is a bit on the expensive side
5. SturdiBag Pro 2.0 Pet Carrier
The SturdiBag Pro 2.0 Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, durable and lightweight carrier for their furry friends. The carrier is made of top-quality materials and is one of the lightest professional-grade carriers on the market. It is suitable for small animals, cats, and dogs and can hold pets up to 25 pounds.
One of the unique features of this carrier is its easy insert and removal rod assembly, which makes it easy to get your pet in and out of the carrier. Additionally, the carrier has snag-free hook/loop attachments that won’t grab hair or fur, making it easy to use for pets with long or thick coats. The carrier also has a zippered front entry and a top access window with a calling privacy flap, which allows you to easily check on your pet during travel. The carrier also has seatbelt and luggage handle loops, which make it easy to secure the carrier in a car or attach it to your luggage.
The carrier also has deep side pockets for convenient storage, and the comfort fleece pads are machine washable and easy to clean. The carrier has received positive customer reviews and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros:
- Made of top-quality durable materials
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Easy insert and removal rod assembly
- Snag-free hook/loop attachments won’t grab hair or fur
- Zippered front entry and top access window with calling privacy flaps
- Seatbelt and luggage handle loops for easy travel
- Deep side pockets for convenient storage
- Comfort fleece pads are machine washable and easy to clean
- Positive customer reviews and high rating
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger pets
- Higher price point compared to other carriers
- The insert and removal rod assembly can be difficult to use for some people
- The privacy flaps may not provide enough privacy for some pets
Overall, the SturdiBag Pro 2.0 Pet Carrier is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, durable, and lightweight carrier for their pets. The carrier is easy to use, and has many convenient features that make it easy to travel with your pet. However, it is not suitable for larger pets and its price point is a bit on the high side.
6. Dakota Framed Door Kennel – Best for Luggage Hold
The Dakota Framed Door Kennel is a durable and sturdy option for pet travel. Its rotational molding construction makes it resistant to surface abrasions and extreme impacts, and the large ventilation holes provide ample air circulation for your pet. The double-hinged door allows for easy access from either side and can be completely removed for cleaning.
Additionally, the kennel features a large grip handle for easy lifting and maneuvering, and can be stacked to save space with a separately sold stacking kit.
Pros:
- Durable construction using rotational molding process
- Large ventilation holes for ample air circulation
- Double-hinged door for easy access from either side
- Removable door for easy cleaning
- Large grip handle for easy lifting and maneuvering
- Can be stacked to save space with separately sold stacking kit
Cons:
- Heavy weight at 46 pounds
- May not fit in smaller vehicles or spaces
- Stacking kit must be purchased separately
- May not be suitable for pets who are prone to anxiety or stress in enclosed spaces.
7. Henkelion TSA Approved Pet Carrier
The Henkelion TSA Approved Pet Carrier is a versatile and convenient option for pet owners looking to travel with their furry friend. With an airline-approved design, the carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying and can be secured as a dual seat belt or luggage strap. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying and added safety.
The carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric with four-side mesh for breathability and easy check-ins on your pet. The carrier also has a side pocket for storing treats, toys, food and other travel accessories, as well as a 3-layer cozy mat for added comfort.
However, it is important to note that the carrier is not suitable for placement under an airplane seat and should not be used on Southwest Airlines or Alaska Airlines as it exceeds the maximum height allowed by these airlines. Additionally, the carrier is only recommended for small and medium pets up to 15lbs and is not machine washable.
Pros:
- Airline approved design allows for easy travel with your pet
- Safety features such as adjustable shoulder strap and connecting loop handles for balanced carrying
- Durable and lightweight polyester fabric construction
- Four-side mesh for ventilation and easy check-ins on your pet
- Portable and foldable design with padded shoulder strap and handles
Cons:
- Not suitable for large pets or those over 15lbs
- Not suitable for use on Southwest Airlines or Alaska Airlines due to height restrictions
- Carrier may have a smell upon arrival and may need to be aired out before use
- Not machine washable
Tips for Traveling On a Plane With a Pet Carrier
When traveling on a plane with a pet carrier, it’s important to consider the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pet. Here are some tips to help make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your furry companion:
- Choose the right carrier: Make sure to select a carrier that is the appropriate size for your pet and meets the requirements set by your airline. Also, ensure that the carrier has enough ventilation and is made of durable materials to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
- Measure your pet: Before purchasing a carrier, measure your pet to ensure that it will fit comfortably inside. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lay down.
- Get your pet used to the carrier: Before traveling, give your pet plenty of time to get used to the carrier. Leave the carrier out in a room where your pet spends a lot of time and put a cozy blanket or toy inside to make it more inviting.
- Pack essentials: Make sure to pack enough food and water for your pet, as well as any necessary medications and any other essentials, such as a leash and ID tags.
- Plan ahead: Research the airline’s pet travel policies in advance and make sure to book your pet’s travel well in advance. Some airlines may have restrictions on the number of pets allowed on a flight, so it’s important to plan ahead.
- Check-in early: Arrive at the airport early to check-in your pet and make sure that everything is in order. Make sure to bring the necessary paperwork and identification for your pet.
- Keep your pet calm: During the flight, try to keep your pet as calm as possible. You can bring a favorite toy or blanket to help comfort them.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Make sure to have a plan in case of an emergency. Bring contact information for a veterinarian or pet emergency clinic in the area where you will be traveling.
- Use a TSA approved luggage tracker: Before dropping your pet carrier off to be brought to the luggage hold, think about adding a luggage tracker so you can keep an eye on the location of your location.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for your pet. Remember to always check with the airline for their specific guidelines and requirements for traveling with a tsa approved pet carrier.
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