Traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but ensuring their comfort and safety, especially during air travel, is paramount. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right airline-approved dog travel crate. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about providing your furry companion with a secure, comfortable, and stress-free travel experience. An airline-approved dog travel crate is specifically designed to meet the rigorous standards set by airlines, ensuring it fits comfortably under the seat or in the cargo hold while keeping your dog safe and sound.
To help you navigate the myriad of options available, we’ve rigorously tested and evaluated numerous dog travel crates that are airline-approved. Our assessment focused on key factors such as size, durability, comfort, ease of portability, design, cleaning convenience, and overall value. We also consulted with veterinary experts, Dr. Chyrle Bonk from excitedcats.com and Dr. Paola Cuevas from petkeen.com, to gather essential insights on safe and comfortable air travel for your canine companion, whether they are flying in the cabin with you or as cargo.
In this guide, we present our top picks for the best airline-approved dog travel crates, catering to various needs and travel scenarios, ensuring your journey with your dog is as smooth as possible.
Our Top Picks for Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates
- Best Overall: Away The Pet Carrier at Away Travel $225
- Best for Cargo Travel: Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate at Gunner.com $550
- Best for Small Dogs (Adaptable for Cats): Travel Cat The Transpurrter at Amazon $170
- Best Budget Hardside Option: Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon $105
- Best Expandable Dog Carrier: Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier at Amazon $53
- Best Stylish Dog Travel Crate: Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier at Dagnedover.com
Best Overall Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate
Away The Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: The Away The Pet Carrier stands out as the best overall airline-approved dog travel crate because it masterfully combines comfort, design, and functionality. It’s aesthetically pleasing and meticulously engineered to meet the needs of both pet and owner during air travel.
What to Consider: This carrier is best suited for smaller dogs, accommodating pets up to 18 pounds. Owners of larger dogs will need to explore other options.
The Away Pet Carrier mirrors the brand’s commitment to sophisticated design and practicality found in their luggage. Its dimensions are thoughtfully crafted to fit comfortably under most airline seats while ensuring ample space for a small dog. We were particularly impressed by the intelligent pocket placement, both inside and out. These pockets are perfect for stashing essential items for both you and your dog, including a waterproofed side pocket with drainage holes specifically designed for collapsible water bowls – a truly thoughtful touch for pet travel.
Key features that elevate this dog travel crate include its water-resistant construction, making clean-ups a breeze, and a trolley sleeve for seamless airport navigation. Seat belt latches add an extra layer of security during ground transport to and from the airport. Breathable mesh sides ensure optimal ventilation, and a retractable calming screen provides privacy for anxious dogs without compromising airflow. The inclusion of a removable Sherpa bed enhances comfort, and there’s still enough room to add a favorite blanket or toy for added familiarity and reassurance.
Constructed from durable nylon and accented with stylish black leather, the Away Pet Carrier is as fashionable as it is functional. It’s an excellent choice for dog owners seeking a high-quality, airline-approved travel crate that doesn’t compromise on style or practicality, provided their dog is within the weight limit. Expanding the size options would be our only suggestion for improvement.
The Details: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | 4.3 pounds | Pet size up to 18 pounds | Material: Nylon and leather
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio
Alt text: Small dog comfortably resting inside the Away airline-approved pet carrier, showcasing its comfortable interior.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Traveler easily carrying the stylish Away airline-approved dog travel crate through the airport, demonstrating its portability.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Away airline-approved dog travel crate fitting perfectly under an airplane seat, highlighting its airline compliance.
Best Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate for Cargo Hold
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate
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PHOTO: Gunner
Why We Love It: The Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate is the gold standard when it comes to hard-sided dog travel crates for cargo. Its unparalleled safety features and robust construction offer maximum protection for your dog during cargo travel.
What to Consider: Quality and safety come at a premium. The Gunner G1 is a significant investment, and its larger sizes can be heavy and cumbersome to manage alone, especially with a dog inside.
The Gunner G1 Kennel is in a class of its own, particularly when considering safety for cargo travel. It boasts a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety, a testament to its robust design. Numerous testimonials from pet owners involved in serious car accidents highlight the life-saving capabilities of Gunner kennels, underscoring their exceptional protection. For air travel, especially in the potentially turbulent cargo hold, this level of protection is invaluable. The kennel features double-wall rotomolding for superior impact resistance, a wider, tip-resistant base, integrated tie-down rods for secure anchoring, and all-weather windows to shield your dog from harsh conditions during airport loading and unloading.
Inside, your dog’s comfort is considered; you can add a soft bed, and raised, non-slip feet minimize temperature transfer from hot or cold surfaces. While the larger sizes, like the large size we tested (72 pounds empty), can be challenging for single-person handling with a dog inside, the kennel is available in small, medium, and intermediate sizes to suit different dog breeds and sizes.
The Details: Available in multiple sizes: 24.5 x 18.6 x 19 inches (small), 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 inches (medium), 34 x 23 x 28.5 (intermediate), 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 (large) | Weight ranges from 27 pounds (small) to 72 pounds (large) | Suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds (large size) | Material: Rotomolded plastic and stainless steel.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
Alt text: Dog comfortably peeking out of the durable Gunner G1 airline-approved dog travel crate, showing its secure construction.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
Alt text: A well-behaved dog sitting patiently next to the robust Gunner G1 airline-approved dog travel crate, ready for travel.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
Alt text: Side profile of the heavy-duty Gunner G1 airline-approved dog travel crate, emphasizing its sturdy and protective design.
Best Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate for Small Dogs (and Cats)
Travel Cat The Transpurrter
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PHOTO: Amazon
$170 at Amazon View on Yourcatbackpack.com
Why We Love It: While marketed for cats, the Travel Cat Transpurrter is an excellent airline-approved dog travel crate for small breeds. Its versatility, multiple carrying options, and thoughtful features make it a standout choice for in-cabin travel with small dogs.
What to Consider: The soft interior lining, while comfortable, can attract and retain dog hair. Regular cleaning is needed to keep it pristine.
The Travel Cat “Transpurrter” Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier is remarkably versatile, offering five different carrying styles: over-the-shoulder, by side handles, trolley sleeve, crossbody, or as a backpack. This adaptability is incredibly useful when navigating airports. One of the most appreciated features is the multiple access points. With openings at both ends, the top, and a fully opening side panel, accessing your small dog is easy, and it also allows for expanded space while waiting at the gate. We found that clipping a dog onto the internal bungee tether and opening a side panel provided a less confined and more comfortable waiting experience. Calming privacy flaps, stretchy slip pockets, organizational pockets, a slide-out lined basket, and scratch-resistant mesh on three sides further enhance its appeal. Despite multiple flights, this carrier has held up exceptionally well, looking almost new, except for the interior lining which, as expected with soft materials, tends to collect pet hair.
The Details: 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches | 3.4 pounds | Suitable for pets up to 30 pounds (though best for smaller dogs for in-cabin comfort)
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Travel + Leisure / Katherine Alex Beaven
Alt text: Small dog curiously poking its head out of the versatile Travel Cat Transpurrter airline-approved dog travel crate, showcasing its accessibility.
Best Budget Hardside Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate
Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel
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PHOTO: Petmate
$105 at Amazon View on Cabelas.com View on Petmate.com
Why We Love It: The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel is the best budget hardside airline-approved dog travel crate. It provides essential functionality and meets FAA standards without breaking the bank.
What to Consider: This is a basic, no-frills option. It lacks extra features like pockets or storage compartments, focusing solely on the core function of a safe travel crate.
For dog owners seeking an affordable yet reliable hardside airline-approved dog travel crate, the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel is an excellent choice. It’s a straightforward, heavy-duty plastic kennel that’s approved for domestic air travel within the U.S. It includes essential features such as three-sided ventilation, a secure stainless steel door with squeeze latches to prevent accidental openings during flights, and a spacious interior to comfortably accommodate your dog, along with food and water bowls and a blanket or toy (if permitted by the airline and fitting within size guidelines). The darker bottom is designed to tap into a dog’s natural burrowing instincts, promoting relaxation during travel. The kennel is also easy to assemble and disassemble for storage or when not in use. While it lacks storage pockets for paperwork or treats, its primary function of providing a safe and compliant travel space for your dog is undeniably well-executed, making it an excellent value for money.
The Details: Available in multiple sizes: 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches (small), 32 x 22.5 x 24 inches (medium), 36 x 25 x 27 inches (large), 40 x 27 x 30 (extra-large) | Weight ranges from 9 pounds (small) to 24 pounds (extra-large) | Suitable for dogs up to 90 pounds (extra-large size) | Material: Heavy-duty plastic and metal
Best Expandable Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate
Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Amazon
$53 at Amazon View on Petsfit.com $51 at Wayfair
Why We Love It: The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier is the best expandable airline-approved dog travel crate thanks to its unique expandable sides that offer extra room for your dog during layovers and gate waits, and its flexible frame for fitting under seats.
What to Consider: The carry handles could benefit from more padding, as they can become uncomfortable during extended carrying periods.
The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier excels in providing extra space for your dog without exceeding airline size restrictions. Its dual expandable, scratch-resistant mesh sides are ingenious for providing additional room while waiting at the gate or during layovers, without fully removing your dog from the carrier. We also tested expanding the sides while the carrier was under the airplane seat, giving our dog slightly more room on both sides for enhanced comfort during the flight. The carrier is also designed to be collapsible, and the removable fiber rods in the top frame provide extra flexibility for squeezing it under tighter seats. A soft bottom lining adds to your dog’s comfort. While lightweight and portable, the unpadded carry handles became uncomfortable after prolonged use. Padded handles would be a welcome improvement, but the added space and flexibility this carrier provides are significant benefits.
The Details: Available in multiple sizes: 16 x 10 x 9 (small), 17 x 11 x 11 inches (medium), 19 x 12 x 12 inches (large) | Weight ranges from 2.1 pounds (small) to 3 pounds (large) | Suitable for dogs up to 18 pounds (large size) | Material: Polypropylene
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Travel + Leisure / JT Wilde
Alt text: Small dog peacefully sleeping inside the Petsfit expandable airline-approved dog travel crate, fitted comfortably under an airplane seat.
Best Stylish Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crate
Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Dagne Dover
Why We Love It: The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is the epitome of style in airline-approved dog travel crates. It’s crafted from high-quality materials and boasts a sleek design while maintaining impressive durability.
What to Consider: Its slightly wider profile can cause the sides to overhang when placed on smaller carry-on luggage.
For dog owners who prioritize aesthetics without sacrificing functionality, the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier is the ideal choice. True to the brand’s reputation, this carrier is made from premium materials like 900D polyester, mesh, and Sherpa, ensuring it can endure the rigors of travel. Despite being placed under airplane seats and on car floors, our test unit remained in pristine condition after multiple flights and road trips. We tested the large size, which comfortably fit a 12-pound Chihuahua mix, and a small size is also available. Our canine tester had ample room to turn around and adjust sleeping positions, indicating good comfort levels. Thoughtful design features such as multiple handles, a trolley sleeve, and spacious zippered side pockets enhance its practicality. It’s also conveniently packable for home storage and machine washable for easy cleaning.
The Details: Available in two sizes: 16.5 x 10.25 x 11 (small), 18 x 12 x 11.4 inches (large) | Weight: 3.8 pounds (small), 4.3 pounds (large) | Suitable for dogs up to 20 pounds (large size) | Material: 900D polyester, mesh, Sherpa
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: A chic small dog comfortably situated inside the stylish Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, showing its fashionable design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Small dog peacefully relaxing inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, highlighting its comfortable and stylish interior.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Elegant Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate placed on top of a suitcase, demonstrating its travel-friendly design and trolley sleeve.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate securely placed on a luggage trolley, showcasing its ease of transport through airports.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Curious small dog peering out from the stylish Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, enjoying a comfortable view.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Space-saving collapsed Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, highlighting its easy storage when not in use.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Fully opened Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate on a bed, showcasing its spacious interior and easy access.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Sleek Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate fitting perfectly under an airplane seat, emphasizing its airline compliance and compact design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Traveler effortlessly wheeling the Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate on top of a suitcase through the airport, highlighting its convenience and style.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Content small dog comfortably sitting inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, enjoying the journey in style.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Alt text: Adorable small dog looking relaxed inside the Dagne Dover Kyoto airline-approved dog travel crate, enjoying its comfort and premium design.
Other Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates We Considered
While the above dog travel crates topped our lists, some others impressed us and deserve consideration for specific travel needs:
- Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier: While heavier and larger than our top soft-sided picks, the Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier is exceptionally safe, boasting a five-star crash test rating, custom seat belt clips, a pee-pad-friendly design, and zip-down side. Though its size might be scrutinized at airline check-in, it’s an outstandingly safe dog travel crate, particularly for car travel and still suitable as an airline-approved dog travel crate.
- Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier: The Arlo Skye Pet Carrier, available in two heights, might feel snug for larger small dogs. The smaller version is best for teacup breeds. However, for very small dogs, it offers excellent features like four-sided mesh ventilation, a memory foam travel pad, and a robust trolley sleeve, making it a comfortable and convenient airline-approved dog travel crate.
- Wild One Travel Carrier: This lightweight and compact bag is packed with thoughtful travel features, from dual-sided zippers and calming fold-down side panels to a lie-flat design for easy cleaning and a built-in leash option. Its 10-inch height could be tight under some airplane seats if your dog is standing, making it a better fit for smaller breeds who primarily travel lying down in their airline-approved dog travel crate.
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Travel + Leisure
Alt text: Dog sitting comfortably inside the opened Wild One airline-approved dog travel crate, showcasing its user-friendly design.
Our Testing Process for Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates
The Travel + Leisure team rigorously tested 15 airline-approved dog travel crates using real-world travel scenarios with our own dogs and cats. We began by meticulously measuring, weighing, and evaluating the overall quality of each carrier, ensuring our pets were comfortable with them. Then, we took to the skies on both domestic and international roundtrip flights on major U.S. airlines, including JetBlue, known for its stringent in-cabin pet carrier size restrictions.
Throughout our journeys, we documented ease of navigating security, waiting at gates, fitting the carriers under seats, and general airport transport. We consistently monitored our pets’ comfort levels before, during, and after flights and assessed the accessibility to our pets during travel. Our scoring was primarily based on pet comfort, portability, features, price, and overall performance to identify the best airline-approved dog travel crates in this comprehensive guide.
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Travel + Leisure
Alt text: Small dog sitting attentively inside the Arlo Skye airline-approved dog travel crate during testing, demonstrating its suitability for pet travel.
Tips for Buying Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates
Choose the Right Size for Your Dog
Selecting the correct size dog travel crate is crucial for your dog’s comfort and airline compliance. Your dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the crate. Avoid the temptation to choose a smaller crate to merely meet airline size limits; prioritize your dog’s well-being.
Verify Airline-Specific Rules
Always confirm the specific pet and dog travel crate regulations of your chosen airline and consult FAA guidelines before purchasing a crate. Many train companies, like Amtrak, also have specific pet carrier policies. If car travel is also part of your journey, consider crash safety ratings when selecting a dog travel crate.
Key airline rules to remember: In-cabin pet carriers count as carry-on or personal items, dogs must remain inside their crates at all times during flights, crates must stay under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight (on most airlines), and pets traveling as cargo cannot be sedated.
Decide Between Soft-Sided and Hard-Sided Crates
Soft-sided dog travel crates, including dog backpacks, offer more flexibility in fitting under various seat sizes, and airlines often permit slightly larger dimensions for soft-sided carriers due to this adaptability. For cargo travel, hard-sided crates are mandatory for your dog’s safety in the hold. Hard-sided crates can also be a better option for larger or heavier in-cabin dogs, providing more robust support and protection.
Look for Comfort and Convenience Features
Your dog’s comfort should be a top priority. Opt for dog travel crates with features like breathable mesh, sturdy and supportive bottoms, multiple access points, pockets for essentials (treats, water, waste bags), and calming privacy panels. Airlines typically require waterproof bottoms in case of accidents.
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Travel + Leisure
Alt text: Content dog sitting inside a blue airline-approved dog travel crate, demonstrating a comfortable and secure travel environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airline-Approved Dog Travel Crates
How Can I Acclimate My Dog to a Travel Crate?
Start by placing the dog travel crate in your home and leaving it open, allowing your dog to explore it at their own pace. Encourage them to enter by placing treats or toys inside. Once they are comfortable entering, try feeding them meals inside the crate. Next, introduce short car rides with your dog in the crate, gradually increasing the duration and rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise. Lining the crate with familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy can also make it more inviting and less stressful.
How Long Can My Dog Stay in a Travel Crate?
Dr. Bonk advises that most dogs can safely remain in an in-cabin travel crate for six to eight hours, provided the crate is appropriately sized. Dogs traveling in cargo may tolerate slightly longer durations, especially if they have access to pee pads, food, and water. Dr. Cuevas recommends bathroom breaks every six hours if possible, which might necessitate shorter flights or using specialized pet transport services for longer journeys.
What Should I Pack Inside My Dog’s Travel Crate?
For in-cabin travel, while not mandatory, both vets recommend carrying food and water (or treats), any necessary medications, and essential paperwork like vaccination records, which may be required for boarding or upon arrival. Enhance your dog’s comfort by placing an absorbent pad at the bottom of the crate, adding a familiar scented item (like a piece of your clothing or their bedding), and including a favorite toy to provide reassurance and reduce anxiety.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Katherine Alex Beaven consulted with veterinary experts Dr. Chyrle Bonk and Dr. Paola Cuevas for insights on safe and comfortable pet travel. She also incorporated testing feedback from Travel + Leisure editors and their pets, including her own travel-anxious cat, @hellomisterbo. Our recommendations are based on thorough testing and expert veterinary advice to ensure you choose the best airline-approved dog travel crate for your furry friend.
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Updated by Taylor Fox and Anne Taylor.
