10 Best Airline Dog Carrier 2026 in the United States

The Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier is designed for small cats and dogs, making it suitable for users who often fly with their pets. Its size (17x11x9.5 inches) meets the requirements of several major airlines, including Alaska, Southwest, Delta, United, American, and Air Canada. This provides flexibility for frequent flyers. However, it is essential to double-check your specific airline's requirements before purchasing because regulations can vary slightly.

The carrier is ideal for pets under 15 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 10.5 inches high, and weighing less than 12 pounds. Therefore, it may not be suitable for larger pets. The material is a durable, waterproof polyester that is also non-toxic and scratch-resistant, enhancing its longevity and safety. Upgraded mesh ventilation on five sides ensures excellent airflow and visibility for your pet, reducing stress and allowing you to monitor them easily.

The structural design using stainless steel and fiber rods prevents the carrier from sagging or collapsing, ensuring stability. Safety features include locking zippers and an adjustable rope buckle to secure your pet's collar. Despite its functionality, the carrier weighs 3.46 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users to carry for extended periods. The 12-month warranty and customer service support are additional benefits, offering peace of mind regarding product quality and potential issues. In summary, the Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier is a solid choice for small pet owners who travel frequently by air, ensuring safety, comfort, and compliance with multiple airline regulations.

The Petmate Sky Kennel is a solid choice for dog owners needing an airline-approved carrier for medium to large dogs weighing between 70 and 90 pounds. Its size (40 x 27 x 30 inches) provides enough space for dogs like Labradors to sit, stand, and lie down comfortably during travel, which is important for pet comfort on flights. Made from durable polypropylene plastic with eco-friendly recycled content, it offers a sturdy and secure build to keep pets safe.

Ventilation is well thought out, with 360-degree airflow allowing your pet to breathe fresh air from all sides, which is critical during air travel. It also meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements and fits most airline cargo rules, so you can be confident it’s airline-compliant. The crate includes useful extras like live animal stickers, a food and water cup, and absorbent pads to simplify travel preparation. The latch is easy to operate but secure, and the folding top handle adds convenience for carrying.

The kennel is relatively heavy and bulky compared to soft-sided carriers, which may be less convenient for some travelers. Also, because it’s made of hard plastic, it’s less flexible and might take up more space. Though it’s not the lightest option, its durability and compliance make it a dependable choice for air travel with larger dogs. For those seeking a tough, airline-approved crate that prioritizes pet safety and comfort during flights, the Petmate Sky Kennel is worth considering.

The Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel is a solid option for pet owners needing an airline-friendly carrier for dogs around 20-25 pounds. It measures 26" long, 18.6" wide, and 16.5" high, which fits medium-sized pets comfortably, though if your dog is close to the upper limit, you might want to consider a slightly larger size. Made of durable plastic, this kennel offers sturdy protection and is easy to clean thanks to its smooth shell and a stay-dry moat that helps keep your pet dry in case of accidents. Ventilation is good with openings on four sides, ensuring your dog gets fresh air during travel. The kennel meets most airline cargo requirements, making it suitable for air travel, and includes a secure wire door with an easy-open latch to keep your dog safely inside.

The fold-down handle adds convenience for carrying and portability, though at 5.4 pounds, it is not the lightest option available but still manageable. While it doesn’t have extra padded comfort features built-in, it’s a dependable choice for travel and training purposes. Its design is simple and effective, with built-in storage for pet ID, which adds a helpful touch for identification. If you want a straightforward, sturdy, and airline-approved crate that’s easy to maintain, this model is worth considering, especially for medium dogs and pet owners who value durability and practicality.