Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Shutterstock / Zossia / Business Insider
- Flying with your cat? An airline-friendly carrier is a must.
- The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier offers an unbeatable combination of quality, durability, pet comfort, and features you'd appreciate.
Are you planning to bring your cat along on your next trip? If you are traveling by plane, then you'll need to purchase a carrier that meets a particular airline's regulations, both in terms of size and design. Many cat carriers are too large to be allowed in airplane cabins, so you may need to purchase a carrier specifically for the flight.
We evaluated cat carriers that are suitable for carrying onto a plane and narrowed the list down to the five best options. We assessed these carriers based on a number of factors, including durability, size, ventilation, security, and comfort, as well as feedback from experts and customers.
These carriers are intended to fit underneath the seat in front of you. You do sacrifice some comfort, but your cat will be nearby. If you intend to have your cat ride in the plane's cargo hold, you should consult the airline for guidance on heavier-duty carriers suitable for the job.
While these cat carriers are generally acceptable for use in airplane cabins, do consult your airline before purchasing. Different airlines have different rules and regulations, especially regarding the size of a cat carrier. For instance, United Airlines requires that a hard-sided carrier be no larger than 17.5-inches long, 12-inches wide, and 7.5-inches high. However, Southwest Airlines allows a slightly larger maximum size of 18.5-inches long, 8.5-inches high, and 13.5-inches wide, while Delta Airlines has varying requirements according to the specific flight that you're on. It's best to make sure that any pet carrier you're considering meets the airlines' individual requirements for pet travel.
You should also research an airline's general rules for pets before you book, and be sure to have documentation that the airline might require. Your pet may need a veterinary examination and particular vaccines to fly, so check these regulations early and, if necessary, schedule an appointment with your vet to ensure your travel plans go smoothly.
Here are our top picks for the best airline-friendly cat carriers in 2019:
- Best cat carrier overall: Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
- Best cat carrier for comfort: Petsfit Expandable Travel Pet Carrier
- Best hard-shell cat carrier: Ruff Maxx Kennel
- Best wheeled cat carrier: Katziela Luxury Rider Pet Carrier
- Best budget cat carrier: Bencmate Soft Sided Pet Carrier
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Find all the best offers at our Coupons page.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.