Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers
Travel can be stressful at the best of times, but throw a pet into the mix and navigating your way through an airport suddenly becomes way more complicated. One way to make things feel a little more streamlined?
A reliable, comfortable, and sturdy pet carrier to throw over your shoulder when your hands are full. After all, your pet deserves a great piece of luggage for themselves, too. (Pro tip: Always check with the airline for their latest pet guidelines before departure.) Whether you're traveling with your furry friend on a month-long vacation to another state, relocating for the summer, or heading on a quick, socially-distant weekend getaway with your pup, our favorite airline-approved carriers will keep your pet safe and comfortable on the go.
Scroll down for 13 great pet carriers, including a space-age pod that's perfect for naps and an Arlo Skye carrier that attaches to your favorite carry-on.
Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier
Obsessed with your silver Arlo Skye suitcase? Well, now you can pair it with the brand's very own pet carrier, which manages to be totally practical while still looking chic (not an easy feat). With 360-degree ventilation, your travel buddy will be safe and secure nestled on top of the aluminum or polycarbonate Carry-On or Check-In suitcase, and the carrier includes a memory foam mattress so they'll feel like they're flying first class (even when you're not). When it's not in use, the foldable design makes it easy to pack.
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
Multi-use functionality is key, and this pet carrier triples as a carrier, car seat, and mobile sleep solution. The design is perfect to help your pet cope with long road trips, plus it works as a super-cozy bed once you reach your destination. Ready to hit the road again? Zip the bed up its sides to transform it into a portable carrier.
Wild One Carrier
This minimalist carrier might look like a tote bag, but it's made of weather-resistant material, and features a cushioned base, soft straps, and head scoop to make sure your pet always has the window seat. Its sturdy, reinforced structure also ensures the carrier will never lose its shape and comes with a handy internal pocket for any essentials (read: treats), as well as a collar attachment.
Away Pet Carrier
It should be no surprise that Away's brand-new pet carrier is just as streamlined and chic as their hit luggage. The bag, which fits pets up to 18 pounds and comes in standard black or an au courant gray-blue, is incredibly thoughtfully designed. Standout features include plush, removable sherpa bedding, plenty of pockets for you to store travel documents, and a side pocket with drainage holes (so you can store your included collapsible water bowl inside). Plus, wide openings on both the side and top for easy access, mesh panels on three sides for maximum ventilation, and a roll-up screen so your pet can see what's going on outside. As for safety: Innovative exterior latches can fasten the carrier to a car seat belt, and an interior safety-collar clip prevents adventurous pets from scampering out as soon as you unzip the carrier, And, of course, it's designed to strap onto any type of Away luggage, making toting this carrier a breeze, even through a crowded terminal.
Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier
Thankfully, there are plenty of pet carriers out there with wheels, too. This one will let you roll through the airport with ease and comes equipped with side storage pockets, as well as a seat-belt loop to keep your pet safe—and the 4-in-1 design means it can also be carried as a backpack. A carry-on that only holds a puppy? Now that's our idea of "packing light."
Mark & Graham Buddy Pet Carrier
If you're the type of shopper who puts a monogram on everything your pet owns, this is the carrier for you. The nylon bag comes in two neutral colors (ivory or navy) that'll match most any travel gear, and can be customized with your pet's name embroidered on top for an additional $12. Inside, the carrier features a removable fleece lining for comfort, a built-in leash for security, and netted sides that can be rolled down if your pooch gets hot.
Petsfit Double Sided Expandable Carrier
This carrier is basically the animal world equivalent of a lie-flat seat on an overseas flight. The Petsfit Double Sided Carrier comes in standard, airline-approved sizing with machine-washable fleece bedding, padded shoulder straps, and a side strap for securing to the top of your suitcase handle. In the event that no one takes up the middle seat next to you, it also has two expandable compartments so your pet can stretch its legs out.
