Traveling with a cat can be stressful, but selecting one of the best airline-approved cat carriers can make the experience easier for both you and your pet. Securing your cat in a soft-sided pet carrier with essential features during the flight ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Keep in mind: Pet carrier size requirements differ by airline. Major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United allow carriers up to 18 inches (L) by 11 inches (W) by 11 inches (H). Smaller size limits may apply with other airlines, so always check before traveling.
Best Overall: Sleepypod Air
The Sleepypod Air quickly became the favorite among our cat testers. During a recent trip to the vet, the cats chose the Sleepypod over other carriers due to its plush bedding, adequate ventilation, and spacious interior. For skittish cats, a privacy screen is included, which can be pulled over the mesh top to provide a more secure environment, although this limits airflow.
The Sleepypod Air stands out for its innovative design and commitment to safety. It is certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit organization that crash-tests pet carriers to ensure their safety. Unlike traditional carriers with doors, this model features one continuous zipper that opens from end to end, transforming the carrier into a flat bed. It can also convert into a car seat or easily be stored when rolled up. The carrier folds down to meet size requirements for most airlines, and we recommend practicing compression before your flight.
The padded cross-body shoulder strap provides excellent support, and the carrier remains stable when placed on a suitcase. Although the Sleepypod Air is pricey, its versatility, comfort, and safety features make it a solid investment. Additionally, the carrier comes with a one-year return policy and a guarantee for replacement if damaged in a car accident.
Best Expandable: Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Expandable Carrier
For long travel days, especially those with layovers, the Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Expandable Carrier offers additional space for your cat to relax. A zippered panel on the side of the carrier unfolds to create a mesh atrium, nearly doubling the carrier’s interior space (though it cannot be used during the flight). This expandable feature makes it an excellent choice for cross-country trips or extended stays away from home.
The carrier is front- and top-loading and includes a roll-up privacy flap for the top door. It offers ample ventilation to prevent overheating and features a soft plush bolster bed and safety tether inside. For convenience, it has an adjustable padded shoulder strap and faux leather carry handle, with a 10-inch by 4-inch mesh pocket on the back.
In testing, the carrier’s mesh panels and smooth zippers impressed us, and the bed was easy to clean. While the luggage strap worked well, we noticed it did not keep the carrier completely balanced when rolling over curbs or rough surfaces. Carrying it on the shoulder, however, was comfortable, and the strap adjusted easily.
Best Budget: Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag
The Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag stands out for being budget-friendly without sacrificing durability or comfort. Despite its lower price, it performed well during testing and became the favorite spot for our tester cats to relax at home.
Susan Nilson, a cat and dog trainer, recommends leaving the carrier with its doors open at home to help your cat become familiar with it. This strategy worked well, and the Frisco carrier became one of our cats’ preferred napping locations. Even after machine-washing the fleece mat, it retained its softness and appeal.
This carrier features two doors (top and side), two storage pockets (a Velcro pocket for keys and a mesh pocket for treats and documents), and a collapsible silicone bowl. While the adjustable shoulder strap and carry handle lack padding, making it less comfortable for long journeys, the carrier’s luggage strap allows it to attach to your suitcase. However, it doesn’t offer the same stability as higher-end models when rolling over curbs, so be prepared to support it with a free hand.
Best Stylish: Away The Pet Carrier
Away’s Pet Carrier is a sleek, stylish option for travelers who appreciate good design. Like the Sleepypod Air, it is crash-test certified by the CPS and includes an interior safety tether. It replaces the previous favorite, the Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier, because it fits most major airline size restrictions without needing to squish or fold in the sides.
Our cat tester adored the soft sherpa interior mat, which made the carrier a perfect napping spot. Mesh windows on two sides and the top offer excellent ventilation, and the privacy window can be rolled down if your cat prefers more security.
Designed to navigate busy airports, the carrier has a back sleeve that slides over the handle of luggage from any brand. There’s also an adjustable shoulder strap for crossbody wear, and a leather hand strap for carrying. The carrier’s nylon exterior and interior are easy to clean, and the machine-washable interior liner is secured with Velcro, making it simple to remove and clean after travel.
Best Backpack: Mr. Peanut’s Monterey Series Backpack Airline Compliant Pet Carrier
For hands-free travel, the Mr. Peanut’s Monterey Series Backpack Carrier is an excellent choice. This cat carrier allows owners to wear it on their back, keeping their hands free while ensuring their cat stays secure.
The backpack’s design offers a wider profile, similar to a traditional carrier, which eliminates the need to turn it on its side for under-seat storage. While it sits a bit higher on the back than other carriers, it provides a cozy and secure spot for your cat. The adjustable padded shoulder strap offers an alternative carrying method, but it’s not long enough for crossbody wear.
According to the brand, the interior machine-washable thermal pad helps keep cats comfortable in any climate. Testing showed that the backpack’s mesh padding provided breathability and comfort, and cleaning it was easy with a damp cloth. However, the carrier lacks a waist or chest clip for added stability, so the straps must be tightened to ensure it stays flush against the back. Available in medium and large sizes, only the medium meets most airline carry-on restrictions.
Each of these carriers offers unique features that cater to different travel needs. Whether you’re looking for luxury, style, affordability, or ease of use, these carriers will ensure your feline companion stays safe and comfortable during their journey.
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