Traveling with a pet can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re flying. One of the most crucial things to consider when traveling with a cat is the type of carrier you use. The right cat carrier for a plane should be comfortable, safe, and convenient for both you and your furry friend.
When looking for the best cat carrier for a plane, there are a few critical things to consider. First, the carrier should be airline-approved, meaning it meets the specific requirements set by the airline you’re flying with. It’s essential to check with your airline beforehand to avoid any issues at the airport.
Second, the carrier should be the appropriate size for your cat. It should be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it shouldn’t be too large that your cat could get tossed around during turbulence.
Third, the carrier should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the rigors of air travel. It should also be well-ventilated to ensure your cat stays cool and comfortable during the flight.
After researching and testing various cat carriers, we’ve identified the top options for the best cat carrier for a plane. These carriers meet all the requirements for airline travel and provide comfort and safety for your furry friend.
Top 3 Best Cat Carriers for Plane
Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier
Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats
As cat owners, we understand how important it is to keep our feline friends safe and comfortable during travel. Whether you’re taking your cat on a short domestic flight or a long international journey, finding the right carrier is crucial. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cat carriers for plane travel. Our top picks are based on factors such as size, durability, comfort, and airline compliance. Read on to find the perfect carrier for your furry companion’s next adventure in the sky.
SECLATO Pet Carrier Airline/TSA Approved Small Dogs, Kitten, Carriers for Small Medium Cats Under 15lb, Collapsible Soft Sided Cat Travel Carrier-Grey
If you are looking for a comfortable and safe way to travel with your furry friend, the SECLATO Pet Carrier is a great option.
Pros
- .The SECLATO Pet Carrier is made of OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified materials, ensuring it is non-smelly, mild, non-stimulating, and friendly to your pets.
- The size of the pet carrier is appropriate for most cats and small dogs, and it is lightweight, making it easy to carry.
- The carrier has a special design that includes a hidden foldable cat bowl, retractable shoulder straps, and a soft wool pad that can be detached and washed.
Cons
- The carrier may not be suitable for larger pets or pets that exceed the recommended weight limit.
- Some users have reported that the carrier’s zippers can be difficult to use.
- The carrier may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
We recently used the SECLATO Pet Carrier to transport our cat on a cross-country flight, and we were impressed with its features. The carrier’s four-side new tear-resistant breathable mesh provided plenty of ventilation, and the top window design allowed us to check on our cat throughout the flight. The carrier also had an escape-proof safety bayonet, ensuring our cat was secure at all times.
The SECLATO Pet Carrier was airline-approved and fit comfortably under the seat in front of us. The retractable shoulder straps with soft shoulder pads made it easy to carry, and the soft wool pad provided a comfortable place for our cat to rest. We also appreciated the hidden foldable cat bowl, which allowed us to feed our cat during the flight.
Overall, we would recommend the SECLATO Pet Carrier to anyone looking for a comfortable and safe way to travel with their small pet. It is a great option for short flights and car rides, and its collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier
We highly recommend the Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier for anyone who wants a comfortable and durable carrier for their furry friend during plane travel.
Pros
- .The expandable design provides extra space for pets to sprawl out, lay, and relax during flights.
- The carrier is made of durable materials that keep it from collapsing and can hold pets steady during travel.
- The carrier is airline-approved, making it easy to get under the airplane seat during flights.
Cons
- The carrier is only suitable for small and medium-sized cats, kittens, and puppies.
- The carrier may not fit under the seat of all airlines, especially the larger size.
- The carrier may not be suitable for pets over 13lbs.
The Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier is perfect for pet owners who want to give their furry friend a comfortable and spacious carrier during plane travel. The carrier is made of durable materials that keep it from collapsing, and the actual PP board base helps to hold all pets steady. The carrier also comes with a thick, comfy, washable, and removable plush pad as a base cover, making it easy to clean after travel.
One of the most significant advantages of this carrier is the expandable design, which provides extra space for pets to sprawl out, lay, and relax during flights. The carrier is also with light weight of around 2.5lbs and fits pets up to 13lbs, making it perfect for small and medium-sized cats, kittens, and puppies.
The carrier is airline-approved, making it easy to get under the airplane seat during flights. The carrier has a self-lock zipper to prevent pets from escaping, and a strap on one side can be slid around the extendable handle of rolling luggage. The carrier also provides a longer, detachable strap to hang on the shoulders and has a side pocket for storage.
In conclusion, the Petsfit Expandable Cat Carrier is an excellent choice for pet owners who want a comfortable and durable carrier for their furry friend during plane travel. The expandable design, durable materials, and airline-approved size make it a reliable and practical choice for any pet owner.
Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats
If you’re looking for a pet carrier that is perfect for air travel, the Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats is an excellent choice.
Pros
- .The carrier is spacious and can accommodate cats up to 16 lbs.
- The carrier is airline-approved and fits under most airline seats.
- The carrier has multiple mesh windows for ventilation and top and side entry with locking zippers for safety.
Cons
- The carrier’s shoulder strap could be more comfortable during extended periods of carrying.
- The carrier’s base insert is not very thick and may require additional padding for comfort.
- The carrier’s design may not be as stylish as other options.
We recently used the Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats for a cross-country flight with our furry friend and were pleased with the carrier’s performance. The carrier was spacious enough for our cat to move around and provided ample ventilation for the duration of the flight. The carrier’s locking zippers also gave us peace of mind, knowing that our cat was secure and safe throughout the flight.
The carrier’s adjustable shoulder strap and back strap made it easy to carry, although we did find the shoulder strap to be slightly uncomfortable during extended periods of carrying. The carrier also comes with a removable base insert and a cozy fleece pet bed, which provided our cat with a comfortable place to rest during the flight.
Overall, we highly recommend the Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable carrier for air travel.
LE SURE Cat Dog Carrier Airline Approved
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cat carrier for plane travel, the LE SURE Cat Dog Carrier Airline Approved is a great option.
Pros
- .Multi-use design for various outings
- TSA-approved for airline travel
- Breathable ventilation for pet comfort
Cons
- Some users may prefer a hard-sided carrier
- May not be suitable for larger pets
- May be difficult to clean
We’ve used the LE SURE Cat Dog Carrier Airline Approved for several trips with our furry friend and have been impressed with its overall quality and functionality. The multi-use design allows us to use it for various outings, including trips to the vet, long car rides, and plane travel.
One of the standout features of this carrier is its TSA-approved design, which ensures that we can bring our pet with us on all of our adventures. We appreciate that it fits easily under most airplane seats, so our pet can stay close and comfortable throughout the flight.
The breathable ventilation is also a plus, as it allows our pet to enjoy optimal ventilation and communicate with us throughout the journey. The three-side breathable mesh walls ensure that there’s plenty of air circulation, and the open design allows our pet to poke out and enjoy a great view of their surroundings.
The carrier is spacious and durable, providing our pet with plenty of space to move around, get cozy, and stay comfortable. The waterproof fabric, durable mesh walls, and metal detailing provide added durability, and the adjustable shoulder strap comes with extra pads to ensure maximum comfort for both us and our pet.
Overall, we highly recommend the LE SURE Cat Dog Carrier Airline Approved for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cat carrier for plane travel.
JESPET Soft-Sided Kennel Pet Carrier
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable cat carrier for plane travel, the JESPET Soft-Sided Kennel Pet Carrier is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The carrier is made with durable material, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of travel.
- The safety belt loop allows the carrier to be restrained with a vehicle seat belt for car travel.
- The mesh panels provide maximum ventilation and accessibility for your pet.
Cons
- The mesh top cannot be opened, which may make it difficult to access your pet during the flight.
- The carrier may be too small for larger cats or dogs.
- The shoulder strap may not be comfortable for extended periods of carrying.
We’ve used the JESPET carrier for several trips and have found it to be a reliable option for our cat. The carrier is well-constructed and has held up well over time. The safety belt loop is a nice feature that provides added security during car travel. We also appreciate the mesh panels, which allow our cat to stay cool and comfortable during the flight.
One downside to this carrier is that the mesh top cannot be opened, which can make it difficult to access your pet during the flight. Additionally, the carrier may be too small for larger cats or dogs, so be sure to measure your pet before purchasing. Finally, while the shoulder strap is adjustable, it may not be comfortable for extended periods of carrying.
Overall, we would recommend the JESPET Soft-Sided Kennel Pet Carrier for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option for plane travel with their cat or small dog.
Petsfit Expandable Cat Carriers Airline Approved
We highly recommend the Petsfit Expandable Cat Carriers Airline Approved for pet owners who want to travel with their furry friends.
Pros
- .The expandable design provides extra space for pets to stretch and relax during flights or car rides.
- The carrier is durable and well-constructed with a solid wire structure and scratch-resistant ventilated mesh windows.
- It offers multiple carrying options, including a detachable shoulder strap and side strap that can be slid around the extendable handle of rolling luggage.
Cons
- The carrier may not be suitable for larger pets, as the S size is designed for small animals weighing up to 9 pounds.
- The carrier has many zippers and compartments, which may be confusing to use at first.
- Some users have reported that the carrier is too bulky to fit under certain airplane seats.
The Petsfit Expandable Cat Carriers Airline Approved is a great option for pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends are comfortable and secure during travel. The expandable design provides ample space for pets to stretch and relax, while the durable construction ensures long-term use. However, it may not be suitable for larger pets and some users have reported difficulty fitting it under certain airplane seats. Overall, we recommend this carrier for pet owners who want a reliable and versatile option for travel.
Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier
If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable pet carrier for air travel, the Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier is a great option.
Pros
- The carrier is expandable in four different ways, providing extra room for your furry friend to move around and feel comfortable during travel.
- It’s made of high-quality materials, including Oxford fabric and EVA board, which makes it sturdy and safe for your pet.
- The carrier is easy to clean and maintain, thanks to its removable and machine-washable fleece bed.
Cons
- The zippers can be a bit finicky, so you need to handle them with care to avoid getting them stuck.
- The carrier is not suitable for larger pets, as it’s designed for small animals such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs.
- The carrier doesn’t have wheels, so you’ll need to carry it around with you during travel.
We recently used the Siivton Pet Travel Carrier on a flight with our cat, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The carrier is lightweight and easy to carry, and it fit comfortably under the seat in front of us on the plane. We appreciated the multiple entry points and the mesh windows, which provided plenty of ventilation and visibility for our cat.
One thing to note is that the carrier is expandable, which is great for providing extra room for your pet, but it can be a bit tricky to expand and collapse. You need to be patient and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the carrier.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable carrier for air travel with their furry friend.
Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for Small Medium Cats Puppies up to 15 Lbs
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable cat carrier for plane travel, the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier is an excellent choice. It is TSA airline approved and made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- The Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier is airline approved, which means you can take your pet with you on your travels without any issues.
- It has an adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry hands-free and safe for your pet.
- The four-side mesh provides a safe and comfortable travel for your pet and allows you to check on your pet easily.
Cons
- The carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 15″ x 9″ x 9″, so if your pet is larger, you may need to choose a different carrier.
- The cozy fleece pet bed is not as pictured in the ad itself.
- The carrier may be a bit snug for some pets to turn around inside.
Overall, the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable cat carrier for plane travel. It is durable, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it a great option for pet owners on the go.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cat carrier for plane travel, there are a few important features to consider. We recommend looking for carriers that are airline-approved, sturdy, and comfortable for your furry friend.
One of the most important things to consider is the size of the carrier. It should be large enough for your cat to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down in. However, it should also fit under the seat in front of you on the plane. Be sure to check with your airline for their specific size requirements.
Another key feature to consider is the carrier’s durability. It should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Look for carriers with reinforced seams and sturdy zippers.
Comfort is also important. Look for carriers with plenty of ventilation to keep your cat cool and comfortable during the flight. Soft, padded interiors can also help keep your cat comfortable and relaxed.
When choosing a carrier, it’s important to consider your cat’s personality and needs. Some cats may prefer carriers with a top-loading design, while others may feel more comfortable with a front-loading carrier. Additionally, some carriers come with additional features such as pockets for storing treats or toys, or even wheels for easy maneuverability.
Overall, choosing the best cat carrier for plane travel requires careful consideration of your cat’s needs and the specific requirements of your airline. By looking for carriers that are airline-approved, sturdy, and comfortable, you can ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience for both you and your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we determine if a cat carrier meets airline approval criteria?
Before purchasing a cat carrier for air travel, it is important to ensure that it meets the airline’s requirements. Airlines have specific guidelines regarding the size, material, and ventilation of pet carriers. We recommend checking with the airline you will be flying with to determine their specific requirements. You can also check the airline’s website or call their customer service for more information.
What are the size requirements for an in-cabin pet carrier on most airlines?
Most airlines have specific size requirements for in-cabin pet carriers. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed certain dimensions. Typically, the carrier should be no larger than 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches tall. However, we recommend checking with the airline you will be flying with to determine their specific size requirements.
What features should we look for in a cat carrier for safe and comfortable air travel?
When choosing a cat carrier for air travel, there are several features to consider for your cat’s safety and comfort. Look for carriers made of sturdy materials with good ventilation, secure locks, and a comfortable interior. A carrier with a removable and washable pad is also a plus. Additionally, carriers with pockets for storing treats, toys, and other essentials can be helpful.
Which carriers are recommended for larger cats when flying?
For larger cats, we recommend choosing a carrier that is spacious and sturdy. A soft-sided carrier may not be suitable for bigger cats as it may not provide enough support. Instead, opt for a hard-sided carrier with plenty of ventilation and a comfortable interior. We also recommend checking with the airline you will be flying with to determine any size restrictions.
How can we ensure our cat’s comfort during a long flight in a carrier?
To ensure your cat’s comfort during a long flight in a carrier, we recommend providing them with familiar items such as a favorite blanket or toy. You can also place a small amount of their regular food in the carrier for them to snack on during the flight. Additionally, make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and has a comfortable interior.
Are there any pet carriers with wheels that are suitable for airline travel?
While there are pet carriers with wheels available, not all of them are suitable for airline travel. Some airlines may not allow carriers with wheels on board, while others may have specific requirements for carriers with wheels. We recommend checking with the airline you will be flying with to determine their specific guidelines.
