The Best Airline Approved Pet Carriers in 2022

Lightweight, easy to carry and just as useful for overland travel, the Sherpa airline approved pet carrier is our best choice if you want a wallet-friendly carrier that’s up to the job. With the look of a sports bag, and with enough mesh panels for your pooch to keep a look-out, this is a pet carrier for the smaller hound (or cat). And it’s nicely built to fit under your plane seat, thanks to its wire spring frame that enables the end of the carrier to reduce in height.

So how comfortable is it for your precious pooch? Pretty good we say. It has a side and top entry point for easy access, roll down flaps for when he needs a little quiet time and a washable faux lambskin liner to keep him comfortable. It’s sufficiently ventilated, although we suggest keeping the panels rolled up if you need to put the bag under your seat. It’s a good airline pet carrier for his human too, thanks to the padded carry and shoulder straps and a nice deep side pocket for all those doggy essentials.

With the look of a lux carry-on, this expandable pet carrier by Pet Peppy means your pooch will certainly fly in style. Built to carry small dogs up to 14 pounds, you also get a premium design for your money. A fully retractable handle and 360-degree rotating, removable wheels make transporting your pup to the runway a breeze and its thick wire frame means it’s pretty sturdy when on the move.

For your pup, you get a top and side access point, with robust zippers to keep him secure. Mesh panels allow for air to get in and for your pet to look out, while the two side walls can be zipped out to create a roomy extension for when he needs to really stretch out. Throw in a rigid floor, a decent sized side zip pocket and a shoulder strap for carrying it onboard and you have a great looking airline approved pet carrier with wheels for fuss-free air travel.

Clean, sturdy and easy to use, this soft-sided pet travel carrier from AmazonBasics ticks all the basic boxes, and for less than $30. This is a roomy and airy carrier, which can hold a hound up to 22 pounds, and is good for the inquisitive pet that likes to see what’s going on.

With a straightforward sports bag design and mesh panels on all four sides, this airline approved dog carrier meets most plane under-seat dimensions and has a spring wire frame. It’s a comfortable ride for your pup too, with its removable base insert and washable fleece bed. There’s front and top entry points for easy loading and the double zippers are nice and robust. For the human, although there are no external pockets, there’s a choice of shoulder or hand carry straps. An additional luggage/seat belt strap helps to secure the bag in place when you fly.

For the smaller dog that likes to travel in style, the Sleeko luxury airplane dog carrier gives a quality ride on a budget. With the look of a fashion holdall and with enough comfort to keep your pup happy, the Sleeko scoops our best value title.

Plenty of ventilation, soft side panels and a plush fleece internal bed, your little furry one will feel like they’re traveling business class. And the almost cocoon-like effect of the carrier’s styling will help a nervous pet feeling more secure. Mesh panels on all four sides give plenty of peeping space and there’s three access points so you can easily get hold of your pet. What we also like about the Sleeko is that despite its delicate styling, it’s also a tough cookie, made from tear-resistant mesh and heavy-duty polyester. Easy to carry, simply pop your pup inside the carrier, secure the safety zippers and off you go.

Mix a wheeled carry on and a backpack and you get an airline approved hybrid pet carrier that could just be the right carriage for your traveling dog. Ideal for small dogs or cats, the various orientations of this clever carrier make it more interesting for your pooch. Pet backpack, wheeled carrier, car seat, and bed – the Snoozer does it all. Used as a roller case or backpack, your pet can sit up and take notice, with plenty of viewing space and ventilation. Once on board, laid flat you get an effective soft pet crate for your dog to settle down in.

With four wheels and a telescopic handle, you’ll be whizzing around the airport with ease, or untuck the backpack handles and wear it as a pooch rucksack. As an airline approved pet carrier in cabin it also works well, with its internal padded floor and zipped down mesh panels to keep your furry friend feeling nice and secure. At the top end of our best airline pet carrier review, with four options in one, this is actually good value.

As a soft-sided expandable carrier that’s easy to store when not in use, check out this luxury pet travel tote from Mr. Peanuts. With the looks of an average sized gym bag, thanks to the clever zip out mesh sides, this airline dog carrier can expand to double its size, so perfect for the pooch that likes a good stretch!

A mid-priced carrier, the build quality is good, and  has a lux feel to the waterproof, durable fabric. And taking a pooch up to 15 pounds, it’s a comfy home for the smaller pet who likes the jet set life. Features include front and side access points, lightweight but robust side and top mesh panels and a removable faux fleece bed. The result is a comfortable, ventilated pet carrier that, thanks to the sturdy and padded shoulder strap and carry handles, is also easy to transport.

This smart pet carrier not only looks the business but is a practical choice for cats or smaller dogs. Made from lightweight yet durable polyester, a base support board ensures strength and stability while the bag is easy to transport and carry. Airline approved, the design will not spoil your traveler style and with a machine-washable fleece inner pad, it is super-comfortable for your pet too. Side and top mesh windows ensure plenty of ventilation as well as letting your furry friend see what’s going on. You get a choice of a side or top entry door, both with locking safety zippers for extra security and the carry handle is padded to take any strain. Add in a neat foldable bowl for replenishment on the go and you have a well-made pet carrier for your money.

Hardwearing and at a pretty good price, the EliteField soft sided pet carrier is a no-nonsense traveler that is perfect for small pets. A traditional holdall style, with carry handles and an ample padded shoulder strap, this is an airline approved dog carrier with all the essentials you need.

Front and side entry points and mesh panels for ventilation and viewing, there’s a removable fleece bed cover and a hard support board to keep the carrier in a stable shape. The zips are robust enough and there’s a built-in leash if you need to secure your dog during the flight. The outer is both lightweight and durable, and also waterproof, so easy to wipe and clean. For the pet travel essentials, you also get two side pockets that give a decent amount of storage room. Add in a three-year warranty and we say the EliteField is a good bet.

With a simple yet effective design, this well-priced pet carrier is a good choice for small cats and dogs that like to see where they are going. With its large side and top mesh panels, they get plenty of viewing space as well as fresh air. But the solid base works to keep them feeling stable and secure. Made from waterproof polyester, this carrier is a durable bag for both airline and on the road travel and is nice and lightweight to carry. And inside you also get a lovely fleecy pad that can be removed for easy washing. Airline approved and available in two sizes for pets up to 15 pounds, you also get a choice of five classic colors, so you and your pet always look good as you travel.

If your kit or small dog has a habit of scratching, then this neat little pet carrier is made from reinforced polyester with claw-resistant mesh windows for extra durability against those claws. Sized for pets up to 15 pounds, you can also opt for the larger version if your dog or cat needs more room. Airline approved, this soft pet carrier travels well, and will fit under the seats of most airlines. Side and top mesh windows provide that essential ventilation, with zipped panels, so your pet can have a really good look out. For his human, you have a choice of padded carry handles or a shoulder strap and with the whole carrier made from durable waterproof polyester, your traveling pet should get plenty of airmiles under their belt.