Air travel isn’t always the most pleasant experience for some of us, but when you need to bring your cat with you, it can really add to the stressful event—for you both! Did you know that some airlines expect your cat to be over a specific age? For example, Delta Airlines won’t let you bring a kitten under 16 weeks old if you’re traveling internationally.
The next important step is to find the right carrier that you can bring onto an airplane. Many carriers are listed as safe for airline travel, so we’ve written reviews on the 10-best airline-approved cat carriers available today. We hope this article might help you find the best carrier for your needs and will make your cat’s trip as comfortable as possible.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites for 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Sherpa Deluxe Cat Carrier
Padded shoulder strap
Zippered front and top entries
Removable and machine-washable faux lambskin liner
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Best Value
Pet Magasin Soft Cat Carrier
Waterproof on the outside
Sturdy but folds flat for storage
Padded inside and has mesh windows for circulation
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Premium Choice
Sherpa Deluxe Lattice Cat Carrier
Security strap for your cat
Comes in large or medium
Stylish black carrier with lattice design
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Mr. Peanut’s Soft Cat Carrier
Washable fleece liner
Contains pockets for storage and an ID tag holder
Top of the carrier can be pushed down to fit under seat
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Petmate Vari Cat Kennel
Comes in 4 sizes
Meets IATA and USDA requirements
Features a moat inside to help keep your cat dry
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The 10 Best Airline-Approved Cat Carriers
The best overall airline-approved cat carrier is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Cat Carrier. One definite advantage of Sherpa is they offer a Guaranteed On-Board program with their small and medium-sized carriers. This program is designed to meet most of the major airline’s rules and regulations, so your cat carrier won’t be rejected while you are boarding the plane. You just need to print the form from the Sherpa website, and boarding should be much easier.
Size: 17” x 11” x 10.5”
Weight: 4 pounds
Material: Polyester, fleece, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 16 pounds
Color: Black
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This one is medium in size, comes in black, and features a padded shoulder strap as well as zippered front and top entries. The carrier has mesh windows for ventilation, a pocket for storage, and a faux, cozy lambskin liner that is removable and machine washable.
On the downside, if your cat is particularly eager to get out of the bag, he might manage to break the zipper. We also found that in some carriers, the shoulder strap would sometimes break.
Pros
Guaranteed On-Board means most airlines will accept this bag
Padded shoulder strap
Zippered front and top entries
Extra pocket for storage
Removable and machine-washable faux lambskin liner
Cons
Feisty cats might break out
Shoulder strap might break on some carriers
The best airline-approved cat carrier for the money is the Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Cat Carrier. Not only is it a good price, but it’s sturdy yet collapsible for easy storage. It comes in orange, pink, or blue and is padded inside for your cat’s comfort, and features mesh windows for circulation. It has handles and a padded shoulder strap, and the outside is waterproof.
Guaranteed On-Board means most airlines will accept this bag
Padded shoulder strap
Zippered front and top entries
Extra pocket for storage
Removable and machine-washable faux lambskin liner
- Guaranteed On-Board means most airlines will accept this bag
- Padded shoulder strap
- Zippered front and top entries
- Extra pocket for storage
- Removable and machine-washable faux lambskin liner
Feisty cats might break out
Shoulder strap might break on some carriers
- Feisty cats might break out
- Shoulder strap might break on some carriers
Size: 18” x 11” x 10”
Weight: 2 pounds
Material: Nylon, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 15 pounds
Color: Orange, blue, or pink
Unfortunately, this carrier is higher at the top, and it might not fit under the airplane seat. However, it is labeled airline approved, so be sure to check its dimensions with your particular airline. We also found that it had a relatively strong chemical smell after unboxing, so it might need some extra airing out before use.
Pros
Good price
Waterproof on the outside
Sturdy but folds flat for storage
Has handles and padded shoulder strap
Padded inside and has mesh windows for circulation
Cons
Might have strong chemical smell so needs airing before use
Our premium choice for the best airline-approved cat carrier is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Lattice Print Cat Carrier. It comes in large (19” x 11.75” x 11.5”) and medium, which is the one we’re writing about. This Sherpa carrier differs from the one in our number one spot based on its stylish appearance as well as some extra security measures. It’s black with an attractive lattice design and features a machine washable and removable faux lambskin liner. It has a spring-wire frame which helps hold the shape but can also be pushed down so you can make it fit under the airplane seat. It has a security strap for your pet as well as locks on the zippers.
Good price
Waterproof on the outside
Sturdy but folds flat for storage
Has handles and padded shoulder strap
Padded inside and has mesh windows for circulation
- Good price
- Waterproof on the outside
- Sturdy but folds flat for storage
- Has handles and padded shoulder strap
- Padded inside and has mesh windows for circulation
Might have strong chemical smell so needs airing before use
- Might have strong chemical smell so needs airing before use
Size: 17” x 11” x 10.5”
Weight: 1 pound
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 16 pounds
Color: Black
Beyond being expensive, we also found that even the large carrier is on the small side, so if you have a large cat, do keep this in mind and measure well.
Pros
Comes in large or medium
Stylish black carrier with lattice design
Spring-wire frame adds stability but can be compressed to fit under airplane seat
Security strap for your cat
Locks for the zippers
Cons
Expensive
Small for big cats
- Mr. Peanut’s Airline-Approved Cat Carrier
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Size: 18” x 10.5” x 11”
Weight: 1 pound
Material: Nylon, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 15 pounds
Color: Blue
The Mr. Peanut’s Soft-Sided Cat Carrier is lightweight, has lots of ventilation, and comes in blue. The top of the carrier can be compressed down to fit under the airplane seat and features pockets for storage and an ID tag holder. It has handles as well as a padded shoulder strap and a lockable zipper, as well as a washable soft fleece liner.
Comes in large or medium
Stylish black carrier with lattice design
Spring-wire frame adds stability but can be compressed to fit under airplane seat
Security strap for your cat
Locks for the zippers
- Comes in large or medium
- Stylish black carrier with lattice design
- Spring-wire frame adds stability but can be compressed to fit under airplane seat
- Security strap for your cat
- Locks for the zippers
Expensive
Small for big cats
- Expensive
- Small for big cats
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Size: 18” x 10.5” x 11”
Weight: 1 pound
Material: Nylon, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 15 pounds
Color: Blue
One of the complaints with this carrier is that we found it had a strong smell after unpacking, which means, like some of the others on this list, it needs time to air out. We also found that the way the handles were positioned made it a little awkward to carry at times.
Pros
Top of the carrier can be pushed down to fit under seat
Contains pockets for storage and an ID tag holder
Has handles and padded shoulder strap
Lockable zipper
Washable fleece liner
Cons
Strong chemical smell
Handles felt awkward while carrying at times
The Petmate Vari Airline Approved Cat Kennel is a reasonable price and comes in 4 sizes (we’re reviewing the small, measurements can be found above) – small, medium (28” x 20.5” x 21.5”), intermediate (32” x 22.5” x 24”), and large (36” x 25” x 27”). These kennels tend to be much roomier than the soft-sided carriers, but this also means your cat will not come into the cabin with you but will be placed in the cargo. The Petmate Vari kennel fits the IATA and USDA requirements for air travel and features a moat inside, which helps keep your cat dry.
Top of the carrier can be pushed down to fit under seat
Contains pockets for storage and an ID tag holder
Has handles and padded shoulder strap
Lockable zipper
Washable fleece liner
- Top of the carrier can be pushed down to fit under seat
- Contains pockets for storage and an ID tag holder
- Has handles and padded shoulder strap
- Lockable zipper
- Washable fleece liner
Strong chemical smell
Handles felt awkward while carrying at times
- Strong chemical smell
- Handles felt awkward while carrying at times
Size: 1” x 16.7” x 14.5”
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Plastic, steel
Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 pounds
Color: Black & beige
However, we found the crate to be not quite as sturdy as we had hoped. We also found that the measurements for each size are for the outside, so you really need to check the size of your cat and round down the measurements given for the product.
Pros
Good price (depending on size)
Meets IATA and USDA requirements
Features a moat inside to help keep your cat dry
Comes in 4 sizes
Cons
Not as sturdy as we would prefer
Measurements weren’t accurate
- Petsfit Expandable Airline-Approved Cat Carrier
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Size: 18” x 11” x 11”
Weight: 6 pounds
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 15 pounds
Color: Gray, black
The Petsfit Expandable Airline-Approved Cat Carrier comes in gray or black as well as in medium (which is the one we’re reviewing) and large (19” x 12” x 12”). This is a unique carrier as it looks like your typical soft-sided carrier but has the ability to expand—kinda like when you expand your dining table with leaf extensions! This gives your cat extra space when needed (but not while in the airplane, of course), and it easily folds down for easy storage. It includes a side strap so you can secure it and a padded shoulder strap, as well as self-locking zippers and a side pocket. It also contains a machine-washable fleecy, soft liner.
Good price (depending on size)
Meets IATA and USDA requirements
Features a moat inside to help keep your cat dry
Comes in 4 sizes
- Good price (depending on size)
- Meets IATA and USDA requirements
- Features a moat inside to help keep your cat dry
- Comes in 4 sizes
Not as sturdy as we would prefer
Measurements weren’t accurate
- Not as sturdy as we would prefer
- Measurements weren’t accurate
Size: 18” x 11” x 11”
Weight: 6 pounds
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 15 pounds
Color: Gray, black
On the downside, we found that when it’s fully expanded, and you leave the door open, it tends to collapse. If you have a cat that will claw and bite his way out of an enclosure, the material wasn’t as durable as we would have liked, and there’s a good chance your cat might escape.
Pros
Expandible and folds up for easy storage
Comes in 2 colors and 2 sizes
Includes side strap, inner strap, and self-locking zippers
Machine-washable fleece liner
Cons
Tends to collapse when fully expanded
Material not very durable and cat might claw his way out
The Jespet Cat Carrier Backpack is the first (and only) backpack on our list. It comes in blue or grey and is made of durable polyester with a mesh door for ventilation (and a view). It features a padded handle and padded shoulder straps so you can carry your feline friend comfortably on your back. This carrier also has side pockets for extra storage and has a top and front entry.
Expandible and folds up for easy storage
Comes in 2 colors and 2 sizes
Includes side strap, inner strap, and self-locking zippers
Machine-washable fleece liner
- Expandible and folds up for easy storage
- Comes in 2 colors and 2 sizes
- Includes side strap, inner strap, and self-locking zippers
- Machine-washable fleece liner
Tends to collapse when fully expanded
Material not very durable and cat might claw his way out
- Tends to collapse when fully expanded
- Material not very durable and cat might claw his way out
Size: 17” x 12” x 12”
Weight: 4 pounds
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 16 pounds
Color: Blue, gray
The problems we found with this carrier were that while the shoulder straps are padded, they could use some extra cushioning as they weren’t as comfortable as they should be. We also discovered that this backpack might be more comfortable for tall people as it’s quite long.
Pros
Backpack offers comfortable way to carry your cat
Mesh front entry and top entry for easy access
Side pockets for extra storage
Cons
Shoulder straps need more padding
Might not be as comfortable to wear for shorter people
- Petmate Sky Cat Kennel
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Size: 21” x 16” x 15”
Weight: 6.02 pounds
Material: Plastic, steel
Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 pounds
Color: Gray
The Petmate Sky Cat Kennel is the only other kennel on our list for the cargo part of an airplane. It comes in small (which is the size we are reviewing) and medium (28” x 20.5” x 21.”5 inches) and features sturdy wire-steel doors and wire ventilation along the sides. A “Live Animals” sticker has been placed on the outside for added awareness, and it’s made with a durable, strong plastic that is made from recycled materials, and it comes with a clip-on food and water dish.
Backpack offers comfortable way to carry your cat
Mesh front entry and top entry for easy access
Side pockets for extra storage
- Backpack offers comfortable way to carry your cat
- Mesh front entry and top entry for easy access
- Side pockets for extra storage
Shoulder straps need more padding
Might not be as comfortable to wear for shorter people
- Shoulder straps need more padding
- Might not be as comfortable to wear for shorter people
Size: 21” x 16” x 15”
Weight: 6.02 pounds
Material: Plastic, steel
Recommended pet weight: Up to 20 pounds
Color: Gray
On the downside, we found that the kennel itself wasn’t as durable as what the company claims. Because it was made from recycled material (which we do applaud), it seems to be flimsy and breaks easily. We actually received a kennel that arrived damaged. We also found that some of these kennels had weak handles that were prone to breaking.
Pros
Steel door and ventilation along sides
Includes “Live Animals” sticker for added awareness
Also includes clip-on water and food bowls
Made from recycled material
Cons
The plastic not as durable as we would like—cracks easily
Kennel arrived cracked and broken
Handle might break
The EliteField Soft-Sided Cat Carrier is a good price and comes in the sizes of 17 inches (this is the one we’re reviewing) and 19 inches (19” x 10” x 13” inches). It comes in multiple colors—black, charcoal gray, pink, purple, sky blue, and sapphire blue. It comes with removable plush bedding and mesh on the front and sides for ventilation and features a loop for a seatbelt. It is waterproof and easy to spot clean and has handles and a padded shoulder strap.
Steel door and ventilation along sides
Includes “Live Animals” sticker for added awareness
Also includes clip-on water and food bowls
Made from recycled material
- Steel door and ventilation along sides
- Includes “Live Animals” sticker for added awareness
- Also includes clip-on water and food bowls
- Made from recycled material
The plastic not as durable as we would like—cracks easily
Kennel arrived cracked and broken
Handle might break
- The plastic not as durable as we would like—cracks easily
- Kennel arrived cracked and broken
- Handle might break
Size: 17” x 9” x 12”
Weight: 9 pounds
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 12 pounds
Color: Black, dark gray, pink, purple, light blue, medium blue
The disadvantages include that it only has a front entrance and not a top one that is usually easier to use for a feisty cat. It’s also quite flimsy and seems to collapse in on itself. You also might be better off with the 19-inch as the 17-inch was quite small.
Pros
Good price
Comes in 2 sizes and 6 colors
Has removable plush bedding
Features a loop for a seatbelt
Cons
Does not have a top entrance
Flimsy and collapses easily
17-inch too small
- Paws & Pals Cat Carrier
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Size: 17” x 8” x 11.5”
Weight: Less than 1 pound
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 10 pounds
Color: Purple, green
The Paws & Pals Cat Carrier comes in small/medium and medium/large (19” x 10” x 13”) and is purple or apple green. Like most of the carriers on our list, it comes with a fleecy bed that is removable and machine-washable and has a padded shoulder strap and a number of pockets for storage. It also comes with an ID tag holder and has loops for a seatbelt.
Good price
Comes in 2 sizes and 6 colors
Has removable plush bedding
Features a loop for a seatbelt
- Good price
- Comes in 2 sizes and 6 colors
- Has removable plush bedding
- Features a loop for a seatbelt
Does not have a top entrance
Flimsy and collapses easily
17-inch too small
- Does not have a top entrance
- Flimsy and collapses easily
- 17-inch too small
Size: 17” x 8” x 11.5”
Weight: Less than 1 pound
Material: Polyester, mesh
Recommended pet weight: Up to 10 pounds
Color: Purple, green
This one also only has a front entrance and no access through the top, which will prove troublesome for many cat owners. We also found that the zipper was a problem as it tends to get stuck a lot or just broke. We also found it to be quite small, and like the previous carrier, it wasn’t very sturdy and tends to collapse.
Pros
Comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors
Has machine-washable and removable fleece bed
Pockets for storage and ID tag
Has loops for seatbelt
Cons
No top entry
Zipper gets stuck or breaks easily
Very small
Not sturdy and collapses easily
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Cat Carrier for Airplane Travel
Now that we’ve provided you with a list of cat carriers to look at, there’s a few other things you will need to consider before you actually purchase one. And after you’ve purchased one.
Comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors
Has machine-washable and removable fleece bed
Pockets for storage and ID tag
Has loops for seatbelt
- Comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors
- Has machine-washable and removable fleece bed
- Pockets for storage and ID tag
- Has loops for seatbelt
No top entry
Zipper gets stuck or breaks easily
Very small
Not sturdy and collapses easily
- No top entry
- Zipper gets stuck or breaks easily
- Very small
- Not sturdy and collapses easily
Size
Remember that the sizes posted with these carriers are for the outside of the actual bag or kennel. If you’re unsure of what size you should get, you can ask the company for the internal dimensions. Keep in mind that if you have a particularly large cat, he might not be able to fit in a carrier that will be allowed into the cabin.
Related Read: Soft vs Hard Cat Carrier: Which One is Better for Your Needs?
Stocking the Carrier
You should consider lining your cat’s carrier with puppy pads. These act as diapers as they are able to absorb a lot of liquid in case your cat needs to urinate. Bring some extra pads with you as well as some Ziplock bags and paper towels.
Sedation
While flying is very stressful for your cat, it’s highly recommended that you don’t sedate her—this can cause more harm than good. Don’t feed your cat before the flight and consider a number of strategies that will help calm your cat. For example, try pheromones such as a collar for your cat to wear and use wipes on the carrier itself.
Limitations
As previously mentioned, you need to be sure your cat is old enough to travel since some airlines will prevent you from flying with a cat below a certain age. Even the breed might not be allowed, such as Persians or Himalayans, because of their flat faces, which can also mean they might have trouble breathing. Double-check with the airline before booking your ticket.
Measuring Your Cat
To measure the length of your cat, go from the chest and to his rear, and for the height, measure from the floor to the top of his shoulders. Your cat should be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier.
Before you actually buy the carrier, check with the airlines on their regulations. The last thing you want to do is put a lot of money down only to discover the airline will not actually approve of your carrier. While a company can claim their carrier is airline-approved, it doesn’t actually mean it will be. Always check with your airline beforehand.
See also: 11 Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers : Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
The best overall is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Cat Carrier, thanks to its reliability and peace of mind, and best value goes to the Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Cat Carrier for its price (obviously) and convenience. Lastly, our premium choice is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Lattice Print Cat Carrier for its extra security features.
We hope our reviews will help you to find the right cat carrier for your cat. While you want to find one that is comfortable for you to carry, your cat’s safety and comfort should always come first.
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