Airline Pet Carrier and Travel Tips
Airplanes. Cat carriers. Airport security. Oh, the indignity of it all! Well, if we must board those infernal contraptions, the least our owners can do is let us fly in style. I won't say "in comfort," but a good under-the-seat soft-sided cat carrier lets us travel close to our owner's feet, where we can voice our displeasure and plot vengeance.
My name is Samhain, and I've been flying for twelve years. I'd like to share my experience so that you can make your airline travel as painless as possible for your pet. First I'll review my favorite soft-sided pet carrier, and then I'll give you some general pet travel tips.
Note that I'm only talking about pets as carry-on luggage in the main cabin. I don't have any experience with being shipped in the baggage compartment, and I mean to keep it that way. For more information on pets as checked baggage (humph!), check out the Humane Society's Tips for Traveling with Pets and pettravel.com's International Pet Travel Guide and Requirements (including how to get a USDA Certification of Health Certificate). You can also check my list of airlines and pet policies later on this page to learn which airlines accept pets as in-cabin and/or checked luggage, and use my shortcut links to each air carrier's webpage on pet travel/shipping.
Table of Contents:
Review of Sherpa Pet Carrier | Pet Travel Tips and Checklist
Poll: Your Favorite Pet Carrier | Other Lenses on Pet Travel
Pet Travel Policies and Info For Most US Airlines | Pet Travel Books and Toys
Amazon Spotlight: My Favorite Cat Carrier
The Sherpa Pet Delta Airlines Deluxe Pet Carrier
Airplane Cat Carrier Review
The Sherpa / Delta Airlines Deluxe Pet Carrier
- It's roomy enough for me turn around, but not too big. Most pets like snug carriers so they don't roll around like a lonely kibble in a large bowl.
- The mesh sides give me fresh air, and don't rub my nose raw like the airholes on my old hard-sided Petmate Cabin Kennel. Flexible plastic frame and bottom insert provide structure.
- The zipper top makes it easy to get me in and out at a security checkpoint, and one end unzips and opens drawbridge-style for easy access and exit at home.
- The tote-style carry straps distribute my weight, and the shoulder strap attaches with a dog leash clip so it can be used as a spare leash.
- Both ends are covered with velcro-fastened outer flaps that can be rolled up to make windows. When down, most people don't realize there's a cat in here!
- Zipper pockets on both sides are useful for holding travel documents -- mine and hers.
- The washable synthetic fleece liner is cozy, although I tend to scrunch it up like a pillow. Owner puts a disposable liner underneath for extra security.
- Metal O-ring inside lets dog owners clip their pet's collar so pooch can't bolt.
- My owner had no problem squishing the ends slightly to make it fit under a differently-shaped seat. In a pinch, the stiff floor insert can be removed to make it more squishable.
- Velcro strap along the non-mesh side (opposite the zipper pocket) fits securely over luggage handle or mini pull-cart.
- Note: My owner's read two reviews from owners whose cats managed to chew through the mesh and escape. Click the Amazon link above this list to read their reviews.
- For reviews of other pet carriers, visit the Featured Pet Travel Lenses at the bottom of this page or click product listings in my "What's Your Favorite Pet Carrier?" Poll for Amazon customer reviews.
Photos of My Under-The-Seat Cat Carrier
I Am NOT Luggage!
Grrrr. Owner tormented me by making me pose for these pictures. Here are several views of the Sherpa / Delta Deluxe Pet Carrier, mostly with the end-flaps rolled up (they are flat when unrolled).
Grumph.
HALP
Are we having fun yet?
Let sleeping cats lie. PLEASE.
I will have my revenge.
DON'T FORGET!
Airline personnel may forget to ask for a current animal health certificate, but it's required by U.S. law. You don't want to be barred from travel the one time someone's being careful!
Feline Frequent Flyer Travel Tips
Pet Air Travel Made Easier
NOTE: Later on this page I've collected links to Air Carriers' Pet Travel Policies and Tips on the websites of most U.S. airlines and popular international ones.
- I've listed the most important tip above. Schedule an appointment with your vet several days before travel to get a health certificate and make sure your pet's rabies shot is up-to-date. Have a backup plan in case your vet can't give Fluffy a clean bill of health.
- Most airlines allow only a few pets per cabin, and some have baggage compartment restrictions as well. Always call the airline to reserve a spot for your pet when you make reservations. Don't forget the return trip!
Tip: Since tickets are cheaper online, my owner calls the airline to find out which flights have no pet spots reserved, hangs up to book online, then calls back to reserve a spot for me. Note that she has to use air carriers' own websites rather than a discount service like Cheap Tickets, so that she can cancel without losing money if the spots fill up before she calls back. - Check your airline's website for carry-on dimensions and measure your luggage, but watch out -- sometimes planes turn out to be smaller.
- Most airlines require pet owners to check in at the desk, not curbside or online. DON'T PANIC if you look for your reservations online and get "Reservation Not Found!" Apparently someone forgot to make a separate "Sorry, passengers with pets must check in at airport" error message. (I hiss at you, Delta.)
- Airlines usually charge an extra fee for pets. Use my airline links below for shortcuts to each carrier's pet travel webpage, where most list their fees.
- Some airlines issue a pet carrier tag at check-in which you'll need to show during boarding.
- Be prepared to take your pet OUT of its carrier at security and hand-carry your pet through the metal detector while the carrier is X-rayed on the luggage belt. If you're afraid your pet might bolt, consider a pet harness. Its rivets might set off the metal detector, but at least you'll have a handle.
- Bring a water container in case you get stuck. Pets can get by without food for a while, but dehydration is dangerous.
- Pack towels, wet wipes and/or a spare carrier liner for accidents.
- Leave the carrier out for weeks beforehand so that your cat will think of it as something familiar. Make it less threatening by using as a treat-feeding station, and/or rubbing the inside with catnip.
- My owner gives me a half dose of kitty tranquilizer, the kind vets use to relax pets while trimming claws or cleaning teeth. Consult your vet on whether it's right for your pet's age and health.
- Some folks suggest something called Rescue Remedy to calm pets. I donno how well that does. The people-version has a little alcohol in it, so be careful!
- US regulations limit pet travel (even on-board) to destinations whose current temperature is between 45° and 85°F, or down to 20°F with a Certificate of Acclimation from your vet.
- Animals transported to Hawaii and most countries must undergo quarantine and/or receive a permit. See Delta's excellent U.S. Domestic and International Pet Travel Guide. Google "pet transport to X" with X as your destination for other web resources.
- Want some free travel tips you can print out and take with you (assuming these aren't enough)? Check out TakeYourPet.com's Free Pet Travel Tips guides: for air travel, cars, and/or hotels.
- Find out how much it costs to bring a pet on a plane. Delta charged about $80 each way for years, then suddenly, in December 2008, it jumped to $150 -- each way! That was more than my human's ticket!
Poll Time: Which Pet Carrier Do You Like Best?
Cat Carry-ons and Pug Luggage
Which is your favorite pet carrier? If you prefer one that's not listed, add it -- don't forget to vote for it!
Click "More" for description or links/images to read full Amazon listings and customer reviews.
Bergan Softside Pet Carrier
Airline approved for In-Cabin use. Pet carrier is more...3 points
Original Sherpa Bag Deluxe
The original and best soft-sided carrier approved more...0 points
Argo by Teafco petascope airline approved carrier small, Black
You fly in style why shouldn't your pampered pet? more...0 points
Airline Approved Duffle Bag Dog Carrier
A durable, comfortable way to travel with your pet more...0 points
Teafco Argo Airline Approved Small Aero, Pet Carrier, Cool Orange
Teafco's Aero-Pet - Small is perfect for the trave more...0 points
Sherpa Pet Delta Air Lines Deluxe Pet Carrier
The safe and comfortable way to travel with your p more...0 points
Sherpa On-Wheels Pet Carrier - Medium
Take your pets with you when you travel, allowing more...0 points
Amazon Spotlight: A Must-Have for Pet Travel
Breeder Recommended
Dry Fur Pet Carrier Inserts - Small 2 pack
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Here's the Dry Fur inserts. Unfortunately (for me, at least, since this page helps pay for cat food) Amazon doesn't carry Sturdibags, but Fluffy's safety and comfort is too important for me not to pass along the tip! Click the link above for the manufacturer's site.
However, you can get Dry Fur inserts through Amazon in several sizes and colors.
Other Great Lenses About Pet Travel
Lots of Dog and Cat Carrier Reviews
Here's some other Squidoo lenses about pet carriers and travelling with pets, including many product reviews and tips.-
All About Dog Carriers And Bags
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If it's designed for your pet's safety and comfort, you'll find information about it here at Dog Lover Boutique. Read about the latest styles in pet carriers, puppy tote bags, strollers, car seats, pet steps and ramps.
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Take Your Small Dog Along! There's a carrier for everybody.
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People and dogs have a lot in common - we're all social animals. Your dog's favorite thing in the world is to be with you. There are so many carriers available today - one is certain to suit your style.
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Pet Carrier Guide
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Travel has become a way of life for most of us. Up to now only the rich and famous would travel with their pets but most pet lovers just don't know how easy it easy or how accomodating most destinations are. On top of that with all the different pet...
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The Bergan Comfort Carrier
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The Bergan Comfort Carriers are a great addition to the world of pet carriers. An understanding of what is important to the people who actually use pet carriers has driven Bergan to take the next logical step: a softsided pet carrier designed a...
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Traveling With Your Pet
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Going on vacation is one of the most pleasurable times in our lives. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful times for our beloved pets. For some, sending Fido or Kitty to the kennel is out of the question. So here is some important a...
Airline Pet Policies and Guidelines
Links to Major Air Carriers' Web Pages About Pets
Notes: I've summarized pet travel information from air carrier websites, but they or I may have outdated info. Call to double-check your airline's animals policy and reserve a spot for your pet (most planes limit the number of on-board pets per plane). Watch out for connections with codeshare partners and regional affiliates: they may have different rules/size requirements. For travel outside continental U.S., check Delta's helpful U.S. Domestic and International Pet Travel Guide. Airlines are required by U.S. law to accommodate service animals for free, but call to make arrangements.
- Air France
On-board and cargo hold pet travel allowed on some flights. Not much info on website. Contact Air France (800 375-8723 in US/Canada) and talk to agent.- Air Canada /Air Canada Cargo
Pet transport within Canada must use Air Canada Cargo; it looks like a good system. For US and international flights see this page on main Air Canada site.- Air New Zealand
Small pets allowed in-cabin for travel within New Zealand. Planes limited to a few pets per flight; call to reserve spot. Pets must be in cargo hold for international travel.- AirTran Airways
Small on-board pets permitted with advanced reservations; 3 pet slots available per flight. Call 1-800-AIR-TRAN to reserve. Dimensions 8.5" high x 17" long x 12" wide. No animals in baggage hold.- Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air
Both on-board and cargo hold pet travel permitted; webpage very informative! Limited number of pet spots available on each flight; call Alaska Air (1-800-ALASKAAIR) for booking.- American Airlines
In-board cats and dogs permitted, limited slots per flight, call reservations to book. Under-the-seat dimensions 23"x13"x9". Baggage hold accepts pets. Good info on website.- ATA Airlines
They allow some pets, but website gives no details. They won't accept pets on codeshare flights or on trips that connect to other airlines. Contact ATA for information.- British Airways
Pet travel must be booked through British Airways World Cargo, pets only in hold. Webpage has info on pet quarantine to UK and some other countries.- Continental Airlines
In-cabin small pet transport permitted, limited spots available per flight. Continental lets you book pet spots online-- a good sign-- or call Reservations. Under-the-Seat dimensions: 22x14x9". Their pet cargo services have a separate webpage and appear to be well-organized.- Delta Airlines
Small pets allowed onboard, limited slots available per flight; make reservations. Pets allowed in cargo hold, but NOT between May 15th and Sept 15 due to temperature concerns.- Express Jet
On-board small pets allowed, limited slots for flight; call ahead (888-958-XJET) to reserve. Under-the-seat dimensions: 17x12x10". No info on pets in cargo hold.- Frontier Airlines
On-board pets permitted on most flights; check webpage for dimensions since it varies by aircraft. Limited pet spots available per flight; call 800-4321-FLY (800-432-1359) for reservations. Pets may travel with checked baggage; again, call to verify space.- Japan Airlines
Their website has guidelines for on-board pets, but international flights allow only pets only in the cargo hold. Call for info and reservations. Rules for bringing pets to Japan sound pretty strict.- JetBlue
Limited number of pets allowed in-cabin; call 1-800-JETBLUE to reserve a spot. Maximum pet carrier dimensions 17x12.5x8". Pets not allowed in luggage hold.- Lufthansa
In-cabin transport for small pets allowed; call Lufthansa when you make reservations or no later than 24 hours before flight time to notify them about pet. Under-the-seat dimensions 55x40x20cm, and free "transport boxes" are available at check-in.- Midwest Airlines
Limited space for onboard small pets (soft sided carriers only) and under the cockpit (special pet compartment). Call 800-452-2022 to make arrangements. Small airline, but they've partnered with a pet moving service (see website) and sound pet-friendly!- Northwest Airlines
Small pets permitted in-cabin; limited number of pets per plane, so call Northwest for reservations. Maximum kennel size: 17x12x8". Advanced reservations also needed for animals in cargo hold; see "Pets Travelling with Checked Luggage" page for detailed information.- Qantas
Pets must be in a "Pet Pack" and can only be transported as freight, not on-board. Contact Telephone Sales for in-Australia services or Freight for travel from the US.- Skywest Airlines
- Their website info boils down to: "Same rules as our partners, but only one pet per cabin." Basically, when you book with Delta, Midwest or United, watch out for Skywest connections-- the planes are small. I avoid them to avoid any problems.
- Spirit Airlines
Limited number of small pets allowed in-cabin; call 800-772-7117 for reservations. Under-the-seat dimensions 18x14x9". No pets allowed in cargo hold.- United Airlines
In-cabin and baggage compartment animals permitted; call 1-800-864-8331 (1-800-UNITED-1) when making reservations. Certain snub-nosed dog breeds not allowed in hold June 1st - Sept 30th.- US Airways
Limited pet spots available in each cabin; call 800-428-4322 to reserve a spot. Hard-sided carriers up to 17x16x8 inches; soft-sided up to 17x16x10. No pets allowed in luggage hold, because their hubs are Vegas and Phoenix. (Too hot!) Exception: some flights on BOS/DCA/LGA routes allow pets in cargo hold.- Virgin Atlantic
No in-cabin pets. Pets can only travel in the hold to and from: Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington. Call for reservations/info:
UK 08450 701 701 | US 1 800 828 6822
A Few More Miscellaneous Pet Items
Claw Pals Two Story Tower
This is a beige version of the pet tower seen in my photos. I use it instead of the carpet, and can loom over my owner when she's got the laptop instead of me in her lap.
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price:
Used Price:
No Pet Left Behind: The Sherpa Guide for Traveling with Your Best Friend
The Sherpa booklet that came with my bag had good tips, so this probably has more.
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $16.99
Used Price: $2.21
Cruising With Your Four-Footed Friends: The Basics of Travel with Your Cat or Dog
I haven't read it, but it received a good review on Amazon.
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $5.96
Dry Fur Pet Carrier Inserts - Medium 2 pack
Here's two more sizes of this popular item. Better safe than sorry.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $11.39
Used Price:
Dry Fur Pet Carrier Inserts - Large 2 pack
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $12.79
Used Price:
Samhain: Seasoned Traveller, Spoiled Rotten
About the Author: Samhain the Cat
An In-Depth Profile of This Feline Celebrity
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Samhain the Cat
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My owner has neglected to make a shrine to the house god, so I have threatened to yark on her Dance Dance Revolution pad every day until she submits. (Could be worse-- at least it's easy to clean.) My name is Samhain, and I was adopted from a shelte...
Fan Mail and Guestbook
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Feel free to leave a comment -- but no spam, please. By the way, if you haven't heard my cat poetry reading or learned about my fascinating life, please stop by my Cat Celebrity Lens. I'm sure you'll be amazed by me as I am.
--Samhain the Cat
(No Pawparazzi, please!)
annetteghallowell wrote...
Thanks for the great lens! I wish I would have had this information awhile ago when I was booking travel to and most recently from Malaysia. The only point I would add to the above is that when we were traveling internationally, the USDA required a Stamped Certificate of Health...NOT from your vet, a separate one that is given after the vet has checked out your pet- when you are traveling internationally. You need this to get your pet on the plane, so don't forget! Also, it has to be done within a relatively short period of time before travel.....5*
Posted August 03, 2008
Greekgeek wrote...
Thanks for the feedback! I'll leave a note in the body of the lens above.
Drat Amazon for not carrying them... I rather like affiliate sales. But keeeping kitties safe and snug is more important, eh?
Posted April 04, 2008
Animalmedical
All the carriers above are great but Being a breeder/exhibitor I travel a lot with my show cats and most breeders prefer Sturdibags. Also we all use DryFur pads for keeping our Champions clean, dry and ready to show.
Posted April 02, 2008
mulberry wrote...
Wonderful information! My cats are totally unaccustomed to travel and I would definitely need these tips/resources to get further than my front door.
Posted March 18, 2008
by Greekgeek
Greetings! I'm not Greek, I just love ancient Greece.
I'm a graduate student in mythological studies -- want fries with that? -- using the web to sha...
