Best Airline Approved Backpack Carriers For Travel

Choosing the Right Pet Carrier Backpack

Selecting the ideal pet carrier backpack is essential for a smooth travel experience with pets. Understanding airline regulations and size considerations can help pet owners make informed choices. Below is the complete guide for the best airline approved backpack carriers for travel.

Airline Regulations for Pet Carriers

Airlines have specific regulations regarding pet carriers, and it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any travel disruptions. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item, which can include a pet carrier backpack. The dimensions for carry-on bags typically should not exceed 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, with a total of all three measurements not exceeding 45 inches.

Here’s a quick overview of some major airlines’ pet carrier regulations:

Airline	Carry-On Dimensions (inches)	Personal Item Dimensions (inches)
Alaska Airlines	22 x 14 x 9	Not specified
Delta Air Lines	22 x 14 x 9	Not specified
JetBlue	22 x 14 x 9	17 x 13 x 9

Most airlines also require that the pet carrier fits under the seat in front of the passenger. It’s advisable to check with the specific airline for any additional requirements or restrictions, especially for international flights.

Size Considerations for Air Travel

When choosing a pet carrier backpack, size is a critical factor. The carrier should be spacious enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Generally, pet carrier backpacks should be less than 50 liters in size, with dimensions around 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-on compatibility. For personal items that fit under the seat, the maximum dimensions should be around 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

To ensure the right fit, pet owners can refer to guides on how to measure their pet for the right backpack fit. This will help in selecting a carrier that meets both the airline’s requirements and the pet’s comfort needs.

By understanding airline regulations and size considerations, pet owners can confidently choose the best airline-approved backpack carriers for travel, ensuring a pleasant journey for both themselves and their furry companions.

Top Picks for Airline-Approved Pet Carrier Backpacks

When traveling with pets, having the right carrier backpack can make all the difference. Here are some of the best airline-approved backpack carriers for travel that ensure comfort and safety for your furry friends.

Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier

The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier is a popular choice among pet owners. This lightweight and portable carrier features dual expandable, scratch-resistant mesh sides, providing extra space for your pet. It has a soft-lined bottom for added comfort and comes in small, medium, and large sizes, accommodating pets up to 18 pounds. The carrier weighs between 2.1 to 3 pounds, making it easy to carry during travel.

Size	Weight Limit	Weight
Small	Up to 10 lbs	2.1 lbs
Medium	Up to 15 lbs	2.5 lbs
Large	Up to 18 lbs	3 lbs

Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate

The Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate is a hard-sided kennel known for its safety features. It boasts a five-star crash safety rating and double-wall rotomolding for impact protection. This kennel is designed for all-weather use and comes in various sizes, accommodating pets up to 110 pounds. Weighing between 27 to 72 pounds, it is ideal for larger pets.

Size	Weight Limit	Weight
Small	Up to 30 lbs	27 lbs
Medium	Up to 50 lbs	40 lbs
Intermediate	Up to 70 lbs	55 lbs
Large	Up to 110 lbs	72 lbs

Travel Cat The Transpurrter Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier

The Travel Cat The Transpurrter Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier offers versatility with multiple carrying options and access points. It features privacy flaps, slip pockets, and anti-scratch mesh for durability. Measuring 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches and weighing 3.4 pounds, it is suitable for pets up to 30 pounds.

Dimensions	Weight Limit	Weight
19 x 10.5 x 11 in	Up to 30 lbs	3.4 lbs

Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

The Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel is a solid crate-style option approved for domestic air travel in the U.S. It features three-sided ventilation and a stainless steel door for security. Available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, it accommodates pets up to 90 pounds. The kennel weighs between 9 to 24 pounds, making it a reliable choice for larger pets.

Size	Weight Limit	Weight
Small	Up to 15 lbs	9 lbs
Medium	Up to 30 lbs	12 lbs
Large	Up to 50 lbs	18 lbs
Extra Large	Up to 90 lbs	24 lbs

Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier

The Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to carry. It features a leash tether, luggage sleeve, and tight-knit mesh sides for privacy. Measuring 17 x 12 x 8 inches and weighing only 2 pounds, it is suitable for pets up to 25 pounds.

Dimensions	Weight Limit	Weight
17 x 12 x 8 in	Up to 25 lbs	2 lbs

These airline-approved pet carrier backpacks provide comfort and safety for pets during travel. For more tips on choosing the right carrier, check out our guide on how to choose the best pet carrier backpack for your pet’s size.

Additional Recommended Pet Carrier Backpacks

For pet owners seeking the best airline-approved backpack carriers for travel, several options stand out. These carriers combine comfort, safety, and convenience, making them ideal for trips with furry companions.

SturdiBag Pro 2.0

The SturdiBag Pro 2.0 is known for its durability and versatility. This carrier features a flexible frame and a washable shell, making it easy to maintain. It includes comfortable straps, good ventilation, and security features to keep pets safe. The outer shell can be machine-washed, along with the cushioned bedding insert. This carrier is suitable for car trips and can likely fit under many airplane seats, depending on the airline and aircraft.

Feature	Description
Durability	Highly durable and stink-resistant
Maintenance	Machine-washable outer shell
Comfort	Comfortable straps for easy carrying
Ventilation	Good airflow for pet comfort

Petsfit 2 Side Expandable Pet Carrier

The Petsfit 2 Side Expandable Pet Carrier is an affordable option that expands on two sides, providing extra room for pets to spread out. It is durable and easy to clean, with decent metal hardware that holds up well against scratching. However, it may be less comfortable to carry compared to other options.

Feature	Description
Expandability	Expands on two sides for extra space
Durability	Holds up well to scratching
Cleaning	Spot-cleans easily

Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is independently crash-tested and features a water-repellant interior to prevent leaks. It has bendable bottom edges to help it fit under an airplane seat. This carrier provides good ventilation, easy access for pets, and a plush padded bedding insert. However, it received a four-star crash-test rating instead of a perfect five stars.

Feature	Description
Crash-Tested	Independently tested for safety
Ventilation	Good airflow for comfort
Water-Repellant	Prevents leaks and spills

Tavo Dupree Carrier

The Tavo Dupree Carrier features a built-in latch system that connects to a car’s metal baby-seat anchors, making it simple to install. While it is noted to be pricey, it offers two styles at different prices, with the more expensive version featuring two carry handles and a retractable mesh top opening.

Feature	Description
Installation	Simple to install with a latch system
Styles	Available in two styles at different prices
Features	Retractable mesh top opening in the pricier version

Away Pet Carrier

The Away Pet Carrier is crash-tested and designed to match carry-on luggage. It is one of the most comfortable models tested, featuring long carry handles and a five-star crash-test rating. However, it is the most expensive carrier among those reviewed.

Feature	Description
Crash-Tested	Five-star crash-test rating for safety
Design	Matches carry-on luggage for convenience
Comfort	Highly comfortable for pet owners

These additional recommended pet carrier backpacks provide a variety of features and benefits, ensuring that pet owners can find the perfect fit for their travel needs. For more information on choosing the right carrier, check out our guide on how to choose the best pet carrier backpack for your pet’s size.