Best TSA-Approved Pet Carriers

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Petsfit Expandable Travel Pet Carrier
Petsfit
Expandable Travel Pet Carrier
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Bottom Line

Smaller dogs and cats travel in style and comfort, thanks to this highly-rated, airline-approved carrier that folds out – especially welcomed on long flights and layovers.

Pros

Pockets in carrier for food or toys. Padded strap won't dig into the pet parent's shoulders when carrying. Larger sizes available for bigger pets. Folds easily for storage, and pops right back out when ready to use. Removable pad is easy to clean.

Cons

May be too tall for some seats if trying to include with carry-on luggage, so verify with your airline before flying.

Best Bang for the Buck
Pet Magasin Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
Pet Magasin
Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
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Bottom Line

Super soft and lightweight, this popular pet carrier makes it easy and cost-effective to plan a cross-country or international flight with your furry friend.

Pros

2 colors to choose from. Extra-wide padded shoulder strap, waterproof nylon shell, and a durable construction that resists chewing. Hook and loop strips on bottom help secure carrier to rugs so there's no sliding around. Short strap and clip inside that latches to collar for more security.

Cons

Some consumers feel that the floor of the carrier could be made of harder material. Will only be comfortable for smaller cats and dogs.

Aspen Pet 40-Inch Traditional Pet Porter
Aspen Pet
40-Inch Traditional Pet Porter
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Bottom Line

Flying with larger animals is challenging; fortunately, this durable carrier provides both plenty of room and ventilation to take the worry out of air travel.

Pros

Respected brand in airline-approved pet transport. Easy to assemble and includes holes that can be tied together for extra security. Provides space enough for dogs to turn around. Buyers report that dogs who chew through wire crates can't typically chew through this hard plastic one.

Cons

Carrier has ventilation openings on 3 sides, and some airlines require ventilation on all 4 sides. May have to drill extra holes before flying.

PetAmi Premium Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
PetAmi
Premium Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
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Bottom Line

With several safety straps and plenty of color options for the fashion-forward pet owner, this airline approved carrier looks great, all while keeping Fluffy safe.

Pros

Available in both small and large; bigger size houses pets up to 18 pounds. Plenty of windows for ventilation. Pets love the comfortable padding. Side pockets hold treats and vet documents to have at the ready when flying. Folds for storage when not in use.

Cons

Buyers have reported that 1 of the sides tends to sink in during use, and would like the top's construction to be sturdier.

Pet Peppy Premium Expandable Pet Carrier
Pet Peppy
Premium Expandable Pet Carrier
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Bottom Line

Featuring sides that pop out for extra space and a sturdy frame to prevent escape, this carrier lets your pet travel safely and feel comfortable.

Pros

Straps include one that attaches to top of rolling suitcase so cases can be kept together, while another clips to car seat belt. Large area of screened-in windows that allow pet to look around and not feel as confined. Comes with a collapsible travel food bowl.

Cons

While more than 1 pet will fit when the sides are expanded, only 1 will travel comfortably –unless very small – when sides are closed.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

19 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
253 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Flying with pets can be difficult enough, but then you need to figure in that every airline has different regulations covering everything from carrier size to the materials that the carrier should be constructed from. TSA-approved pet carriers take much of the guesswork out of this. When buying one, search for a carrier that is solidly constructed and ventilated. It should have some sort of absorbent pad for accidents, in addition to pockets to store treats, vet info, and other travel supplies. Other features that can improve your trip include padded carry straps and collapsible food/water bowls. Even with an approved carrier, always check with the airline about their specific rules concerning flying with pets.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
EliteField
Soft Sided Pet Carrier
Smiling Paws Pets
4-Way Expandable Soft Sided Pet Carrier
Sherpa
Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Akinerri
Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carriers
Prodigen
Airline Approved Pet Carrier
The team that worked on this review
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Petsfit

Expandable Travel Pet Carrier

Petsfit

Expandable Travel Pet Carrier

Smaller dogs and cats travel in style and comfort, thanks to this highly-rated, airline-approved carrier that folds out – especially welcomed on long flights and layovers.
$42
×

Aspen Pet

40-Inch Traditional Pet Porter

Aspen Pet

40-Inch Traditional Pet Porter

Flying with larger animals is challenging; fortunately, this durable carrier provides both plenty of room and ventilation to take the worry out of air travel.
$180
×

Pet Magasin

Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

Pet Magasin

Luxury Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

Super soft and lightweight, this popular pet carrier makes it easy and cost-effective to plan a cross-country or international flight with your furry friend.
$19
×

PetAmi

Premium Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

PetAmi

Premium Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

With several safety straps and plenty of color options for the fashion-forward pet owner, this airline approved carrier looks great, all while keeping Fluffy safe.
$30
×

Pet Peppy

Premium Expandable Pet Carrier

Pet Peppy

Premium Expandable Pet Carrier

Featuring sides that pop out for extra space and a sturdy frame to prevent escape, this carrier lets your pet travel safely and feel comfortable.
$39

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