With so many pups and their humans going on adventures these days, there are plenty of dog carriers available. But with so many options, it’s hard to know which is the best—should I splash out, or is the cheaper alternative just as good?
My mum did loads of research before she bought my soft-sided kennel that we use for all our adventures. Here’s how we made the decision so you can avoid analysis paralysis and get on with your adventures! We’ve rounded up the best travel carriers for all your adventuring needs.
How We Picked the Best Dog Carriers for Travel
Versatility
We didn’t want a bag that fit just one flight—we have lots of adventures planned, so we needed a carrier that would work for multiple airlines, trains, and more! Airline requirements vary more than you might think, and many claim to be airline-compliant without specifying exactly what that means. Mum researched dozens of airlines to find the perfect dimensions for the most flexibility. Here’s what she found:
Domestic Flight Carrier Size Recommendations:
- Delta, United, American Airlines: 18” (L) x 11” (W) x 11” (H)
- Southwest Airlines: 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H)
- JetBlue: 17” (L) x 12.5” (W) x 8.5” (H)
- Spirit Airlines: 18” (L) x 14” (W) x 9” (H)
International Flight Carrier Size Recommendations:
- Air France: 18” (L) x 11” (W) x 9” (H)
- KLM: 18” (L) x 11” (W) x 9.4” (H)
- TAP Portugal: 18” (L) x 12” (W) x 9” (H)
- Finnair: 22” (L) x 16” (W) x 9” (H)
For Amtrak train trips, pet carriers must be 19” (L) x 14” (W) x 10.5” (H).
After all this research, we decided that a soft-sided carrier around 18” x 11” x 9.5” would offer the best flexibility while still giving me plenty of space to get comfy! I love having enough room to stretch out but still feel snug and secure, so this size felt just right for me.
Ease of Carrying
A carrier isn’t just for the plane or train—it also needs to be comfortable for my mum to carry through train stations, buses, and subways. Long straps and a luggage sleeve were big considerations!
Cost
Dog carriers range from under $20 to luxury models costing $500+. Mum wanted quality but didn’t want to overpay. Spending a little extra for durability and comfort is worth it, especially if it means I get to travel stress-free!
Style
We live in New York City, so sleek, stylish options were a bonus! Extra points for variety in colors. I love it when people stop us to compliment my carrier—it’s like getting extra belly rubs!
Best Travel Carrier Picks
Most Budget-Friendly: Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier (Medium)
- Cost: ~$50
- Size: 17” (L) x 11” (W) x 10.5” (H)
- Pros: By far the cheapest we found, and fits most airline requirements but is a little taller than we were aiming for. It has long handles and a luggage sleeve for easy carrying. It’s highly rated, with many frequent flyer pups swearing by this carrier.
Cons: Basic design and limited color options—it might not be the most stylish, but it gets the job done. - My Thoughts: This is a great budget-friendly option, but it doesn’t feel as luxurious as some others. It’s great for the price, but I wanted something with a little more flair and an easier fit on flights with a 9″ height!
Best for Larger Floofs (Up to 25lbs): Roverlund Out of Office Pet Carrier
- Cost: $169
- Size: 18.5” (L) x 11.75” (W) x 11.5” (H)
- Pros: The larger size is only slightly bigger and should fit most airlines with just a little squishing, meaning even chonky pups can join the adventure. It’s stylish, comes in loads of colors, and is easy to carry with a shoulder strap and a luggage sleeve. You can even add a rolling wheel base! It’s also really popular on social media, with hundreds of great reviews from pups flying worldwide.
- Cons: While even the large size will fit most airlines, it’s a little bigger than I was aiming for.
- My Thoughts: If I were a bigger pup, I’d definitely consider this! It’s super stylish, and the rolling base is a cool touch. However, it was just a little too big for ultimate flexibility when flying.
Ultimate in Versatility: Sleepypod Air
- Cost: $199
- Size: Adjustable from 22”-16” (L) x 10”-10.5” (W) x 8”-10.5” (H)
- Pros: The Sleepypod wins paws down for versatility—its adjustable size meets almost every possible airline requirement. It also has a large shoulder strap and luggage sleeve, making it easy to carry around.
- Cons: No long handles make this a little trickier on the subway. There aren’t many customer reviews online, but the ones we found are very positive. It’s definitely not the most stylish carrier, but it does come in a few color options.
- My Thoughts: I love how adaptable this carrier is! This was a really tough choice for us, but in the end, we decided a slightly cheaper, more stylish option was better for us.
City Chic for Short Trips: Just Fred Destination Tote
- Cost: $200-$230
- Size: 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 12” (H)
- Pros: Best for city life, it’s super stylish and the long handles make this feel more like a purse than a dog carrier. I love that there’s a flap over the top which gives me a little protection in the rain!
- Cons: No luggage strap, and it’s taller than most airline requirements. Although you can easily push the top down to fit under a plane seat.
- My Thoughts: This is our go-to for city life! and is the perfect choice for infrequent flyers that love a city break. I love how comfy and stylish it is, but it’s not the best for longer trips. It’s perfect for running errands and commuting around NYC!
Best All-Around Pick: Wild One Travel Carrier
- Cost: $125
- Size: 17.5” (L) x 11” (W) x 10” (H)
- Pros: Meets almost all airline requirements, and the rounded shape makes it easy to adjust in tight spaces. It’s stylish and comes in trendy colors. It has both long handles and a luggage sleeve, making it easy to carry around—I even use mine when I go to the office with Mum!
- Cons: Limited color options—Wild One products come in loads of trendy colors, but the carrier only comes in three.
- My Thoughts: This was the perfect choice for me! It’s comfy, stylish, and fits most airline rules. The rounded shape makes it easy to squish under airplane seats, and I feel super secure inside. Plus, it gets me lots of compliments!
Choosing the right dog travel carrier can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to overthink it. Whether it’s budget, versatility, or style – whatever matters most to you, there’s a carrier out there for every adventure loving pup. Comfy travels await! 🐾
🐶 Do you have a favorite travel carrier for your pup? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!