Hudson & I have mostly traveled with United and Delta when flying together. However, I wanted to share the carrier size requirements that I found for United, Delta, Southwest & American Airlines.
Some airlines are focused on the size of the carrier and your dog fitting comfortably inside, while other airlines have a weight limit. These are two very important things to keep in mind when selecting a carrier for your dog to travel in!
*Important - Make sure to check what aircraft you are on and where you are sitting. Depending on your seat, the maximum size of the carrier varies. Along with that the airlines do update their information often I will link each airline below.
Requirements by Airline:
ALL Carriers
Your dog's carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and your dog must fit comfortably inside their carrier. When checking in I have never been asked to measure my carrier or my dog. They have always just looked over the counter to see how my dog fits in his carrier.
"The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).
The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).
Soft-sided pet carriers can exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible and able to fit underneath a seat without blocking the aisle."
"Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight as the space under seats varies by aircraft, we recommend a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types."
"Maximum dimensions of 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide."
I have heard a lot of negative stories about American Airlines when traveling with a pet
”Hard-sided kennel - Mainline flights on American: 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters (length + width + height).
Regional flights on American Eagle: 16 x 12 x 8 inches / 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters (length + width + height)
Soft-sided kennel (recommended) - 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters (length + width + height),
The combined weight of the carrier and your pet can’t exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs., weighed at check-in.”
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