The best airline-approved cat carriers

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best airline pet carriers are designed to keep your cat safe and comfortable from takeoff to landing.Janelle Leeson/Business InsiderFlying with a cat can be stressful, but one of the best airline-approved cat carriers can make the journey smoother. When you place your cat at your feet in the plane cabin, a thoughtfully designed soft-sided pet carrier with the right features helps keep them safe and comfortable — and helps you relax, too.To find the best airline cat carriers, I consulted veterinarians and pet travel experts and tested 31 models with my cats, Atlas and Lyra. My top pick, the crash-tested Sleepypod Air, compresses to fit under seats as narrow as 16 inches and includes comfortable touches that make it easy to carry and maneuver. For a more affordable option, the Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag is sturdy and cozy enough to keep your cat comfortable throughout your trip. Just keep in mind that it lacks a padded handle wrap, and its softer structure may make it slightly less comfortable to carry.Before flying with your cat, double-check your airline's size limits for pet carriers. Southwest Airlines allows carriers up to 18 inches (L) by 10.5 inches (W) by 10 inches (H), while the maximum dimensions for Delta, American Airlines, and United are 18 inches (L) by 11 inches (W) by 11 inches (H). Some airlines have even smaller maximum sizes.Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.Our top picks for the best airline-approved cat carriersBest overall: Sleepypod Air - $200 at ChewyBest budget: Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag - $42 at ChewyBest stylish: Away The Pet Carrier - See $228 at AwayBest expandable: Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier - $69 at Amazon (available in patterns only; solid colors restock in late August)Best backpack: Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Backpack Airline Compliant Pet Carrier - $119 at AmazonBest overallBest for: Multifunctional use as a private, cozy carrier, a crash-tested automobile car seat, and a bed once you reach your destinationSkip this if: You're looking for a no-frills, low-cost carrier.If your cat is a nervous traveler, the Sleepypod Air's dark, ultra-plush interior can provide a calming retreat. Rather than taking in their surroundings, cats seek out cozy, den-like spaces when anxious, says veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers. At a vet appointment, my 10- and 11-pound cats did just that when they climbed into the Air together while ignoring the second carrier I brought along. A year later, they still gravitate toward it. I leave it out at home, along with several cat beds, and it's one of Lyra's favorite nap spots. She often retreats there when the house gets noisy, whether my toddler is playing nearby or the vacuum is running.For cats who need even more seclusion, an optional privacy panel helps shield them from visual stressors. The screen slides easily through the mesh top to help block out external commotion. While it reduces airflow, the carrier still provides about 20% ventilation, well above the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 16% minimum requirement for in-cabin live animal transport.It's one of the few pet carriers certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that crash-tests pet travel products. This is a big bonus since many flights start with a car ride to and from the airport. The Sleepypod Air earned a 4 out of 5-star rating, losing one star because it lifted slightly off the seat during testing. Even so, Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of CPS, says that the carrier performed exceptionally well.The Sleepypod Air is far more versatile than most carriers. A continuous end-to-end zipper makes it easy to convert the carrier into an open bed, fold it flat for storage, or remove and reload your cat during airport security screenings. It's equally helpful at the vet: Myers says that carriers with removable or wide-opening tops dramatically reduce stress because staff might be able to examine your pet without removing them from the carrier. During our visit, the vet vaccinated Lyra while she stayed comfortably inside the Air.The reporter's cats took frequent naps inside the Sleepypod Air travel carrier.Janelle Leeson/Business InsiderIt's one of the more comfortable carriers to haul through an airport. The padded cross-body strap felt supportive, and the carrier rested comfortably against my body without collapsing inward. A built-in luggage strap kept it securely balanced on top of my rolling suitcase while I navigated curbs, which will make moving through a busy airport terminal much easier.It's designed to meet most major airline dimensions, though you may need to compress it slightly. The ends are designed to fold in about 2.5 inches each, reducing the length of the carrier from 22 inches to approximately 17. I recommend practicing c

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