Should I choose a hard or soft-sided cat carrier for air travel?

Soft-sided cat carriers are ideal for cabin travel, as they can flex to fit under airplane seats. Hard-sided carriers are usually required for cargo hold transport and must be IATA-approved.

Can my cat travel with me in the airplane cabin?

Yes. Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if they remain in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

What features should an airline-approved cat carrier have?

It should be leak-proof, well-ventilated on at least two sides, have secure closures, and meet size requirements set by the airline. Carriers should also be comfortable and safe for your cat.

Airline-Approved Cat Carriers (2025 Guide)

Q: Do all airlines accept the same cat carriers?

No. Each airline has specific rules regarding carrier dimensions, materials, and in-cabin vs cargo use. Always check your airline's pet travel policy before booking.

Fly safely and stress-free with one of these TSA and IATA-compliant cat carriers.

What Makes a Cat Carrier Airline-Approved?

Airline-approved carriers are designed to meet in-cabin or cargo transport regulations. They must be breathable, secure, leak-proof, and fit under the airline seat (for in-cabin travel).

✔️ Soft or hard-sided (based on airline rules)
✔️ Fits under most cabin seats
✔️ Zipper locks or doors
✔️ Leak-resistant base
✔️ Ventilation on multiple sides

Top Airline-Approved Cat Carriers

Sherpa Original Deluxe Cat Carrier TSA approved

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

✔️ Guaranteed onboard with major airlines
✔️ Wire frame flexes to fit under seat
✔️ Padded fleece base

View on Amazon

SportPet Foldable Hard Carrier IATA approved

SportPet Foldable Carrier

✔️ IATA cargo-compliant
✔️ Strong plastic construction
✔️ Foldable for storage

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Petmate Soft Carrier for airplane cabin travel

Petmate Soft-Sided Airline Carrier

✔️ Lightweight and under-seat fit
✔️ Dual entry design
✔️ Adjustable shoulder strap

View on Amazon

Comparison Table

Carrier	Type	Airline Guarantee	Link
Sherpa Deluxe	Soft-sided	Delta, United, American	Amazon
SportPet Foldable	Hard-sided	IATA Certified	Amazon
Petmate Soft	Soft-sided	General Cabin Use	Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all airlines accept the same cat carriers?
No. Always check your airline’s exact pet policy and size restrictions.

Should I choose hard or soft-sided?
Use soft carriers for in-cabin travel and IATA-compliant hard carriers for cargo.

Can I fly with my cat in the cabin?
Yes, if the cat stays in a carrier under the seat and meets airline rules.