If you’re thinking of traveling with your pet in an airplane cabin, then you’ll have to buy an airline friendly pet carrier. Each airplane has specific policies regarding carrying pets on carriers in a cabin. These rules are usually about the maximum dimensions and weight of the carrier with the pet inside. However, there are other policies, such as:
- The carrier must have adequate size to enable the pet to turn around comfortably and lie down.
- The floor of the carrier must be leak-proof.
- The carrier’s material should be bite-proof, not to be torn when the pet bites it.
- The carrier should be well ventilated and breathable.
You can choose airline friendly pet carrier here, but before choosing, here are some things to consider:
Accepted By Airplane
Even if a carrier suits your preference, it must be acceptable for air travel by the airline you’re flying with else; it is useless. Luckily, most airlines that allow pets in the cabin provide detailed information on their websites; if you’ve any questions, you can contact them or ask when you call to reserve a place for your pet in the cabin.
If you follow the airline website’s policies and conditions, you’ll not have any issue with carrying your four-legged friend into the cabin.
Expandability
Some pet carriers are expandable; they have more space that can be unzipped to allow more room for your pet when traveling. Unfortunately, this extra material might add weight to the carrier and obscure your pet view from inside the carrier. If you choose an expandable carrier, it might be heavier than the recommended weight approved by the airline, so it’s advisable to select a non-expandable carrier except if your pet’s weight is relatively light.
Lockable Zippers
If your pet is stubborn or playful, you have to get a carrier with lockable zips. To protect active pets from bouncing out of carriers, some carriers have clips to secure the zippers once you put your pet inside the carrier. If your pet carrier doesn’t have these clips, you can use a luggage lock to keep it secure.
Door Locations
Pet carriers are usually half zip or full zip on both ends of the carrier. Some carriers also have zips on the top. An airplane-friendly carrier is one that has a zipper on the top; if your pet doesn’t enter or exit the carrier willingly, you can use the top zipper to place and retrieve it quickly. Being able to remove your pet from a carrier easily saves a lot of stress at security checkpoints.
Openness
Many pets are curious to see what’s going on around them; if your pet is one of them, consider choosing a carrier with many mesh sides so that it will have a good view of the outside. However, if your pet is the shy type, you can choose a more enclosed carrier as it will feel safer and comfortable in it.
Weather
Another thing to consider when choosing an airplane friendly carrier is the weather: if you’re traveling during the hot season, choose a carrier with many mesh openings so that your pet will not heat up. If it’s during the cold season, choose a carrier that will keep your little friend warm and comfy.
Strong Mesh
If your pet is the type that claws and bites its way out of a carrier when uncomfortable, consider buying a carrier with a durable mesh. It’s good you try putting your pet in the carrier before your first flight to see it’s the action when being in the carrier. If you notice it attempts escaping, you can use duct tape to secure the carrier before you travel.
Pockets
You’ll want to carry some pet food, wipes, and medications for your pet; if the carrier’s weight with your pet inside isn’t close to the airline’s approved weight, a carrier pocket is the best place to put these items.
However, if the carrier’s weight with your pet inside is close to the approved weight, consider carrying these items in your carry-on baggage so that you’ll easily use them when the need arises.
Thick & Easily Washable Floorboard
A suitable and friendly airplane carrier will have a sturdy floorboard that doesn’t turn fold when it’s being carried. Having an easily washable floorboard is also essential. However, some carriers come with machine washable pads; if your carrier doesn’t come with one, you can wrap a cozy little blanket around the floorboard to make your pet more comfortable and enable easy washing.
Carrying Options
Different carriers can be carried in different ways. Some have shoulder straps, some have handles, while some have an attachment for sitting on top of a rolling suitcase.
When choosing a carrier, consider how you’re going to travel, the luggage you have, and the weight of your pet. These will make you know the carrying option that best suits you.
Carrier Weight
Most airlines have a specified weight that your carrier with the pet inside must not exceed, mostly between 11Ibs to 17.4lbs. However, some airlines approved pet carriers for 25lbs of dogs.
Unless your pet is lightweight, choose the lightest carrier with all the features to make it airplane friendly.
Conclusion
There are many types of pet carriers online and in local shops. But only a few of these carriers are airplane friendly; a sleepy air-pod pet carrier is the latest type of pet carrier that redefines in-cabin pet carriers for safe travels both on land and air. These sleepy air-pod carriers reduce their sizes to fit under the airplane for a comfortable landing. They easily expand to allow your pet to feel more comfortable.
With three-sided mesh panels, well ventilation, and outside visibility for your four-legged friends, traveling will be easy for the animal. Sleepy air-pod pet carriers are usually made of durable materials that resist tearing and draining.
