Are you soon to be yanking your suitcase down from the attic for a sunny summer holiday? Then maybe you’re looking out your cat or dog’s airline travel carrier too? If your annual vacation involves flying with a pet in the cabin, it might just be the time to revamp your cat or dog’s comfy airline travel bag. There’s some seriously svelte designs for airline pet in cabin carrier in 2023. And most importantly, with our selected IATA compliant airline cat and dog carriers, pet safety is the top priority. Pets flying in an airline cabin must travel in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant carrier. This safety rule is in place to make sure cats and dogs have enough space inside their travel bag. So, to make sure your furry flying friend travels safely in style, we’ve listed the best 8 IATA compliant pet in cabin carriers. Some of these airline carriers double up as crash tested car seats and portable cat or dog beds, so it’s easy to justify your purchase! Keep reading for the best airline in cabin pet carriers for travel in 2023.

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

Countries that Don”t Allow Pet Arrivals in Cabin

Before even thinking about purchasing an IATA airline pet in cabin carrier in 2023, firstly, be certain that your chosen pet friendly destination allows cats and dogs to arrive in the cabin of a commercial plane.

Some global countries and territories, such as the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and New Zealand don’t permit pets to enter in the cabin. For these countries, all pets must arrive in the hold of the aircraft, and usually as cargo rather than checked baggage.

In addition, be aware that many countries, and airlines, ban certain dog breeds classed as ‘dangerous’, so you’ll have to comply with this aspect of pet travel too.

Selecting an Airline Cabin Pet Carrier

Before you purchase an IATA compliant airline pet in cabin carrier in 2023, it’s important to do your homework. Your cat or dog’s travel crate or bag must:

• Have the minimum inner dimensions permitted by the IATA
• Comply with IATA specifications for pets travelling in the passenger cabin 
• Not exceed the maximum dimensions permitted by your chosen airline 

Airline weight restrictions for cats and dogs flying in the cabin are for your pet and their travel carrier combined. 

So, for our selection of the best IATA compliant airline pet in cabin carriers for 2023, we’ve included the weight of the carrier on its own. This enables you to gauge its suitability for your pet and your chosen airline, based on the weight of your cat or dog plus the carrier.

IATA Minimum Inner Crate Dimensions

First off, you need to get out the measuring tape and measure your cat or dog. To calculate the minimum inner crate dimensions permitted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), you must follow the guidelines for measuring your pet.

For snub-nosed cat and dog breeds, add 10% to your calculations.

Once you have these dimensions, you know the minimum inner area for the airline pet carrier that’s allowed by the IATA for your cat or dog to fly in the cabin. But, you then also need to make sure that there’s a pet friendly airline accepting pet travel carriers of those dimensions in the cabin!

As well as the minimum dimensions, pet friendly airlines and owners must also comply with the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). So make sure when you buy your in cabin cat or dog carrier, it has the functionality defined by the IATA LAR.

Note that the IATA doesn’t promote, approve or endorse any brand or model of airline pet carriers. Therefore, any claim that an airline in cabin pet carrier is IATA approved is false. However, the design of the carrier should be compliant with IATA specifications.

Airline Maximum Size & Weight

Across pet friendly airline travel policies, some airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin. For those that do accept cats and dogs in the passenger cabin, each airline sets the maximum dimensions permitted for the IATA compliant pet travel carrier.

Airlines also set maximum weight restrictions for the cat or dog combined with their travel carrier. In general, this tends to be 8kg, but some airlines allow pets in their carriers up to a combined weight of 10kg.

Some pet friendly airlines in the EU that accept cats & dogs in a travel carrier up to 10kg are:

• Air Europa
  As well as Cats and Dogs, you can fly with Aquarium Turtles, Fish, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits and Small Birds (excluding birds of prey).
• Air Malta
• Albawings
• TUI Fly Belgium
• Vueling
  Birds (excluding birds of prey), Fish, Turtles and Tortoises can also fly in the Vueling cabin, in addition to Cats and Dogs.
• Volotea

Now you know:

• if your pet can fly in the cabin to your chosen destination
• the minimum IATA compliant inner crate dimensions
• the pet carrier design permitted by the IATA
• your chosen airline’s maximum pet carrier dimensions
• the weight of your cat or dog

You’re ready to choose an IATA compliant in cabin pet carrier. Hoorah!

Selecting the Best IATA Airline Pet in Cabin Carrier

While some airlines accept hard pet crates for in cabin travel, others will only allow soft cat and dog carriers on board.

Soft in cabin pet carriers tend to be both comfier for your cat or dog, and easier to fit underneath an economy class airline seat.

For these reasons, our selection only includes soft carriers for flying pets in the cabin.

To help you make the best choice for your lifestyle, we’ve rated the best IATA compliant airline carriers in 2023 for cats and dogs, based on:

• Customer Reviews
• Design
• Easy Cleaning
• Functionality
• Multi-use
• Price
• Safety

1. Sleepypod Air IATA Compliant Plane Cabin & Car Carrier

Sleepypod sets the bar high for IATA airline in cabin pet carriers in 2023, with their revolutionary and sophisticated designs. In particular, the innovative style of the Sleepypod Air not only enables pet in cabin airline transport, but importantly, it also guarantees safer car travel.

As an added bonus to safety, style and comfort, the sides of the Sleepypod Air in cabin airline travel carrier contract in size. This enables pet owners to accommodate various airline cabin restrictions You can reduce the size of the Sleepypod Air when checking in your pet, and for takeoff and landing. Once the plane is in the air and the seat belt lights are turned off, Sleepypod Air can be expanded to allow your pet the full range of the carrier.

Note only that, but the Sleepypod Air has been crashed tested by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) for cats and dogs weighing less than 18lbs (8kg). So, it’s a safe option for pet car rides too.

In addition, the removable and machine-washable Ultra Plush bedding ensures a comfy napping cave or a cozy pet bed away from home.

Available in an array of cute colours, such as Robin Egg Blue and First Blush, the Sleepypod Air is an eye-catching cat and dog travel carrier to consider for your next pet in cabin flight.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	L 21” x W 10” x H 9.5”
Exterior Dimensions	L 22” x W 10.5” x H 10″
Adjustable Size	✅ Exterior dimensions reduce to L 16”x W 10.5” x H 10”
Carrier Weight	4.3 lbs (2kg)
Transforms into Pet Bed	✅
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	✅
Price	$199.99 / €188 / £158
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Sleepypod.com

2. The Pet Carrier by Away

The Pet Carrier, by luxury travel brand Away, makes it easy to fly in the cabin with your furry friend. With features like sherpa bedding, water-resistant lining and multiple pockets, The Pet Carrier also boasts a safety collar clip to prevent quick pet escapes – this might just be the one for Django who hatched an escape plan during his first time flying in the cabin! This carrier has a top door to make it easier to take your pet in and out at airport security.

With a water-resistant nylon exterior, your pet will stay cosy and dry during transport. At the moment, it’s only available in black or blue, so if you’re looking for a pet carrier to match your canary yellow luggage, this isn’t the one!

Just like the Sleepypod Air travel bag, The Pet Carrier by Away is certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) for pets travelling in cars weighing up to 18 lb (9kg). For an added personal touch, you can even have this airline carrier monogrammed with your prince or princesses’ name or initials.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	not specified
Exterior Dimensions	L 18.7″ x W 10.8″ x H 10.75″
Adjustable Size	❌
Carrier Weight	1.95 kg with shoulder strap 1.77 kg without shoulder strap
Transforms into Pet Bed	❌
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	✅
Price	$225 / €210 / £195
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Away.com

3. Diggs Passenger Carrier

Available in charcoal, navy or blue, the Diggs Passenger Carrier is another CPS certified pet car carrier, in addition to being suitable for transport in the cabin of a plane. This IATA compliant airline pet in cabin carrier is also crash tested for cats and dogs in cars, weighing up to 18lbs.

With pet centred features and people friendly details, the Passenger Carrier is an excellent addition to your next adventure.

When accidents happen, clean up is a breeze with the Passenger Carrier for pets, thanks to the innovative waste management solution. Just attach a Diggs Pee Pad to the included inner bed, then open the side panel to swap it out without disrupting your pet.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	not specified
Exterior Dimensions	L 20″ x W 10.8″ x H 10.5″
Adjustable Size	❌
Carrier Weight	1.95 kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	❌
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	✅
Price	$225 / €210 / £179
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Diggs.com

4. Sleepypod Atom Airline Pet Carrier

Another Sleepypod offering made the list, since what’s not to love about the cute design of the Atom airline pet carrier! Again, this one is an all rounder, having been CPS crash tested and certified for cats and dogs weighing up to 12lbs.

Weighing just 1.55kg, the Atom is pretty lightweight compared to other IATA compliant airline in cabin pet carriers. So, if your small cat or dog is on the heavier side, this could be the choice for you.

Sleepypod Atom has a sturdy, easy-clean exterior that is made of luggage-grade, ballistic nylon. A safety tether, large front zipper pocket plus two smaller end pockets for essential pet items, adjustable shoulder straps with comfort padding, a padded carry handle, and ergonomic zipper pulls are additional features.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	L 16” W x 8” x H 9.5″
Exterior Dimensions	L 17″ x W 8.5″ x H 10.5″
Adjustable Size	❌
Carrier Weight	1.55 kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	❌
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	✅
Price	$139.99 / €130 / £110
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Sleepypod.com

5. The X-Zone Airline in Cabin Pet Carrier

While the X-Zone Pet Carrier hasn’t been CPS tested for car safety, it’s a budget friendly choice for flying with a cat or dog in an airline cabin. The X-Zone comes in black, blue, grey, brown and purple, and has an IATA compliant design.

You can select medium and large sizes to suit the minimum inner kennel dimensions required by the IATA, as well as the maximum dimensions permitted by your selected pet friendly airline.

This one might not be a multi-tasker, but it’s a great option if you don’t travel often with your pet, and it has excellent customer reviews.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	not specified
Exterior Dimensions	Large – L 19.3″ x W 12″ x H 12″ Medium – L 17.5″ x W 11″ x H 11″
Adjustable Size	❌
Carrier Weight	1.95 kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	❌
Suitable for Car Use	❌
CPS Crash Tested	❌
Price	$25 – $35
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Amazon.com

6. SHERPA® Element™ Airline Carrier

Your cat or dog can fly ensconced in cosy comfort with Sherpa® Element™ Carrier. Sherpa has been designing airline pet carriers since 1989, and the Element Carrier, with patented spring wire frame, allows the length to be extended and retracted to conform to airline seat dimensions.

Happily avoid wrestling with your cat at airport security, due to the easy access top and side entry points included in the Sherpa airline in cabin pet carrier.

Sherpa has kindly arranged pre-approval for use on many major airlines, and the Element Carrier is included in the Sherpa Guaranteed On-Board® program. The airlines included in this scheme are:

• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta
• Frontier Airlines
• Westjet
• United Airlines

Wipe Clean Technology allows you to keep the inside and outside of this cute bag in pristine condition.

While not CPS certified, Sherpa crash tests their pet travel carriers at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	not specified
Exterior Dimensions	Large – L 21″ x W 12.25″ x H 12.5″ Medium – L 17″ x W 11.25″ x H 10.5″
Adjustable Size	✅
Carrier Weight	1.75 kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	❌
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	❌
Price	$50-$70
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Sherpapet.com

7. Snoozer 4 in 1 Roll Around Pet Trolley & Backpack

It’s a backpack. It’s a rolling carrier. It’s an air carry-on. It’s a car seat. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of pet carriers! The Snoozer 4-in-1 Roll Around smoothly converts from one type of pet carrier to the other to allow maximum versatility and convenience. Designed to take small dogs, cats, and other pets on planes, trains, automobiles, subways, and more, it’s simply one of the best pet carriers around in 2023.

You can opt for a red or black Snoozer 4 in 1 Roll Around, which also converts into a portable pet bed. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re planning some hikes while on holiday with your dog. They can enjoy the scenery through the backpack window, as you kindly endure all the legwork!

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	Large – L 17″ x W 13″ x H 11″ Medium – L 15″ x W 12″ x H 11”
Exterior Dimensions	Large – L 23″ x W 14″ x H 11″ Medium – L 20″ x W 15.5″ x H 12.5″
Adjustable Size	❌
Carrier Weight	2.25kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	✅
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	❌
Price	$134-$144
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Snoozerpetproducts.com

8. Mr Peanut’s Gold Series Expandable Airline Carrier

Mr Peanut added to the functionality of his popular Gold Series Airline Carrier by adding an expandability feature. You can select from a choice of blue, pink, charcoal, purple and platinum.

Check out the space provided by the Mr Peanut pet carrier when fully expanded! It’s also the lightest of our top 8 IATA airline in cabin pet carriers, and definitely one of the best airline pet in cabin carriers in 2023.

This lofty airline in cabin pet carrier features claw-resistant Teslin material for the mesh, and auto self locking zippers to ensure your pet remains secure throughout your journey.

IATA Compliant Design	✅
Inner Dimensions	not specified
Exterior Dimensions	L 18″ x W 10.5″ x H 11″
Adjustable Size	✅
Carrier Weight	1.45kg
Transforms into Pet Bed	✅
Suitable for Car Use	✅
CPS Crash Tested	❌
Price	$69.99
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Website	Mrpeanutspetcarriers.com

Remember to send us pics of your cat or dog enjoying their new airline pet in cabin travel carrier in 2023!

Related Pages

• 10 Pet Friendly Airlines in the EU
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Are Pets Safe on Planes?
• Pet Travel Accessories
• Car Safety Tips for Cats & Dogs