We put together a list of common US and Canada airlines and their pet flying policies. Many of our bags are airline and flight compliant (we even have one designed specifically for air travel: "The Odyssey" Soft Cat Carrier) you just have to check the dimensions of our bags against the policies of the airlines.
Note, many planes have a limit to how many pets per flight, so book yours early and call ahead to make sure you get a spot!
We're proud of our research here, but please be sure to triple check and call any airline to confirm your cat backpack works for the flight you've chosen.
American Airlines
Highlights:
Kennel guidelines for carry-on pets When carrying on your pet, you’ll need to make sure that they can stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel. Non-collapsible kennels can be a maximum of 19in x 13in x 9in. Soft-sided collapsible kennels such as Sherpa bags can be larger if they're made of water-repellant material, are padded or have nylon mesh ventilation on 2 or more sides.
Cost: $125
Full pet policy here.
JetBlue
Highlights:
There is a pet fee of $100 each way. It is best to book early. A limited number of pets are allowed on each flight. Only one pet per customer is allowed. Your pet carrier cannot exceed 17"L x 12.5"W x 8.5"H and the combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.
Cost: $100
Full pet policy here.
Delta
Highlights:
To transport your pet in cabin either soft- or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least 2 sides. They have different dimensions requirements for each type of plane.
Cost: Ranges from $75 to $250
Full pet policy here.
United Airlines
Highlights:
An in-cabin pet may be carried in addition to a carry-on bag. A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of the customer and remain there at all times. 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 may exceed these dimensions slightly, as they are collapsible and able to conform to under-seat space without blocking the aisle.
Cost: $125
Full pet policy here.
WestJet
Highlights:
Space for pets cannot be reserved online. Pets travelling as carry-on must have room to stand, sit and move naturally in their kennel. Your kennel is considered to be your personal item* in your carry-on baggage allowance. Kennel must not be hard-sided.
Dimension requirements are: 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W).
Cost: $50-$59
Full pet policy here.
Please note, we just did our research here. Please call your airline to confirm the bag you got works for your specific flight. We are not liable for any discrepancies, changes in requirements, issues with your bags and compliance, etc. Basically, you can't sue us for anything.
Recommended Cat Carriers for Air Travel
If you're taking your kitty up in the air, we recommend using something like "The Odyssey" Soft Cat Carrier, which sits nicely on top of your suitcase and is designed to fit the size constraints of airplanes. Another good option is "The Navigator" Earth Convertible Cat Backpack, which is easy to carry and has plenty of room for your fur baby to move around, not to mention pockets for storing treats and water. If you want your kitty to look super cute on their journey, try the Argylle x Travel Cat "Spy" Cat Backpack.
