7 Best Airline-Approved Dog Crates (2024) IATA-Compliant

Last Updated on October, 2024

Can you use your wheeled or collapsible super-strong crate to air travel?

No.

But what CAN you use? That’s the question to which I have the answer.

I realized this is a topic pet parents will need the most reassurance on. So, I took my time, found about 15 potential dog crates, and brought the list down to the top 7.

As long as you read to the very end, you’ll know what to do; I won’t have to tell you.

Be sure to read after the list to discover some of the must-know information when you’re flying with your dog.

Let’s start the list!

7 Best Airline-Approved Dog Crates

1. Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier

In other words, it’s spacious enough for your dog and small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, as it should be.

Not only that, but the carrier also boats a front pocket with dimensions 16″ x 6″. It’s clear that Diggs has designed the crate keeping the utmost comfort and sense of safety in mind.

But the biggest problem with most dog carriers is that they’re very heavy — Diggs wins there, too, as the bag is only 4.5 lbs.

Before I go any further, these airline-approved dog carriers are made from premium nylon with four elegant colors, including navy blue, that make you look like a Wall Street executive.

I absolutely admire how this dog carrier has intelligently integrated design details that make air travel hassle-free. 

For example, it has a cross-body strap, a D-ring clip for your keys, and even a collar tether clip to secure the pet when the carrier is open.

On top of that, you get three pockets to keep the essentials within easy reach.

Multiple access points design feature helps dog parents to manage their dogs during flying easier. 

If an accident occurs, there’s a side door by which you can fix the issue quickly and discreetly. On the side, there’s a third opening which tremendously helps you with the bag’s orientation in tight spaces when you’re flying.

The cherry on top is the patent-pending pee pad with impressive absorption capabilities.

Ventilation and privacy are a top priority when flying, and Diggs also impresses you in that aspect. A special mesh is present throughout the carrier for ventilation. Your dog won’t feel anxious thanks to the well-covered design.

Not only that, you also get a 30-day return window, but the catch is the 10% return shipping fee.

But as a matter of fact, Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier is the BEST IATA-compliant dog crate.

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2. Petmate Sky Kennel

I’d say it’s an outstanding balance between strength and airplane-friendly weight. To make it easier to carry the kennel, there’s a carrying handle on the top too.

These features show how amazingly Petmate understands pet parents who fly with dogs.

Unlike the Diggs carrier, the Petmate pet kennel has only one door, but it’s big enough. There’s an easy open squeeze-latch with a 4-way locking vault mechanism for sizes 21″, 28″, and 32″.

For 36″, 40″, and 48″, there is a dial latch system with a 4-way locking vault kennel door. The mesh design will keep your dog safe WHILE helping it see outside.

In addition to the door, there are two metal side vents and rear ventilation to always ensure ideal air circulation.

Remember that this rigid plastic carrier has a secure non-corrosive wing nut & bold design complimented with tie-down strap holes while being tamper-proof.

It’s admirable how Petmate has included airline travel essentials such as 2 Live Animal stickers, a food and water bowl, an absorbent paper pad, and ID stickers. It shows how airline-travel focussed this crate really is.

The overall build quality of the Petmate Sky Kennel is admirable. The sense of safety and the objectively superior design features ensure that your furry friend stays calm and comfortable when you’re flying.

The Petmate Sky Kennel is the BEST ALTERNATIVE if you cannot find the Diggs passenger travel carrier.

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3. Gunner G1

The largest is 33.25″ (L – Floor) x 21″ (W – Floor) x 29″ (H) / 23″ (W) at the kennel’s widest interior point, with a weight of 72 lbs.

To make the fit better, Gunner lets you choose the fit by 3 methods; by crate size (mentioned above), by measuring your dog’s physical dimensions, and by the vehicle fit. 

G1 is the only double-walled rotomolded kennel in the market, further increasing your dog’s safety while skyrocketing its durability value.

What about comfort?

The Gunner G1 kennel is 12% cooler, and your dog expends 20% less energy compared to leading most leading Aluminum and single-wall rotomolded kennels. 

The reversible door makes it easier to access, and the key-in-the-hole with the paddle latch certifies protection. That peace of mind matters tremendously in domestic flights.

You’d also find the element-repelling windows helpful for your dog. They’re engineered to limit the penetration of seasonal elements like snow or rain. 

Gunner boasts the G1’s interior drainage system with an oversized and removable drain plug. This might not be useful during the flight, but it’s beneficial in the long run.

The Petmate kennel had one carrying handle, but this kennel has two kayak-grade handles. Combine that with the built-in tie-down pins and the non-slip feet; this crate will stay put wherever you place it.

Isn’t that a mandatory requirement, anyway?

As you may already know, Gunner kennels, including the G1, are completely made in the USA. With a lifetime guarantee, its value is quite high.

With five vibrant earth-tone colors, Gunner gives you dog owners no choice but to love this travel dog crate.

So, in conclusion, the Gunner G1 is one of the best airplane crates.

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4. AmazonBasics Pet Carrier

I love the mixture of metal and plastic for the design, similar to the Gunner kennel. The Amazon Basics kennel is made from single-walled molded plastic, and the other elements are metallic.

If you go with the metal vent design, you get one door with a wire mesh and three-way air holes covered with metal wires.

The two-door top load version has a side and a top door. This makes handling your pet in the cage inside the flight easier.

The cherry on top is the securing locking door closure mechanism. They’re not 100% metallic in both cages, but the 2-door model with spring-loaded latch in the two-door version is more secure.

No matter how secure the locks are, pet owners must crate train their dogs ideally to ensure they’re safe and comfortable during airplane traveling.

The center-aligned top carrying handle makes it easier to carry it. 

You might wonder, wouldn’t it be better to have a crate with wheels? But it’s one of the forbidden features; you can read the rest at the end of this list.

You also get free Prime shipping in the link that I have recommended; no worries about safety.

The verdict? It’s a great alternative when you can’t find the most suitable airline-approved dog crates.

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5. Away The Pet Carrier

How much does it weigh? 

It weighs 4.3 lbs with a shoulder strap and 3.9 lbs without. So, the dog’s weight will typically be around 25 lbs, which is great.

You’re highly likely to get somewhat reminded of the classy look of the Diggs carrier. After all, it comes in black, made from superior quality Nylon leather material. That’s why it lasts so long by design.

The removable and washable plush sherpa bedding is Away’s secret to providing the best comfort for your dog in air travel. Combine that with the water-resistant lining for easy accident cleanup; this pet carrier is a phenomenal alternative.

You’d like the safety collar clip ideally placed to prevent quick pet escapes when opening. You know you don’t want that risk in air travel. 

But how access-friendly this bag really is? The two-way zip top and side openings resemble multiple access points as they enable easy access to your pet. 

It’s admirable how Away has integrated latches that fasten to a car seat belt. When traveling by car, you can make great use of the strap that secures any Away luggage too.

Away boasts its pet carrier’s usability experience with the side pocket, waterproof lining, and raining holes. It’s bespoke for storing a collapsible water bowl.

As an established brand, Away gives you 100 days to return the bag with one year warranty. But remember that branded/customized carriers cannot be returned.

All things considered, you can definitely rely on this airline-approved dog crate as well.

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6. ASPEN PET Dog Kennel

This heavy-duty kennel has a plastic shell and metal screws to keep the parts together. That increases the overall strength and durability. Most importantly, it gives you enough peace of mind when flying.

Thanks to the air holes, you don’t have to worry about your pet’s comfort. After all, the Aspen kennel has a mesh door, so the air circulation is superior by design.

Petmate kennels are easy to assemble, and the Aspen kennel doesn’t deviate from that. 

You don’t need a massive toolbox or box-assembling experience; it’s very hassle-free.

Once you assemble it, ideally, you have to clean it before getting your dog inside. Thanks to the plastic surface, this is when you’ll notice how easy it is to clean.

I have to emphasize the shape of the interior of this magnificent crate. It satisfies natural denning instincts, and this helps them not only stay calm but PREFER staying inside the kennel throughout the flight.

On top of its suitability for air travel, I also love how Petmate recommends the kennel for cars too. This eliminates the need for a separate kennel for traveling with your pet by car.

Although the handle and the other components are imported, the Petmate Aspen dog kennel is made in the USA. Having that reassurance helps you more than you assume when it comes to flying.

But it’s necessary to double-check with your airline because you never know how some surprise rules can delay your trip.

As an alternative, this is one of the best airline-approved dog crates by design.

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7. Petsfit Carrier

But are all sizes approved by default? No, only the small and medium sizes comply with the airlines mentioned above. 

However, it doesn’t hurt to double-check with your airlines before purchasing a large size, just to be sure.

It’s worth noting that two detachable fiber rods are on both sides of the carrier’s top. When the large size is too high to fit under a seat, you can remove these two fiber optic rods and fit in better.

The side part of the bag can be expanded. With that, your dog gets extra space in a few seconds. The best thing about this side opening is that it has an opening. 

The second point of access is the side opening, the smaller size. The third opening is on the top. With three access points, Petsfit brings a lot of value to its kennel.

The material of this crate is a mixture of Polyester, Nylon, and Polypropylene (PP), with some metallic parts.

The solid wire keeps it from collapsing and is flexible enough to compress to fit under an airplane seat. 

With these crate features comes the top and 2-sided windows. Petfits is proud to have them made of anti-scratch ventilation mesh material, and your dog will feel both safe and comfortable thanks to the ideal air circulation.

This collapsibility is greatly complemented by the soft bottom inside. It keeps your dog perfectly warm enough for as long as they want. Additionally, the self-lock zipper ensures that your pet doesn’t escape too.

What about the carrying ease? 

For that, Petfits gives you two flexible handles to hold with your hands. If that’s not enough, you can always switch to the detachable strap to hang on the shoulders.

It has a side pocket too.

In conclusion, this is one of the dependable pet crates. But remember to double-check everything with the airlines before purchasing.

With that, we come to the end of the list. But up next is some must-know information that most people discover AFTER facing issues with flying with their pet.

Let’s start with the buying guide.

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How to Choose the Right Airline-Approved Dog Crate?

If you’re wondering how I choose and rank these dog crates, here are the full buying guidelines for you.

Measure Your Dog Accurately

Use a tape measure to determine your dog’s height and length. 

Read the size guide of each product carefully, as your dog needs enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down throughout the flight. Here’s our well researched crate size guide.

Assess Your Dog’s Activity and Level of Tameness

You don’t want to make your dog feel trapped in a long airplane journey when you know they’re not tamed enough. But assuming there’s a considerable level of obedience, prioritize more robust materials.

Consider the Crate’s Ventilation

Look for a crate that provides adequate airflow to keep your dog cool and comfortable, not too much or too less.

Opt for a Secure Locking Mechanism 

Ensure that the chosen crate has a reliable and secure locking mechanism to prevent any accidental openings during travel. 

Check for Easy Assembly and Disassembly

Select a crate that is easy to assemble and disassemble, as you may need to set it up quickly during check-in and collapse it for storage when not in use.

It’s better to choose crates with user-friendly design features.

Consider the Weight of the Crate 

So many brands understand the typical requirement for an airline-approved crate. But even with all the conditions satisfied, the weight will always vary. 

Asses the Comfort Features

Look for comfortable crates, such as a soft and cozy bed or mat, and adequate padding to ensure your dog’s comfort throughout the journey. 

Consider the Ease of Cleaning

Accidents happen, and it’s best to be prepared for the worst. Crates with multiple access points can do wonders in this situation. On top of that, consider the ease of cleaning surfaces when choosing the material.

Dog Crate Requirements of Each Airline

If you’re unsure, you can always call the airline or find the hyperlink from their official website where you can find the information. It’s always better to double-check and confirm so that last-minute unpleasant surprises don’t happen.

Features of an IATA-Compliant Dog Crate

IATA is the international air travel association headquartered in Canada, and here are some of the main features of IATA-approved dog crates.

Size Requirements 

Remember that the chosen airline-approved pet carrier MUST be tall enough so that your dog’s ears’ topmost point does NOT touch the top of the kennel.

It’s as simple as that.

No airline wants to undertake extra work, and knowing your dog has enough space reassures them of it.

Pet Documents 

Documentation for international flights is a critical matter, and that seriousness applies to your canine companion too.

So, remember to include your pet’s information, preferably on the top of the crate, to meet IATA airline requirements.

You need to include these details:

• Your dog’s name
• Your contact number 
• Final destination 
• The flight number 
• Your address 
• Contact info of someone at the final destination 

Having these details well communicated will save you a lot of trouble if the situation arises.

The Nature of Nuts and Bolts and the Door

IATA really wants the best or nothing, and we all know that metallic bolts and nuts are the strongest. That ultimately gives the most support for typical turbulence.

So, ensure the chosen airline-approved crates have metallic nuts and bolts, and you should be fine.

Ventilation Requirement

Although not known enough, IATA mandates that the crate must have ventilation or air holes on at least three sides to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air for your dog. 

Any best IATA-approved crate would have four.

Food and Water Dishes Aspect

Your dog would want water or food during the flight, and IATA understands that.

But having all the food and water dishes attached to the crate door itself is an IATA requirement. This measure eliminates the risk of someone’s hyperactive dog running out when the door is opened.

Feeding Instructions

You should tag along the feeding instructions on the crate and a bag of food. Give the highest priority to dry food.

In addition, you also must note down any allergies and food habits the crew must know.

Crate Lining

A dog travel carrier must have a lining with cushions and absorbent papers; these are IATA guidelines for international travel. 

The purpose is to protect your dog from injuries during air travel. Since they will serve as pee pads, you don’t have to worry about minor accidents, as that can be mitigated.

These are the most basic ones, and it’s essential to fulfill all these requirements with many airlines. As always, do a quick background with your airline, and it should be fine.

Features That Shouldn’t Be in Your Airline Dog Crate

Now that you know what to choose, you should ALSO know what to avoid for international travel. 

Here are some features that should NOT be in your airline dog crate. You’d notice that these are mostly seen in regular dog crates.

There can be more features, but as long as you avoid these and follow the instructions of the previous subtopic, you should be able to find the best crate.

Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

Let me keep things brief and to the point so any dog parent would know what to do.

1. Schedule a veterinary check-up to ensure your dog is healthy and fit to travel.
2. Choose an airline-approved travel crate with comfort and meets all requirements.
3. Familiarize your dog with the crate by making it a positive and comfortable space.
4. Crate train your dog, increase the time in the crate, and reward calm behavior.
5. Acclimate your dog to the noises and motions associated with air travel.
6. Ensure your dog gets exercise and bathroom breaks before the journey.
7. Place familiar scents and comfort items in the crate to reduce anxiety.
8. Adjust the feeding and watering schedule before the flight.
9. Secure identification tags and consider microchipping for added safety.
10. Stay calm, offer reassurance, and comfort your dog on the day of the travel.

Benefits of Buying Airline-Approved Pet Crates

I’m sure there are more, but here are 10 of the most prominent benefits of airline-approved pet carriers.

1. Ensures compliance with airline regulations for a smoother travel experience.
2. Enhance safety measures to provide optimal protection during air travel.
3. Designed to fit within airline size restrictions for comfort and peace.
4. The proper ventilation system (air holes) keeps your pet comfy.
5. Durable and strong construction withstands transportation rigors.
6. Easy-to-clean features simplify maintenance and hygiene.
7. Facilitates TSA security screening with convenient design elements.
8. Provides stress-free familiarity for anxious dogs.
9. Offers peace of mind for your dog’s safety.
10. Reusable for multiple trips and daily use, maximizing investment.

In Conclusion

No matter how used you are, air travel is stressful and gets more stressful when you fly with your dog.

So, ideally, you should try to fly with as much peace of mind as possible. In doing so, Diggs passenger travel carrier is the absolute best thanks to its features, which meet several airline requirements.

So, remember to make an investment that lasts and gives you peace of mind throughout the flight.

I hope this review was helpful to you. See you in another!

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