Airline Approved Dog Crate Sizes Explained
Traveling with your furry friend? It's essential to choose the right airline approved dog crate size for a safe and comfortable journey. This guide breaks down the various sizes and requirements to ensure your pet meets airline regulations.
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Top Pick: SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate- Large Kennel, Gray
Key takeaways
- Ensures safe travel for pets
- Includes essential travel accessories included
- Easily transportable with removable wheels
Quick Picks
SportPet Rolling Dog Crate – Large Gray
- Ensures safe travel for pets
- Includes essential travel accessories
- Simplifies transport with removable wheels
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carrier
- Protects pets with secure design
- Ensures comfort during air travel
- Simplifies cleaning for busy owners
Elevon Airline Approved Dog Crate
- Protects pets during travel safely
- Meets airline specifications for convenience
- Cleans easily for hassle-free maintenance
Petmate Sky Kennel – Airline Compliant Dog Crate
- Ensures secure air travel for pets
- Includes essentials for easy travel
- Provides spacious comfort for medium dogs
OLIXIS Airline Approved Dog Crate – Heavy Duty
- Ensures stress-free travel for pets
- Keeps pets dry during accidents
- Facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance
Top Picks
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate- Large Kennel, Gray
Why it stands out:
- Airline-approved for hassle-free travel.
- Includes essential travel accessories.
- Easy to transport with removable wheels.
- Durable construction for safety and comfort.
- Quick assembly with locking snaps.
Overview: The SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate is designed for safe and comfortable pet travel, meeting airline regulations. Its heavy-duty construction ensures durability while providing ample space for your pet. With features like removable wheels and secure airflow, this crate is ideal for both travel and home use.
Key specs:
| dimensions | 31.5" L x 22" W x 23" H |
|---|---|
| weight_capacity | Dogs up to 29" long and 20" tall |
| material | Durable plastic with metal hardware |
| features | Removable wheels, top carry handle |
| accessories | 2 water dishes, 4 live animal stickers |
| compliance | IATA approved |
| assembly | Fast setup with bolts and snaps |
| airflow | Designed for steady airflow and visibility |
- Frequent travelers with pets
- Pet owners needing a sturdy home crate
- Airline passengers with pets
- Dogs requiring secure travel
- Owners seeking easy transport solutions
- Very large dogs exceeding size limits
- Pets that prefer enclosed spaces
- Owners needing a permanent outdoor kennel
- Pets with extreme anxiety in crates
- Users looking for a lightweight option
Why: This crate is ideal for those who travel frequently with their pets.
Why not: Not recommended for pets that exceed the specified size limits.
- Spacious and comfortable for pets
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Includes necessary travel accessories
- Removable wheels enhance portability
- Complies with airline safety standards
- Not suitable for very large breeds
- May be bulky for some users
- Wheels may not be durable on rough terrain
- Limited insulation for extreme weather
- Assembly may require additional tools
Bottom line: The SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels crate is a reliable choice for pet owners who travel. Its combination of safety features and convenience makes it a top pick for both travel and home use.
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
Why it stands out:
- Meets airline cargo specifications
- Durable plastic construction
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Secure design with tamper-proof features
- Spacious interior for comfort
Overview: The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a durable and portable carrier designed for large dogs, providing safety and comfort for travel. Its airline-friendly design meets cargo specifications and ensures proper ventilation. Easy to clean and secure, this kennel is ideal for both home use and trips. With a focus on pet well-being, it has been a trusted choice for over 60 years.
Key specs:
| dimensions | 36 inches |
|---|---|
| weight_capacity | 50-70 lbs |
| material | Durable plastic |
| ventilation | Four-sided |
| door_type | Sturdy wire door |
| cleaning_feature | Stay-dry moat |
| brand | Petmate |
| usage | Portable for home and travel |
- Large dog owners
- Frequent travelers with pets
- Pet owners needing a secure crate
- Housebreaking puppies
- Those looking for easy-to-clean solutions
- Very small dogs
- Dogs over 70 lbs
- Owners needing a soft-sided carrier
- Pets that dislike confined spaces
- Users who prefer luxury carriers
Why: This kennel offers a reliable solution for pet transportation and safety.
Why not: It may not suit all dogs, especially those needing more space or comfort.
- Airline-approved design
- Sturdy and secure construction
- Easy to clean
- Good ventilation
- Spacious interior
- Affordable option
- Limited to large dogs only
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use
- Plastic may not be as durable as metal
- Less comfortable for long durations
- No soft padding included
- May require additional security for travel
Bottom line: The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a practical and affordable choice for large dog owners who travel. Its secure and easy-to-clean design makes it a reliable option for various needs.
Elevon Plastic Kennels, Plastic Dog Crate, Airline Approved Pet Carrier for Dogs and Cats Longer Traveling, XL
Why it stands out:
- Airline approved for safe travel
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Good ventilation for pet comfort
- Lightweight design for easy transport
Overview: The Elevon Plastic Kennels are designed for safe and comfortable travel for pets, meeting airline specifications for cargo transport. With a sturdy plastic shell and reinforced wire door, it ensures durability while providing ample ventilation. The kennel features easy-to-clean materials and a stay-dry moat for added convenience during travel. Available in multiple sizes, it caters to various pet needs.
Key specs:
| material | Sturdy plastic and steel wire |
|---|---|
| sizes | Medium, Large, X-Large |
| dimensions | 20"L x 26.7"W x 20.4"H, 22.2"L x 31.8"W x 25.5"H, 23.8"L x 35.4"W x 29"H |
| ventilation | Four-sided airflow |
| cleaning | Easy to clean with stay-dry moat |
| latch | Easy-open secure latch |
| handles | Durable fold-down handles |
- Pet owners traveling by air
- Dogs and cats needing a secure crate
- Owners looking for easy-to-clean solutions
- Pets requiring good ventilation
- Traveling with larger pets
- Pets that are overly anxious in crates
- Owners needing a soft-sided carrier
- Small pets that do not require a large space
- Individuals without airline travel plans
- Pets that prefer open spaces
Why: This kennel is particularly beneficial for air travel with pets.
Why not: It may not be suitable for pets that prefer softer carriers or have anxiety issues.
- Meets airline cargo specifications
- Sturdy and durable design
- Easy to clean materials
- Well-ventilated for comfort
- Lightweight for portability
- Multiple size options available
- May not suit extremely anxious pets
- Not a soft-sided option
- Limited to hard plastic construction
- Requires assembly for some sizes
- May be too large for small pets
- Not ideal for everyday home use
Bottom line: The Elevon Plastic Kennels are an excellent choice for pet owners needing a reliable and airline-approved travel solution. Its sturdy design and ease of maintenance make it a practical option for various travel needs.
Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 15-30 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 28 Inches
Why it stands out:
- Meets IATA requirements for safe air travel.
- Includes essential travel accessories for convenience.
- Spacious design allows pets to move comfortably.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Eco-friendly materials support sustainability.
Overview: The Petmate Sky Kennel is designed for safe air travel, meeting IATA standards for live animal transport. Its spacious interior and durable construction provide comfort and security for pets weighing between 20-30 lbs. With essential travel accessories included, it ensures a smooth journey for both pets and their owners. This kennel is made in the USA from eco-friendly materials, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Key specs:
| dimensions | 24.25" L x 18.25" W x 19.5" H |
|---|---|
| weight_capacity | 20-30 lbs |
| material | EcoTEC Plastic with 90% recycled content |
| ventilation | 360-degree ventilation |
| accessories_included | Food and water cup, ID stickers, absorbent pad |
| door_type | Easy-squeeze latch door with interlocks |
| handle | Folding top handle for security |
| country_of_origin | Made in the USA |
- Pet owners traveling by air
- Medium-sized dog breeds
- Environmentally conscious consumers
- Frequent travelers with pets
- Owners needing a durable kennel
- Pets over 30 lbs
- Owners seeking a portable crate for ground travel
- Dogs that require more space to move around
- Those who prefer soft-sided carriers
- Travelers not using airlines
Why: This kennel is designed specifically for air travel compliance and pet comfort.
Why not: Not ideal for larger pets or those needing a more portable option.
- Airline compliant for safe transport
- Includes helpful travel accessories
- Spacious and comfortable for pets
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Eco-friendly materials used
- Not suitable for larger pets
- May be too bulky for ground travel
- Limited to specific weight range
- Hard-sided may not appeal to all pets
- Requires assembly before use
Bottom line: The Petmate Sky Kennel is an excellent choice for air travel with medium-sized dogs, offering comfort and durability. Its eco-friendly design and included accessories enhance the travel experience for pet owners.
OLIXIS Airline Approved Dog Crate-Heavy Duty Plastic Pet Carrier with Wire Door, 4-Side Ventilation & Stay-Dry Moat | 3 Sizes (Medium, Large, X-Large) for Travel & Home Use (IATA Compliant), Large
Why it stands out:
- Airline approved for stress-free travel.
- Optimal airflow with four-sided ventilation.
- Stay-dry moat prevents mess inside the crate.
- Lightweight design for easy transport.
- Removable panels for simple cleaning.
Overview: The OLIXIS Airline Approved Dog Crate is designed for safe and comfortable travel with your pet. Its heavy-duty plastic construction and secure wire door ensure durability and security. With four-sided ventilation and a stay-dry moat, it prioritizes your pet's comfort during transit. Available in three sizes, this crate meets IATA specifications, making it a reliable choice for air travel.
Key specs:
| sizes | Medium (26.5"L), Large (30.7"L), X-Large (35.8"L) |
|---|---|
| material | Heavy-duty plastic |
| ventilation | 4-side ventilation |
| door_type | Secure wire door latch |
| features | Stay-dry moat, fold-down carrying handles |
| maintenance | Easy to clean, removable interior panels |
| compliance | IATA compliant |
| weight | Lightweight design |
- Pet owners traveling by air
- Dogs needing extra ventilation
- Owners seeking easy maintenance solutions
- Traveling with puppies or adult dogs
- Those needing a durable pet carrier
- Pets that prefer enclosed spaces
- Owners looking for a heavy crate
- Dogs that are anxious in carriers
- Those needing a crate for aggressive chewers
- Users requiring a crate without ventilation
Why: This crate is ideal for those who prioritize safety and comfort during travel.
Why not: It may not be suitable for pets that feel secure in more enclosed environments.
- Airline compliant for easy travel
- Comfortable design with raised interior floor
- Easy to transport with fold-down handles
- Quick cleaning with removable panels
- Sturdy construction for safety
- May not suit pets that prefer tight spaces
- Wheels sold separately for mobility
- Not ideal for aggressive chewers
- Limited color options
- Could be bulky for small vehicles
Bottom line: The OLIXIS Airline Approved Dog Crate is a practical choice for pet owners who travel frequently. Its thoughtful design features enhance comfort and convenience for both pets and their owners.
How to Choose the Best Airline Approved Dog Crate Sizes
Selecting the right airline-approved dog crate is crucial for ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during travel. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Size: The crate should be spacious enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog and choose a crate that fits their dimensions.
- Material: Look for sturdy materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Plastic crates are often preferred for their durability and ease of cleaning.
- Ventilation: Ensure the crate has adequate ventilation on all sides to keep your pet comfortable.
- Compliance: Check that the crate meets IATA regulations and your airline’s specific requirements for pet travel.
- Portability: Consider features like wheels and handles that make transporting the crate easier.
Our Testing Methodology for Airline Approved Dog Crate Sizes
To determine the best airline-approved dog crates for 2025, we evaluated various models based on several criteria, including size options, material quality, safety features, and customer feedback. We also ensured that each crate complies with IATA standards for air travel. Our selection process involved thorough research and comparison of the leading products in the market.
Final Verdict: Best Airline Approved Dog Crate Sizes for You
After careful consideration, the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate stands out as the best option for airline-approved dog crates in 2025. Its spacious design, heavy-duty construction, and compliance with IATA regulations make it an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a reliable travel solution. For a hassle-free travel experience with your pet, consider the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate- Large Kennel, Gray.
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