In my previous blog post, I compiled a meticulous list of the top six pet carriers for Alaska Airlines. Today, I'm going to list the top pet carriers for American Airlines, the second most pet-friendly airline in the U.S., according to Forbes. As such, American Airlines accepts most domesticated animals to travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo.
Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet American Airlines' size, age, and destination requirements. For carry-on pets, American Airlines recommends a soft-sided pet carrier that is slightly larger and can fit under the seat in front of you. In addition, American requires that your soft-sided pet carrier:
- Be secure
- Be padded
- BE made of water-repellent material
- Have mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides
Furthermore, the second most pet-friendly airline requires that your soft-sided pet carrier be 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high. Remember, American only accepts one pet carrier per passenger. Your pet must stay in the carrier under the seat in front of you the entire flight. Your pet must travel with American Airlines Cargo if it is too large to fly in the cabin. To keep your pet safe in the cargo, American Airlines has strict kennel requirements. The airline accepts:
- Small kennel: 21 x 16 x 15 inches
- Medium kennel: 27 x 20 x 19 inches
- Intermediate kennel: 33 x 22 x 23 inches
- Large kennel: 36 x 24 x 26 inches
- Extra large kennel: 40 x 27 x 30 inches
- Giant kennel: 48 x 32 x 35 inches
For in-cargo traveling, American Airlines doesn't accept soft-sided or collapsible kennels or kennels with:
- Plastic doors
- Wheels (unless they are retractable or removable)
- Top opening doors
- Only snap closures
Two dogs or two cats may share the same kennel, provided each weighs less than 20 pounds (9kg) and is less than six months old. Two dogs or cats over the age of 6 months can not share the same kennel. With that in mind, here are the top 3 soft-sided pet carriers and the top three hard-sided pet carriers for American Airlines flights.
The top 3 soft-sided pet carriers for American Airlines
1. Petsfit's 18 x 11 x 11 soft-sided pet carrier
This soft-sided pet carrier conforms to American Airlines' under-seat dimensions (18" L x 11" W x 11” H). It is suitable for pets within 14" x 9" x 9" and up to 10 pounds. This airline-approved pet carrier features 2 openings and mesh ventilation on five sides. Weighing 2.55 pounds, Petsfit's soft-sided pet carrier is designed with a wire frame to keep it in shape. It has many positive reviews for being lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable.
2. Mr. Peanut's airline-approved soft-sided pet carrier
Measuring 18" L x 10.5" W x 11" H, this pet carrier from Mr. Peanut's meets American Airlines' soft-sided pet carrier size requirements. It weighs only 2.7 pounds and can carry pets up to 15 pounds. For proper ventilation, the carrier features breathable mesh on all sides, complying with American Airlines' guidelines.
3. Petskd's top-expandable pet carrier
Designed to carry small dogs and cats, this top-expandable pet carrier measures 17" in length, 11" in width, and 11" in height. As such, it follows American Airlines' kennel guidelines for carry-on pets. This bag is recommended for pets that are within 15" L x 10" H and weigh under 12 pounds. However, you shouldn't choose the carrier only based on weight. If your pet is small enough to be comfortable inside the bag, weight shouldn't be a problem then.
The top 3 hard-sided pet carriers for American Airlines Cargo
If your dog or cat or whatever acceptable pet you have is too large to fly in the cabin, it must travel with American Airlines Cargo, which requires a hard-sided kennel. Choosing the right travel kennel is essential for keeping your pet physically and emotionally comfortable throughout their journey.
1. Petmate's Ultra Vari Dog Kennel
This is a small dog kennel. American Airlines required dimensions for small kennels are 21 x 16 x 15 inches. The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel is 21" long x 16" wide x 15" high, conforming to American cargo specifications. This travel dog crate features ventilation on 3 sides and is easy to clean.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel
Made in the USA, the Petmate Sky Kennel measures 40" in length, 27" in width, and x 30" in height and weighs 30.5 pounds, meeting American Airlines cargo's requirements for extra-large kennels. This kennel, which includes ready-to-fly essentials, has enough room for your pet to turn around and lie down comfortably. It is large enough to carry dogs up to 90 pounds.
Also, check out the giant size.
3. Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel
This medium dog kennel is designed to accommodate pets up to 25 pounds. With ventilation on 4 sides, the Petmate Pet Porter Dog Kennel is an airline-friendly dog carrier with a wire door. The carrier weighs only 5 pounds with its exterior dimensions being 26" L x 18.6" W x 16.5" H. Furthermore, the carrier is easy to clean and assemble and is comfortable for traveling.
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