Is Your Dog Crate Airline Approved? How to Check

A crate is not automatically “airline approved” because its label says so: your airline must accept that specific kennel for your dog, flight, and method of travel. Before you buy or pack, find the airline’s current pet-transport requirements and confirm whether your dog will travel in the cabin or as checked or cargo transport, since the rules can differ.

For a dog traveling in the hold, compare the airline’s requirements with the crate’s materials, ventilation, door, latches, and fasteners; many airlines require a rigid kennel and will not accept a soft-sided or collapsible crate for that purpose. If your dog will travel in the cabin, focus instead on the airline’s carrier rules, including its size limit and whether the carrier can fit under the seat in front of you.

Measure your dog and the crate using the airline’s instructions, then make sure your dog can stand naturally, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. A crate can meet an airline’s maximum dimensions yet still be too small for your dog, so allow time to choose another size if either test fails.