Best Pet Crate for Travel: Car and Airline Tips

The best pet crate for travel is one that suits your mode of transportation and keeps your pet securely contained. Our team would start with the trip: a crate for the car has different priorities from a carrier for an airplane cabin. Choose the travel method first, then compare construction, ventilation, door security, and how you will carry or secure the crate.

There is no single airline-approved crate that works for every flight. Cabin and cargo rules differ, and airlines may specify carrier dimensions, construction, ventilation, and closure requirements. Confirm your airline’s current rules for your route and your pet’s method of travel before selecting a carrier; measure the carrier’s exterior rather than relying on a product name alone.

A rigid crate can offer sturdy walls and secure hardware, while a soft-sided carrier may be easier to carry when its construction is permitted for your trip. In either case, inspect seams, hinges, handles, and latches before you leave, and choose surfaces you can clean after travel. Pack water for stops, too; our guide to collapsible silicone dog and cat travel bowls can help you choose a portable bowl to bring along.