5 Best Airline-approved cat carrier Bag (New Buying Guide)

Planning a trip requires plenty of attention to how you will pack your luggage. If you’ll be taking your cat companion with you, it’s important to also think about how to pack one of the best cat carrier travel bags with all of the gear your cat will need during a vacation.

Whether you’ll be gone for a few days or a few weeks, there are certain necessities that will make any getaway far more enjoyable for both a cat and its owners.

Making sure you have plenty of room for everything will require finding the right bag for the job, so we’ve helped narrow down your search to our top 5 contenders.

Many cat owners likely don’t have a bag specifically designed to carry their cats’ items while away from home. For that reason, it might not be immediately obvious what features and functions such a product should have.

There are several factors to consider, including quality, space, and versatility. Choosing the right option, however, will come down to the needs and preferences of an individual Cat owner. We’ve selected our top picks based on a variety of traits to help you find the perfect one for your situation.

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5 Best Airline-approved Cat Carrier

1. Jackson Galaxy Convertible cat carrier

Designed in collaboration with Animal Planet star and best-selling author, Jackson Galaxy, The Jackson Galaxy Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier is the best cat bubble backpack for travel with your feline friends. The product can be used as a backpack or as a traditional carrier with a detachable shoulder strap, and the removable comfortable mat fits when used either way. This makes it a great option for air travel as well!

This backpack has to mesh sides & ventilation holes for optimal breathability, a bubble window so your kitty can see their surroundings, and padded straps on the shoulders to keep every cat parent comfy too.

Features include:

Features Include:

• Can be used as a backpack and held as a “traditional” carrier
• Detachable shoulder strap
• The removable mat folds to fit both ways
• Holds up to 25 lbs of cat!
• Clip inside to attach a leash
• Bubble attachment
• Screen attachment
• Side pockets on both sides
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Adjustable chest strap
• Strong mesh sides and top (no cat has broken through yet!)
• Air holes in the front (seriously, we wouldn’t sell something your fur babies couldn’t breathe in)

2. The Navigator cat carrier Backpack

“The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Carrier is the best cat backpack for hiking, outdoor lovers, and adventurers. It’s also great for basic travel needs like trips to the vet and car rides and gives your cat plenty of visibility to watch the world go by through the mesh windows, which also provide optimal air circulation.

This backpack holds up to 25 lbs and has adjustable waist straps, chest straps, & padded shoulder straps to help distribute weight & keep every Hooman cozy too. It can be used as a backpack or traditional carrier and the entire bag folds up to store easily. All of our backpacks come with safety straps you can attach your kitty’s leash & harness to, to keep any super curious kitties close by, worry-free!

Features Include:

• Holds up to 25 lbs of cat
• Breathable & sturdy mesh windows on all three sides!
• Water reservoir pocket (Does not come with water bladder)
• Zippered pocket with 3 inside pockets and key hook
• Two Flexible side pockets for water bottles and supplies
• Two clips inside to attach harnesses or leashes (yes, you can use them for 2 cats!)
• The adjustable waist strap (extra long)
• The adjustable chest strap, both length, and height
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Zipper clips on all zippers
• Can be used as a backpack or “traditional” carrier
• Detachable shoulder strap
• The removable mat folds to fit both ways
• The entire bag folds up to pack flat and for easy storage

3. The City Chic Cat Backpack

Your fabulous feline will look like a red carpet model in this stylish cat backpack carrier! Whether you’re pounding the pavement of a big city, going from place to place in a small town, or flying on an airplane like Taylor Swift, your cat will be cozy and cool in this sturdy cat backpack. 

This cat backpack is made of durable faux leather, with air holes on the front and sides, and bubble/screen attachments for optimal airflow. Unlike our other cat backpacks, this backpack has a strong handle on top to carry like a purse by your side if needed!

Features Include:

• Both the plastic bubble window and flat screen attachments for the front of the cat backpack. They lock in securely and can be switched at your leisure, or removed completely.
• A clip and bungee that attaches to your cat’s harness, allowing them to safely “hang out” of the backpack’s front, without risk of them unexpectedly jumping out!
• Air holes in the front and sides provide ventilation. Bonus: they are a great way to slip your kitty treats!
• Adjustable straps that allow you to fit the backpack perfectly to your body.
• A strong top handle that gives you the option to carry the cat backpack like a purse.
• A soft plush mat that sits at the base of the cat backpack. It’s removable, making it easier to clean!

4. Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier

This cat carrier has it ALL. Designed with cat parent’s convenience & kitty’s safety as a top priority, this is the cat carrier that will go with you everywhere – plane, train, automobile, you name it.

It can be comfortably carried five ways – with the handle on top, as a backpack, with a long shoulder strap on the side or cross-body, or on top of a suitcase with the built-in safety, strap to keep it snug & in place while you’re breezing through the airport. Stash your ID & other documents with our multi-pocket zipper pouch, for easy access when you’re on the go. 

With multiple entryways through the top, both sides, and a slide-out mat insert, this is the most versatile carrier for getting your kitty in or out, and quickly getting to your cat in a stressful situation. The slide-out insert is also seamless, so you can easily wipe clean & throw the fleece mat (removing the plastic insert) in the wash if an accident happens. 

If you travel with your kitty frequently & need a carrier that fits into your busy lifestyle, this is the perfect one for you. 

Features Include:

• Holds up to 30 lbs
• Airline-friendly size
• Converts from traditional carrier to backpack with an adjustable shoulder strap that turns into two backpack straps
• Washable fleece mat insert with a tray that slides out for easy access to your kitty
• Dark interior to block out stimulation & roll-up panel to cover front mesh window for extra coziness
• Side pockets on both sides, a large zipper pouch with multiple pockets & a keyholder.
• Easy to clean bed with seamless lining & machine washable mat.
• Plenty of ventilation throughout with mesh paneling or air holes on all sides
• Zippers snap closed to keep them in place so your cat can’t paw them open
• Buckles to strap into car seatbelt
• Sleeve to slip over luggage handle
• Multiple entry-ways for easy access
• Leash clip to keep your cat safe & within arm’s reach
• Sleeve for contact info

5. Stray x Travel Cat Backpack

Get your paws on our limited-edition harness & cat backpack collection, made in collaboration with Stray – the new adventure game where you explore a futuristic world as an adorable orange tabby cat searching for his family.

Inspired by the stunning visuals of Stray, go from game mode to real-life adventures with your feline friend in this neon and charcoal cat bubble backpack created to bring cat and gaming enthusiasts together.

Use this carrier to spend more quality time with your cat beyond the great indoors and give your cat the enrichment and stimulation they need in a safe way to support a long and happy life.

Having high-quality gear is the most important factor when looking to spend bonding time outside of the house with your cat. The Cat Bag designs products with the cat’s comfort and safety as a top priority, along with your convenience and comfort as the cat parent.

This sturdy, well-ventilated, breathable, and versatile cat bubble backpack will be a safe space for adventures with your cat, big & small – whether that’s walks around the block, road trips, or hikes at National Parks, flying across the country, or anything in between. 

Features Include:

• Clip inside to attach a leash
• Bubble attachment
• Screen attachment
• The middle mesh flap rolls up and clips back
• Side pockets on both sides
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Adjustable chest strap
• Strong mesh sides and top (no cat has broken through yet!)
• Air holes in the front (seriously, we wouldn’t sell something your fur babies couldn’t breathe in)
• Mat, removable
• YKK zippers

Buying Guide

Start by Choosing the Best Size for Your Pet

Your main objective is to find the perfect carrier that is large enough to give your pet room, yet small enough to meet airline requirements and fit in your plane, bus, or train’s storage areas. “[You need] to make sure your pet is not squashed,”

Dr. Hohenhaus says. “The carrier should be big enough to let your pet move around a bit — but isn’t so big you can’t carry it. It’s good to have a carrier big enough for a mat, blanket, or something comfy to fit in as well.”

It’s worth keeping in mind that airlines limit pet carry-ons to 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches. If you’re planning to check your pet carrier as cargo, the carrier must be compliant with International Air Transport Association regulations and meet a host of other requirements.

Choose a Carrier That Works for Your Mode of Transportation

In addition to the requirements above, most airlines also require pet carriers to fit comfortably under plane seats. That said, we suggest a soft side carrier if you plan to keep your pet in the cabin with you — it’s much easier to fold and bend a soft carrier down to fit under a seat than it is with a hard side carrier.

Taking your pet on a train? Amtrak requires pet carriers to be under 20 pounds and dimensions of 19 inches long by 14 inches wide by 10.5 inches high. Keep in mind carriers must also be stowed under the seats for train travel.

Check Airline and FAA Requirements Ahead of Travel

Because certain airlines don’t allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners at all, the FAA suggests calling the airline you’re traveling with prior to your trip.

The FAA and most airlines require pet carriers to be stowed securely throughout the duration of the trip and for pets to fit comfortably in their carrier (they can turn around and stand without touching the sides or top of the carrier).

Look for Features Specific to You, Your Pet, and Your Trip

While there are exceptions, soft side carriers tend to work best for plane and train travel, especially if you plan on keeping your pet in the cabin with you. Soft carriers are easier to fit under seats and keep properly stowed, and they generally take up less space. If you’ll be checking your pet carrier as cargo, make sure to have a hard carrier and follow these guidelines.

When it comes to carrier doors and openings, Dr. Hohenhaus recommends going for convenience rather than style. “I like carriers that open on the top,” she says. “The opening is bigger than those with a front door, and I can examine… the pet in the carrier through the open top door.” She adds that, when it comes down to it, it’s totally up to the owner and the pet.

FAQ

How long can a pet stay in a Cat carrier?

According to Dr. Meg Summers of Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York City, the number of times pets can stay in carriers depends on their age. “Ideally, any pet six months and older should be in a carrier or crate for no longer than eight to nine hours at a time,” she says. “If the pet is under six months, it’s recommended [they stay in their carrier] no longer than four to five hours.”

How can I make my pet comfortable and at ease in a Cat carrier?

An easy way to keep pets happy in their carriers is to drop in a few treats and toys. It’s also wise to spend a few weeks getting your pet used to their carrier before you travel. “Leave the pet carrier out in your home or apartment with the door open and make sure there is a comfy blanket inside,” Dr. Hohenhaus says. “Every day put a few treats in there and it will be much easier to load your pet in the carrier.”

What should I put in a Cat carrier?

As mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with small treats and toys. Consider also throwing in a blanket your pet is familiar with, a shirt that carries your scent, and extra padding if the bottom of the carrier is thin or hard. As far as bowls of food and water go, Dr. Summers suggests keeping those out of the carrier.

“There already is not a lot of space, and often, it can create more of a mess inside the carrier that the pet has to be in,” she says. “If [water] is in the form of a water bottle, like for a hamster, and the pet is acclimated to using it, that is okay, but typically I find it is best to just let them drink a little right before the flight, then offer them food and water as soon as the flight is over.”