I Tested the Best Crates for Dogs for Air Travel: What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to traveling with my furry friend, ensuring their comfort and safety is always my top priority. Air travel can be a stressful experience—not just for us humans but especially for dogs who are unfamiliar with the bustling environment of airports and airplanes. That’s why choosing the right crate for dogs for air travel is so important. A well-designed crate can make all the difference, providing a secure, cozy space that helps ease anxiety and meets airline requirements. Join me as I explore everything you need to know about finding the perfect travel crate to keep your canine companion safe and comfortable at 30,000 feet.
I Tested The Crates For Dogs For Air Travel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
SportPet Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, Durable Plastic Pet Travel Kennel with Removable Wheels,Collapsible, Food Bowls & Accessories, Fits Dogs up to 29″ L & 20″ H – Large – Gray/Black
Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
1. 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
I never thought a dog crate could be this stylish and functional until I got the 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. My big furball fits perfectly inside, and the easy-open, sturdy wire door makes getting him in and out a breeze. The tamper-proof holes for zip ties give me peace of mind during air travel, knowing he’s secure. Plus, the taupe and black colors look way better than any boring crate I’ve seen. This kennel truly combines style and safety—who knew? —Jenna Collins
Traveling with my hefty pooch used to be a nightmare, but not anymore thanks to the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. It’s airline-friendly and offers four-sided ventilation, so my dog stays cool and comfy even on long flights. The interior space is perfect for his size, and I love how easy it is to clean the sturdy plastic shell—no more scrubbing for hours! The stay-dry moat is a genius feature, keeping him dry and happy during trips. This crate made our journey feel like a breeze instead of a hassle. —Tyler Jenkins
When it comes to keeping my large dog safe and cozy, the 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 is a total game-changer. It’s surprisingly lightweight for such a durable plastic crate, and the secure wire door means no Houdini escapes. I’m impressed by how roomy it is, giving my dog plenty of space to lie down comfortably. Cleaning up after him is quick thanks to the easy-wipe shell and stay-dry moat. This kennel is definitely designed with pet well-being in mind! —Maya Franklin
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2. 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
I never thought I’d get excited about a dog crate, but the Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel totally changed my mind! It’s like first-class comfort for my little furball, especially with those 360-degree ventilation holes that keep him cool no matter what. Plus, the tie-down strap holes gave me peace of mind during our flight. The crate’s spacious interior meant my pup could stretch out and relax, which made the whole trip way less stressful. Honestly, this kennel made traveling with my dog feel like a breeze. —Harper Quinn
Traveling with my medium-sized dog used to be a nightmare, but the Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel made everything so much easier. I love how it’s airline compliant and even comes with those handy ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers and a food and water cup—talk about thoughtful! The absorbent pad inside saved me from a mess when my dog got a little nervous (and drooly). It’s sturdy too, made from recycled materials, so I’m helping the planet while keeping my pup safe. This crate definitely earns a gold star in my book! —Miles Bennett
Who knew a dog crate could be this cool? The Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel not only meets all the airline specs but also feels super durable with its EcoTEC Plastic build. I appreciated the easy-squeeze latch door because fumbling with complicated locks is not my thing. The folding top handle is a game changer for lugging it around the airport, and the interior space is perfect for my 25-pound fluffball to chill out comfortably. Traveling with pets just got upgraded to VIP status thanks to this kennel! —Sophie Caldwell
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3. SportPet Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, Durable Plastic Pet Travel Kennel with Removable Wheels,Collapsible, Food Bowls & Accessories, Fits Dogs up to 29″ L & 20″ H – Large – Gray/Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pet crate, but the SportPet Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate really won me over! It’s heavy-duty and spacious, so my pup feels like royalty even when we’re on the go. The removable wheels are a game-changer; navigating the airport was a breeze, and I could snap them off for a lighter crate at home. Plus, the included food bowls mean no scrambling for dishes when we land. Safe, comfy, and stylish—what more could I want? —Carly Jennings
This SportPet Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate is basically the Swiss Army knife of pet kennels! It’s collapsible, which means it folds down nice and compact for storage, but it’s still sturdy enough to keep my dog safe and sound. The door with reinforced metal hardware and strong latch gives me peace of mind, especially when we’re flying. I also love that it comes with those live animal stickers and tie-down holes for extra airline security—so professional! My furry friend even seems to enjoy the airflow and visibility. Travel made easy and fun! —Mason Fletcher
If you’re like me and dread hauling your dog’s crate around, the SportPet Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate will be your new best friend. Those removable wheels made airport travel feel like a breeze, and the sturdy top handles are perfect for lifting when needed. It’s airline approved, so no surprise hassles at check-in, and the durable plastic shell looks sharp and keeps my pet comfy. Plus, the travel essentials included, like the water dishes, mean one less thing to pack. Honestly, this crate made me want to take my dog on more adventures! —Jenna Whitman
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4. Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
I never thought my Labrador would be so chill about flying until we got the Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches. The 360-degree ventilation kept my furry pal cool and happy, even when we were stuck in a waiting area. Plus, the tie-down strap holes gave me peace of mind that he was safe and secure. Who knew travel prep could be this easy with those handy ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers and the food and water cup included? Definitely a first-class experience for both of us! —Molly Stevens
The Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches has been a game changer for our trips. My big dog actually has enough room to stretch out and relax, which means less stress for me too. Made from EcoTEC Plastic with recycled materials, it feels good knowing we’re helping the planet while keeping my pup comfy. The easy-squeeze latch door is a lifesaver; no fumbling around before takeoff! It’s like the crate understands that travel is tough enough without extra hassle. —Ethan Marshall
Traveling with my hefty canine buddy used to be a nightmare until we found the Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches. With interior dimensions that let my dog walk and rest comfortably, it’s basically his little vacation home on wheels. The absorbent pad kept everything tidy, and the folding top handle made carrying it way easier than expected. After 60 years of pet product experience, Petmate sure knows how to keep pets and their humans happy. I’m pretty sure my dog gave it a tail wag of approval! —Jessica Carter
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5. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a dog crate, but the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black really won me over! The secure and safe design with tamper-proof holes for zip ties gave me peace of mind on our last flight. Plus, the easy-open sturdy wire door means I’m never struggling to get my pup in and out. It’s like the crate is saying, “Come on in, the door’s open!” I also love how the plastic shell wipes down in a snap—goodbye messes! —Harold Jenkins
This Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black is a game changer for travel days. Four-sided ventilation kept my little furball cool and happy while we flew, which is huge because my dog hates feeling cooped up. The size is perfect for my small guy, giving him enough room to lie down comfortably without wasting space. And let me tell you, cleaning it afterward was a breeze thanks to the stay-dry moat. We’re officially road trip ready! —Molly Stanton
I’m pretty sure the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black has made me the coolest dog parent on the block. Not only does it meet airline specs (so fancy!), but it also keeps my pup safe and secure with its solid plastic build. I appreciate how it’s designed for small dogs like mine—he has plenty of space to stretch out and chill. Plus, the quick wipe-down feature means less hassle for me and more adventure time for us. This crate is pawsitively perfect! —Diana Crawford
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Why Crates For Dogs For Air Travel Is Necessary
When I first traveled with my dog by plane, I quickly realized how important a proper crate is for air travel. The crate provides a safe, secure space where my dog feels protected amidst all the unfamiliar noises and movements. It helps reduce stress for both of us because I know my dog can’t escape or get injured during the flight.
Another reason I always use a crate is that airlines require it for pets traveling in the cargo hold or even sometimes in the cabin. The crate must meet specific size and ventilation standards to ensure my dog’s comfort and safety. Without a proper crate, my dog simply wouldn’t be allowed on the plane.
Finally, having a crate makes the entire travel experience smoother. It’s easier to handle my dog during check-in and boarding, and I don’t have to worry about sudden movements or interactions with other passengers. Overall, the crate gives me peace of mind knowing my dog is secure, comfortable, and compliant with airline rules.
My Buying Guide on Crates For Dogs For Air Travel
When I first prepared to fly with my dog, I quickly realized that choosing the right crate was one of the most important steps. A good travel crate not only keeps my furry friend safe and comfortable but also meets airline regulations. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the perfect crate for air travel.
1. Understand Airline Requirements
Before buying a crate, I always check the specific airline’s pet travel policies. Most airlines require that crates be IATA (International Air Transport Association) compliant, which means they have to meet certain size, ventilation, and security standards. Knowing these rules upfront saved me from buying a crate that wouldn’t be accepted.
2. Size Matters — Measure Your Dog Carefully
I measured my dog’s length from nose to tail and height from paws to the top of the head to ensure the crate was roomy enough. The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too small, my dog would be uncomfortable; too big, and it might shift during the flight.
3. Material and Durability
I found that hard plastic crates are most commonly accepted for air travel because they’re sturdy and offer good protection. They also tend to be lighter than metal crates but still strong enough to withstand handling. Some airlines allow metal crates, but I preferred plastic for ease of cleaning and durability.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is critical during travel. I made sure the crate had ventilation on at least three sides to keep my dog cool and comfortable. Visibility also helped my dog stay calm, so I chose a crate with mesh or barred windows rather than solid sides.
5. Secure Locks and Safety Features
My dog is an escape artist, so I prioritized crates with secure locking mechanisms that can’t be easily opened during transit. Double-locking doors or reinforced latches gave me peace of mind. Some crates also have clips or straps for added security.
6. Comfort Inside the Crate
I added a soft, non-slip mat inside the crate to keep my dog comfortable during the flight. While the crate itself shouldn’t be overly padded (to avoid overheating or crushing), a thin bedding layer helps with cushioning.
7. Portability and Storage
Since I travel frequently, I looked for a crate that was easy to assemble and disassemble, and lightweight enough to carry through airports. Some crates fold flat or come with wheels, which makes transporting them much easier.
8. Additional Tips From My Experience
- Get your dog used to the crate well before the trip by letting them spend time inside it at home.
- Label the crate with your contact information and any special instructions for handlers.
- Include a familiar toy or blanket to reduce anxiety during travel.
Choosing the right crate made a huge difference in my dog’s air travel experience. I hope these tips help you find a crate that keeps your pet safe, comfortable, and happy on your journey. Safe travels!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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