Choosing A Flight Carrier For Your Dog | Will It Fit?

Dog Travel Carrier Size Requirements Vary For Each Airline... What Airplanes Will My Pet Carrier Fit On? Is There A Loophole?

MOST airlines allow soft-sided collapsible carriers to be SLIGHTLY larger than what sizing requirements state (some airline websites even say that, like United). However, the carrier still needs to fit under the seat without having it excessively collapsing in on the dog.

Soft sided carriers allow for extra room due to the ability to form to the space below.

The Travelier Experience

We often fly with Southwest, and use the Sherpa Large Deluxe Carrier. We have not had any issues with our carrier fitting under the seat. As you can see, the carrier is larger than the required size (only a little though).

Sherpa Large Size: 19"x 11.75" x 11.5"

Southwest size requirement: 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5"

The Sherpa Deluxe Carrier has a spring wire frame that prevents the bag from collapsing in on the dog as it forms to the under seat height requirements.

Here is a photo of Olive under the seat, and how the bag is not caving in on her.

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Will The Large Deluxe Sherpa Carrier Fit?

Below is a list of airlines that have been flown and fit the Large Sherpa Deluxe Carrier, by either Olive The Travelier and/or reviewed/confirmed from fellow pet travelers.

*Please note, just because the airline you are flying is not listed below, does NOT mean the carrier won't fit.

*If you have flown with the Large Sherpa Deluxe Carrier and it's NOT listed above, please message me here.

All airlines are different and each experience is subject to change, if you're worried your carrier is too large, always call the airline to see if your carrier will be cleared for flying.

*Please note* Having the carrier fit under seat storage, does not simply confirm the ability to fly with your dog. Your dog must be able to fit in the carrier and turn around inside the bag. Some airlines also have weight restrictions (ex: American Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian) .

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain commissionable links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your trust and loyalty!