What is a TSA Approved Pet Carrier?

The TSA, Transportation Security Administration, is responsible for providing effective and efficient security for passenger and freight transportation in the United States and actually does not govern or make rules regarding traveling with pets or pet carriers for air travel.  When travelling with a pet, you will be required to comply with security procedures of The TSA, they state “Pets and animals can be transported in carry-on or checked baggage to the extent permitted by the airline operator. All pets and animals are subject to non-x-ray screening.”

It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is well mannered enough to be physically inspected, if necessary. Never put your pet through the x-ray!  At the screening checkpoint, you will need to take your pet out of the carrier, if possible, and send the only the carrier through the x-ray. You can then either walk or carry your pet through the metal detector.  If you are not able to take the pet or animal out of the carrier, you can notify the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at the beginning of the checkpoint screening process, for special assistance. At all times, you are responsible for maintaining control of your pet and assisting the TSO in the screening process.  There is more information available on the TSA site

What is a FAA Approved Pet Carrier?

The Federal Aviation Administration or the FAA, is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety and regulation of civil aviation, as well as, overseeing the development of the air traffic control and actually does not govern or make rules regarding specific pet carriers.

FAA regulations, in regards to pets and approved pet carriers, defers to the individual airlines, when it comes to setting specific requirements regarding traveling by air with your pet.  Basically, If your airline requires a FAA approved pet carrier, in order for your pet to travel in the cabin with you, your pet’s carrier must abide by the regulations of carry-on baggage. The pet carrier you bring on board, for your pet to travel in cabin on your flight with you, must fit under the seat in front of you and counts as either your carry-on bag or a personal item.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows each airline to decide if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If an airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, we consider your pet container to be carry-on baggage and you must follow all carry on baggage rules (14 CFR part 121, section 121.589):

• Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person’s path to the main aisle of the airplane.
• Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
• Your pet container must remain properly stowed the entire time the airplane is moving on the airport surface, and for take off and landing.
• You must follow flight attendant instructions regarding the proper stowage of your pet container.

More information regarding Pets in the Passenger Cabin is available on the FAA website.

Airline Approved Pet Carriers

Airline have their own rules, regulations and requirements for people traveling with pets on planes. For in cabin pet travel, most airlines require the pet to be contained in either soft- or hard-sided pet carrier. In addition to complying with carry on size dimensions, the carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides. Some airlines also require the pet to be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier, and can deny boarding if your pet carrier does not comply with their pet policy requirements for in cabin travel. For information regarding your Airline’s Pet Carrier requirements, Please contact your airline directly, prior to travel. Also, please inquire about health certificates and any other policies, requirements or restrictions they may have.