A functional (and fabulous) dog travel bag can make flights with your pup a breeze. Choose from dog backpack carriers, small dog carriers, and other bags for dog to travel in. 

All prices are up to date as of the posting of this blog. 

Vacations are no easy feat when you are a dog parent. Although you might be traveling somewhere exciting or relaxing, the guilt of leaving your furry friends at home can distract you from vacation fun. Leave your worries at home and bring your pup on your next adventure, instead. 

How to Travel with A Dog by Plane

Road trips with dogs can be a breeze. There is time for potty breaks, room for them to lounge, and no pesky plane passengers sitting shoulder-to-shoulder. Some vacation destinations can’t be reached by car ride alone, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend can’t join you. 

If you’re stressed out wondering how to travel with a dog by plane, there’s no need to worry. Today, it’s never been easier to fly with your dog. There are plenty pet-friendly airlines that allow you to either carry-on your dog or have them fly in their crates with the baggage. 

The most ideal method on how to travel with a dog by plane is to carry them onboard. Most airlines require carry-on pets to be in dog carriers or crates. As long as your pup is well-behaved and fits comfortably in an airline-approved dog travel bag, they can fly with you for a small fee. 

Dog Travel Bag Regulations & Requirements

Once you’ve booked a flight that can accommodate your dog, always take time to research the airline’s dog travel bag requirements. This is crucial because some airlines may not let you board the flight if dog carriers exceed their size limits. You can usually find accepted dimensions for dog carriers on the airline’s website. 

Ventilation, safety, and comfort are the most important qualities when picking out bags for dogs to travel in. Most airlines require dogs to stay in puppy carriers for the duration of the flight, so it’s important that they have a soft mat to create a calming environment. An ideal dog travel bag makes it easy for your pup to breathe while also keeping them safe with secure locks or zippers. 

Pay attention to the material and flexibility of dog carriers. Both hard-sided and soft-sided dog carriers are accepted by most airlines. Soft-sided puppy carriers are usually the best bags for dogs to travel in because they are easier to fit underneath a seat. 

Small Dog Carriers

Wild One - $125

Dimensions: 17.5” (L) x 11” (W) x 10” (H)

Carrier Weight: 3.75 lbs

Maximum Dog Weight: 16 lbs 

Pups under 17 pounds can fly in style with Wild One’s travel carrier. The bag dimensions are compliant with most airlines’ carrier size limits and can fit easily under the seat in front of you. Mesh panels line the top and doors of the travel carrier so your dog can breathe easily during the flight. Your pup can even stretch out and relax on the cozy interior mat that opens into a canopy bed. 

No need to pack an extra leash because the shoulder strap of this carrier can be used as one. There’s also a side pocket that can slip over your suitcase handle to save you the struggle of carrying more baggage. The Wild One travel carrier is $125 and comes in black or tan.  

Zbrivier Dog Carrier - $39 on Amazon

Dimensions: 17.7” (L) x 11” (W) x 11” (H)

Carrier Weight: 2.31 lbs

Maximum Dog Weight: 15 lbs 

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on dog travel bags, opt for the affordable Zbrivier pet carrier. At only $39, these small dog carriers are sturdy, scratch-resistant, and can comfortably hold pups that are under 16 pounds. You’ll be even be comfy carrying your dog since these puppy carriers have padded handles and adjustable shoulder straps. 

Zbriever dog carriers have a soft mat and safety leash inside the bag to keep your pup secure. There are even lockable zippers in case you have a little escape artist on your hands. Take your pick from six different colors, including black, green, or pink. 

Away Pet Carrier - $225

Dimensions: 18.7” (L) x 10.8” (W) x 10.75” (H)

Carrier Weight: 6.65 lbs

Maximum Dog Weight: 18 lbs 

Away Pet Carriers are sleek, minimal, and luxurious bags for dogs to travel in. Made with a nylon exterior and leather trim, these small dog carriers can easily be mistaken for a designer duffle bag. These small dog carriers meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and can fit pets up to 18 pounds.

Unzip the mesh panels on the front or sides of the carrier and you’ll see a cozy sherpa bed for your pup to lounge on. In case your dog has an accident, Away small dog carriers have a water resistant lining and the removable beds are safe to wash. Store your pup’s leash, treats, and poop bags in the large side zipper pocket. 

Ruff Life Carrier on Wheels - $99.95 on Amazon

Dimensions: 18” (L) x 11” (W) x 11” (H)

Carrier Weight: 4.3 lbs w/ shoulder strap, 3.9 lbs without

Maximum Dog Weight: 25 lbs 

Your suitcase has wheels, so puppy carriers should have them, too! Get through the airport quickly and seamlessly with Ruff Life Rolling Dog Carriers. This dog travel bag has 360 degree wheels for smooth walking that won’t wake your pup from their beauty sleep. The adjustable handle collapses so you can easily store your pup under the seat in time for takeoff. 

Before and after your flight, you can expand the two sidewalls of these small dog carriers so that your pup has room to play or stretch. The faux fleece bedding is the perfect spot for your furry friend to fall asleep while you fly. The wheel base on Ruff Life dog carriers are even removable if you’d rather tote them on your shoulder. 

Dog Backpack Carriers

Beis Regulation Pet Carry-on Backpack - $168

Dimensions: 18” (L) x 10” (W) x 11” (H)

Carrier Weight: N/A

Maximum Dog Weight: 30 lbs 

Looking for a multi-functional dog travel bag? The Beis pet carry-on is a carrier, backpack, purse, and bed all-in-one! Make your way through airport security with the carrier on top of your suitcase or strapped onto your shoulders. Fit your dog’s toy, treats, and even your laptop into the pet carry-on. 

This carrier is optimal for pet parents traveling with dogs between 20-30 pounds. Most small dog carriers have a weight limit of 20 pounds, but the Beis backpack can support up to 30 pounds. 

Beis designed these TSA-approved dog backpack carriers specifically for airline travel. The backpack is lined with a plush Sherpa mat to make your dog calm and cozy on flights. Pups won’t even realize they are squished under an airplane seat in Beis dog backpack carriers! 

Mr. Peanut's Aspen Series Backpack Pet Carrier - $99 on Amazon

Dimensions: 14” (L) x 9” (W) x 18” (H)

Carrier Weight: 2.4 lbs

Maximum Dog Weight: 10 lbs 

For the tiniest of toy breeds, Mr. Peanut’s dog backpack carriers is a cozy choice for pups under 10 pounds. These aren’t just dog backpack carriers – there’s also space for your water bottle, laptop, and a few other small human items. No need to worry about airline approval since this backpack meets Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines carrier dimensions. 

Your pup can breathe easy with the mesh ventilated windows surrounding the backpack. They’ll get a human’s eye view on your shoulders while relaxing on the plush faux fleece padding. If you’re opting to drive instead of fly, Mr. Peanut’s backpacks have a seatbelt attachment for safe and secure travel. 

Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack - $39 on Amazon

Dimensions: 12.6” (L) x 11.4” (W) x 16.8” (H)

Carrier Weight: 3.77 lbs

Maximum Dog Weight: N/A

Apollo Walker offers more affordable dog carrier backpacks without sacrificing quality. With claw-proof, well-ventilated mesh windows, these backpacks are the perfect bags for dogs to travel in. Foldable windows allow you to sneak a peek of your pup sleeping on the soft padding inside the backpack. 

The dimensions of Apollo Walker dog carrier backpacks fit most airline requirements and there is no recommended weight limit for pets riding inside. When your pup doesn’t need to be in the backpack, you can store it in even the most compact spaces with a collapsible design. These dog carrier backpacks are available in shades of blue, pink, black, or grey. 

Dog Travel Bag Packing List

Another important factor in choosing bags for dogs to travel in is space for items they need. Select dog carriers with zippers or pockets to fit your pup’s essentials. It’s best to pack at least a few items in the carrier in case your flight is delayed or your main baggage gets lost. 

What should you pack in dog carriers? Water and food are the most important items to have on hand. Even if your flight is short, dogs can get dehydrated due to stress or high temperatures. Pack a collapsible water bowl and a water bottle for easy drinking on-the-go. 

Try to bring at least 1 serving size of their dog food on flights with your pup. Delays won’t make your dog miss their mealtime and you can use small pieces of the food to reward them for good behavior. Pet parents that travel with their pups often prefer Sundays for Dogs because the food is shelf-stable, lightweight, and easy to pack. It’s the most convenient way to feed 100% human-grade dog food without adding extra weight to your suitcase. 

Even though your dog will be in a carrier or backpack the majority of a flight, pack a leash and collar with an updated ID tag. Poop bags are an essential, as well, since most pet relief areas in airports are indoors.