We’ve rounded up the key travel accessories every dog owner needs for flying — practical, tested, and airline-approved.
Why good dog travel accessories make flying easier and safer
Good gear simply makes travel smoother — for both you and your dog. A secure harness, soft carrier or calming vest can keep them safe and settled, even in busy airports. Small things, but they make a big difference once you’re on the move.
At PetAbroad, we’ve tested plenty of accessories for flying with dogs — and together with feedback from our community, we’ve put together the essentials and a simple starter pack for your air adventures.
What you will find in the article
Air travel accessories for dogs can make or break your trip so knowing the right ones and those which you will actually need is essential part of planning and preparation.
- Top airline-approved dog carriers ✈️ ›
- Must-have comfort & safety gear for flights ›
- Calming & hydration essentials for flying dogs ›
- Packing checklist for flying with your dog ›
- Where to buy quality dog travel accessories in Europe ›
Best airline-approved dog carriers
If there’s one thing that can make or break your dog’s flight, it’s the carrier. It’s not just a bag – it’s their little home for the journey. When choosing the right one, keep an eye for one that is safe, comfy and of course approved by your airline.
The PetAbroad team recommend you to choose a soft-sided carrier. Their big plus is flexibility as they can bend a bit to squeeze under the seat and also still give the dog room to move a bit. If your dog is bigger and needs to fly in the hold, always go for an IATA-approved crate – which is accepted by majority of airlines. It has solid walls, plenty of air holes, and secure locks.
Over the years, we’ve tried all sorts – from budget models that barely lasted one trip to pricier ones that are still going strong after a dozen flights. You can really tell the difference in how calm your dog is once you’re at the airport. When the bag feels familiar and cosy, the whole experience is easier – for both of you.
💡 Not sure which size or model works best for your airline? Take a look at our full guide: Best Airline-Approved dog carriers (2026 Update).
Must-have comfort & safety gear for flying dogs
Sometimes flying can be stressful for dogs — all the noise, people and movement. The right gear helps them stay calm and safe the whole way.
Start with a comfortable travel harness – we like the ones with a short leash clip so you can secure your dog during take-off.
For nervous travellers, a calming vest or snug shirt really helps ease anxiety. It’s a small thing that makes boarding and turbulence much easier.
And don’t forget a light travel mat or blanket. A familiar scent makes your dog settle faster once you’re on board.
🐾 PetAbroad picks:
- Airline-safe harness ↗ – secure, reflective and well-padded. We’ve used the HEELE model for multiple flights and love how easy it is to clip on during boarding.
- Soft calming vest ↗ – perfect for anxious pups. It fits snugly, feels soft and helps them relax without medication.
- Compact travel mat ↗ – we recommend the OneTigris foldable bed. It rolls up small, stays dry even on airport floors and gives your dog a comfy spot to rest.
Calming and hydration essentials for flights
Every dog is different so it is only natural that each one handles flying and traveling in general different. For those more anxious there is a few things that can make a big difference in how calm they’ll feel during the journey.
We usually give a couple of calming treats before heading to the gate – just enough to take the edge off. For some dogs a quick spray of lavender mist on their blanket helps a lot.
It is good to always have a water bottle and a small collapsible bowl with you. Air in plane is very dry, and a few sips here and there keep your dog comfortable. It’s a simple thing, but it really does help.
🐾 PetAbroad picks
- Natural calming treats ↗ – they’re soft, grain-free, and made with chamomile, lavender and lemon balm. Just a couple before boarding helps take the edge off without making your dog sleepy.
- Dog calming spray ↗ – it’s made with lavender, chamomile and cedarwood, and smells lovely without being too strong.
- No-spill water bottle ↗ – easy use and leak-proof. Ideal for airports and hydration on board.
Simple air travel checklist for dogs (printable)
Before you take off with your dog, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
👉 Download the checklist (PDF) here
Where to buy dog travel accessories in Europe
You can find most of our favourite travel essentials online — no need to run around shops last minute. We usually shop on Zooplus for pet-safe travel gear and Amazon when we want quick delivery before a trip.
For UK-based travellers, Pets at Home also stocks many airline-approved carriers and accessories.