The best in-cabin dog travel bags (2025 Guide)

We’ve flown across Europe with dogs of all shapes and sizes — and not every carrier passed the test. The ones we recommend here are the ones we’d use again: well-made, easy to handle, approved by airlines, and comfortable enough for real travel days. You’ll also find tips on what to pack, how to stay within airline limits, and what really matters at the gate.

What to look for in an airline dog carrier

The carrier has to fit under the seat, and your dog has to be okay inside it — that’s really what matter. Also the bag has to match airline size rules (soft sides help!), feel comfy inside, and be easy for you to carry. Good zippers, a solid base, and a leash clip are non-negotiable.

Extras like expandability or blackout covers are a win. That’s what we looked for — and what you’ll see in our picks below.

Best airline dog carrier for cabin [2025]

After dozens of flights across Europe with dogs big and small, we’ve learned there’s no single “perfect” carrier – but there are a few that never let us down. Those five in cabin dog carriers below passed real boarding checks, survived long layovers, and most importantly, kept our dogs calm and comfortable.

It’s no coincidence that all of them are soft-sided.

1. Top Pick for frequent flyers

Sherpa original deluxe

A tried-and-true classic that still beats most modern options. With a flexible wire frame that slides easily under seats, mesh ventilation, and a padded interior, it’s perfect for dogs up to 8 kg. We’ve flown with this model on Lufthansa, Vueling, and easyJet — never once had an issue.

Size & fit info:

• Size (Medium): 43 × 28 × 26 cm
• Weight limit: up to 8 kg
• Type: Soft-sided, top and side entry
• Airline compliance: Yes (under-seat fit)

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2. Best for small breeds (under 8kg)

SturdiBag small

Don’t let the light frame fool you — this carrier is sturdy, secure, and surprisingly spacious inside. It’s just soft enough to squeeze under most seats, but still holds its shape so your dog isn’t cramped. Great for small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies or even a slim Dachshund.

Size & fit info:

• Size: 40 × 25 × 30 cm (flex-height frame)
• Weight limit: up to ~7 kg
• Type: Soft-sided with flexi rods
• Airline compliance: Yes

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3. Most comfortable for long flights

Sleepypod Air

This one’s for dogs who fly often — or get nervous mid-air. Crash-tested, soft-lined, and beautifully structured, the Sleepypod Air molds to different seat spaces while giving your pup a quiet, padded zone to relax in.

Size & fit info:

• Size: 48 × 28 × 24 cm (compressible sides)
• Weight limit: up to 8 kg
• Type: Soft-sided, car seat compatible
• Airline compliance: Yes

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4. Luxury pick for extra comfort

Mr. Peanut’s gold series expandable

Sleek, solid, and smart. Mr. Peanut’s carrier expands when you need extra space at the gate, but fits neatly under most airline seats during the flight. Lightweight but premium in every way — from lockable zippers to the washable fleece base.

Size & fit info:

• Size: 46 × 27 × 28 cm (expandable sides)
• Weight limit: up to 7–8 kg
• Type: Soft-sided, luggage strap included
• Airline compliance: Yes

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5. Editor’s Choice – Tried and tested by the PetAbroad Team

Amazon Basics soft-sided carrier

This is the bag most people start with — and honestly, it works. No extras, but it fits the rules and handles short flights without fuss. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and has never caused a problem at check-in. For an entry-level carrier, it holds up impressively well.

Size & fit info:

• Size (Medium): 43 × 28 × 25 cm
• Weight limit: up to 7 kg
• Type: Soft-sided, top + side entry
• Airline compliance: Yes

Personal note: Used and flight-tested by our team with small dogs on multiple EU routes!

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In cabin dog carrier requirements (size, fit & airline rules)

European airlines that accept dogs in cabin don’t follow one standard when it comes to in-cabin carrier sizes. Some allow a bit more wiggle room, others stick to tight limits — and it’s not always clear why. In the EU alone, the allowed dimensions vary more than you’d expect.

Here are a few real examples: Lufthansa: up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm – Vueling: 45 × 39 × 21 cm – KLM: 46 × 28 × 24 cm – Air France: 46 × 28 × 24 cm

The most common limit is somewhere around 45 × 30 × 20 cm, but unless you’re flying low-cost, most major airlines give you a little extra space — especially if you’re using a soft-sided bag that can compress under the seat.

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How to measure airline dog carrier

Key measurements when it comes to the dog travel bag and if it meets the airline rules are: lenght, height and width.

And here’s exactly how to measure all sides accurately. Lenght: from the front to the back (including any external frame or wheels if not detachable), height and width: at the widest and tallest points, especially if the carrier has a soft top.

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In cabin dog carrier size table for popular airlines

🐾 — How to book a flight for your pet — ✈️

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What airlines actually check – and what they don’t

Not every airline checks your dog carrier down to the last centimeter. In fact, we’ve flown with carriers that looked slightly oversized on paper, but were accepted thanks to soft sides, a flexible base, and of course a confident attitude.

Carriers with squishable walls are often allowed, even if they technically exceed airline dimensions. On the other hand, rigid or boxy carriers may be rejected more often, even if they match the airline’s size limit.

Our experience

Flying with a dog in the cabin is generally much less strict than, for example, in hold or cargo. During check-in, they most often check the weight of the dog including the dog travel bag, which is limited to 8 kg (if it’s a little over the limit, it usually passes).

They also look at the bottom of the bag and, of course, whether the dog can comfortably turn around, stand up, and lie down in it.

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What to pack inside the dog carrier for plane

What you put inside the carrier makes a big difference, especially on longer flights. Here’s what to include inside the carrier:

• Absorbent pee pad or liner – just in case,
• A familiar blanket or soft bedding – comfort + scent of home,
• A small soft toy or chew – distraction and stress and pressure relief,
• Collapsible water bowl – useful for before and after the flight,
• Harness with short leash – never fly with your dog off-leash,
• Pet travel documents – some dog travel bags include side pockets for papers.

On the other side we recommend you to avoid bulky cushions, hard toys or anything that could cause choking!

💡 Tip from the Pet Abroad team: Place a worn t-shirt inside the carrier – your scent can be the best calming aid.

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FAQs