Plane Travel Restrictions for a Cat Carrier

Cat carriers must adhere to certain regulations when brought aboard a plane.

Traveling with cats can be an awkward exercise, particularly when venturing by airplane. Most airlines have standard regulations governing the presence of cats onboard a plane and the use of carriers to transport them.

Size

The maximum size for a cabin cat carrier is 19 inches long by 13 inches wide by 9 inches high. Soft-sided collapsible pet carriers may exceed these dimensions, but not by much. The cat must be able to stand up, move around, and lie down normally within the carrier.

Number

Passengers may bring no more than one carrier on the flight. They are permitted to have as many as two cats in one carrier, but the cats must be at least 8 weeks old, and the combined weight of the cats and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.

Placement

For the safety of the cat and the passengers, the animal must remain in its carrier under the seat in front of the owner at all times during the flight. Cats may not be removed from the carrier at any point.

References

• American Airlines: Traveling With Pets