Traveling around with your dog is one of the craziest things ever. With regulations everywhere, it is extremely confusing for anyone who wishes to travel with their pets around. Mind you, just in 2017 alone, there are a couple of hundreds of pets that die onboard. And this shocking statistic can be drastically reduced if everyone has bought a hard-sided pet carrier that is airline approved. If you want to save your pet and not let them be a statistic, then you need to carry on reading.
Why Choose a Hard-Sided Pet Carrier?
A hard-sided pet carrier provides better protection for your furry friend during air travel. It is made of durable materials like plastic, metal or hard-shell materials, which makes it more sturdy and impact-resistant than a soft-sided pet carrier. Hard-sided pet carriers also tend to be more spacious, providing more room for your pet to move around comfortably.
Hard Sided Pet Carrier Airline Approved
Indeed, you must be wondering, how would a hard sided pet carrier airline approved help you reduce the statistics of dogs dying in midair. The logic is simple. The properties of the hard sided pet carrier will be able to protect your dog adequately while in the air. The better airline approved hard sided air carriers will be able to provide to your dog a safe and comfortable place to rest in during the flight itself. This is the most important aspect of it all!
Do you know how many dogs die in midair due to them suffering from complications that are the direct result of anxiety? Plentiful!
We know exactly why you have yet to purchase the hard sided pet carrier. It is because there are many of these online, so you find it tough to differentiate which is exactly the best hard-sided pet carrier that is approved for the airline.
Fret not! We have done the hard work for you, as always. Here is the ultimate list of the best hard sided pet carrier which can be used on airlines.
| Pet Carrier Model | Material | Ventilation | Size | Features | Buy From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Vari Kennel | Heavy-duty plastic | Ventilation on all sides | Multiple sizes available | Secure locking mechanism | Amazon |
| Petmate Pet Porter 2 Kennel | Heavy-duty plastic | Ventilation on all sides | Multiple sizes available | Easy-open squeeze latch | Amazon |
| Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel | Durable plastic with steel | Ventilation on top and sides | Multiple sizes available | Two-door design, easy to assemble | Amazon |
| Suncast 23-inch Pet Carrier | Durable plastic | Ventilation on all sides | 23 inches | Top-loading design, easy to clean | Amazon |
PETMATE VARI KENNEL
The PETMATE VARI KENNEL is perhaps the best airline approved hard sided carrier for large dogs. This means that finally, your favorite dog will be traveling with you on the airplane! And all of this is only made possible due to the sheer quality of this hard sided dog crate.
First of all, the entire construction is extremely durable. For you, it translates to safety for your dog. What else do you need, right? To add on to the safety net that your dog will be in, the secure latch also prevents your dog from breaking out of the crate during travels. What about ventilation? As you can see, there is plenty of room for air to flow into the crate itself. This is on top of the vents that exist on the side walls.
Other notable features include the interior moat that allows the easy cleaning and draining of water as well as the built-in compartment cover for added storage of your dog’s necessities. This crate is simply one of the best hard sided dog carriers for airlines. It does not require any assembly to use this.
What about the specifications? Of course, the specifications fit the major airlines in the world. It is also suitable for dogs weighing up to 125 pounds. The weight of this portable dog crate that is suitable for airlines is at 51.5 pounds.
Get this before your dog starts to perish and squirm when using other crates.
Pros: Extremely durable. Can be used for large dogs. Safe for all dogs!
Cons: Expensive.
Our Rating: 
(4.9 / 5) Pilot’s Choice.
Petmate Pet Porter 2 Kennel
The Petmate Pet Porter 2 Kennel is a good choice if you intend to fly with your small dog. This is because this hard and durable travel dog crate is only suitable for dogs weighing from 30 to 50 pounds. Of course, they have a wide selection of hard sided, airline approved dog carriers on Amazon, so we encourage you to take a look at those.
The reason why we will recommend this is due to the functionality as well as its durability. It is indeed suitable for small dogs as well as for cats for air travel. The material is sturdy and durable. But this dog crate for air travel does require some simple assembly. That cannot be too tough for you, right? All you need is to screw in the nuts and bolts!
The door itself is easy to open from the outside, but impossible to open from the inside. This means that your dog will never be able to escape from this. Just to add on, the ventilation is superb. Just look at the vents that are at the sides of the crate. Not that it is warm during air travel, just that it is always good to have more ventilation, hence your dog will also not feel confined too.
This hard sided pet carrier for air travel is light as it weighs only at 12 pounds. We recommend you to purchase this if you have a small dog or even a cat and you intend to travel with them. Strongly recommended in the forums!
Pros: Safe. Durable and sturdy. Meant for small dogs. Light.
Cons: Design is a little boring.
Our Rating: (4.9 / 5) Popular choice
Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
When it comes to the most popular hard-sided dog carrier for airlines, the Petmate Two Door Top Load 24-Inch Pet Kennel is a natural choice. While the specifications might be the same as the previous two models that we have reviewed, the main difference here will be the aesthetics as well as its accessibility to the dog.
I think it is important that you know, that the entire crate is made with plastic. It is still durable and sturdy enough for your dog to rest in during the ride on the plane. There is also the steel wire that is incorporated into the entire scaffolding of the crate. This means that the entire structure is as stable as more dog crates that you can buy on Amazon.
Ventilation is good for this hard sided pet carrier too. But our main emphasis is the ease of assessing to your dog. You can either assess your dog from the front door, or from the top! This means that you can easily reach into the crate to pet on your dog when it matters the most! Dogs really love that!
This pet carrier for airlines is good for small pets weighing up to 15 pounds. The pet carrier itself weighs 5.8 pounds. This, together with the handle, makes it an awesome and natural choice if you are looking at something portable that you can utilize in all situations.
Pros: Safe. Durable and sturdy. Meant for small dogs. Light.
Cons: Plastic feels cheap.
Our Rating: 
(4.8 / 5) Most affordable.
The Suncast 23-inch Pet Carrier (Round)
If you love the aesthetics and you are on the lookout for a pretty looking pet carrier that can be used on the airlines, then the Suncast 23-Inch Pet Carrier Round
should entice you. This is really the best looking hard-sided dog carrier for air travel.
Unlike the previous 3 pet carriers that I have reviewed, this is the only one that uses resin in its construction. Resin, as we know, is extremely sturdy and is virtually unbreakable by dogs. Hence, if your dog is pretty strong and loves to try its luck and barge out of dog crates, then I welcome you to try on this pet carrier. The resin, when combined with the steel bars, can keep your dog completely safe when they are on the pet carrier while traveling on an airplane.
Apart from that, the usual handles, as well as ventilation, is present in this pet carrier. It is suitable for dogs weighing up to 30 pounds, and the weight of the pet carrier for air travel itself is at 6.2 pounds.
Pros: Best looking pet carrier. Durable and safe. Good handles.
Cons: Structure looks cheap.
Our Rating: (4.8 / 5)
How to Choose the Right Hard-Sided Pet Carrier Airline Approved?
When it comes to traveling with your dog, a high-quality hard-sided pet carrier that is airline approved is essential. A hard-sided carrier is sturdier and provides more protection than a soft-sided carrier, making it a safer choice for air travel. However, not all hard-sided pet carriers are created equal. Let us look into the features of a high-quality hard-sided pet carrier that is airline approved, so you can make an informed decision and choose the carrier that is best for your pet.
- Size: It is crucial to choose the right size for your pet carrier. The carrier should be big enough for your pet to move around freely and small enough to fit under the airplane seat.
- Durability: The pet carrier should be made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of air travel. Look for a carrier with a sturdy frame, reinforced corners, and secure locking mechanisms.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to keep your pet comfortable during air travel. Look for a carrier with adequate ventilation holes and mesh windows to allow for proper air circulation.
- Comfort: The carrier should have a comfortable interior with a soft, cozy bed or mat for your pet to rest on. Some carriers even come with additional features like pockets for storage or adjustable shoulder straps for easier carrying.
- Safety: A hard-sided pet carrier should have a secure locking mechanism to prevent your pet from escaping during travel. Look for a carrier that is compliant with airline regulations and has been tested and approved for air travel
- Check airline regulations: Different airlines have different rules and regulations regarding pet carriers. It is important to check with the airline you’re traveling with to ensure that the carrier you choose is compliant with their regulations.
- Consider your pet’s needs: If your pet is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, you may want to consider a carrier with additional features like adjustable shoulder straps or extra ventilation to keep them comfortable during travel.
So Which Is The Best?
It really depends on what you need, actually. Do you prioritize comfort over functionality, or do you really pretty a good looking pet carrier compared to a dull-looking one but still functions well as a pet carrier. These are questions that you should be asking your self before you purchase the dog carrier. If you prefer a soft-sided ones, you can refer to this article.
