Pet Travel - What Are Airline Approved Kennels

To be acceptable for flight, a kennel must have hard plastic sides and a door with a clasp in front. It is preferable that you get the ones that screw shut. We have never had a problem with the other kinds, however if you use them, we always add some zip ties around the edges just to make sure. The most widely used brands are the Pet Travel Mate, Vari Kennel and PetMate.

The kennel pictured is our favorite. They come in a variety of sizes, are ventilated on all four sides and screw shut. You can view the various sizes HERE: If you have the type of kennel with the type of latches that twist closed, we recommend putting zip ties on each side of the kennel to secure it. We have never had a problem with ALL of the latches coming loose, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The wire kennels are not acceptable for flight. Neither are the Nylabone collapsible kennels or anything with wheels on it. The kennels which have the doors that open from the top are also not acceptable.

As USDA rules require that anyone be able to open the door of the kennel without use of any special tools, in case of emergency, it is not permitted to put a regular zip tie on the kennel door. However, they do manufacture zip ties which have a release mechanism and you can us these. It is very helpful in case the kennel is accidentally jostled as it will prevent the door from popping open.