Petmate Sky Kennel
A widely used hard-sided, FAA-acceptable crate designed for checked baggage or cargo, the Petmate Sky Kennel holds its position for durability and consistent airline acceptance for larger dogs on commercial flights. Compared with soft-sided in-cabin options like Sherpa and Sleepypod, it offers superior structural protection and a lower-cost, widely recognized solution for carriers that require rigid kennels for safety and regulatory compliance.
Aircraft-ready fortress
All-around ventilation
Aircraft-ready fortress
All-around ventilation
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Petmate Sky Kennel for its heavy-duty, airline-compliant construction and reliable performance for checked travel, but many note it is bulky and can be difficult to assemble or maneuver. Overall owners report it keeps dogs secure and meets most airline requirements when used with the correct size and fittings."
Tool-free assembly — snaps like LEGO
Meets most airlines’ cargo and checked-baggage specifications for dogs
Tool-free assembly — snaps like LEGO
Meets most airlines’ cargo and checked-baggage specifications for dogs
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
A widely used hard-sided, FAA-acceptable crate designed for checked baggage or cargo, the Petmate Sky Kennel holds its position for durability and consistent airline acceptance for larger dogs on commercial flights. Compared with soft-sided in-cabin options like Sherpa and Sleepypod, it offers superior structural protection and a lower-cost, widely recognized solution for carriers that require rigid kennels for safety and regulatory compliance.
Aircraft-ready fortress
All-around ventilation
Tool-free assembly — snaps like LEGO
Meets most airlines’ cargo and checked-baggage specifications for dogs
Durable injection-molded plastic shell with metal hardware and vents on all sides
Aircraft-ready fortress
All-around ventilation
Tool-free assembly — snaps like LEGO
Meets most airlines’ cargo and checked-baggage specifications for dogs
Durable injection-molded plastic shell with metal hardware and vents on all sides
$60-220 USD
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Carrier
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a soft-sided, airline-approved in-cabin carrier known for its spring-steel frame that compresses to fit under seats and its strong airline acceptance record, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent flyers with small dogs. Versus premium in-cabin designs like the Sleepypod, Sherpa trades advanced crash-tested features for lighter weight and lower price while offering better packability than bulkier hard-sided crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel.
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Review Summary
"Users like the Sherpa Original Deluxe for its soft-sided, airline-approved design, comfort, and convenient collapsibility for in-cabin travel, though some mention zippers and seams can wear with frequent use or larger, more active pets. It’s favored for small dogs and air travel convenience despite occasional durability concerns."
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a soft-sided, airline-approved in-cabin carrier known for its spring-steel frame that compresses to fit under seats and its strong airline acceptance record, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent flyers with small dogs. Versus premium in-cabin designs like the Sleepypod, Sherpa trades advanced crash-tested features for lighter weight and lower price while offering better packability than bulkier hard-sided crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel.
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Collapsible design with breathable mesh panels for ventilation
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Collapsible design with breathable mesh panels for ventilation
$90-150 USD
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod Air is a premium in-cabin carrier focused on safety and comfort, featuring a highly protective, crash-tested pedigree and plush internal design that justifies its higher price for owners prioritizing technical safety features during air travel. Compared to budget soft carriers such as Sherpa and SturdiBag, Sleepypod delivers a measurable safety and build-quality advantage, while still offering the in-cabin convenience that hard-sided kennels like Petmate cannot provide.
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Review Summary
"The Sleepypod Air is widely considered a top-tier in-cabin carrier with premium materials, excellent comfort and fit for pets, and strong build quality, but it carries a higher price than most alternatives. Customers consistently report long-term satisfaction and airline acceptance for standard in-cabin use."
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Sleepypod Air is a premium in-cabin carrier focused on safety and comfort, featuring a highly protective, crash-tested pedigree and plush internal design that justifies its higher price for owners prioritizing technical safety features during air travel. Compared to budget soft carriers such as Sherpa and SturdiBag, Sleepypod delivers a measurable safety and build-quality advantage, while still offering the in-cabin convenience that hard-sided kennels like Petmate cannot provide.
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Robust zipper system, quality fabrics, and washable liner for hygiene and durability
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Robust zipper system, quality fabrics, and washable liner for hygiene and durability
$220-320 USD
SturdiBag Large Pet Carrier
SturdiBag's large soft-sided carrier targets travelers who need a roomier, lightweight airline-compliant option at a friendly price, offering more interior space than many compact in-cabin carriers without the rigidity of hard kennels. It competes on value and size against Sherpa and AmazonBasics, providing a flexible, affordable solution for larger small dogs though it typically lacks the high-end safety certifications and crash-tested claims of Sleepypod.
Sturdy soft-shell swagger
Spacious for big pups
Sturdy soft-shell swagger
Spacious for big pups
Review Summary
"SturdiBag large carriers are praised for durable, well-constructed soft-sided designs that hold up to repeated travel and are accepted by many airlines, with users valuing the washable materials and sturdiness. Some find them pricier than basic carriers and advise checking exact airline size rules for the large model."
Airport-ready straps
Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric with reinforced seams suitable for larger dogs
Airport-ready straps
Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric with reinforced seams suitable for larger dogs
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
SturdiBag's large soft-sided carrier targets travelers who need a roomier, lightweight airline-compliant option at a friendly price, offering more interior space than many compact in-cabin carriers without the rigidity of hard kennels. It competes on value and size against Sherpa and AmazonBasics, providing a flexible, affordable solution for larger small dogs though it typically lacks the high-end safety certifications and crash-tested claims of Sleepypod.
Sturdy soft-shell swagger
Spacious for big pups
Airport-ready straps
Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric with reinforced seams suitable for larger dogs
Designed to meet many airlines' soft-side in-cabin size requirements (verify with your carrier)
Sturdy soft-shell swagger
Spacious for big pups
Airport-ready straps
Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric with reinforced seams suitable for larger dogs
Designed to meet many airlines' soft-side in-cabin size requirements (verify with your carrier)
$140-260 USD
AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
The AmazonBasics two-door, top-load kennel is a budget-friendly hard-sided option that mimics the functionality of traditional airline-approved crates while undercutting many competitors on price, making it an attractive entry-level choice for occasional air travel. While it offers structural strength similar to the Petmate Sky Kennel, it is positioned as a cost-conscious mass-market alternative and may vary in airline acceptance or long-term durability compared with the more established, airline-specific designs.
Top-load magic
Two-door access
Top-load magic
Two-door access
Review Summary
"The AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel is frequently cited as a budget-friendly, airline-compatible hard crate that delivers basic functionality, though buyers report mixed experiences with latch durability and plastic quality compared with premium brands. It’s often recommended as a value option for occasional travel rather than heavy, long-term use."
Budget build — works hard
Two-door top and front access for easier loading and handling
Budget build — works hard
Two-door top and front access for easier loading and handling
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The AmazonBasics two-door, top-load kennel is a budget-friendly hard-sided option that mimics the functionality of traditional airline-approved crates while undercutting many competitors on price, making it an attractive entry-level choice for occasional air travel. While it offers structural strength similar to the Petmate Sky Kennel, it is positioned as a cost-conscious mass-market alternative and may vary in airline acceptance or long-term durability compared with the more established, airline-specific designs.
Top-load magic
Two-door access
Budget build — works hard
Two-door top and front access for easier loading and handling
Sturdy plastic construction with metal door and side ventilation
Top-load magic
Two-door access
Budget build — works hard
Two-door top and front access for easier loading and handling
Sturdy plastic construction with metal door and side ventilation
$60-140 USD