Read on for what to look for when choosing an airplane-friendly carrier for your furry friend, or use the handy links below to jump directly to our picks.Д«est overall pet carrier | Best carrier for small pets | Best pet carrier with a roll-down cover | Best luggage-compatible pet carrier | Best collapsible pet carrier | Best tote-bag-style pet carrier | Best expandable pet carrier | Best backpack-style pet carrier

вЂњOf course, once you get to the airport, you lose most of that control, but acclimating your pet to the carrier prior to travel can help greatly.вЂќ вЂњPets are often less stressed when there is some familiarity with their surroundings,вЂќ explains Annette Louviere, a veterinary consultant at Whistle. Then you can choose a carrier and prep your pet for the flight. Some airlines limit the total number of pets allowed on each flight, so itвЂ™s important to buy a ticket as early as possible to ensure you and your pet have a spot. Depending on your airline and destination, your pet may also need proof that theyвЂ™re healthy enough to fly and up-to-date on vaccinations.Д«ecause there are so many variables, you should book your flight first. Many have size restrictions on which pets can travel in the cabin, says Keston Smith, medical director at Bond Vet. The Strategist spoke to 12 vets and other animal experts about what to know when flying with pets, and Jamie Freyer, a veterinarian and guest contributor at Honest Paws, told us that airlines have more restrictions than ever on pet travel thanks to the pandemic.

This is assuming your pet is allowed on a plane in the first place. (All the carriers in this story are for in-cabin travel, not for larger animals who would travel in the cargo hold.) The TSA does not have general guidelines for pet carriers, but carriers typically go through an X-ray machine (while pets must go through a metal detector, just like their owners), so itвЂ™s also a good idea to bring a leash or harness so your pet doesnвЂ™t break loose at security. For one thing, youвЂ™ll need to find a carrier thatвЂ™s comfortable enough for an hours-long flight and meets your airlineвЂ™s individual size requirements for bringing a pet in the cabin. The logistics of leaving your pet at home while youвЂ™re on a trip are tricky, but taking a cat or dog aboard an airplane can be even trickier.

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Photos: Retailers

Southwest airlines pet weight limit