Airline Approved Pet Carriers

Flying with a pet in Australia requires a carrier that meets your airline's specific size and construction requirements — not just any soft-sided bag or crate. The rules differ between cabin travel (pet travels with you in the cabin) and cargo travel (pet travels in the hold), and between domestic and international routes. Getting the carrier wrong means your pet may not be allowed to board.

Travel Gear stocks airline-approved pet carriers for cabin and cargo travel, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.

Cabin Pet Carriers

For pets travelling in the aircraft cabin with you. In Australia, only some international carriers allow pets in the cabin — most domestic Australian airlines require pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Where cabin travel is permitted, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and meet the airline's specific size limits.

• Typical cabin carrier size limit: 45 x 35 x 20cm (varies by airline and aircraft type — always confirm with your airline)
• Construction: Soft-sided carriers are generally required for cabin travel — hard-sided crates don't fit under seats
• Ventilation: Mesh panels on at least two sides for airflow and visibility
• Secure closure: Zip or clip closure that your pet cannot open from inside
• Waterproof base: A waterproof or water-resistant base protects against accidents during the flight

Cargo & Checked Pet Carriers

For pets travelling in the aircraft hold as checked baggage or manifest cargo. Most Australian domestic airlines (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Rex) accept pets as checked baggage on domestic routes. International cargo travel is governed by IATA Live Animal Regulations, which specify minimum crate sizes, construction standards, and ventilation requirements.

• IATA compliance: For international travel, the crate must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations — look for carriers labelled IATA compliant
• Hard-sided construction: Required for cargo travel — soft-sided carriers are not accepted in the hold
• Minimum size: Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside the crate
• Ventilation: Ventilation openings on at least three sides (four sides for international IATA travel)
• Secure door: Metal door with a locking mechanism that cannot be opened by the pet or by baggage handling

Australian Airline Pet Policies (Summary)

• Qantas: Pets accepted as checked baggage on most domestic routes; cabin travel not available on domestic routes. International cargo via Qantas Freight
• Virgin Australia: Pets accepted as checked baggage on domestic routes; no cabin travel
• Jetstar: Does not accept pets on any flights
• Rex: Pets accepted as checked baggage on some routes — confirm with Rex directly for your specific route

Always confirm your airline's current pet policy and carrier requirements directly before booking — policies change and vary by route and aircraft type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pet carrier do I need for a flight?

For cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you — typically 45 x 35 x 20cm, but this varies by airline and aircraft. For cargo travel, the crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. Measure your pet (length from nose to tail base, height from floor to top of head when standing) and add 10cm to each dimension as a minimum.

Can I take my cat or dog in the cabin on Australian flights?

On most Australian domestic airlines, no — pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Some international carriers flying to and from Australia allow small pets in the cabin. Check your specific airline's policy for your route before booking.

What does IATA compliant mean for a pet carrier?

IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal Regulations set minimum standards for pet carriers used in air cargo. An IATA-compliant carrier meets these standards for construction, ventilation, size, and door security. IATA compliance is required for international cargo travel and recommended for domestic cargo travel even where not strictly mandated. For the full pet travel range, see our pet travel accessories collection.