How Do I Know if My Pet Fits in the Carrier?

Whether you're preparing for your own flight or working with a flight nanny, one of the most common (and stressful) questions is:

“How do I know if my pet fits in the carrier?”

It's not just about weight, airlines care about how your pet looks and moves inside the carrier. And at PetCommute, we’ve seen pets turned away for poor fit even when the measurements technically seemed okay.

Let’s walk through what actually matters.

How to Tell if Pet Fits in Carrier

Your pet fits properly if they can comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier, without touching the top or sides.

Even if your pet is under the weight limit, they must also:

• Have a shoulder height of around 12 inches or less

• Weigh 20 pounds or under (for most U.S. airlines)

• Be able to move freely without pressing against the fabric or mesh

If your pet can only sit, or if their back touches the top of the carrier while standing, it’s not a safe or acceptable fit.

Common Mistakes Owners Make

Even loving, well-prepared pet owners often run into fit problems when:

• Choosing carriers based on weight only

• Assuming a crate that works for car travel is fine for air travel

• Using a carrier that “just barely” zips closed

• Buying an airline-compliant carrier but ignoring pet dimensions

Airlines don’t measure your carrier—they look inside and make a judgment call based on fit, movement, and comfort.

How Do I Know If My Pet Fits in the Carrier? Use This Fit-Check Guide

At PetCommute, we only accept pets for transport if they meet these fit criteria:

• Can turn around without resistance

• Can lie fully down without curving their spine

• Can sit or stand without their ears/head hitting the top

• Are calm and able to stay inside the carrier without distress

This ensures your pet has a safe, smooth trip—and won’t be denied at the gate.

Pro Tip: Do a Home Fit Test

Here’s how to test carrier fit at home:

1. Place your pet inside the carrier fully zipped.

2. Watch them try to stand, lie down, and turn in a full circle.

3. If they have to hunch or wedge in sideways, it’s too small.

4. If they slide or tip over when you lift the carrier, it may be too big.

Still unsure? Take a photo or short video of your pet inside and send it to your flight nanny. We’re happy to give feedback before travel day.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let carrier fit be the reason your pet is turned away. Start with their height, not just weight, and make sure they can move naturally and rest easily inside.

At PetCommute, we help every client confirm carrier fit well before flight day, so your pet flies comfortably, safely, and stress-free.