Smiling Paws Pets - Airline Approved Pet Carrier - for Small Pets - TSA Approved - Only 9 Inches Tall (17"x11"x9")

I really like this carrier. It opens on all four sides, expanding it to be comfortable for both of my 10 lb cats. I’ve used it on American Airlines 2x, 2022 and 2025. No issues.

I’m moving two cats to Hawaii and there’s a number of hoops to jump through. One of them is that Hawaiian airlines will only take animals in bags that are 17 x 11 x 9.5 high. The original travel carriers that I purchased were too tall, so I scrambled to find these. And very nice that it opens up so they have extra room. We haven’t gone on the flight yet, but it looks well-made and comfortable.

The media could not be loaded. Haven't tried it on the airplane yet but so far so good.I like how big the expansions are, the fact that there are 2 mesh sides + the top for better airflow, and how lightweight the bag is while still having strong enough structure that my dog doesn't get squished!It's a little small for him so he can't stretch out but he can curl up and move around a bit and I plan to keep the top open or one of the sides expanded as much as possible during our trip so he should be fine.I like the length of the leash and that it's attached in a corner vs on the side like it was in another bag I used before, it allows for more movement.It looks like good quality material with metal hooks etc. instead of platic and while the foam inside the mat takes up a bit of space, it makes the inside comfy enough that my dog spent half an hour napping in it of his own volition. You can always remove it or replace it with thinner foam for a bit more space if needed. I do like that the mat is Velcroed to the bottom of the bag so it doesn't move around when the sides are expanded.The dimensions work for Air France/KLM.

Bought this for a small cat for a long flight with multiple layovers. Our cat is much smaller than the average and the carrier seemed rather cramped for her. I loved that it does extend, but you can't really do that on the plane though. On the plus side, it's good quality, well built and works great for shorter transport, like to the vet and such. For a longer haul, I'd look for something larger.

Moving two cats across country is tough enough. Following the strict guidelines for in cabin carriers is a challenge when also try to keep them comfortable. I found these to be the perfect solution. They met the airlines size restrictions and allowed the cats to stretch out in between flights. I was also able to expand the side wall to give them a bit more space under the seats. We all made it to our destination safely and comfortably.

*ATTENTION MILITARY FAMILIES*This is the only pet carrier that you will find that will fit the requirements for your pet to fly in cabin on the rotator. So yes, get this one!I was flying from Okinawa Japan to the states, if that helps :)My cat was 14lb Maincoon and fit ok in it. When it was completely open expanded (which I did on the plane) he was totally comfortable.I highly recommend getting your pet a portable personal fan to keep them cool.The side pockets are amazing so you can pack travel bowls, food, meds, etc.This bag is very sturdy and had no issues with it.*Extra advise to those worried about your pet being comfortable or if this carrier is too small. Unlike the rotator, other flight companies don’t care lol so grab a larger carrier (backpack style that also expands) pack it in your luggage or carry on if you have room. When you get your bags swap the carriers. When you have to run to your gates with all your luggage and everything else, your going to want your pet secure on you so your shoulder doesn’t give out trying to carry them. Plus my cat was so thankful to stand up after being in the other carrier laying down for some time and be slow to me. Once we got to our gate I expanded the backpack and he could stand up or lay down as he wished. Trust me I so glad I brought a backpack carrier!***ALSO (if you have a cat) pack a foldable litter box, baggie of litter, pop up tent, foldable water dish, liquid cat treats, disposal cat box liners, personal fan, and wet wipes.***I hope this helps others trying to PCS. It was a lot to go through but if you have this carrier you won’t run into issues getting on the plane and that’s one less thing to worry about!Good luck! You got this.

I bought two of these to take my cats on their first flight. They are each 17 lbs. It was a little tight but not bad thanks to the expandable sides. Except when carrying them by hand I had at least one side open in the airport at the gate, when they were on the plane under the seat, and in the car back seat. The extra space and fold down feature worked really well. It was a 3 hour flight but they were in the carriers almost all day with car rides on both ends. One caution, there are a LOT of zippers and some open the carrier at the ends while others extend the ends down. I clipped the zippers that open so the cats wouldn't figure out the zippers and escape, using these zipper pulls which go on and come off quickly and easily: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YHBF4RK. The cats were also given anti-anxiety meds and this kept them from clawing at the carrier too much; I also clipped their nails ahead of time and used Feliway. But I don't think they would have clawed through the mesh, it's pretty durable. At security the cats had to be taken out of their carriers and I used this TSA harness (one for each) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W1YWYK9/. Between it all it was a remarkably smooth experience, and one I had stressed about for weeks beforehand. I let the cats get used to the carriers before the trip as well, by leaving them out with the sides down. Highly recommend. I don't see how any other carrier would fit under the seat as this one is the smallest and barely made it but fit the space like a glove. I bought extra legroom seats which I recommend as well because the carriers could fit long end under the seat, or short end under the seat which gave you room for your feet on either side. I was able to fit the carrier in short end first and let one side down. The cats slept most of the way and were amazingly good. I don't even think the third passenger in the row realized we had cats.