The right crate depends on where it lives. A wire crate suits the living room, a plastic kennel suits a cargo hold, a soft carrier fits under a plane seat, and only a crash-tested crate belongs in a moving car. This guide compares popular models on what their makers publish, then gives you the airline size limits that decide what you can carry on.
Crate Types at a Glance
| Type | Best use | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire | Home, crate training | Airflow, visibility, folds flat, usually includes a divider panel for puppies | Noisy, easy for determined dogs to escape, not for car crashes |
| Plastic kennel | Home, air cargo | Den-like, easy to clean, many models built around airline cargo rules | Bulky to store, less airflow |
| Soft-sided carrier | In-cabin flights, small pets | Light, squashes under a seat, shoulder strap | Chewable, only for small dogs and cats |
| Heavy-duty or crash-tested | Car travel, escape artists | Rotomolded plastic or aluminum, strength-rated tie-downs | Expensive, heavy |
| Furniture-style | Living spaces | Looks like an end table | Not escape-proof; wood can be chewed |
Wire and plastic are the two everyday choices. If your crate will also ride in the car, look at the crash-tested Gunner G1 below or our car restraints comparison, because ordinary crates can break apart in a collision.
Popular Crates and Carriers Compared
How we compare: we line products up on their published dimensions, materials, weight ratings and independent certifications. We do not test products ourselves, and we do not accept payment for placement. Buttons link to retailer search results; some are affiliate links. See How We Make Money.
| Product | Type | Standout published spec | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate | Folding wire | Divider panel included; single or double door | Puppies and home training |
| Diggs Revol | Collapsible wire-style | Folds without lifting the frame; several doors | Owners who move the crate often |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | Plastic kennel | Maker says it meets most airline cargo requirements | Cargo flights and home |
| Gunner G1 | Rotomolded plastic | Several sizes certified by the Center for Pet Safety with strength-rated straps | Car travel |
| Impact Collapsible Crate | Aluminum | Folding aluminum frame, rated for strong chewers | Escape artists, frequent travel |
| Sleepypod Air | Soft-sided carrier | Ends compress to fit under seats; Sleepypod carriers are CPS certified | Small pets flying in-cabin |
| Sherpa Original Deluxe | Soft-sided carrier | Maker runs a Guaranteed On Board program for listed airlines | Budget in-cabin flights |
MidWest iCrate
Folding wire crate
- Sizes from about 18 to 48 inches long
- Divider panel lets the crate grow with a puppy
- Plastic floor pan slides out for cleaning
- Folds flat with a carry handle
Good fit for: Puppies, house training and most homes.
Check before you buy: Wire crates rattle. A determined dog can bend the door, so check reviews for your dog's size.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Plastic kennel
- Heavy plastic shell with a metal wire door
- Ventilation on the sides
- Maker says it meets most airline cargo requirements
- Many sizes, up to giant breeds
Good fit for: Dogs flying as cargo or checked baggage, and dogs that like a den.
Check before you buy: Airlines often require metal hardware instead of plastic clips, and food and water dishes attached to the door. Read your airline's crate rules before you fly.
Gunner G1 Kennel
Crash-tested travel crate
- Double-wall rotomolded plastic
- Small, Medium and Intermediate sizes certified by the Center for Pet Safety when used with strength-rated anchor straps
- Escape-resistant door
- Sold with optional straps and pads
Good fit for: Dogs that ride in an SUV cargo area or truck.
Check before you buy: The certification only covers the listed sizes with the rated straps. It is heavy and costs several times a wire crate.
Sleepypod Air
Soft in-cabin carrier
- Ends fold in to fit tighter under-seat spaces
- Sleepypod says its carriers are crash tested; CPS lists Sleepypod carriers as certified
- Seat-belt loop for car use
- Shoulder strap and luggage sleeve
Good fit for: Cats and small dogs that fly in the cabin.
Check before you buy: Your pet must be able to stand and turn around inside. Weigh pet plus carrier, since some airlines cap the total.
Sherpa Original Deluxe
Soft in-cabin carrier
- Mesh panels on several sides
- Spring-wire frame with a soft top
- Comes in several sizes
- Guaranteed On Board program for listed airlines
Good fit for: Occasional flyers on a budget.
Check before you buy: Measure the carrier yourself; the outside size, not the listed size, has to fit the airline limit.
Airline In-Cabin Carrier Size Limits
The carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you, and each airline publishes its own maximum. These are the limits as published in late 2025. Seats vary by aircraft, so confirm with your airline when you book.
| Airline | Soft-sided max (L × W × H) | Hard-sided max (L × W × H) |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 17 × 11 × 9.5 in | Check airline |
| Allegiant | 18 × 14 × 8 in | Check airline |
| American | 18 × 11 × 11 in | 19 × 13 × 9 in |
| Delta | 18 × 11 × 11 in (varies by aircraft) | Check airline |
| Frontier | 18 × 14 × 11 in | 18 × 14 × 8 in |
| Hawaiian | 17 × 11 × 9.5 in | Check airline |
| JetBlue | 17 × 12.5 × 8.5 in | 17 × 12.5 × 8.5 in |
| Southwest | 18.5 × 13.5 × 9.5 in | 18.5 × 13.5 × 9.5 in |
| Spirit | 18 × 14 × 9 in | Soft-sided only |
| United | 18 × 11 × 11 in | 17.5 × 12 × 9 in |
- Pick a soft carrier a little under the smallest limit on your route if you fly several airlines
- Your pet must stand, turn around and lie down inside
- Most airlines charge a pet fee each way and limit the number of pets per flight, so book the pet when you book your seat
- International trips and cargo travel have extra crate and health-paperwork rules
How to Choose the Right Size
A crate should let your dog stand without ducking, turn around and lie flat on its side. Measure nose to base of tail and sitting height, then add about 3 inches (8 cm) to each. Compare those numbers with the interior dimensions, which can be an inch or two smaller than the name on the box.
- Interior length and height, not exterior
- Door style: front, side, top or double door
- Floor pan that slides out for cleaning
- Weight of the crate itself if you move it often
- Return policy, since crate fit is a common reason for returns
Common Questions
Can I use a wire crate in the car?
It is better than nothing for keeping a dog out of your lap, but wire crates are not built to survive a crash. If your dog rides in a crate often, look for one certified by the Center for Pet Safety and strap it down with rated anchors.
What does airline approved mean?
There is no single government approval for pet carriers. The phrase usually means the carrier fits common under-seat limits. Your airline's published size and rules are what count.
Wire or plastic for crate training?
Both work. Wire gives more airflow and visibility and often includes a divider. Plastic feels more like a den, which some anxious dogs prefer. Our Crate Training Center covers the training side.
Every guide is researched and written by the PetCareHall Editorial Team using AVMA, AAHA and WSAVA guidance and other published sources. We are not a veterinary practice and this is not veterinary advice.
We draw on AVMA, AAHA and WSAVA guidance and other published research, not trends or marketing.
Affiliate relationships never influence recommendations. See our Editorial Policy.