As pet owners, we all want to make sure our furry little friends are safe and comfortable when traveling with us. Whether it’s a road trip or a flight, ensuring their safety is a priority. Many pet owners opt for a backpack carrier as it provides a secure and comfortable space for pets to travel in, be it for short walks or long flights. One such backpack carrier on the market is the Expandable Breathable Cat Backpack Carrier. In this blog, we will discuss whether this backpack carrier is safe and compatible with air travel, particularly if it is suitable for traveling with Southwest Airlines.
Really quick, here are Southwest’s requirements:
Your pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
- Southwest Airlines® Pet Carrier – dimensions: 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 9.5” (H).
- Other pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).
- The cat or dog must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.
Does the Cat Travel Backpack BT-01-2 work with Southwest? Yes.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that airlines have their own set of rules and restrictions when it comes to traveling with pets. Southwest Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin, but there are certain regulations to follow. As per their policy, pets are only allowed on domestic flights and must be carried in an approved carrier. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you. This means that the Expandable Breathable Cat Backpack Carrier can be used on a Southwest flight, but only if it meets all of these requirements.
Now, let’s talk about the Expandable Breathable Cat Backpack Carrier itself. This backpack carrier is designed for pets up to 15 lbs and is suitable for medium-sized cats, small dogs, puppies, and other small pets. The carrier comes with a “No-Chance-to-Escape” system that uses a protective leash and self-blocking zippers, ensuring your pet’s safety. Additionally, there are openable mesh windows on the top and both sides of the carrier that allows your pet to feel the fresh air and see the outside world.
The backpack carrier also has an extension section that allows your pet to move around or lie down comfortably. The bottom of the carrier is made to feel like a soft couch but has sturdy support. There are pockets on both sides of the carrier to store your belongings, such as a water bottle, making it convenient for both you and your furry friend.
We spent about 3 hours in the airport. We opened up the carrier for the walkable area. The cat did not take full advantage of it. In true cat nature, she liked having the ability to view but stayed in the comfort of the more closed area.
It’s also worth noting that the Expandable Breathable Cat Backpack Carrier has a hard bottom that protects your waist and keeps the carrier in good shape. This is beneficial when traveling with your pet as it adds to the overall comfort and stability of the carrier. However, it’s essential to check with the airline’s policy if they allow hard-bottom carriers to be used in-cabin.
In conclusion, traveling with pets requires extra preparation and care. While it’s reasonable to assume that a backpack carrier like the Expandable Breathable Cat Backpack Carrier can work for air travel, it ultimately depends on individual airline policy. Therefore, before you plan to travel with your furry companion, it’s best to check with the airline’s pet policy and ensure that the carrier meets their specific requirements. With all these factors in place, you and your pet can experience a safe and comfortable journey, be it on a Southwest flight or any other airline.
