10 Best Southwest Approved Pet Carrier 2025 in the United States

The Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier with Wheels is a versatile and convenient option for pet owners traveling with airlines like Southwest and Allegiant. It measures 18x13x9.5 inches, making it suitable for small pets. The carrier features mesh ventilation on five sides, ensuring your pet gets plenty of fresh air and you can easily check on them. The material used is waterproof and scratch-resistant polyester, providing durability and protection against wear and tear.

Comfort-wise, it offers a smooth travel experience thanks to its high-quality, 360° rotating wheels. These wheels can be removed, allowing the carrier to be used as a shoulder bag or handbag when needed. Security is well-addressed with locking safety zippers and a built-in adjustable rope buckle to keep your pet secure inside. The sturdy frame ensures the carrier maintains its shape and does not collapse.

One downside is the carrier's weight—7.05 pounds—which might be a bit heavy when carrying. Additionally, it's essential to check your pet's dimensions, as it is designed for small pets under 12 pounds. The carrier also comes with a 12-month warranty, which provides some peace of mind regarding its quality and durability. This carrier is best suited for those who frequently travel with small pets and need a reliable, airline-approved option that offers both convenience and security.

The Petskd Top-Expandable Pet Carrier is a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier designed mainly for small cats and dogs under 10-12 pounds. Its dimensions (18x13x9.5 inches, expandable by 3.5 inches in height) fit Southwest Airlines’ under-seat space requirements, making it a reliable choice for travelers with small pets. The carrier offers excellent ventilation with mesh panels on five sides, allowing pets to see out and stay comfortable during trips. The mesh is upgraded to be scratch-resistant, helping prevent pets from damaging it or escaping.

Made from waterproof and durable polyester, the carrier is both sturdy and easy to clean, with machine washable options. For security, it features locking zippers, a built-in adjustable leash clip to keep pets safely inside, and a reinforced frame that prevents sagging or collapse. The carrier is lightweight at about 2.9 pounds and has multiple openings with non-slip zippers, which makes access and cleaning convenient.

This size is perfect for very small pets, though larger or heavier animals won’t fit comfortably. Also, because it’s soft-sided, it might not offer as much protection as hard carriers if your pet is very anxious or moves a lot. For frequent Southwest travelers seeking a carrier that fits airline rules while keeping small pets secure, ventilated, and reasonably comfortable, this model is a solid pick.

The Petskd Top and Side Expandable Pet Carrier is designed specifically for small pets (dogs under 10 lbs and cats under 12 lbs) and meets Southwest Airlines’ under-seat size requirements. Its folded dimensions (18x13x9.5 inches) make it a good fit for traveling on Southwest and some other airlines, which is great if you need a reliable, approved carrier. It offers excellent ventilation with mesh panels on five sides, helping your pet stay cool and allowing you to keep an eye on them during travel. The carrier is made of durable, waterproof polyester with reinforced mesh to resist scratching and prevent escape, which adds peace of mind and longevity to the product.

Comfort-wise, it features an expandable top and side sections that increase space by about 80%, letting your pet sit, stand, or stretch when not restricted by airline rules. Security is well addressed with locking zippers, a collar buckle, and a sturdy frame that prevents sagging or collapsing. The carrier also includes practical extras like a shoulder strap and washable mats, making it easy to carry and clean.

This carrier is suitable only for very small pets, which limits its use if you have a larger animal. Also, you need to fold down the expandable parts during flights to meet size restrictions, which reduces space for your pet at that time. Pet owners flying Southwest with small dogs or cats will find this carrier a safe, breathable, and airline-compliant travel option.