Having stressed for weeks about flying with my cat I am writing this review to help others! I’m delighted we managed a trip of 12 hours with just 2 meows and very little stress and a lot was down to this carrier. My cat is a ragdoll and weighs 10.5lbs and he easily fit and could stretch out in the bag.First this carrier worked great - I flew from Seattle to Honolulu on Alaska and then Honolulu to Maui with Hawaiian and both airlines accepted the carrier when closed up. Note: Hawaiian did a lot of measuring!I read other reviews about the difficulty opening up the extension when zipped, so I practiced doing it ahead of time without cat in it and managed to both extend it (once cat was under seat) and close it up again (before we deplaned). Brilliant! He could lay down nicely and I could even slip in a bowl of food for him (not that he ate anything the whole trip!).I set the bag up a few weeks before we travelled and left it open so he got used to it. I put his daily “treats” in it so he associated it with good things. I didn’t take him to the vet in it. I put him in it for 30 mins a day while I did a treadmill workout then let him out and brushed him. The first few times he pushed hard to get out but the bag is sturdy and he couldn’t escape.I also debated a lot about putting him in a harness and ended up getting a TSA approved harness (nice and soft and no metal) and putting him in it with the lead attached before putting him in and heading to the airport. Again we had some practice time with the harness (he hated it but tolerated it). To be honest the harness also seemed to stop him running as it restricted his movement a little bit which actually made him easier to handle without him being in too much discomfort. Going through TSA security was my major worry - the harness stopped that worry and we didn’t need to ask for the private screening option. We just told the TSA agent we had a cat, I took him out of the carrier and they put the carrier through the xray while I walked through the detector holding him and the harness. There was much wriggling but he really wanted to get back in the carrier so that was okay. The bag has a clip inside to attach a harness which was brilliant. Once we went through TSA the second (final) time I reached in and removed the harness from him but he wore it for a good 10 hours without an issue.Finally all the ways this bag opens were useful - the full top opens, almost every side. So when trying to coax the cat out we could easily open several zips. I was also able to open a zip on the plane for a little stroke and to put in food.I bought a separate travel kit (on Amazon) which included an absorbent pad for the bottom (easy to unzip the bottom and remove the plastic sheet then wrap it in the absorbent pad and put back in). Luckily cat didn’t use the bathroom for the whole trip (12 hours - they are good at crossing their legs it seems!).Hope this helps anyone about to face the terror of travelling with a loved wriggling cat. The bag is perfect.

I enjoy this carrier very much. People have asked me about it in the airport lounge. This carrier allows my CAT to have freedom to stand up, lay down comfortably. I tuck the extra pull out section under the seat which allows him to pop his head up in the main portion so he can always see me. I love the locking zippers, and the fact I can open any side to give him some petting when he feels worried.I keep this carrier out 24/7 in his room with toys, sometimes he naps in it. He’s very good about being inside. Lots of space for activities and toys.

Well designed, study, and easy to carry. We have been working with our dog for traveling overseas. I love that it expands to give her more room and that she has multiple outlets to come and go if needed.

Love, love, love this carrier! From the ease of use, ease of transport, cat comfort, expandable sides for added comfort, well built quality and meets and exceeds all airline specifications. This well designed bag is worth the price!

Our 9 lb Shih Tzu loved her new pet carrier with the squared porch. It fit perfectly on Southwest Airlines flights and we were able to open the porch. She panicked and tried to bite through the webbing but was unable to break through. The clip broke on the shoulder strap, only negative. Maybe the company will replace it??!

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Our pets just got refused from the plane and now we are in a big mess because of these carriers! First of all, these carriers are NOT 17 x 11 x 9.5 or in cm: 43 x 28 x 24. They are actually (measuring the hard shell only, completely compressed, white piping to white piping) 45.5 x 30 x 26. With just the lid extended upwards it adds another 4-6 cm and also with the end popped out, another 2 cm. The airlines WILL ding you for this, and depending on the fluffiness of your pet, will also prevent you from flying, saying your pet is too 'big' for the kennel, even if the kennel Is soft and can be compressed to go under the seat. While it is unethical for the airlines such as Air Canada #AirCanada to sell tickets for their Boeing 787 flights for animals weighing over about 2kg who are any taller than about 4" at the shoulders (ie puppies or kittens) considering the max height of the kennels for this aircraft is just over 7", this carrier should not be advertised as an 'airline approved carrier. Maybe a carrier for out and about, weekend trips, etc. But I would NEVER use it for flights, especially international ones, and ESPECIALLY from the UAE/DXB in particular. Good luck with your pet travels and much love. It's a wonderful carrier, but should list the correct dimensions!!!

The Petskd Top and Side Expandable Pet Carrier is a fantastic choice for traveling with small cats or dogs. Measuring 17x11x9.5 inches, it’s Alaska Airlines-approved and fits comfortably under the seat. The expandable sides provide extra space for your pet to move around, while the anti-scratch mesh ensures durability. The locking safety zippers add security, preventing escape during travel. The carrier is soft-sided yet sturdy, making it easy to carry, and the blue color gives it a stylish touch. Perfect for air travel or trips to the vet!