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Pet Flight Cost & Crate Size Checker
Enter your pet's weight and body measurements plus cabin or cargo travel and your airline's pet fee to get a recommended minimum crate size and your total one-way or round-trip pet travel fee.
Size the crate before you book the flight
A crate that's too small is a welfare problem and can get your pet denied boarding at the gate; one that's needlessly huge may not fit airline cargo dimension limits or your cabin's under-seat space. Measure your pet standing naturally (not stretched) for the most accurate numbers, and re-measure a growing puppy or kitten close to your travel date.
Cabin vs. cargo, in plain terms
Cabin travel is usually cheaper and keeps your pet with you, but it's reserved for smaller pets whose carrier fits under the seat. Cargo/checked travel handles larger pets in a climate-controlled hold, but is a bigger logistical and emotional step — and not every airline offers it on every route.
Frequently asked questions
How is the minimum crate size calculated?
We use a common IATA-style rule of thumb: the crate must let your pet stand fully upright, turn around in a complete circle, and lie down naturally without touching the walls. Crate length is nose-to-tail length plus half the standing height (for stand/turn clearance), width is body width times 1.5 (to turn around), and height is standing height plus about 7cm of headroom. Always double-check against your airline's exact crate specs before you fly.
What's the difference between cabin and cargo travel?
Cabin travel means the carrier rides under the seat in front of you and is size- and weight-limited — typically the combined pet-plus-carrier weight is capped around 8kg (varies roughly 5-11kg by airline) and the carrier itself must be soft-sided and small enough to fit under a seat. Cargo/checked travel goes in a climate-controlled hold in a larger hard-sided crate and has much more generous size allowances, but is a bigger step for many pets and owners.
Are airline pet fees the same everywhere?
No — pet fees vary enormously by airline, route, and whether the pet travels in the cabin or as cargo, ranging from roughly $30 to several hundred dollars each way. This calculator uses whatever fee you enter, so check your airline's own pet travel page for its current fee before booking.
Is this official crate-size guidance?
No. It's a practical estimate based on commonly cited humane-travel rules of thumb, not a substitute for your airline's or IATA's official Live Animals Regulations. Always confirm the exact crate specs required by your airline before you travel.