IATA Crates for Pet Travel: Sizing, Rules and What Airlines Check

You can have all your paperwork perfect and your pet ready to fly, but if the crate is wrong, the airline will not accept your pet.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) sets the standards for live animal transport by air. Every airline follows these standards for cargo pets. This guide explains what the standards actually require.

The sizing rule

The single most misunderstood part of crate selection is the sizing requirement.

Your pet must be able to:

• Stand upright without their head touching the top
• Turn around completely inside the crate
• Lie down in a natural position
• Sit upright

This means the crate must be larger than your pet’s current dimensions in every direction. The standard formula is:

• Length: Pet’s body length (tip of nose to base of tail) + half the length from the floor to the top of the head when standing
• Width: Twice the width across the shoulders
• Height: Pet’s height from floor to top of head when standing + a few centimetres

For a medium Labrador: this typically comes out at an IATA size 4 or 5 (approximately 91cm x 61cm x 69cm or larger). For a small Beagle, a size 3. For giant breeds like a Great Dane, you may need a custom or size 7 crate.

When in doubt, go larger. Airlines will not reject a correctly built crate for being too big. They will reject one that’s too small.

Construction requirements

IATA-approved crates for cargo must be:

Rigid construction. Plastic moulded crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel, Vari-Kennel, or similar designs from IATA-approved manufacturers. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo. Wire mesh crates are not accepted for cargo.

Ventilation on at least three sides. The ventilation must not allow any part of your pet to protrude outside the crate.

Secure door. The door must latch properly and cannot be opened by the animal from inside. Some airlines require zip-ties or secondary securing on the door bolts.

Non-slip floor. Either a moulded non-slip base or absorbent bedding material. Some airlines require absorbent lining.

Water and food containers. Must be attached to the inside of the door so staff can refill without opening the crate. Wire or clip-on bowls are standard.

Live animal labels. Orange “LIVE ANIMALS” stickers on the top and at least one side. These come with most airline-approved crates or can be purchased separately.

Orientation arrows. “This side up” arrows on at least two sides.

Contact labels. Attach a label to the crate with your name, phone number, address, and the consignee’s contact details at the destination.

What airlines check at drop-off

At the cargo desk, the airline agent will:

1. Check that the crate type and construction matches IATA standards for the route
2. Verify that the pet can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
3. Confirm the door mechanism is secure
4. Look for live animal labels and orientation arrows
5. Check that water containers are attached and accessible
6. Verify your pet’s documentation matches the animal in the crate (microchip number, species, colour)

Airlines are not trying to be difficult. These checks protect your pet. A crate that falls apart in the hold, or a pet that overheats because ventilation was inadequate, is a serious welfare incident.

Common reasons crates are rejected

• Soft-sided carrier presented for cargo (only for cabin)
• Crate assembled incorrectly (bolts not fully engaged)
• No water container
• No live animal labels
• Too small (the most common reason)
• Damaged or cracked crate
• Non-approved design (folding wire crates, travel bags)

Cabin pet carriers

Different rules apply for in-cabin pets. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Most aircraft have a space roughly 45cm x 35cm x 20cm under the seat, though this varies by airline and aircraft type. The carrier can be soft-sided. The combined weight (pet plus carrier) must meet the airline’s limit, usually 8-10kg.

Check the specific dimensions and limits for your airline and your aircraft type. The A380 configuration differs from the 737 configuration.

Buying the right crate

Reputable IATA-approved crate brands include: Petmate Sky Kennel, Vari-Kennel by Petmate, Bergan Comfort Carrier, and airline-specific branded crates. Most major airlines sell approved crates at their cargo desks.

Buy the crate well before your travel date. Acclimatise your pet to the crate over several weeks if possible. A pet that is comfortable in their crate before the journey handles the experience better.

Don’t modify the crate. Drilling additional holes, adding internal shelving, or attaching external items will likely make the crate non-compliant.