Medium Snoozer
Southwest Airlines is the only airline we fly because they allow me on board in my carrier under the seat and they have always been extremely pet friendly and accommodating. We’ve had zero problems boarding with my carriers in over 2 years of frequent flying with me in tow. I am 15″ from floor to top of shoulders, 16″ from base of neck to base of tail, 19inch chest girth and 19 pounds.
We’ve gone through every pet carrier on the planet and we’ve settled on two.I fly usually every 6 weeks all year so it’s very important for me to have something durable and easy to use. One of the most important features the momma says she will never go without is a telescoping handle because it’s such a relief on your shoulders and back. She says you wouldn’t believe how heavy 19 pounds gets standing in lines.
Medium Snoozer/Tan – Pet Gear IGO2 Escort/Pink
I highly recommend the Snoozer Roll Around Travel Per Carrier in medium (pictured in tan) for flying, especially for a pooch my sister Daisy’s size. Me and Daisy both have a medium and I also have a large snoozer (pictured below in red). Daisy is 12″ from floor to top of shoulder and 14″ from base of neck to base of the tail, 17″ chest girth and 15lbs, she’s a lil’ shrimp. Daisy has more room in the medium snoozer than I do, I am near the upper size limit of fitting comfortably. If your boston is bigger than me I would be concerned using the medium snoozer.
The Large Snoozer (pictured in red) is fantastic for size and room BUT for flying in particular it was the only two times I ever had complaints from a couple flight attendants, so I’d be mindful of that. I still use the large snoozer for ground travel because it is so roomy and comfy, but I switched to the medium or my pink Pet Gear Escort for flight.
Large Snoozer
I also highly recommend Pet Gear IGO2 Escort Pet Carrier (pictured in pink below). This one is really awesome, it has expandable side zippers creating more width, which I need. The only tiny complaint I have with this one is that for some reason it tends to lean forward. I’ve actually tipped over forward when mom let go of the telescoping handle. So depending on how you are sitting inside there is the chance you might tip it forward so just be mindful of that. It is possible that it’s only like that on mine, it could be a defect. However, for us, it leaning forward doesn’t negate how roomy and awesome it is for my size while still being functional for flight travel. Remember, you have to consider the measurements of these carriers as they are laying down on their backs.
Pet Gear IGo2 Escort
Many people have asked us how strict Southwest is regarding the carriers. Southwest has never in over two years of frequent flying ever inspected our carrier. Our experience has been as such; at check in they’ll tag it, if it LOOKS too big for under the seat then they’ll question it. If they determine it to be unacceptable they’ll offer a Southwest carrier for purchase. They’ve never, so far, made me stand, sit, or turn around in the carrier for them. The two times we were questioned about the Large Snoozer they still let me on board but most likely because it is soft and collapsible, but it really is a bit too long for under the seat of Southwest planes.
Medium Snoozer/Tan – Pet Gear IGO2 Escort/Pink
Medium Snoozer/Tan – Pet Gear IGO2 Escort/Pink
The momma didn’t want to continue to have that worry so we switched to the medium. Since using the medium snoozer and the Pet Gear IGO2 Escort we’ve had no problems whatsoever and i’m comfy! The momma is editing a video of me and Daisy comparing these two carriers side by side. It really helps to see them this way and really became obvious to us how much more room I have in the Escort and how much room Daisy has in the Snoozer. We hope to have that video up very soon! Bottom line for pooches my size medium snoozer works fine but I have PLENTY of room in the Pet Gear IGO2 Escort. For pooches Daisy’s size the medium snoozer is perfect, the Escort will swallow you a little bit.
*Note from Zoey’s mom, Lisa- Zoey is very trained and very accustomed to getting into any container. She’s so highly food motivated I think she’d try to get into a ring box if it would earn her a treat. Not every dog is so willing to get into a container or at least a container that has minimal area to move. I’m sure dogs could have a sense of panic or claustrophobia too. It’s definitely worth mentioning that if your pet is not used to travel and being in a small confined area buy a carrier in plenty of time to practice getting in it and making it a positive/reward experience. What I consider to be plenty of room may not be the case for someone else who’s dog is not familiar or comfortable in a confined space- considering I have a dog that is unaffected by being confined.
*This is not a sponsored post, all items are owned and purchased by me, Lisa Pruitt (Zoey’s mom) and all opinions are my own.
Great info. It’s so hard to make decisions when making these kind of purchases. Thanks for the reviews and info.
You’re welcome Auntie Resa! That’s precisely a main reason I did this. We rely on flying so much and we could’ve saved a ton of money on all the carriers we went through for a pet my size to be on board had we had info like this. That reminds me! I gotta get the video up!
Very informative & helpful !! Thank you Zoey! Cannot wait to see what’s next :-))
Oh you’re so welcome auntie Johanna and my handsome bulldozer bug! Hopefully I can save my friends lots of moola and frustration. The momma wasted so much money on so many carriers that were just not meant for my size. Everybody’s not a chihuahua you know, some of us eat our wheaties!
Hi I bought the carrier for my dog based off of this article. I’m flying Tuesday on southwest& just received the carrier. My dog fits in it but his head does not unless he is squished. Is there any way they would let his head pop out a little?:/ I don’t know what to do
There’s three carriers in the article, which one are you talking about? What are your dog’s measurements? Based on Zoey’s measurements these are the bags that work for us and that we use on a regular basis. As I mentioned in the article, what I consider to be smooshed/crowded and what someone else considers to be smooshed might be two very different things, ESPECIALLY considering I have a dog that is more than willing to be in a confined space. How long is your flight? While the dog is on the plane they do NOT allow the bag to be unzipped at all, his head must stay in. The most I’ve had a flight attendant do is offer me water to give the dog; twice that has happened and I did unzip and allow a few laps of water but I know for certain Zoey will not attempt to come out of her bag unless instructed to. When I’m rolling her around the airport I’m not supposed to but I do let her head pop out and I haven’t been called out on it so far. However, if I had any doubt that she would attempt to get out of the carrier I would never allow that but she’s exceptionally trained and won’t make a move unless instructed to while she’s in her carrier. I don’t know which carrier you bought but if it doesn’t work for you your best bet is to wipe it spic and span clean, make sure there is no hair and call for a return label. I’ve done this with a snoozer small before and they took it right back. Take your dog to pet stores over the weekend to actually try him in a carrier. It’s very difficult with Bostons or dogs Zoey’s size, I always say she is at the upper end of fitting properly. Thank goodness she is full grown because if she were much bigger air travel would probably not be an option for us, but her weight stays in check and we’ve been extremely pleased with how she fits in these three carriers. I hope you find a solution 🙂
Zoey’s mom, Lisa
I would like to find out where you can buy either of these carriers. I need to get one for Molly. I’m interested in the Pet Gear 1g02 Escort or the Snoozer Roll Around Travel pet Carrier in medium. Thanks. Mollys mom.
Hey Miss Martha! If you scroll back up in the article, click the red links they take you directly to the places I ordered mine from.
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post this. It was instrumental in planning a cross country move for me and my little boston who is about the same size as Zoey. It probably saved me over a thousand dollars as well in the cost to ship in via ground. THANKS!
Thank you! That is very kind of you to say and so awesome to hear. I truly did write the article out of my own trials and frustrations figuring out how to travel with my dog comfortable while also adhering to all the restrictions regarding carriers. I went through so many carriers and so much money and stress, it seemed ridiculous that there wasn’t more guidance out there.
I’ve got it down to a science now LOL! In fact, I have so much more info and help I need to add to the post, now it’s just finding the time to sit down and compile it. I knew there had to be more dog parents out there frustrated like me so I’m so glad to know I helped a little bit. If you don’t mind, what carrier did you end up buying and who did you fly with? I feel bad that it seems i’m only offering assistance to Southwest flyers but that just happens to be the only airline I fly and they have then nonstop route I want. Just curious, how did you find my article, just a google search? Thank you so much for letting me know I helped you, that’s awesome!
Lisa (Zoey’s mom)
Zoey, it looks like you and Mom covered all the bases here. The BOYZ and I will be so ready when we finally get to fly out to meet you in person..snort!! One day =)
Auntie Debi, Xander & Xavier…and Baby Trin, too!
Thanks for the information. It was very helpful. I have never flown with a pet before. I will be flying Southwest airlines with my two cats. My husband will be carrying one carrier and I will be carrying the other. I really didn’t want to get the carrier Southwest offered but we are a little nervous about getting one of the ones you suggested as the dimensions are much bigger than what is posted on Southwest Airlines (19L 14W 8.25 H). My cats measure 15L 7W 14H. Any suggestions to ease our minds?
Well these two carriers, medium snoozer and IGO2 are the two that I constantly use on southwest and I have no problems whatsoever. I’m certain the measurements of the bags include the little peg legs, and yes those will be visible but they are not obstructing and they are not peeking out enough for to cause a flight attendant to call it out. Your cat is smaller than Zoey and cats can curl up even more than a dog can and make themselves even smaller, especially if they are nervous or hiding. According to your measurements your cat should fit completely fine in either bag. I have no qualms about the bags being too big, out of just sheer successful flights with them consistently.
So do you leave the handle side up and squish the top down or do you lay it on it’s side? According to the height, it seems like it would be a lot to squish down as the height for Southwest is only 8.5 🙁
It lays on it’s back and slides under. The front ( or top when it’s under the seat) is collapsable mesh no different then like a duffle bag so it smooshes down a bit. By this time I’m laying down but have plenty of room to shift, turn completely around and keep head up.
Thank you soooo much for your help. I really appreciate it. 🙂
So I bought the Pet Gear Escort carriers. I will be leaving for my trip in a few weeks. The cats fit perfectly in the carrier. I know you mentioned you put it flat on its back when placing it under the seat. Do you slide the mesh part in first under the seat so the legs hang out or do you slide the legs under the seat first so your pet’s head is facing you? I just want to be prepared. I am already getting nervous as I have never flown with a pet. Also, the instructions are horrible. I am not sure if I even put the reinforcement boards in right.
I’ve slid it under in both of those directions, I call it north and south, head first , feet first, it fits both ways. I tend to like to see her face and I think she liks to be able to keep an eye on me too so I usually stick with feet first so head/mesh area is viewable to me. I’ve also slid it under east/west/sideways, it actually tucks under even more that way. It’s been so long since i first got mine i really don’t remember if i had any trouble putting it together, but i believe the floor boards just slide in.
I just wanted to thank you so much for posting the info on these carriers! I flew my boston in the medium Snoozer out west a few weeks ago and it was perfect! I too had doubts about how it would fit under the seat but it was just right. And I can’t imagine what I would have done with a carrier that didn’t have wheels and a handle but I had not previously even thought about that. You saved me so much time and stress-I am really appreciative that you took the time to write this. Thanks!
Thank you so much, I’m so glad it helped. I know I went through a lot of aggravation and money and was just hoping to save someone else the trouble 🙂
Hello, and first I’d love to really THANK YOU over and over for all this valuable advice. I will be flying with my 17 pound frenchie for the first time at Christmas and am already feeling the stress. 🙂
I have one question left (now I’ve decided to go with the Escort Pet Gear carrier)….when it comes to booking your flight, how do you make sure that when you arrive to check in at the airport…. the “allocated pet” allowance for the flight is not already booked up for the flight? When I go to book my tickets online, I noticed there is nowhere to mention you will have a pet as carry on. Any suggestions?
You’re very welcome, I’m so glad to know it’s helped. When you purchase your carrier tell em’ Zoey sent you 😉 I think the pet gear will be great for your frenchie, just be mindful of it’s only flaw that is it tends to tip forward when you aren’t holding onto the handle, but otherwise it’s fabo. I have a friend who just flew with their frenchie in the pet gear and it worked out great, this is Yodi… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=677382555623306&set=o.260830780603358&type=1&theater
I’m assuming you’re flying with Southwest? If so after you purchase your flight online you have to call Southwest customer service with your reservation number and let them know you will be flying with your dog. That’s when they reserve the spot for your dog. When you arrive at the airport you HAVE TO go to the ticket counter wether you are checking a bag or not because that is when you pay for the dog’s fair and that’s when they’ll tag it’s carrier. Then you’re all set 😉
Thank you THANK you again!
This has helped me so much!! We will be buying them this week not I have the scoop.
Hopefully once we purchase online, I don’t call and have them tell us “Oh sorry we re already booked up for pets”. I am certain Holidays are the busiest days for booking flights with in-cabin dogs an cats.
When we get back from our trip I will update on how it all went 🙂
OK…quick question for anyone who already bought the Pet Gear Escort 🙂
Soooo I am trying my best to put this together but call me stoopid, I CANNOT for the life of me figure out how to put that reinforcement board in?? Any tips? Or a link to a video? 🙂
Hi there,
I have a 6lbs. Chihuahua, she will be 10 months old when we fly Southwest to Miami in February! Thanks so much for your informative blog! I was going to purchase the Southwest pet carrier they sell, until I found this post. I would like to purchase the Pet Gear I-GO2 Escort Pet Carrier in Pink, but do you think that is too big my for Chi? And does it fit underneath all the seats? (Because I heard the middle seat is the biggest). Thanks! 🙂
At 6 pounds it seems like it would swallow her BUT how big will she get full grown? My sis Daisy is only 14 pounds and it swallows her, i’m 20 pounds and its just right. You could prolly get away with a small snoozer, medium at most I bet. The pet gear fits under all seats but YES the middle seat is a bit bigger than the other two.
Thanks for the article! I’m actually am going to try something a little crazy, I’m planning to fit my 2 cats (each under 10 lbs, so not that big- and they prefer to be in small spaces closer together, it’s more comforting for them) into one larger Snoozer travel bag. I’m going to be on Southwest and you said you had some comments about it, how much larger was it than the space under the seat? I also read that the bottom wheels come off and another person had gotten it to fit perfectly under the seat with the bottom wheels off, do you remember that to be true? I just ordered mine so I’m excited to test it out in a few days!
Have you checked Southwests guidelines for more than one pet in a carrier? I would do that before I did anything. Traveling with the large is a risk, all depends on the crew you get, the couple comments i got were enough to make me tired of worrying about the day someone actually stops me from boarding. The large snoozer is legitimately larger than the requirements allow, it will go under for sure but you risk being called out on it. The bottom wheel platform does come off but i’ve never taken mine out on board to make more tuck room because it’s too much of a hassle when you are in a hurry, especially when you go to put it back on before deplaning. There ‘s just not enough room or time to deal with it in the seat aisle if you ask me.
Thank you so much for the article! I’m about to fly out west (on Southwest) for the holidays and my dog is about the same size as yours, but I’m wondering which of the two carriers you recommend is more comfortable for Zoey? I know they are about the same size, but I wanted to see if Zoey (or you) had a preference.
It’s a split answer, I prefer the sturdy, super well made quality of the snoozer BUT if we are talking about SPECIFICALLY for flying and having the most roominess I will choose my pink pet gear. At my size, I am probably approaching the upper limits of being able to travel under the seat so I need all the roominess I can get and the petgear having those expandable sides that unzip provide that. The momma considers me tall for a girl boston but i’m very muscular and lean at 20pounds. The roominess in the pet gear combined with how well it fits under the seat is the best option for my size for a flight. The pet gear is good quality too with the exception of that one little fault of tipping forward for some reason but we just stay mindful of it because the roominess trumps it.
Hi, thanks so much for posting this. I have a Frenchie who is about the same size as Zoey. He fits into the large Snoozer, but it is not exactly roomy in there for him. He can stand up and turn around though. What were the issues you ran into traveling with the large Snoozer? Did it fit under the seat? I’m trying to find a way to get him home for the holidays with me. Thanks in advance!
If you scroll through the comments I’ve touched on the large snoozer several times and you might find something that applies to your situation. Bottom line with the large snoozer is that yes it will go under the seat but it’s a risk to fly with it because it does stick out more than the guidelines allow. It will depend on the checkin clerk you get and the flight crew you get as to wether or not you will get called out on it. I was called out on it twice, fortunately not severe enough to stop us from flying but for me it was a matter of time and I got tired of worrying about it so I switched to the pink pet gear Igo2 escort and the medium snoozer. The dog does not need to stand and turn while it’s under the seat, that’s just not possible and not one person at checkin or otherwise has asked us to demonstrate it. The first time we were called out I was told to only sit in the window seat so as not to obstruct my neighbors aisle access, the second time was when I was deplaning and a lady stopped me in my tracks and was quite stern in letting me know it was too big.
Thank you so much for this insight! I was worried about the dimensions SWA required. I called today and they did say as long as it is a soft sided carrier the dimensions could very slightly. Meanwhile I was as Petsmart trying to find something suitable for my 10 lb chi. Daisy is about my pup (Fergie’s) size so this visual works perfectly for making a decision on a carrier. I found the this on on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Gear-Escort-Roller-Backpack/dp/B0015MLH1S/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1385155509&sr=1-4&keywords=roller+pet+carrier
Which is a bit cheaper. Happy travels!
Oh yup, there ya go, that’s the one. If your chi is only 10 pounds you could go with something even smaller, she’ll prolly be swallowed up in the petgear igo2 escort. Not that there’s anything wrong with that though.
Howdy!
I was soo thankful to find this I’ve been having some trouble meeting the dimensions my boston is also named Zoe =) just without the Y. i usually always fly southwest but now I have to fly United due to scheduling with southwest. Im really between the snoozer and the escort I see the escort is roomier,but is it easy to fit under the seat? since it looks a lot wider do the sides move in easy? My Zoe girl is tall she’s 16′ H and 14″L and weighs around 20 lbs and do both of those have a strict limit of 15 lbs? is it possible to go a bit over?
If your Zoe is my size or any larger you’d definitely want to go with the pet gear and yes it slides right under very easily. In fact it fits under there lengthwise or widthwise. I’m also 20 pounds and have had no problem with my weight in either carrier.