Travel crates that work for road trips, airline cargo and in-cabin travel.
Travel crates need to meet requirements that home crates don’t: airline structural standards (IATA), car crash considerations, portability and size compliance. We reviewed 4 travel crates across the main Australian travel scenarios – in-cabin air, cargo hold air, road trip car use and camping.
| # | Name | Score | Price | Type | Dimensions | Folds Flat | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door★ Top Pick | 8.8 | From $129 (Amazon AU) | Double-door wire – boot travel in cars and SUVs | 30 to 48 inch | Slide-out tray | 12 months |
| 2 | Petmate Vari Kennel | 8.7 | From $80 (Amazon AU) | IATA hard-sided cargo kennel – AU airline compliance | Small to XXL | Hose clean | Verify on site |
| 3 | Kazoo Pop Up Travel Crate (small) | 8.2 | $104.95 | Soft pop-up – international in-cabin small dogs only | M (verify dimensions against airline spec) | Spot clean | 6 months |
| 4 | Ruff Land Kennel (import) | 8.5 | From ~$250 (import) | Rotomoulded hard crate – road trip and outdoor use | Small to XL | Hose clean | Verify at point of purchase |
What to look for – AU buying advice
Common Questions
Can dogs travel in the cabin on Australian domestic flights?
No – as of 2026, no Australian domestic airline allows dogs in the cabin. Dogs must travel as checked cargo. Small dogs under approximately 8 kg may travel in-cabin on some international routes – always verify with your specific airline.
What crates do Australian airlines accept?
Most Australian airlines accept IATA-compliant hard-sided kennels (plastic or fibreglass with metal hardware and adequate ventilation) for cargo travel. The Petmate Vari Kennel is widely accepted. Always contact your airline directly with the exact kennel model and dimensions to confirm acceptance before booking.
How do I prepare my dog for travel in a crate?
Start crate training 4-6 weeks before the trip. Gradually increase the time the dog spends in the crate. For flights, make several practice runs to the airport vicinity with the dog in the crate in the car. Consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication for dogs with flight anxiety – most vets can prescribe situational anxiolytics for travel.
Is it safe for dogs to fly as cargo?
For healthy adult dogs in appropriate IATA-compliant kennels, cargo travel is generally safe. Airlines with dedicated pet programs (Qantas PetSafe, Virgin Cargo) have specific handling protocols. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies) are banned from cargo by most Australian airlines due to their respiratory risk in cargo conditions – check breed restrictions before booking.
Label
Travel Pick
H2
Petmate Vari Kennel for Flights; MidWest Double Door for Road Trips
Para 1
For Australian airline cargo travel, the Petmate Vari Kennel hard-sided series is the most widely accepted option. Verify dimensions and compliance with your specific airline before purchasing.
Para 2
For road trips in an Australian SUV or wagon boot, the MidWest Ultima Pro double-door gives flexible placement and reliable latches – the most practical domestic road travel crate.
Sign-off
– Hannah Reid, Certified Vet Nurse | Pawkeen.com