Attractively decorated airline approved carriers give you the distinction of having chosen a carrier that looks nice as well as being safe and secure. They are designed to offer secure leash attachment clips inside the carrier to make certain your pet will not accidentally (unexpectedly) exit their carrier. This assures you and the airline of safe travel for their passengers as well as your pet.
Airline personnel can be very helpful in making certain your pet is tucked under your seat and can advise of other alternatives available. A call to your airline before your trip is advised and will be appreciated. Certain aircraft have limitations for accommodating pets in carriers in the cabins. By being aware of airline regulations before booking your flight, you can increase your chances of stress-free success of being on the correct type aircraft with your pet in the cabin with you.
Many stylish carriers may meet or even exceed your esthetic desires while appearing adequate for airline travel. When checking further you might discover a construction feature that is unacceptable to certain airlines. The obvious features are those which allow for ease in assembly and yet may not provide the structural strength required when being processed by an airline. While I am advocating stylish carriers in this article, I am also commenting in this vein to forewarn readers of this possible pit fall.
If your pet is too large for an airline approved carrier for use under the seat, I have found several options on certain airlines that include but are not limited to checked baggage. There are cargo services available by several Airlines. It was comforting to learn that most guidelines and restrictions are for pet safety dealing with weather/temperature related concerns. When you consider certain baggage or cargo might not be carried on the same aircraft as that on which you are flying. It is possible the baggage or cargo may be loaded on another aircraft going to the your same destination and scheduled for an acceptable, even earlier arrival time.
It is appropriate to inquire as to the nature of the pressurization and anticipated temperature in the baggage/cargo area during the flight in which your pet is to be placed. Airline policy has certainly been designed for your pet's safety and a pointed timely question could help avert a tragic, accidental oversight.