Contents
Incorrect carrier and airline refusal
Incorrect carrier and pet injuries
Incorrect carrier and overheating or hypothermia
Incorrect carrier and severe stress
Incorrect carrier and transit problems
Incorrect carrier and escape risk
Incorrect carrier and additional expenses
Why the carrier is part of the safety system
Questions and answers
Conclusion
During international flights, owners often focus on documents and tickets, while the carrier is seen as a secondary detail. In reality, an incorrect carrier is a frequent reason for airline refusals, pet injuries, and trip disruption at the departure airport.
Let’s examine why an incorrect carrier is dangerous and why choosing one is as important as preparing documents.
Airline refusal
The most common scenario is refusal at check-in.
Reasons:
- carrier does not meet airline requirements
- non-compliance with IATA standards
- incorrect dimensions
- lack of secure locks
Even with perfect documents, the airline may refuse transportation if the carrier does not meet requirements.
Pet injuries
During a flight, animals experience vibrations, noise, and turbulence.
Risks of an unsuitable carrier:
- hitting the walls
- paw and dental injuries
- sprains and bruises
- inability to stand steadily
Large and active animals are especially at risk.
Overheating or hypothermia
Temperature conditions are regulated, but still differ from home.
Risk increases if the carrier:
- has poor ventilation
- is made of thin materials
- is not designed for long stays
This is especially dangerous on long routes and connections.
Severe stress
The carrier is the pet’s only safe space during a flight.
Stress increases if the carrier is:
- too small
- too large
- unstable
- unfamiliar
Without crate training, flying becomes a serious psychological challenge.
Transit problems
Carriers may be rechecked during connections.
Possible consequences:
- requirement to replace the carrier
- flight delays
- refusal to continue transportation
This is critical for complex routes with multiple connections.
Escape risk
Low-quality carriers pose real danger if they have:
- weak locks
- unreliable doors
- poor fastenings
Pet escape at the airport is one of the most dangerous scenarios.
Additional expenses
If the carrier is unsuitable, owners may need to:
- urgently buy a new one
- change flights
- pay for pet holding
- extend accommodation
Trying to save money often leads to higher costs.
Why the carrier is part of the safety system
A carrier is part of a complete safety system and must match:
- airline requirements
- transport standards
- pet size and characteristics
- route duration
Airport waiting times also matter. Even a short flight may mean hours in the carrier, increasing the load if it is unsuitable.
Seasonality also plays a role, as airline requirements may become stricter in extreme weather.
How to choose the right carrier
Usually based on:
- pet size and weight
- transport type (cabin or cargo)
- airline requirements
- route duration
- possible connections
Carrier preparation and pet adaptation are essential parts of flight preparation.
Questions and answers
Can a regular cage be used?
Only if it meets airline requirements.
Is a soft carrier suitable?
Only for cabin travel and if airline rules allow it.
Should the pet be trained to the carrier?
Yes, it reduces stress.
Is the carrier checked during transit?
Yes, especially during connections.
Can a carrier be bought at the airport?
Sometimes, but it increases costs and stress.
Conclusion
An incorrect carrier is one of the most common reasons for refusals, injuries, and stressful situations during pet transportation. A properly chosen carrier ensures safety and peace of mind.
If you are planning pet transportation, you can get a free consultation and preparation check from DeliveryAnimal specialists.
