Many crates marketed as "airline approved" appear acceptable, but most do NOT meet the IATA LAR CR#1 standards required for safe air transport. Double-door designs, weak hardware, and incorrect ventilation are the most common reasons pets get denied at check-in.
Where "Airline Approved" Crates Fail
- Double doors that compromise structural integrity
- Plastic latches or snap closures instead of required metal hardware
- Doors that flex or bow when the pet pushes against them
- Thin plastic walls that deform under cargo handling
- Sizing based on pet weight instead of natural standing height, length, and width
- Ventilation openings that are not nose-proof or paw-proof, increasing escape and injury risk
These crates are designed for short trips and household convenience — not aviation safety.
What a True CR#1-Compliant Crate Must Have
- Rigid, reinforced construction that withstands handling and stacking
- All-metal bolts and hardware securing top and bottom halves
- Single, heavy-duty metal door that will not flex under pressure
- Ventilation on all four sides, meeting required opening sizes:
- Dogs: 1" × 1" maximum
- Cats: ¾" × ¾" maximum
- Food and water dishes attached to the inside of the door, accessible from outside
- Size determined by the pet's natural standing posture — height, length, and width
These features prevent escape, injury, and structural collapse during air transport.
Bottom Line
"Airline approved" is a marketing term, not a safety standard.
IATA LAR CR#1 is the actual aviation requirement.
If a crate has double doors, plastic hardware, oversized ventilation openings, or weight-based sizing, it can fail airline acceptance — and your pet will not fly.