Many crates sold as "airline approved" look acceptable on the shelf, but most do not meet the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) CR#1 standard required for air transport. This misunderstanding leads to one of the most common problems at check-in: pets being denied because the crate fails inspection.
"Airline approved" is a marketing phrase — not a safety guarantee.
Where "Airline Approved" Crates Fail
Most retail crates are made for convenience, not aviation safety. Common failure points include:
- Double doors (front + top) that weaken structural integrity
- Plastic snap closures instead of required all-metal bolts
- Doors that flex or bow when the pet pushes against them
- Thin plastic walls that deform under handling
- Weight-based sizing instead of measuring the pet's true standing height/length
- Ventilation openings are too large, increasing escape or injury risk
These flaws may seem minor at home, but they matter in cargo environments with vibration, stacking, shifting, and mechanical handling.
What a True CR#1-Compliant Crate Must Have
- Rigid, reinforced construction — cannot bend, flex, or collapse
- All-metal bolts and hardware — plastic latches are not accepted
- One heavy-duty metal door — no top or dual-door designs
- Ventilation on all four sides, with maximum opening sizes:
- Dogs: 1" × 1"
- Cats: ¾" × ¾"
- Door-mounted food and water bowls — refillable from outside
- Size based on pets' dimensions, not weight — pet must stand naturally, turn, and lie comfortably
Why Compliance Matters
A non-compliant crate is a welfare risk. Unsafe crates can:
- Crack or deform
- Shift during handling
- Allow escape
- Cause paw, nose, or tooth injuries
- Collapse under stacked weight
Airlines reject these crates because it does not offer protection to the animal during transport.
Bottom Line
- If a crate is not CR#1-compliant, your pet may not fly.
- CR#1 is the standard that keeps animals safe — not marketing claims.
When Pets Fly® — All Rights Reserved.
This article contains original educational material created by Dr. Nelva J. Bryant for the purpose of promoting safe, welfare-focused air travel for pets. No part of this article—text, images, or graphics—may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission from When Pets Fly®. 11/23/2025