Sherpa
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, Medium (Up to 16 lbs)
A soft-sided carrier built for flying, with a spring wire frame that lets the rear drop under an airplane seat, top and side entries, and locking zippers.
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Our review
Sherpa's Original Deluxe is the carrier built around air travel. It is part of the brand's Guaranteed On Board program, and a patented spring wire frame lets the rear end be pushed down several inches so the carrier can slide under an airplane seat.
The Medium measures 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches and fits pets up to 16 pounds. It has top and side entries, mesh ventilation panels, escape-proof locking zippers, a waterproof base and a removable, machine-washable liner. A detachable shoulder strap with metal D-rings, a padded top handle and a luggage strap that doubles as a seat-belt pass-through cover walking, flying and car rides. Reviewers praise the build quality and say it fits well under the seat on flights.
Feedback on size and durability is mixed. Some owners call the Medium perfect for a large cat or a small dog, while others find it too small, and some report straps breaking. It is the priciest carrier here—well above the budget pick—and "airline approved" still depends on each airline's current rules, so measure your under-seat space before you fly.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Spring wire frame lets the rear end compress to fit under airline seats
- Part of Sherpa's Guaranteed On Board program
- Top and side entries plus escape-proof locking zippers
- Removable, machine-washable liner and a waterproof base
- Shoulder strap, top handle and a luggage strap that works as a seat-belt pass-through
What to watch
- The priciest option here compared with the budget carrier
- Some reviewers find the Medium too small for large cats
- Some reviewers report the straps breaking
- Airline rules differ, so approval is not a guarantee for every flight
Specifications
| Size (Medium) | 17 x 11 x 10.5 in |
|---|---|
| Pet weight limit | Up to 16 lbs |
| Material | Polyester |
| Frame | Patented spring wire frame; rear end pushes down |
| Entries | Top and side |
| Liner | Removable, machine-washable |
| Carry | Padded top handle and detachable shoulder strap with metal D-rings |
Who it's for
- Cat owners flying in-cabin with a pet under about 16 lbs
- Frequent travelers who want a frame that fits under the seat
- Cats that need a secure, lockable carrier for the vet and car rides
The verdict
The most flight-focused carrier we found and the one to buy if you fly with your cat. Measure your cat and your airline's under-seat space first, and skip it if you only need a carrier for the occasional vet visit.