Methodology + disclosure

Methodology: how Cabin Pet Fit decides fit.

We compare source-cited carrier external dimensions against source-cited airline in-cabin pet-carrier rules. Evidence, confidence, carrier type, merchant links, and caveats stay separated so an anxious pet owner can see what is known, what is risky, and what is still missing.

01

Evidence first

Every airline rule and carrier dimension needs a source URL, an access date, and a record of where the number came from before it can support public guidance. No raw evidence, no claim.

02

Carrier-type aware

Soft-sided carriers can compress slightly, so a borderline case is flagged tight rather than pass. Hard-sided carriers cannot flex, so their listed dimensions are treated as firm. We compare against the airline's soft or hard limit accordingly.

03

Expose uncertainty

Rules that are under review, unclear, vary by aircraft, or missing a simple published dimension are gray/unclear in the fit matrix and cannot generate a recommendation.

04

Disclose commerce

Any affiliate link is disclosed clearly. Merchant links never override the evidence record, and unknown image rights means no hosted product image.

Trust rules

What the fit statuses mean

The language is intentionally calibrated. Confidence is useful. Certainty theater is not.

matches

The carrier's listed external dimensions compare inside the cited published limit as of the recorded access date.

tight

The carrier is within about half an inch of a limit, or has a rigid frame or shape caveat. Soft-sided flex may help; it is not a promise.

exceeds

The listed dimensions compare outside the cited published limit on at least one axis.

unclear

No public-ready dimension rule (unclear, varies by aircraft, no cabin pets, or missing data) for a reliable comparison.

Source hierarchy

Which sources we trust, in order

  1. The official airline pet-travel policy page for in-cabin carrier limits, fees, and weight rules.
  2. The official manufacturer/brand page for carrier external dimensions.
  3. The official merchant or retailer listing when a brand spec is unavailable, clearly marked as lower confidence.

If sources conflict on a dimension, we mark the record unclear rather than pick a number. Airlines can change rules or measure differently without notice, which is why every rule carries an access date.

Affiliate disclosure

How we make money

Some outbound links may become affiliate links. If they do, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships never change a fit status, a recommendation order, or a caveat. Cabin Pet Fit is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any airline, and we are independent of the carrier brands we track.

The honest clause: Cabin Pet Fit does not guarantee your carrier will be accepted at the gate. Airlines can change rules, measure differently, restrict routes or aircraft, or apply discretion. Under-seat space, a rigid frame, and how full the carrier is all affect real-world fit. We also do not advise on your pet's health, sedation, or fitness to fly — that is a conversation for your veterinarian and the airline.

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