Dog crate size calculator for air travel
Four measurements of your dog give the minimum inside size of an airline crate, using the IATA formula airlines apply: length A + ½B, width C × 2, height D plus bedding.
The IATA formula
| Crate dimension | Formula | What to measure |
|---|---|---|
| Inside length | A + ½B | A: nose to root of tail. B: floor to elbow. |
| Inside width | C × 2 (2 dogs: C × 3, 3 dogs: C × 4) | C: across the shoulders or widest point. |
| Inside height | D + bedding | D: floor to top of head or ear tips, standing. |
These are inside dimensions. Crate sizes in shops are usually outside sizes, so check the inside measurements before you buy. IATA asks for a container 10% larger for snub-nosed breeds; we apply 10% to each dimension, which is our reading of that rule. Most airlines won't fly these breeds in the hold at all (see which).
The suggested size uses American Airlines Cargo's published kennel series (outside dimensions) and allows about 1 in for the walls. Read the full dog crate size guide for construction rules such as metal doors, bolts and ventilation.