Mr. Peanut's Aspen Series Airline Compliant Backpack Pet Carrier

I know preparing to fly with a pet can be stressful and you have a lot of questions. The benefits and popularity of frameless soft sided pet carriers is their pliability and ability to conform to varying under seat configurations of modern aircraft. All airlines actually have similar sizing requirements, and those are more stringent on narrow bodied aircraft than wide bodied aircraft, but yet the primary design of an airline capable tote is to comfortably fit your pet but yet conform to fit under the 8.5" seat. Many airlines will indeed show 8.5” as their height spec, but that is targeted for the older style hard shell carriers and not pliable soft sided carriers. A carrier that is truly only 8.5” in height will only fit the smallest of kittens, puppies and bunnies. Keep in mind, airline capable carriers are designed for your pet to be laying down, as most pets will need to do so to allow for fitting under the seat. Most of my bags are designed at about 18x11x11” exterior measurement, as that is the optimal size for under seat capability on the widest variety of aircraft. All are designed with pet safety and comfort as a priority, and secondly with pliable fabrics that allow compression for under seat compatibility, so it’s mostly a choice of styling preference with each model. Most of the standard sized models are about 16" on the interior length, while the larger Big Apple model is about an 18" interior. It is about 2” longer at 20” exterior than most airlines will spec, but it’s built for those pets where there is simply not an option for a smaller size. The Big Apple model has been on the market for a long period of time now, literally sold worldwide, and a very popular model. For those who desire a bag that is 9” in height to more easily meet under seat specs I can recommend to look at the backpack models such as the Monterey and Aspen, all of which are designed and padded to lay on their short side for under seat use. Another option is the smaller Gold Series Mini model, which is about an inch smaller all around than the standard sized models.

It is important to point out that there is a substantial design difference between a frameless soft sided airline capable pet carrier and a standard carrier. Keep in mind the priority for an airline capable carrier is the ability and pliability necessary to accomplish under seat requirements, which by definition means that an airline capable carrier is purposely not designed with the same firm structure as a non airline capable pet carrier. What gives a soft sided carrier much of its structure is the fabric used and the zippers themselves along with a thin wire frame. 

The reality of airlines (and the TSA or equivalents) is there is no such thing as a blanket approval of a pet carrier or brand, as there are many other factors involved. I work with representatives of the major airline carriers in the design of my totes, including most domestic airlines, and at this point over the years my various totes have been used on virtually every airline around the world. While all airlines can vary a bit due to differing aircraft models, all have the same requirements of under forward seat compatibility combined with pet comfort. The TSA requirement that all airline crew must follow is that the foot space must be cleared for takeoffs and landings, and this applies to purses, bags, and yes, pet carriers. Under seat spacing and configurations can vary between regional, national and international routes as differing aircraft (wide bodied vs narrow bodied) are used, but the pliability and ability to conform to various seat configurations is what sets the frameless soft sided carrier apart from other types of framed or hard shell carriers and has led to their popularity. 

In short, all of my airline capable carriers you see on the site are regularly used on domestic and international airlines, and all are compliant with under seat requirements, but the reality is that there can always be an aircraft or route of a particular nature that uses a smaller aircraft without typical under seat clearance, but I have rarely come across that with reviews and feedback from literally thousands of users over many years. It is always advised to proactively check with your airline of choice well prior to departure. Keep in mind many airlines have an in-cabin pet limitation per flight, so you will want to reserve your space early on in your planning.

I also recommend do check out the Instagram feed @mrpeanutspetcarriers as there are many user contributions which help show off sizing and uses with many types of pets. 

Regards, 

Michael @ Mr. Peanut’s Pet Carriers

It's a great question and something important for all of us. 

All of my totes are hand sewn with a sewing time of over 3.5 hours each. I only source hi end premium vegan materials from many countries and have contracted sewing facilities complete production to my specs depending on many factors to keep prices low for users. I use facilities based in Vietnam, Cambodia, Spain, China and zippers primarily from Japan. I use different facilities based on the cost and availability of various fabrics and resin mesh.

As a Henderson, NV based family business nobody would prefer more than myself to produce the products locally, Unfortunately the reality is that the quality of materials needed are not typically available at scale in the USA. One reason there are very few actual sewing factories in the USA is that it's a very laborious job at over 3 hours of sewing time for each bag so it is indeed one of those garment related industries where most products are produced offshore. 

My goal has always been to focus on pet safety and comfort, and offer a carrier that boasts higher end materials than usually found on products in this price range. 

Regards, 

Michael @ Mr. Peanut's

I design all of my bags with the primary emphasis on pet safety and comfort. All models include safety features like seatbelt attachments, a heavy resin mesh and locking clasps or self locking zippers. I use premium brand zippers and hardware on all models as well, as many know I have a pet peeve on zipper quality. All models also include faux fleece padding, and extra/replacement pads are available for purchase at cost. What actually makes the difference in the model lines aside from the looks is the fabric itself. Keep in mind that all of my airline capable totes are frameless soft sided pet carriers, this is what allows for the pliability and ability to conform to various under seat configurations of modern aircraft and meet under seat requirements of all of the airline companies. The fabric itself combined with the zipper closures is what primarily gives a soft sided carrier its structure and strength, so a heavier fabric provides more structure than a lighter fabric.

Copper Series - This model takes advantage of a taller structure that gives it a boxy and spacious interior at a length of 19” It includes a faux fleece pad with a plywood base for extra carrying strength, and uses a plastic locking clasp.

Silver Series - This model takes advantage of a lighter nylon fabric that gives it a boxy and spacious interior at a length of 17.5” It includes a dark faux fleece pad with a plywood base for extra strength. It also incorporates self locking zippers and top load capability. Link to Silver Series Totes

Diamond Series - The Diamond platform is a very popular light nylon fabric which incorporates an extra-plush faux fleece pad with a plywood base for extra strength. Its a smaller footprint tote with a usable interior length of approximately 16”. This model uses locking clasps and has top load capability. Link to Diamond Series Totes

Platinum Series - The popular series is built off of the same platform as the Diamond, but with a much thicker and more padded composite exterior 300D fabric coated with PVC for enhanced durability. This results in less wrinkling of the fabric, and a much more rigid structure. Link to Platinum Series Totes

Platinum Series Expandable - The popular series is built off of the same platform as the popular Platinum Series Totes, but with a zippered expansion port on one side which allows for more space for your pet when opened. It is a nice option when you have the space to expand for a larger pet. Link to Platinum Expandable

Platinum Series Double Expandable - This popular model allows for both sides to be expanded independently. It also includes self locking zippers which remove the necessity of clasps, no more worrying about if the tote is locked. Link to Double Expandable

Gold Series - This is the most popular line overall, it includes a heavier wrinkle free two tone Nylon 600D composite fabric coated with PVC for enhanced durability along with a tad bit more interior space than the Platinum Series. This fabric provides a good balance between structure and underseat pliability. It also incorporates a top privacy cover which can be rolled back when not in use and I usually have it available in five colors. Link to Gold Series Totes

Gold Series Expandable - A very popular bag with the expansion port option, and is usually available in five colors, Charcoal Ash, Platinum Gray, Purple, Rosa and Deja Blue. Link to Gold Series Expandable

Gold Series Double Expandable - Another very popular model with a double expansion port option, available in Platinum Gray to date.

"Big Apple" Gold Series Expandable - A very popular model with the expansion port option, and is usually available in five colors, Charcoal Ash, Platinum Gray, Purple, Rosa and Deja Blue. The Big Apples are a 20" exterior length, with about an 18" interior and are considered as large as one can safely go and still be considered airline capable. 

"Big Apple" Double Expandable - A very popular larger bag with the expansion port option, and available in Platinum Gray to date. 

Rhodium Series - This longer sized model incorporates all of the safety and comfort features of the other tote lines. 
Link to Rhodium Series Totes

Coronado Series - This newest model is not designed for airline capability but is a larger framed model with a firm structure and a high opening space for taller pets. It comes in both a 19" and 23.5" exterior length in platinum gray.

I am never satisfied with any of the models and all are works in process as I do not mass produce. All of my models are hand sewn to my specifications by contracted factories. Mr. Peanut’s is a USA based, family run business located in Henderson, NV. Do be sure to check out our many other well regarded products such as OrthoPlush Pet Beds, PetTrek Harnesses, well regarded Pee Pads and a kick axx Pooper Scooper.

Regards, 
Michael @ Mr. Peanut’s Pet Carriers

I always recommend to measure your pet while comfortably laying down, as many pets will tend to curl up a bit. Keep in mind airline capable carriers are limited in sizing by under seat constraints, so we want a carrier that's comfortable but that is also under seat compliant. Most of the standard sized models are about 16" on the interior length, while the larger Big Apple model is about an 18" interior. It is about 2” longer at 20” exterior than most airlines will spec, but it’s built for those pets where there is simply not an option for a smaller size. The Big Apple model has been on the market for a long period of time now, literally sold worldwide, and a very popular model. I have yet to receive a review or complaint of it not being accepted by an airline.

Typically only the smallest of pets can easily fully stand in an airline capable pet carrier since height is so limited by under seat constraints. For most pets its more of a haunch than a full standing position. Keep in mind regardless of the height of any carrier, the interior is less sizing due to padding. Most of the models have an interior height of about 10", while the Gold Series Mini is closer to 9".

I also recommend do check out the Instagram feed @mrpeanutspetcarriers as there are many user contributions which help show off sizing with many sizes of pets. 

I know preparing to fly with a pet can be stressful and you have a lot of questions. The benefits and popularity of frameless soft sided pet carriers is their pliability and ability to conform to varying under seat configurations of modern aircraft. All airlines actually have similar sizing requirements, and those are more stringent on narrow bodied aircraft than wide bodied aircraft, but yet the primary design of an airline capable tote is to comfortably fit your pet but yet conform to fit under the 8.5" seat. Many airlines will indeed show 8.5” as their height spec, but that is targeted for the older style hard shell carriers and not pliable soft sided carriers. A carrier that is truly only 8.5” in height will only fit the smallest of kittens, puppies and bunnies. Keep in mind, airline capable carriers are designed for your pet to be laying down, as most pets will need to do so to allow for fitting under the seat. Most of my bags are designed at about 18x11x11” exterior measurement, as that is the optimal size for under seat capability on the widest variety of aircraft. All are designed with pet safety and comfort as a priority, and secondly with pliable fabrics that allow compression for under seat compatibility, so it’s mostly a choice of styling preference with each model. Most of the standard sized models are about 16" on the interior length, while the larger Big Apple model is about an 18" interior. It is about 2” longer at 20” exterior than most airlines will spec, but it’s built for those pets where there is simply not an option for a smaller size. The Big Apple model has been on the market for a long period of time now, literally sold worldwide, and a very popular model. For those who desire a bag that is 9” in height to more easily meet under seat specs I can recommend to look at the backpack models such as the Monterey and Aspen, all of which are designed and padded to lay on their short side for under seat use. Another option is the smaller Gold Series Mini model, which is about an inch smaller all around than the standard sized models.

It is important to point out that there is a substantial design difference between a frameless soft sided airline capable pet carrier and a standard carrier. Keep in mind the priority for an airline capable carrier is the ability and pliability necessary to accomplish under seat requirements, which by definition means that an airline capable carrier is purposely not designed with the same firm structure as a non airline capable pet carrier. What gives a soft sided carrier much of its structure is the fabric used and the zippers themselves along with a thin wire frame. 

The reality of airlines (and the TSA or equivalents) is there is no such thing as a blanket approval of a pet carrier or brand, as there are many other factors involved. I work with representatives of the major airline carriers in the design of my totes, including most domestic airlines, and at this point over the years my various totes have been used on virtually every airline around the world. While all airlines can vary a bit due to differing aircraft models, all have the same requirements of under forward seat compatibility combined with pet comfort. The TSA requirement that all airline crew must follow is that the foot space must be cleared for takeoffs and landings, and this applies to purses, bags, and yes, pet carriers. Under seat spacing and configurations can vary between regional, national and international routes as differing aircraft (wide bodied vs narrow bodied) are used, but the pliability and ability to conform to various seat configurations is what sets the frameless soft sided carrier apart from other types of framed or hard shell carriers and has led to their popularity. 

In short, all of my airline capable carriers you see on the site are regularly used on domestic and international airlines, and all are compliant with under seat requirements, but the reality is that there can always be an aircraft or route of a particular nature that uses a smaller aircraft without typical under seat clearance, but I have rarely come across that with reviews and feedback from literally thousands of users over many years. It is always advised to proactively check with your airline of choice well prior to departure. Keep in mind many airlines have an in-cabin pet limitation per flight, so you will want to reserve your space early on in your planning.

I also recommend do check out the Instagram feed @mrpeanutspetcarriers as there are many user contributions which help show off sizing and uses with many types of pets. 

Regards, 

Michael @ Mr. Peanut’s Pet Carriers

Great question. I will start with the bad and then dig in deeper. The truth and reality is there is no such brand or model of a soft sided pet carrier that will be impervious to a stressed pet, as the materials by definition must be pliable. Admittedly there is no such thing as a pliable mesh or fabric that will hold up well to the jaws and claws of a stressed pet, and even the cutest of kittens and puppies are quite able to damage mesh and fabrics.

But yes, there are many design and materials details that can help alleviate the risk of a pet destroying or escaping a carrier, and i cannot stress enough how much simply acclimating one's pet to a new carrier in the home environment helps to remove pet stress.

Here are some details i use to avoid problems. I only use the strongest pliable teslin® resin mesh available for all of my totes, which is commonly used for its durability in the assembly of outdoor furniture and patio umbrellas. I also only use an enhanced and strengthened nylon fabric in all models, which is also used in the manufacture of military grade parachutes for its waterproof properties, strength and durability. Most of my current lineup of models include self locking zippers. About 18 months ago i switched my entire line up of carriers to self locking zippers. Self locking zippers are zippers which are designed in a way that they cannot be pushed open from the inside of the bag, it is impossible due to the zipper mechanism. I switched the entire line from the older style locking clasps as i found over a long period of time that the clasps in both metal and plastic were fragile and not durable. The self locking zippers remove the need for clasps, and actually results in a much safer tote for pets, and users overwhelmingly prefer them as they do not have to rely on handling the small unreliable clasps. The old style clasps simply do not meet my standards. I always focus firstly on pet safety and comfort, and the reason i switched all of the models to self locking zippers is exactly for that reason.
As a fail safe, all of my models also include leash tethers, meaning one can anchor your pet to the bag by the interior leash just in case during stressful travels.
I use absolutely no added chemicals in the production of the totes. The bags are sealed in a polywrap and then sealed in master cartons for shipping. The newly opened bag will have a smell akin to a new car, where the vegan leatherette and the resin mesh will air out over a few hours to a few days of exposure and dissipate quickly. I only use cruelty free human made materials such as vegan leatherette and faux fleece padding for every model.

Be sure to acclimate your pet as much as possible to a new carrier in a home environment with favorite treats and toys. You never want their first adventure out to be to a stressful airport or veterinarian. Let your pet learn to appreciate the carrier as a safe home away from home.

Regards,
Michael @ Mr. Peanut's Pet Carriers

About 18 months ago I switched my entire line up of totes to self locking zippers after a long period of testing. Self locking zippers are zippers which cannot be pushed open from the inside of the tote, please try it out for yourself. I switched the entire line from the older style locking clasps as I found over a long period of time that the clasps in both metal and plastic were fragile and not durable. The self locking zippers remove the need for clasps, and actually results in a much safer tote for pets, and users overwhelmingly prefer them as they do not have to rely on using the small unreliable clasps. The old style clasps simply do not meet my standards. I always focus firstly on pet safety and comfort, and the reason I switched all of the models to self locking zippers is exactly for that reason.

International Orders

I offer the lowest cost shipping possible worldwide offering choices of DHL, Fedex, UPS and others. In countries where the country will allow customs to be included in the shipping rate I do include customs fees, such as Canada, Australia, NZ, the EU and the UK.

International shipping costs can indeed be pricey but please understand I do not mark up or control these costs in any way, we simply provide the shipping couriers available at cost. Upon checkout you will be given a list of couriers with their actual pricing to your address. Please understand their will often be additional taxes and tariffs imposed by the country of residence, and those can be above and beyond the courier shipping fee and are typically paid with delivery. Cross border shipping will usually take longer due to customs and border policies, and we cannot be responsible for shipping times. 

I founded Mr. Peanut’s in honor of my sick Boston Terrier, aka Peanut, aka Mr. Peanut, (if he was in a mood). Peanut had always had a fantastic life and I wanted to create something of him that would help benefit other pets and animals of all kinds. I founded Mr. Peanut's in 2015 as a small family run business in that regard and formed the Pay a Shelter Pet Forward charity program soon after with the idea to contribute products for shelter pets as much as we possibly could, as well as contribute products to animal welfare organizations around the world. Rescues, shelters, clinics and animal welfare organizations are able to offer pet carriers and other products to adopters, as well as use products for giveaways and auctions to raise always needed funds for these causes. I work with big and small shelters, rescues and animal welfare organizations throughout the USA and in other countries as well to help with needed products as much as possible. Your purchase, like, review and social media posts helps us to help them. Thank you for all your ongoing support. 

Regards, 

Michael Strianese, Mr Peanut's Caretaker