Air travel IATA regulations for your dog explained.                                                                   

We have often been asked for details of air travel with a dog, and the IATA regulations for airline  travel.

You may view our dog travel crates by clicking on Plastic dog crates but be aware of the usual travel conditions which are summarised below:

Also be aware that not all plastic crates have the IATA approval. Please read our product description carefully before ordering if you need the crate for air travel. The Clipper range is NOT suitable for airline use.

AIRLINE TRAVEL REGULATIONS.
 The notes below are for your guidance.
Please check all points with your airline. Croft can accept no responsibility for any refusal by the airline to carry your kennel or pet.

Plastic Kennels for Airline Travel.
You must follow USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)and IATA regulations on the size of your pet's kennel. If in doubt..check with your airline.
Some airlines interpret the rules slightly differently.
The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, and turn around freely.
The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. (Croft plastic kennels are OK) When in doubt, check with your airline, because the USDA assigns full responsibility for accepting the proper kennel to the airline.
Kennel requirements. Your pet's kennel must: ·
1. Contain no more than one adult dog or cat, or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than six months and under 20 pounds each ·
2. Display "LIVE ANIMAL" labels with letters at least one inch high; labels must appear on top and on at least one side (labels are often available at check-in) ·
3. Certify with a signature the last time (within four hours before bringing your pet to the airport) that your pet was offered food and water ·
4. Indicate your name and address ·
5. Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" marking (labels often available at check-in)
6. Include food and water dishes (both empty) secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside ·
7. Contain absorbent material or bedding, such as newspaper ·
8. Show a food and water schedule If any food is necessary, an ample supply should be attached in a bag to the outside of the kennel.

Kennel checklist·
Kennel construction meets acceptable requirements (no wheels, no wire kennels, leakproof bottom and absorbent material).
There must be a one-inch spacer bar around the kennel.
Hardware (bolts/screws) complete and assembled ·
Door lockable and secure ·(use a  security strap)
Kennel size allows freedom of movement for your pet to stand, lie down and turn around freely.
Ventilation standards: domestic three sides, international four sides (includes door)
Health certificate for your pet·
Correct labeling (live animal and directional up arrows)
Water/feed dishes (two dishes or divided dish) ·
Feeding and watering certification completed.
 
Again, please note that this page is intended ONLY as a guideline.
Your airline will have full details of what it expects when transporting dogs.

Also you may find the IATA website helpful. CLICK HERE