With many pet companies manufacturing carriers, it’s hard to tell the worthwhile carriers apart from the flimsy ones. Take for instance, the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier.
Is it really worth the hype or just another pretty pet carrier with nothing much to offer? Stick around to find out, as we give you a thorough review of the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Carrier and provide an insight into whether it is right for your cat.
Top Features Of The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier has been designed with comfortable air travel in mind.
The case makes use of a high quality nylon construction which is specifically designed to ensure that your cat will remain safe and secure during flight. This carrier’s great design will also enable you to progress through airports with ease, thanks to the suitcase friendly features. Notable features of the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier include:
- A unique design, perfect for frequent fliers
- Easy pet access due to top and side opening
- Features a great fold down system, perfect for placing into a suitcase
- Available in one size, suitable for cats and other animals up to 17.5 lbs
- Made from a tough and resistant luggage grade nylon
- Ultra plush bedding can be removed and washed
- Large zipper pockets on both sides of the carrier
Meets All Airline And TSA Requirements
This pet carrier features a unique and stylish design that makes it a world class travel bag for all pets. The sleek design allows the container to contract in size and fit into almost any space provided without causing any harm to your companions.
Therefore, the bag is made to fit under most airplane seats during all the restricted landing and taking off times of airplanes. This Sleepypod carrier can be expanded to allow your cat the freedom of the largest space it would wish for after the plane has taken off, which enhances the comfort of your cat during flights.
Safety Straps
The Sleepypod Pet Carrier encompasses straps on both sides to ensure that you can secure your cat to a seat belt when traveling by car. In such a manner, your pets can survive rough roads and stay safe and secure in case of any accidents.
Furthermore, your pets will not be tossed around during the traveling experience as this might cause stress and discomfort during their journey, which is unhealthy.
Further still, this pet carrier is crash tested to ensure that your cat remains safe in the case of severe airplane turbulence. The manufacturer ensures to take their pet carriers through a Sleepypod Safety Test Program that exposes any safety loopholes present before they can release their products into the market for use.
Large And Easily Accessible Top And Side Entry
The Sleepypod carrier comes with both top and side access that facilitates easy operation. This makes the entry and exit process of your pet effortless without the worry of scratching his body against the walls of the carrier doors. It also gives you an easy time retrieving your pet, especially during numerous airport checks.
Mesh Panels For Ventilation
The mesh panels are located on the sides of this pet carrier and offer optimum ventilation, enough to keep your pet comfortable even during long trips. This also allows for you to keep an eye on your pet every now and then as well as giving him the chance to have an outside view. The mesh panel provided is quite large as it covers the entire top and side section.
Removeable Bedding
The carrier contains removable plush bedding, which is made of soft polyester to provide your pet with a soft, comfortable surface to lie on. This helps protect your pet on any bumpy trips you might take, be it via air or road. It also gives you the opportunity to use this carrier as a bed for your pet when need be.
The best part is that, after a trip with your furry buddy, you can simply throw the beddings in the washing machine. This is thanks to its ease of cleaning and machine wash friendliness. Speaking of ease of maintenance, you can also vacuum or give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Padded Carry Handles And Removeable Shoulder Straps
Carrying this carrier around has never been easier thanks to the numerous options you are presented with. Using the top carrying handle, you can balance the weight of your pet by carrying the carrier like a tote bag. Removable shoulder straps are also provided which spare your arms when the weight becomes too much to bear. Both the carrying handle and the shoulder straps are padded, cushioning your body from pressure.
Large Zipper Pockets, Safety Tether, And Water Repellent Polyester Liners
The large zipper pockets on the sides of the carrier provide extra storage for essential items that your pet may need when traveling. This saves you the trouble of carrying a separate travel bag for your pet.
Entry and exit of your pet in and out of the carrier is catered for by the large zippers that provide ample space. The safe tether that comes with this pet carrier eliminates any chance of your pet escaping as long as the carrier is closed. It also helps that these zippers run smoothly eliminating any chances of the zipper breaking.
Additionally, the water repellant polyester liners provide for an easy time cleaning in case of any pet accidents or spillages. Furthermore, you can effortlessly dust or vacuum the liners as an alternative to wiping.
Extra Pocket And Easy To Care For Exterior
The extra pocket is specially designed and located below the Sleepypod Air’s bedding. The storage can hold an extra electrical warmer pad in case the journey gets too cold for your pets to endure. The warmer pad is a unique addition to this carrier which is seldom in other carriers making it a stand out feature. Moreover, the exteriors are made of luggage-grade and ballistic nylon that add to the ease of cleaning and maintaining the carrier.
Tear Resistant Mesh
Most pet carriers that come with mesh sides are susceptible to tearing, posing a threat to your pet as well as an opportunity for fleeing. The Sleepypod Pet Carrier eliminates this issue by making the mesh tear resistant.
You can also rest assured of your pet’s safety thanks to the vigorous crash tests Sleepypod carriers undergo. This makes them capable of shielding your pet against any injuries when traveling or in the event you accidentally drop the carrier.
Pros
Durability
This pet carrier is made of durable material both on the inside and the exterior parts. The mesh is resistant to tear, a feature you will not find in many mesh pet carriers. The outer nylon is also durable and strong, making sure it can withstand harsh travel conditions without ripping. This makes the carrier able to cater for your traveling needs for a long time before you need to budget for a replacement.
Provides For Extra Comfort
This pet carrier has additional features that offer comfort that your pet needs during its journey. These include comfortable beddings, well-padded lining, and well-ventilated carrier sides. Your comfort is also taken care of thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap and padded carrying handle which makes sure you have an easy time carrying it. The ability to attach a safety belt to the carrier ensures that your pet is securely held in the seat and even when crossing rough terrain.
Lightweight
You would expect this carrier to be heavy with all the add-ons it comes with. However, it comes with a mere weight of four pounds. This gives you an easy time carrying your pet as the weight of the carrier does not weigh you down. It also helps with storage as it does not take up much space.
Easy Storage
The pet carrier is designed to fold flat for storage purposes. This ensures it does not take up much space as well as gives you an easy time transporting.
Comfortable Transportation
The padded carry handle eases the work of carrying your pet from one place to another without sustaining blisters from the handle. Furthermore, loading and unloading of this pet carrier are effortless.
Cons
May Not Accommodate Pets Of All Sizes
The bag can accommodate dogs that weigh up to 15 lbs. and cats of up to 18 lbs. Heavier pets may lack an appropriate Sleepypod Air carrier to serve their needs. However, if you own a cat, chances are, she will fit in just right.
It Does Not Have Wheels
A set of wheels on a carrier gives you an easier time moving and handling it. The Sleepypod Pet Carrier does not have wheels which might inconvenience a frequent user.
Our Verdict
We have to hand it to the Sleepypod Air when it comes to the design of the carrier. Not only is it stylish, but compact and lightweight enough to give you an easy time when using it. The fact that it has unique features such as a pocket for installing a heating pad and uniquely designed opening makes it a great choice for frequent travelers.
The numerous pockets are also worth mentioning and will save you packing another case when it comes to storing your pet’s essentials. However, be cautious when buying this carrier for your pet as it may be too small. Luckily, they disclose the dimension of both inside and outside the carrier so choosing a good fit shouldn’t be a big issue. This carrier is therefore perfect for owners of small pets such as cats and small dogs who happen to travel a lot with their pets.
For more cat carriers, read our best cat carrier guide.
