Argo Large Aero-Pet Airline-Approved Pet Carrier, Kiwi Green

We purchased this carrier in anticipation of flying with our cat for a long trip over the holidays. Like many other people on this and other sites, we fretted about the airline's size and weight requirements, since this carrier was an inch longer than the required size and with the cat, very close to the 20lb weight requirement for US Airways. We should not have worried as no one measured anything. It fit fine under the seat, even on a pretty small plane (Canadair Regional Jet). The inch long "violation" means it extends into your footspace an inch more than it should - worth it for the animal's comfort, since I wasn't going to be comfortable even if I did have that inch.This carrier is well designed on a number of levels. Most importantly, the shoulder strap attaches to the carrier in two conformations so you can carry it in the pictured way (wide and low) or on its side (tall and narrow). Tall and narrow was much more maneuverable in the airport and helped us finesse the "stand up and turn around" requirement. It's very sturdy, particularly the mesh windows which appear to have a kind of wire mesh behind the black netting, which I presume makes it more claw-resistant. The two entryways (top and side) were convenient for getting the cat out for security screening, since she really didn't want to leave this carrier. I think that's partially because it's fairly snug in there (good for cats, who like to feel protected, but not for dogs, who need more space) and partially because we familiarized her with the carrier, with treats afterwards, for a few weeks beforehand. The side pocket is perfect for her payment certificate, vet certificate, and a small bag of treats, but nothing larger.In short, this carrier is spendy, but it's a Cadillac. It was such a good experience that I will probably travel with her again the next time I go to a cat friendly location.

I've had this bag nearly 3 years. I bought it to replace a carrier that I'd gotten at TJMax. Honestly I was stunned at the price but wanted to get a carrier that would last so I took the chance. The carrier has traveled many thousands of miles by air and car. My Yorkie likes it well enough that when I'm starting to get packed for a trip he jumps in and sits waiting! Here are my observations on the bag.Pro's-terrific construction, great zippers, I've not had one problem with how this bag has stood up.-interior is easy to clean. My dog got car sick during a bumpy ride to the airport and we still had 6 hours of flying time. I went to the ladies room and within minutes had this carrier ready to go.-soft and comfortable for your pet. Whoever designed this, did their best to make sure your pet would be secure and comfortable.-accept for the bright colors (which I love) this bag is not often noticed as a pet carrier which stops lots of 'visits' by small kids and adults at the airport when your trying to make sure your dog is 'relaxed'-fits nicely under the seat. I tend to choose the window or dreaded middle seat when I'm flying w/ my dog because there is just a little more room for my feet and the carrier. The aisle seat will accommodate your carrier but not much space for you!-easy to get the dog in and out of. Top Loads and has a side hatch to getout.-carry strap is study and you have a couple of options to hook it up for your own body habitus and comfort when carrying through the airport.-easy to store when not in use. I keep on a shelf in my laundry room, but itcould store easily under a bed.Consthere aren't to many things that I don't like about the carrier but there are a couple of improvements the company could make.-could use a little more ventilation....can get a little warm in there. But this can be remedied by tucking a soft ice pack under the liner which lifts up. The dog gets enough air but the heat can build up in a small space.-there is very little storage. just enough space for a small am't of food and treats and a nylon leash. I've adapted to this but it is a bit inconvenient, though it leaves your pet maximum space so the trade off is just that.would I buy this again? Absolutely. Do I think this is over priced? Any doubts I had as to whether or not I'd been taken were eliminated by my pet's comfort with this carrier. I used to have to wrestle with him to get him in his other carrier. Now I snap, my fingers, point 'in', he jumps in I give him a pet on the head, zip it up and we're ready to go! This is so well made I think it will outlive the dog (and perhaps me!)UPDATE: Dec 2014. The Carrier did outlive my Yorkie Louis who was 14. I've had the carrier for 7 years now. All the zippers work. It still looks in wonderful shape. My new Puppy Finnegan has now inherited it and has taken his first few trips to the Vet in it while we are still in the 'keep away from other dogs until he has all his shots stage' he has acclimated well to it. It is sturdy and easy to get the dog in and out. I just gently push him down until he is lying in it and he is fine. It does get warm. I use a small ice pack underneath the padding when I travel in summer. It is easy to clean. and highly recommend it for a dog 8lbs or less. It would be a little tight for a dog larger. Great product!

I agonized over this purchase for my very spastic and neurotic cat's impending cross-country travel plans. This product appears very sturdy, well-made and possibly resistant to an animal's fevered attempts to claw its way out. It is attractive, compact and utterly charming, though I have shoes larger than it.My cat and I are due to fly on Air Tran in about a month, and their dimensions for animal carriers are ridiculously tiny 8.5 inches high, by 12 inches wide, by 17 inches long. I do not usually bring my cat on board with me since the constant and unpredictable sounds, motion and general hubbub only add to his anxiety. In fact, on one flight from NY to CA he ate his way out of his lovely, expensive, luxury pet carrier - it took him an hour and the removal of 8 of his own nails, then pop came his head and legs and we spent the rest of the flight in the bathroom! Not an experience to repeat.I was forced to purchase a Sherpa soft carrier for him on another flight that he did not destroy and expected to use that one again on our next travels. However, Air Tran does not allow pets as checked baggage, and although they do allow in-cabin privileges for pets, their dimensions are far smaller than my nearly new Sherpa bag.I purchased this one to conform to the size, and although it is a bit expensive, it seems to be a high quality item. I have read reviews of several carry on soft pet carriers, and this one seems the most positive. I only hope that my cat doesn't channel his inner Gozilla, and that he remains calm enough in such a tight space for our 6 hour flight. He does fit, he's 8 lbs but very tall. I've been trying to acclimate him by leaving it out and tempting him with yummy treats inside it. Wish us luck!I'll add to this review after our journey in August.