Which airlines allow soft-sided pet carriers? (cross-country, flight, bring, allowed)

[Twinkletoes]

I'm flying with two cats. I'd prefer to use soft-sided carriers instead of hard crates, if possible. One of my cats freaks out when you put him in a crate. Does anybody know which airlines allow soft-sided carriers, and which ones allow you to bring two pets in the cabin?

This isn't for recreation - we are moving cross-country. Thanks!

(cross-posted in pets forum)

[ksgator]

I am not sure which airlines allow 2 pets in the cabin from the same person. You would be able to bring two pets if you were travelling with someone else. I have brought my cat in the cabin on Delta, UsAirways, United, and NWA. All allowed the soft sided carrier and recommended it but only if you bring the pet in the cabin. I bought a carrier from Delta and I found that the fit was snug underneath the seat. The airline I found that had the most room under the seat was NWA, with all the other airlines the standard carrier was a tight fit. My cat is also 20lbs so he needs the max sized carrier allowed.

Also, be careful when buying the carrier. The one that Delta made me purchase was a pretty crappy carrier. I dont know how calm your cats are when flying but my cat was able to bite through the mesh on the sides and tore through the zipper on top. That was not a fun cross country flight.

Good luck!

[Twinkletoes]

Thank you very much! I actually will have another person with me - my son - but he is only 16 yrs old, so I don't know if he would be allowed to count as a cat-companion.