Dog crate size calculator for air travel (IATA)
ROBUST Calculator · IATA Air Travel
What crate size does your dog need to fly?
Calculator based on the official IATA LAR (CR1) formula. Measure your dog and we’ll tell you the right ROBUST size.
1 · Measure your dog
2 · Result
Flying with your dog: crate measurements and IATA rules 2026
To fly with your dog in the hold (as checked baggage or cargo), the airline will require a container that meets the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), Container Requirement 1 (CR1). The right size doesn’t depend on breed or weight: it depends on your dog’s actual measurements. A container that is too small will be rejected at check-in; one that is too big may make the flight more expensive than necessary.
How to measure your dog for air travel
- A — from the nose to the base of the tail (not including the tail).
- B — from the floor to the elbow of the front leg.
- C — the widest point of the body (usually the shoulders).
- D — from the floor to the top of the head, or to the ear tips if carried erect (whichever is higher).
With those measurements, the official IATA formula for the crate interior is: length ≥ A + ½B · width ≥ C × 2 · height ≥ D + the thickness of the bedding. In addition, the dog must be able to stand naturally, sit erect, lie down and turn around normally.
What IATA requires from the crate (CR1 summary, 2026 edition)
- Rigid construction: fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic or wood. Crates made entirely of mesh or wire are NOT accepted for air transport.
- Ventilation openings of maximum 25 × 25 mm for dogs (reinforced in 2026): airlines are rejecting carriers with long ventilation slits at the counter.
- One complete end of welded metal mesh (it can be the door), with locking pins that engage at least 1.6 cm.
- Solid, leak-proof floor. There is no such thing as the “solid lower half” rule: what IATA requires is a leak-proof floor and correctly placed ventilation (on the sides and rear, in the upper two-thirds).
- Ventilation on all four sides (minimum 16% of the total surface of the four sides).
- External spacers so other cargo cannot block the ventilation, plus handles for safe handling.
- Metal fasteners: several airlines no longer accept plastic clip closures.
- Water bowl fixed inside, open at the top and refillable from outside without opening the crate (bottles or dispensers are not accepted as a substitute), and absorbent bedding provided by the owner.
ROBUST crate dimensions
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | 76.2 cm | 50.8 cm | 55.9 cm |
| L | 86.4 cm | 58.4 cm | 71.1 cm |
| XL | 101.6 cm | 58.4 cm | 73.3 cm |
| XXL | 121.9 cm | 66.0 cm | 83.8 cm |
Nominal external dimensions. ROBUST crates are built to the applicable requirements of IATA LAR (CR1): rigid anodised aluminium structure, welded metal front grille, round ventilation holes within the 25 mm limit, solid leak-proof floor, metal key locks and external load spacers.
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu...)
For snub-nosed breeds IATA recommends a container 10% larger (our calculator applies this automatically). Many airlines also apply special conditions or seasonal restrictions to these breeds because of their breathing difficulties: always check with your airline before booking.
Got your dog’s size? Discover the ROBUST crate that fits
Anodised aluminium · collapsible · express shipping 24-48h · 10-year warranty
See the ROBUST crateFrequently asked questions about flying with a dog
Are ROBUST crates IATA certified?
IATA does not certify or approve any crate brand or model — IATA itself warns about this, so be wary of anyone advertising “IATA certified”. The correct wording is crates built to the applicable requirements of IATA LAR (CR1), which is the case with ROBUST: we can show you point by point, with photos and real measurements, how the crate answers each requirement. Final acceptance always rests with the airline.
What crate size does my dog need to fly?
It is calculated from the dog’s real measurements: length ≥ A + ½B, width ≥ C × 2 and height ≥ D + bedding. Use the calculator above: enter the four measurements and it tells you the minimum ROBUST size that meets the IATA formula.
Why are carriers being rejected at check-in since 2026?
The 2026 IATA LAR requirements limit ventilation openings to 25 × 25 mm for dogs. Many plastic carriers have long slits that exceed this limit, and airlines such as Lufthansa have been rejecting them at the counter since May 2026 — especially those bought before 2024. Plastic clip closures are also being rejected.
Can my dog travel with me in the cabin?
Only very small dogs (usually up to 8 kg including the carrier, depending on the airline) travel in the cabin. Above that weight, dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold in a rigid container meeting IATA CR1 — which is what this page is about.
What do I need besides the crate?
A water bowl (open container, fixed to the door and refillable from outside), a food bowl if the airline requires it, absorbent bedding or pads, your dog’s veterinary documents and the live animal labels (“Live Animals” and “This Way Up”). With ROBUST, the bowl and the absorbent pad are not included (universal ones fit), and our optional Dry Mat keeps the pad protected underneath, so the dog travels dry and cannot tear it.
Does a large or powerful dog need a special crate?
Some airlines require reinforced containers (CR82) for certain strong breeds or dogs capable of damaging a conventional container. It depends on the breed, the airline and the route: write to us and we’ll check it with you before you book the flight.
Information based on IATA Live Animals Regulations, 52nd edition (January 2026), Container Requirement 1, and on information published by the airlines. Each airline may apply additional requirements: always confirm the conditions of your flight with the operator.