The Best Carry-On Luggage for Pet-Friendly Travel in Australia

People taking their pets travelling in Australia is a reality that is becoming increasingly common because it is the new trend. Whether you are a jet-setting pet parent or a weekend vacation pet traveller, more pet parents have been taking to the skies with their cats or dogs. There is, however, one thing that can make or break your trip, and that is the carry-on bag.

Your carry-on suitcase is not only filled with clothes when you are travelling with a pet, but it is also your mobile command centre. It should be effective, roomy, long-lasting, and airline-compatible, and at the same time, it should provide convenient access to necessary goods (both yours and your furry one's).

 So, what are the things to look out for in carry-on luggage when you are travelling with pets? In this guide, we dismantle pet-friendly travel in Australia and why a smart, structured carry-on suitcase like Koora can take the heartache out of the journey so both you and your pet can travel comfortably.

Pet-Friendly Travel in Australia: A Growing Trend

Australian airlines, such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Rex, are slowly evolving into being pet-parent friendly, as some airlines have started providing in-cabin facilities or pet passenger handling services in separate cargo. Vacationing pet-friendliness and deregulated local travel flight laws are increasing, making travelling with pets more and more of a possibility with prior planning.

However, this is the point: between a necessity to have a pet carrier, your stuff, and heavy baggage, it turns into a game of strategy of where to put all this stuff. The right carry-on luggage enters the situation there.

Why Carry-On Luggage Matters When You Travel with a Pet

Unlike traditional trips, flying with pets means additional gear—treats, collapsable bowls, leashes, poop bags, toys, documents, and sometimes medications. Your carry-on must function as

• An organiser (compartments are key)
  

• A mobility aid (lightweight + 360° spinner wheels)
  

• A backup bag (in case checked baggage is delayed)
  

• An easy-access kit (for treats, wipes, ID)
  

A well-designed carry-on suitcase gives you control, reduces stress at security checkpoints, and allows you to focus on your pet’s comfort.

Features to Look For in the Best Carry-On Luggage for Pet Travel

Here’s what separates a good carry-on from a great one, especially when pets are involved.

1. Lightweight Hard-Shell Design

With airline weight restrictions in place, every kilo counts. A lightweight carry-on ensures you can pack more of what matters, including pet necessities. Hard-shell luggage protects items inside and gives structure to soft or squishable items like pet blankets and food packs.

Koora’s hard-shell carry-on luggage is lightweight, durable, and crafted for modern, conscious travellers—perfect for keeping your essentials safe during flights and layovers.

2. Organised Compartments

Pet travel is chaotic without planning. Having separate compartments for snacks, leashes, treats, collapsable bowls, and toys keeps your carry-on from becoming a jumbled mess. Look for zippered mesh sections, toiletry organisers, and hidden pockets.

Koora carry-ons come with thoughtfully designed interiors, making it easy to separate personal gear from pet gear.

3. Effortless Mobility

Imagine this: you are moving around the terminal holding a pet carrier in one hand and a boarding pass in the other. The thing you do not want is a bulky suitcase.

It must have smooth 360-degree spinner wheels. Koora TSA carry-on suitcase easily navigates big and crowded terminals as well as small aisles in an airport, which means you can walk faster as your dog pulls in the opposite direction.

4. Quick-Access Front Pocket or Top Compartment

Need to show documents, grab pet wipes, or pull out a snack? A dedicated easy-access pocket is a lifesaver. It avoids the need to unzip your entire suitcase in the middle of the terminal.

Some Koora models offer external pockets or accessible compartments designed just for this purpose.

5. Airline-Compliant Dimensions

Australian airlines have strict regulations on the dimensions of the carry-on luggage, say 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, and the allowed maximum weight should be between 7-10 kg, depending on the airline.

Australia has big airlines, and their carry-on luggage is standard sizes that are able to fit in the overhead lockers even in low-cost carriers like Jetstar or Tigerair.

Packing Tips for Pet-Friendly Travel in Australia

Here’s a quick checklist to help you pack your carry-on like a pro when travelling with a pet:

Essentials for Your Pet:

• Airline-approved pet carrier
  

• Vaccination and medical records
  

• Pet ID tags and microchip info
  

• Travel-friendly food portions & snacks
  

• Collapsible bowls for food and water
  

• Travel litter or poop bags
  

• Favourite toy or blanket for comfort
  

• Leash and harness
  

• Wipes and pet-safe sanitiser
  

Essentials for You:

• Travel documents
  

• Noise-cancelling headphones
  

• Reusable water bottle (empty for security)
  

• Light jacket or scarf
  

• Snacks and hydration packs
  

• Toiletries in travel sizes (3.4 oz/100ml max)
  

• Phone charger and power bank
  

• First-aid kit (with pet-safe items if needed)
  

Use a packing cube to separate pet gear inside your carry-on for quick access.

Flying With Pets: Airline Rules to Know (2025 Update)

Each airline has different policies. Here's a quick look:

Qantas:

• Pets usually fly in cargo but can be carried in the cabin on specific charter services.
  

• Pre-booking is required.
  

Virgin Australia:

• Cabin travel for pets is under review, but cargo options exist.
  

• Some airports offer dedicated pet-handling services.
  

Rex Airlines:

• Accepts small pets in the cabin on selected regional flights.
  

Always check your airline’s pet policy before booking. And ensure your carry-on suitcase doesn't exceed cabin size or weight limits, as your pet carrier may count as one item of cabin baggage.

Why Koora Is a Smart Choice for Pet Travellers

At Koora, we build luggage for real-life travel. That means designs rooted in efficiency, functionality, and sustainability—and yes, that includes people who travel with pets.

Our carry-on suitcases feature:

• Airline-compliant dimensions
  

• Lightweight hard-shell protection
  

• Quiet 360° spinner wheels
  

• Smart compartments for better organisation
  

• Eco-conscious materials with long-term durability
  

Whether you're jetting from Melbourne to Brisbane or flying regional routes with your pet, Koora’s compact luggage helps you stay calm, ready, and always moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with pets in Australia is an upward trend more so than ever before, and this spells travellers requiring luggage that can keep up with the moment. By having the right carry-on luggage, you can also eliminate the stress and hassle of getting through the airport and getting to where you want to be as quickly and efficiently as possible, since the primary objective is to be with your furry friend.

Koora carry-on suitcase is not just a bag, but an ally of the conscious, able and pet-prepared traveller.