Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

So I haven't actually used this for air travel yet, though if anything goes horrifically wrong I'll update my review, but I already love this carrier. Our cat, Vladimir, is a half outdoors cat- he loves to come inside and cuddle and play, but only uses the bathroom outside and is also a natural born killer, no exaggeration. He's killed an entire nest of rabbit babies before with no shame, and always makes sure his claws are razor sharp and hates being carried. I was worried about the first carrier I ordered because a review said their dog chewed through it, and while you may think a cat couldn't do that much damage, Vlad's claws are no joke and he's also managed to tear holes in thick cat food bags with his teeth alone when he was angry that I hadn't fed him yet. So I didn't take the chance, canceled that order and got this one, and I'm so glad I did. I haven't stuck him in it yet (I'm understandably procrastinating doing that until the very last second possible), but I can already tell this bag is built to last. It has metal supports along the side edges and entrance, and the canvas sides are very thick and tough. The netting itself is strong too- I knew I couldn't work around the netting in all carriers, so I anticipated having to buy additional thick netting to toughen up the sides to be extra safe, but the netting is thick. The connections between the holes are wide too so while there's breathing holes still, this isn't some tutu tulle like I expected. I may still add more netting because Vlad is a determined kitty sometimes, but I'll be thinking twice and sticking him in there first to check. The carrying straps are nice too. I saw a review on the first carrier I ordered mentioned it had little structure and was more like a bag which I knew would drive Vlad nuts, but this one is like a mini suitcase almost. The handles are long enough to carry him low to the ground and avoid problems, and also long enough to loop around my suitcase handle if I want to carry him on top. I also like the adjustable long strap, which I wasn't expecting. I probably won't use the long strap by itself, but I'll probably carry the carrier cross body with the long strap and hang the short straps on my arms for extra support and to help distribute the weight. I also love the hard bottom piece they give you to slip into the bottom pocket under the fleece layer, it definitely is sturdy enough to not buckle under pet weight and isn't some flimsy cardboard like some carriers. The fleece layer is super nice too, I love the padding inside of it so my cat won't have to sleep on hard plastic the whole flight, and the fleece layer is actually a zippered cover, which is great because that means I can wash it later on. I really like the strap inside too with the mini buckle, I don't have a leash for my cat but I love this so if I want to pop open the top to give him a little treat or a head scratch, he can't come flying out of the carrier, he'll be secured down. The strap is also long enough that he could still walk around and get comfy if he wanted to. The little side pocket is nice as well, they really utilize all aspects of this carrier to make it a great one. The size is great too- it can fit under an airplane seat (my friend's father works for Delta so she knows the dimensions and told me this would easily fit), but its also tall enough to wear my cat isn't squished in. He has enough height that he can stand up somewhat and roam a little, circle a bit to get comfy, and plenty of sleeping space. Another thing about the netting- because it's tight knit and thicker, it actually darkens the carrier a bit, which I love. I know many pets are calmer when the light is dimmer and it helps them go to sleep, and I think it'll help shelter him from the hustle and bustle going on around him. All the zippers seem to be made well too, as are the clips for the strap. All in all, an amazing carrier, especially for the price! This is only $4 more than the other dumpy carrier I canceled the order of, and it was a huge upgrade for such a small price difference. Save yourself the headache and get this one. I fly out on Dec 19, 2020, so I will update this if something crazy happens and my cat manages to tear this thing apart or something, but I doubt that will happen lol