Sturdibag L vs XL, which should I buy? Well, it depends on what your purpose for getting the bag is and how big your dog is. We have both the L and XL Sturdibag and both have their pros and cons. On the left you can see the 2 carriers side by side. In the middle we have the XL (with my bed inside) and on the right is the L.
Sturdibag XL
We bought the Sturdibag XL first as we felt it was the size that I fit into best. We read a number of reports online that people had successfully used this bag on planes also, despite it being way above the size limits for most airlines. So we thought we would try it out with a view of possibly using on an upcoming flight.
The official size of the XL is 51cm long, 31cm wide and 41cm high. Given most airlines size limits for in cabin are not more than 115cm combined and/or 24-26cm high, the XL is way too big. As it is soft sided we thought maybe it would squash down to fit. Whilst it does squash down, in our opinion it’s way too large to be taken in cabin. Just looking at it, it looks far too big. I cannot see how any check in agent would allow this to pass to go in cabin.
In terms of size for me, it is definitely the better out of the two for space. I am almost able to stand up in it and when lying down it is very spacious. We did use it in cabin on a few flights. However, this was when I travelled as an emotional support animal and we didn’t have any restrictions on size. Even though we flew in business class on Singapore Airlines, which is known for it’s large seats, the XL took up an awful lot of space. I just can’t see how this could possibly fit in economy.
As it’s a lot larger than the L, it makes it more cumbersome to carry. Whilst it does sit on top of luggage, it’s width makes it a bit more unstable and tends to hang off the sides. We therefore always use a trolley at the airport with the XL.
I think the XL is the perfect size for bigger dogs if using for trains or in the car. Carrying on your side can be a bit tricky and heavy but space wise it’s great. I would never risk taking the XL on a flight. I just can’t see how it would pass. But, I do know people who have taken the risk and been successful. It’s just not a risk we are willing to take.
Sturdibag L
The Sturdibag L is the one we use the most. When we put both bags side by side, every time I choose to go into the L. Whilst it’s a lot smaller, I feel a lot more safe and secure in this bag. We have also used it on a few flights in cabin in economy and have had no trouble so far.
Officially, the L is still slightly too tall for most airlines. The official measurements are 46cm long, 31cm wide and 31cm high. So when squashed down, it does meet the airlines requirements. It therefore depends on how fussy the check in staff are.
When we’ve flown in economy with this bag we’ve not had any problems so far in terms of bag size. Obviously as this bag is smaller, there is less space inside. In order for me to fit inside comfortably we have removed the bottom sponge base and place my favourite Scoot blanket. This gives me enough space to lie down and sit up. I do sit a little bit stooped, but in reality I often sit like this even when in the open air.
The L fits very nicely on top of a hand luggage case so makes wheeling it around very easy. We’ve used the bag not only on flights but on trains as well with no issues.
Our only concern is that some check in agents may say I don’t fit in it well enough and there’s not enough space. I love being in small spaces, I always prefer them. I always choose to go in the L over the XL when I have a choice. During flights I am always lying down sleeping as well. So for us, there is not issue.
Conclusion
If buying a Sturdibag for a flight, I only recommend buying a L size. The XL is way above the size limits of most airlines, and it quite simply looks too big. Whilst some have reported they’ve been able to use it, you are running a huge risk of being turned away. In our opinion, the XL is only useful if flying on private planes like K9 Jets or when flying as an ESA when there are no size limits. It’s of course a great bag option for larger dogs for use on trains, or for travelling in the car and moving around in general.
The Large size is more compact and even fits inside the XL. It’s a cosier fit but I feel way more comfortable with this bag to take on a plane. I love going inside it and spend many hours inside even in the house. I feel like it’s my safe space.
We just have to hope that all future check in agents and cabin crew think the same, since I will no longer be travelling as an ESA!
Let me know in the comments below if you have either bag and whether you have been successful or not flying with either.
Woof woof, Wylie xxx
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