Traveling with your pet can be stressful—and understanding the airline’s rules in advance is key to a smooth experience. If you’re wondering does United Airlines allow pets, the short answer is yes, but with important limitations. This guide explains all the details: which pets are allowed, where they can fly (in‑cabin or cargo), fees, carrier requirements, route restrictions, and tips to help you plan.
✈️ Pet Travel Options with United Airlines
United offers two main ways for pets to fly:
1. In‑Cabin Travel
- Only small cats and dogs are allowed in the passenger cabin with you
- Your pet travels in a secure kennel placed under the seat in front of you (does not count as your carry‑on)
- Maximum of four pets per flight in Economy, fewer on certain aircraft types.
- If you’re bringing two pets, you must purchase two seats, each with its own carrier, and seats must be next to one another.
2. Checked Baggage / Cargo (PetSafe)
- Not available for most passengers; United suspended its PetSafe program in 2020, and it hasn’t resumed.
- Only active-duty U.S. military personnel or U.S. Foreign Service travelers with official orders can ship pets in cargo under a special program.
📋 In‑Cabin Pet Policies & Requirements
Eligible Pets
- Only domesticated cats and dogs.
- Some sources mention rabbits and household birds, but United’s official policy lists only cats and dogs.
Age
- Domestic flights: Pets must be at least 2 months old.
- International flights: Pets must be at least 4 months old, due to rabies vaccine timing.
Carrier Rules
- Must be airline-approved, well‑ventilated, leak‑proof, and sturdy.
- Hard-sided max: ~17 × 12 × 9 in (44 × 30 × 22 cm).
- Soft-sided max: ~18 × 11 × 11 in (46 × 28 × 28 cm); note Boeing 737 MAX 9 limits to 10 in height
- The pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
- Carrier must stay under the seat at all times and cannot block aisle access.
Seating Restrictions
- You can’t sit in a bulkhead row, emergency exit row, or Premium Plus / front row when traveling with a pet, depending on aircraft type.
- On Boeing 757‑200, you may be required to take a window seat due to storage limitations under aisle/middle seats.
Reservation & Booking
- You must notify United in advance that you’ll be traveling with a pet, either during booking or via Manage Reservations
- Pet space is limited, so early booking is highly recommended .
Fees
- $150 USD each way, per pet (if booked on or after April 26 2024).
- Additional $150 fee may apply for long layovers (over 4 hours domestic, 24 hours international)
- Tickets purchased before April 2024 had $125 each‑way rates, but fees have since increased.
Number of Pets Allowed
- Up to four pets per United Economy cabin flight, depending on aircraft configuration.
- Fewer are allowed in Premium cabins or smaller aircraft.
- You must purchase seats for each pet if travelling with more than one United Airlines.
🐕 Service Animals: Different Rules
- Service dogs are allowed to travel for free, provided they assist a person with a disability.
- Emotional support animals and therapy pets are not recognized routinely after U.S. DOT rule changes—only trained service dogs are accepted.
- You may bring up to two service dogs, or one service dog plus one pet (extra pet seat and fee apply).
- Required federal forms must be submitted no less than 48 hours before departure, and printed forms must be available at check-in for flights over 8 hours Pet Travel.
❌ Pet Travel Restrictions & Suspension of Cargo Service
- United does not permit pets as checked baggage for regular passengers—only military/military‑eligible travelers have exceptions via PetSafe.
- There are route restrictions—United prohibits in‑cabin pets on flights to or from certain international destinations such as Australia, UK, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, etc. Check current list before booking.
📝 Tips for a Smooth Pet Travel Experience
- Book early: Pet space is limited—reserve as soon as possible.
- Measure your carrier: Ensure it meets size rules and can fit under seat space.
- Acclimate your pet: Practice with the carrier ahead of time.
- Visit the vet: Obtain health certificate and rabies vaccination record as required.
- Pack pet essentials: Include comfort items, bottled water, cleanup supplies.
- Expect scrutiny at check-in: Agents may measure or inspect your carrier; dogs must fit unblocked.
- Carry printed documentation: For international or service dog travel.
📊 Quick Overview
| Feature | In‑Cabin Pet (Cats/Dogs) | Checked Baggage / Cargo (Most) |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Types | Cats and dogs only | Not available for regular passengers |
| Carrier Size | Under‑seat kennel (17×12×9 in max) | Not applicable |
| Age Requirement | 2 mo (domestic), 4 mo (international) | varies |
| Fee per pet | $150 USD each way | Not allowed except military cases |
| Seat Purchase | Yes (one per pet) | Not applicable |
| Route Restrictions | Yes, many international destinations | Not applicable |
| Service Dogs | Free with documentation | Not applicable |
If you plan to travel with a furry companion:
- Book early
- Follow carrier and size rules
- Be prepared for inspection and documentation checks
- Know the route restrictions
With careful planning, flying United with your pet can be smooth—and your best companion can finally join your journey.