United Airlines understands that your pets are part of your family. They offer options for small dogs and cats to fly with you in the cabin on most flights. It’s important to note that United Airlines has suspended its general cargo pet program (PetSafe) for most travelers, meaning pets can only travel in the cabin with their owners, except for specific military and State Department personnel on active orders for travel between Guam and Honolulu.
Understanding our specific policies is key to a smooth journey for you and your cherished companion.
Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin on United Airlines? (Carry-On Pets)
Yes, small, domesticated dogs and cats can generally travel with you in the cabin on most United Airlines and United Express flights.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Allowed Animals: Only dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the cabin. (Previously, rabbits and household birds were mentioned by some sources, but United’s current primary policy focuses on dogs and cats for in-cabin travel).
- Size & Carrier Fit: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a leak-proof carrier that fits entirely under the seat directly in front of you.
- Hard-Sided Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions are typically 17.5 inches (L) x 12 inches (W) x 9 inches (H) (44 cm x 30 cm x 22 cm).
- Soft-Sided Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions are typically 18 inches (L) x 11 inches (W) x 11 inches (H) (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).
- Boeing 737 MAX: Be aware that on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the maximum height for soft-sided carriers may be reduced to 10 inches. Soft-sided carriers may slightly exceed the length/width dimensions as long as they can be compressed to fit.
- Ventilation: The carrier must have adequate ventilation.
- Pet Age:
- Domestic Travel: Puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months old.
- International Travel: Puppies and kittens must be at least 4 months old. Dogs specifically must be at least 6 months old for international travel to comply with CDC requirements.
- How Many Pets? You can bring one pet per carrier, and generally one pet per passenger.
- Exception: A passenger may travel with two pets if they purchase two adjacent seats to accommodate both carriers under the seats in front of them. However, on some aircraft (A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800, 737-8 (MAX 8), 737-900, and 737-9 (MAX 9)), only one pet per person is allowed due to limited under-seat space in middle seats.
- Limits Per Flight: There’s a limit to how many pets can fly in the cabin per flight:
- Generally, a maximum of 4 pets in United Economy® on all United flights, and 2 pets in premium cabins.
- Where Can I Sit? If you’re flying with a pet in the cabin, you cannot sit in:
- Emergency exit rows.
- Bulkhead seats.
- United Premium Plus seats.
- The front row of each cabin.
- On Boeing 757-200 aircraft, customers with in-cabin pets in United Economy will need to be seated in a window seat due to limited storage space under aisle and middle seats.
- During the Flight: Your pet must stay inside its kennel (with the door secured) at all times while in a United boarding area and onboard the aircraft.
- Booking Your Pet’s Spot: It’s highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation as soon as possible, as pet spaces are limited per flight. You can often do this during the online booking process or by going to “My Trips” after booking. You’ll confirm your pet with United Customer Service.
- What Does it Cost? Pet in-cabin fees are collected at check-in, per one-way flight segment.
- Standard Fee: $150 USD per pet, each way (for tickets purchased on or after April 26, 2024).
- Extended Layovers: An additional $125 USD fee applies for layovers exceeding 4 hours on domestic itineraries or 24 hours on international routes.
Can My Larger Pet Travel via United Cargo? (Limited Cargo Travel)
United Airlines has suspended its PetSafe cargo program for general pet travel. This means that, for most travelers, pets cannot be checked as cargo.
Exceptions for Cargo Travel on United Airlines:
- U.S. Military & State Department Personnel: United Airlines offers a specific Military Pet Program for members of the U.S. Military on current orders and State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP) on reassignment traveling specifically between Guam (GUM) and Honolulu (HNL).
- Booking: Email militarypetsafe@united.com 5-10 days before your trip.
- Crate Requirements: Crates must meet strict USDA and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements.
- Weight Limit (Military Program): The combined weight of each pet and their crate must be less than 99.9 pounds (45.31 kg).
- Breed Restrictions: Some breed restrictions apply even for the military program (e.g., snub-nosed breeds).
- Temperature Rules: Standard temperature restrictions apply (e.g., typically not below 20°F (-7°C) or above 80°F (27°C)).
- No Sedation: Sedated or tranquilized animals are not accepted.
If you do not fall under these specific military/FSP reassignment categories, your pet will likely need to travel in the cabin or you will need to find an alternative airline or pet transport service.
What Health Documents Do I Need for Pet Travel on United Airlines? (All Pets)
Accurate and up-to-date health documentation is crucial for all pet travel.
- Health Certificate:
- Domestic Travel: A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian may be required within 30 days of your trip. While not always strictly mandated for all domestic flights, it’s highly recommended to have one, especially if you foresee any layovers or potential issues.
- International Travel: A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian is mandatory for international flights. It must be issued within a specific timeframe (often 10 days) of travel, signed by the vet, and in English.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
- International Travel: A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required for international flights. Vaccinations must be completed at least 28-30 days before the flight. Additional rules may apply based on the CDC’s classification of rabies risk in your departure country.
- Microchip: An ISO-compliant microchip is generally required, especially for international travel.
- EU Pet Passport / Animal Health Certificate (AHC):
- If you’re an EU resident, your pet will need an EU Pet Passport for travel within the EU.
- If traveling to the EU from a non-EU country (like the USA or UK post-Brexit), an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required.
- United States Dog Import Form (from August 1, 2024): If traveling with a dog to the United States, you need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form.
- Destination-Specific Rules: Every country has unique import regulations. It is YOUR responsibility to check the official government websites of your destination country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US imports, DEFRA for UK imports) well in advance. These rules can change, so double-check frequently!
- Tapeworm Treatment (for UK Entry): If entering the UK, your dog will need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
Can My Service Animal Fly with Me on United Airlines?
United Airlines welcomes trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge for qualified individuals with a disability. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets, subject to pet fees and in-cabin carrier requirements.
Key points for service animals on United Airlines:
- Only Dogs: Only trained dogs are accepted as service animals. (No service cats, birds, or miniature horses.)
- Training & Behavior: The dog must be individually trained to perform a task(s) or work directly related to your disability and must be well-behaved in public.
- Age: Service dogs must be at least 4 months old.
- Limit: A maximum of two service dogs per passenger is allowed.
- Documentation: You are required to submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours prior to departure. For flights over 8 hours, the U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form is also required. You must also carry a printed copy of these forms with you to the airport and on the plane.
- Seating: Service dogs should sit in the floor space in front of your assigned seat and cannot extend into adjacent travelers’ aisles or foot space. They can be placed on your lap if they are no larger than a 2-year-old child. Service dogs can fly in any cabin class, unlike pets.
- During the Flight: Your service dog must remain on a leash, harness, or tether at all times.
Top Tips for a Smooth Journey on United Airlines
- Plan Ahead! Begin planning your pet’s travel well in advance (months, not weeks). This ensures you have ample time to meet all health requirements, gather documentation, and secure your pet’s spot on the flight, as in-cabin pet space is limited.
- Vet Visit: Schedule a comprehensive vet visit specifically for travel preparation. Discuss your travel plans and destination-specific requirements with your veterinarian.
- Carrier Acclimation: Familiarize your pet with their carrier long before your travel date. Make it a comfortable and positive space for them using treats and familiar bedding.
- Exercise Before Flight: Ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise before heading to the airport to help them relax during the journey.
- Limit Food/Water: Offer a light meal a few hours before the flight and limit water intake immediately before and during the flight to minimize the chance of accidents in the carrier.
- Potty Break: Utilize airport pet relief areas before boarding.
- No Sedation: United Airlines, like most airlines and veterinarians, advises against sedating pets for air travel due to potential health risks at altitude.
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your emotions. Remaining calm and reassuring will help them feel more secure and reduce their stress.
- Always Verify: Airline policies can change! Always confirm the most current United Airlines pet policy directly on their official website (United.com’s “Traveling with Pets” section) or by calling their reservations line before finalizing your travel plans. Do not rely solely on third-party information, as it may not always be up-to-date