The short answer
United Airlines accepts dogs and cats in the cabin, up to 9 kg including the carrier, in a soft bag of about 46 × 28 × 28 cm. Cats are accepted on the same terms. In-cabin pets are limited to shorter routes rather than long-haul intercontinental flights. The fee starts around $150.
United accepts small pets in the cabin for a per-flight fee and coordinates larger-animal transport through cargo rather than as checked baggage on international itineraries.
Carrier and crate
Breed and temperature
Snub-nosed breeds are refused. This is a health rule, not a preference, and it is not waived.
Booking the pet slot
Add the pet to the reservation online or by phone before travel; United caps in-cabin animals per flight and the pet counts as your carry-on item.
Routes flown by United Airlines
Frequently asked questions
Does United Airlines allow pets in the cabin?
United Airlines accepts dogs and cats in the cabin, up to 9 kg including the carrier, in a soft bag of about 46 × 28 × 28 cm. Cats are accepted on the same terms. In-cabin pets are limited to shorter routes rather than long-haul intercontinental flights. The fee starts around $150.
How heavy can a pet be to fly in the United Airlines cabin?
Up to 9 kg including the carrier. Above that your pet travels in the hold or as manifest cargo.
What size carrier does United Airlines allow in the cabin?
Roughly 46 × 28 × 28 cm, measured at the widest points. Soft carriers are expected so the bag can compress under the seat.
How much does United Airlines charge for a pet?
From about $150 each way, varying by route and cabin.
Comparing carriers for a route?
Airline pet rules stack on top of the destination rules. Check both before you book.