Planning for a vacation with your dog or cat can be one of the most exciting adventures of your life. Still, you must carefully review and understand airline policies before departure. For example, United Airlines offers a pet policy to help ensure a safe and enjoyable flight experience for both customers and their pets. If you need personalized support or wish to confirm the current pet space availability on an upcoming flight, you can call United Airlines dedicated service line 1 (800)-335-2247. Knowing the details of the United Airlines pet policy will help to eliminate last-minute anxiety at the airport, whether you are traveling across the United States or around the world.

Overview of United Airlines Pet Policy

United Airlines permits most domestic and some international flights to carry certain pets in the passenger cabin, provided they comply with carrier and size restrictions. Larger pets or those that meet specific criteria may be transported as cargo through United Pet Travel Service, subject to particular restrictions based on routes and weather conditions.

Please note the following:

• Generally, only small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin.
• Pets must stay inside an airline-approved carrier for the entire flight, positioned under the seat in front of you.
• There is a limited capacity for pets on each flight.
• A fee is required for each one-way pet travel.
• Some destinations have additional regulations or outright bans on pet travel.
• Policies are subject to change, so it is advisable to verify with United for the latest information and details before making a reservation or traveling.

Eligible Pet Requirements

• The United Airlines Pet Policy allows for domesticated dogs and cats to fly in the cabin of the aircraft. Animals other than those, ie, Birds, Hamsters, and Types of Rabbits, are not allowed on their planes generally.

• There are limits regarding how old a puppy/kitten can be when being transported in the United States: Puppies or Kittens must be at least 2 months (8 weeks) old for domestic travel in the U.S. International travel requires that the Puppy or Kitten be at least 6 months old and is in compliance with their Vaccination policies and CDC requirements.

• Currently, United Airlines does not have a set weight limit for Pets in the Cabin; however, the Pet must be small enough to easily fit in an approved carrier during the entire flight.

• On the majority of flights, passengers are permitted to bring a maximum of 2 pets each. If you are traveling with 2 pets, you are required to purchase 2 seats. The additional seat must be adjacent to your assigned seat to facilitate the care of both pets.

• Certain aircraft have restricted space beneath the middle seat. On these planes, we only permit one pet per passenger:
• A319
• A320
• A321neo
• 737-800 and 737-8 (MAX 8)
• 737-900 and 737-9 (MAX 9)

Pet Carrier Requirements

The most important aspect of the United Airlines Pet Policy is the carrier. As your pet is required to remain under the seat, the size of your carrier is rigorously regulated.

Restricted Destinations to fly with your Pet on United

Although United Airlines cares about pets, its rules about taking an animal on board may depend on the specific route and/or aircraft type due to government regulations.

United Airlines prohibits pets from flying to, from, or through the following states and countries:

• Australia
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Cuba
• Dominica
• French Polynesia (Tahiti)
• Greenland
• Guam *
• Guyana
• Hawaii
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• New Zealand
• Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan)
• Palau
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• South Africa
• Spain *
• Sweden
• Taiwan *
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
• United Kingdom
• Vietnam

*Pets are allowed on flights from Guam to Tokyo-Narita or to the U.S. mainland. 

However, pets are not permitted on the return flight to Guam. Traveling with pets from Guam to the U.S. mainland is classified as international travel.

* In-cabin pets are not allowed on flights to/from Bilbao only.

* In-cabin pets are not permitted on flights between Kaohsiung and Tokyo-Narita, as well as between Taipei and Guam.

United Pet Costs and Booking

When you fly on United Airlines with a pet, you must pay additional fees. It is $150 USD each way to bring your dog or cat into the cabin on your flight.

Layover Fee: If your itinerary has a layover within the continental U.S. longer than four hours or an international layover of more than 24 hours, you will be charged an additional $150 USD.

Payment Method: You can pay for the pet fee when completing your reservation on the internet or by going to an airport kiosk when checking in for your flight. Please note that you cannot use travel credits/miles to pay your pet fee.

Booking Process:

When Booking Flight: Go to United.com and search for your flight options; on the ‘Traveler Information’ page, select ‘Travel with Pets.’

For Existing Reservations: If you already have a reservation and want to add a pet to it, log in to “My Trips” on our website to complete this step.

Currently, you can add a pet via the app or by calling customer service; however, the app is not capable of being used to add pets at this time, and should be done online or by phone.

Calling Customer Care: You can contact United Customer Care representatives for booking your pet by dialing 1 (800)-335-2247. 

Travel Tips for Pet Owners

If you’re planning on travelling with your pet, our top tips are as follows:

• Don’t forget to include all the necessary supplies to look after your pet during your time at the airport. This includes a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats, and plastic bags.
• Having a toy or blanket that smells of home may help to alleviate some of your pet’s anxiety while flying.
• In order for your pet to fly with you, your pet carrier must have proper ventilation and be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Conclusion

Traveling by air with your dog or cat shouldn’t involve a lot of hassle. It does take a little preparation on your part because United Airlines has established some great guidelines for transporting pets, as well as for flying small dogs and cats in the cabin. Familiarizing yourself with the pet carrier guidelines, costs, reservations, and documentation process can help make this a comfortable trip for your pet and yourself.

Wishing you and your pet safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of flying with a pet on United Airlines?

United generally charges approximately $150 for each pet, one way, for in-cabin travel on domestic flights. Fees are applicable per segment and may be increased on certain itineraries.

Are emotional support animals permitted?

No — United has ceased to recognize emotional support animals as service animals. They are required to travel as pets and will incur fees.

What is the minimum age for my pets to fly?

For domestic flights, puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months old. For international flights, dogs must be a minimum of 6 months old to meet CDC regulations. Kittens must be 4 months old to satisfy vaccination requirements.