🐶 In‑Cabin Travel: Cats & Dogs Only
Table of Contents
✅ Eligibility & Booking
- Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin, with one animal per approved carrier that must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months old for domestic flights; 4 months for international travel
- You must make a reservation for your pet in advance—space is limited and allocated first‑come, first‑served.
📏 Carrier Requirements
- Hard‑sided: max 17.5″ × 12″ × 7.5″.
- Soft‑sided: max 18″ × 11″ × 11″ (stated requirement: must fit under seat)
- Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
💸 Fees
- In‑cabin pet fee: $125 one‑way (US/CAN/territories), rising to $150 for tickets purchased from April 26, 2024 onward
- Additional $125 for long layovers: >4 hrs domestic or >24 hrs international.
✈️ Cabin & Route Restrictions
- Limits per flight: up to 4 pets in Economy, and 2 in premium cabins (when space allows); none permitted in Polaris/First on select widebodies due to under-seat storage limitations
- Seating rules: pets cannot be seated in bulkhead, exit rows, or window seat required on some aircraft like B757-200
- Prohibited routes: pets are not allowed to/from or through destinations like Australia, Hawaii, Guam, India, UK, etc.
📦 No Cargo or Checked Baggage for Pets
- United’s PetSafe cargo program is suspended since 2018 (currently no pets as cargo or checked baggage)—except for military or State Dept personnel traveling between Guam and Honolulu under PCS orders
🦮 Service Animals⚠️ Additional Restrictions & Advice
Breed restrictions: flat-faced breeds (like pugs, bulldogs) not allowed as checked/cargo between June–Sept—but cabin travel still allowed
- Health documentation: required health certificate and up-to-date rabies vaccination (minimum 30 days post-vaccination) .
- Carrier inspections: staff may check that pets can stand and turn in carrier; gate agents’ enforcement can vary, causing passenger frustrations .
📝 Traveler Tips & Real Experiences
- Double-check at check-in: carriers are inspected—some pet parents report strict enforcement and sudden denials
- Prepare documentation: keep health certificates and vaccination records ready for airport inspections.
- Book early: limited in-cabin spots fill quickly—reserve your pet as soon as you book your flight
- Stay informed on routes: check United’s specific route restrictions and avoid unexpectedly barred itineraries.
✅ Final Word
Yes, United Airlines allows cats and dogs to fly in the cabin, provided they meet carrier, age, documentation, and route requirements. Fees range from $125–150 each way, with additional charges for long layovers. United does not allow pets in cargo or checked baggage, except under specific military PCS exemptions.
If you’re considering flying with your pet on United, be sure to reserve early, have the proper carrier, bring all paperwork, and check route-specific restrictions. With solid planning, you can enjoy a smoother journey—and maybe avoid the horror story of a diverted flight-cleanup over a pet mishap!
