Does United Airlines Allow Carry On Pets?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

If you’re a pet owner who loves to travel, you may be wondering if you can bring your furry friend onboard a United Airlines flight. The good news is that United Airlines does allow pets onboard their flights, but there are some important guidelines and restrictions you’ll need to know before you book your ticket.

In this article, we’ll explore United Airlines’ pet policy, including the types of pets allowed, the fees associated with bringing your pet onboard, and the rules you’ll need to follow to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for both you and your furry friend. So, whether you’re planning a vacation with your beloved pup or you’re simply curious about United’s pet policy, read on to learn everything you need to know!

Does United Airlines Allow Carry on Pets?

Does United Airlines Allow Carry On Pets?

United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world, providing high-quality services to millions of passengers every year. If you are a pet owner, traveling with your furry friend can be a daunting task. One of the most important questions you may have is whether United Airlines allows carry on pets. In this article, we will explore the policies and procedures United Airlines has in place for carrying pets on board.

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United Airlines Pet Policy

United Airlines allows you to bring small domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds in the cabin on most flights within the United States. However, the airline has specific requirements that must be met before you can bring your pet on board. These include:

  • Pets must be at least 16 weeks old
  • Pets must be clean, well-behaved, and fit comfortably in their carrier
  • Pets must remain in their carrier at all times during the flight
  • The carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you
  • Pets must have all required health and vaccination documents

If you are traveling internationally, different rules may apply, and you should contact United Airlines for more information.

Carrying Your Pet on Board

If you meet United Airlines’ requirements for carrying your pet on board, you will need to follow specific procedures to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for you and your pet. These include:

  1. Booking Your Flight: You will need to book your flight directly with United Airlines and inform them that you will be traveling with a pet.
  2. Choosing Your Carrier: Your carrier must be approved by United Airlines and fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
  3. Preparing Your Pet: You should prepare your pet for travel by getting them used to their carrier and making sure they have all of the required health and vaccination documents.
  4. Checking In: You will need to check in at the airport and inform United Airlines that you will be traveling with a pet.
  5. Boarding the Plane: You will be allowed to board the plane after all other passengers have boarded, and you will need to stow your pet carrier under the seat in front of you.

Benefits of Traveling with Your Pet on United Airlines

Traveling with your pet on United Airlines has several benefits, including:

  • Peace of Mind: You can rest easy knowing that your pet is with you at all times during the flight.
  • Reduced Stress: Traveling can be stressful for both you and your pet, but having them with you can help reduce their anxiety.
  • Bonding Time: Traveling with your pet can be a great bonding experience and create lasting memories.

United Airlines vs. Other Airlines

When it comes to carrying pets on board, United Airlines is not alone. Many other airlines also allow pets in the cabin, but their policies and procedures may differ. Some airlines may have restrictions on the size or breed of pet allowed, while others may require additional fees or documentation. If you are comparing airlines, it is important to research their pet policies thoroughly to ensure that you choose the right one for you and your pet.

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Conclusion

In summary, United Airlines does allow carry on pets, but there are specific requirements and procedures that you must follow. By preparing your pet and following United Airlines’ guidelines, you can ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for you and your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the restrictions for pets travelling on United Airlines?

Pets are allowed to travel with United Airlines, but there are some restrictions that pet owners need to be aware of. Firstly, only cats and dogs are allowed to travel as carry-on pets. Secondly, the pet must be at least 4 months old to travel. Lastly, the pet and its carrier must not exceed a certain weight and size limit.

When travelling with United Airlines, pet owners should also ensure that they have all the necessary documentation, such as a health certificate and vaccination records. It’s also recommended that pet owners arrive at the airport early to ensure a smooth check-in process.

What is the cost to travel with a pet on United Airlines?

The cost to travel with a pet on United Airlines varies depending on the type of pet and the destination. For example, the fee for a carry-on pet within the United States is $125 each way. However, the fee for an in-cabin pet on a flight to Japan is $100 each way.

It’s important to note that fees for pets travelling on United Airlines are non-refundable. Additionally, pet owners should make sure to book their pet’s travel in advance, as there is a limit to the number of pets allowed on each flight.

What are the requirements for pet carriers on United Airlines?

United Airlines has specific requirements for pet carriers. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 17.5 inches x 12 inches x 7.5 inches (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm).

It’s important for pet owners to ensure that their pet is comfortable in the carrier and has enough room to move around. Additionally, the carrier must be stowed properly during takeoff and landing.

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Can pets travel in the cabin with their owner on United Airlines?

Yes, pets can travel in the cabin with their owner on United Airlines. However, there are some restrictions. Only cats and dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin, and the pet and carrier must meet the size and weight requirements.

It’s also important for pet owners to make sure that their pet is well-behaved during the flight. If a pet becomes disruptive, United Airlines reserves the right to remove the pet from the cabin and place it in the cargo hold.

What happens if my pet is too big to travel as a carry-on on United Airlines?

If a pet is too big to travel as a carry-on on United Airlines, it may be able to travel as checked baggage or cargo. However, there are specific requirements for pets travelling in these ways.

For pets travelling as checked baggage, the pet and carrier must not exceed 100 pounds (45 kg) and the carrier must meet specific requirements. For pets travelling as cargo, the requirements are even more strict, including temperature and ventilation requirements.

Pet owners should contact United Airlines in advance to find out the specific requirements for their pet’s travel and to make arrangements for the pet’s journey.

How to fly with your cat/dog on United Airlines || United Airlines Pet Policy


In conclusion, United Airlines does allow carry-on pets under certain circumstances. It is crucial to note that there are strict regulations and policies that need to be followed to ensure the safety of both the pet and the passengers on the flight.

If you plan on traveling with your furry friend, it is recommended that you contact United Airlines beforehand to ensure that your pet meets all the requirements and to avoid any last-minute hassles. Also, keep in mind that there are additional fees associated with traveling with pets, so make sure to factor that into your budget.

Overall, United Airlines’ pet policy is accommodating and ensures the comfort and safety of your pet. So, if you’re planning on traveling with your pet, rest assured that United Airlines has got you covered.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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