Traveling with pets
Bringing your cat or dog with you on your trip is fun, but there are some rules you’ll have to follow. If you’re looking for information on traveling with service animals, we can also help with that.
Getting ready
We no longer let you check your pets through the PetSafe program. Pets can only fly in cargo when traveling with certain active-duty military or State Department employees. If you plan to fly with your pet, they must be a cat or dog and stay in the cabin with you (if there’s space available).
Some destinations don’t accept pets. Be sure to double-check before your flight.
If you’re flying into the U.S with your dog from an international destination, requirements for dogs entering the U.S have changed and include a new form. For more information on the updated process and form, visit the Center of Disease Control (CDC) website.
On most flights, you can bring up to 2 pets per person. You must buy 2 seats if you’re bringing 2 pets. The second seat needs to be next to your assigned seat, so you can care for both pets.
Some of our planes have limited space under the middle seat. We only allow one pet per person on these aircraft:
- A319
- A320
- A321neo
- 737-800 and 737-8 (MAX 8)
- 737-900 and 737-9 (MAX 9)
Where can I fly with my pet?
As long as your destination allows pets, you can take them with you on any flight operated by United or United Express. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation. If you’re traveling on multiple airlines, including our partners, you’ll also need to check with each one to see what their pet policy is.
United does not allow pets to fly to, from or even through the below list of 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
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
- United Kingdom
* You can bring a pet on flights from Guam to Tokyo-Narita or to the U.S. mainland. You cannot bring your pet on the flight back to Guam. Pet travel from Guam to the U.S. mainland is considered international.
* In-cabin pets prohibited to/from Bilbao only.
Make sure your pet fits
While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet. The only animals allowed on planes without a pet carrier are service animals.
Hard-sided carrier
Hard-sided carrier
Soft-sided carrier
Soft-sided carrier
Prepping to fly
Gather paperwork
Some countries don’t allow pets to travel at all. Others have strict rules for rabies vaccines. Make sure you have all your paperwork and proof of vaccination in order before you leave.
For tickets purchased before 4/26/24, there is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally. You cannot use travel credits to pay this fee.
For tickets purchased on or after 4/26/24, the fee is $150 each way for traveling with your pet.
Traveler pro tips
Traveler pro tips
We have a few recommendations to help you pack a pet-friendly travel kit:
We have a few recommendations to help you pack a pet-friendly travel kit:
- Remember to bring all the essentials to care for your pet while you’re still at the airport, including a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats and plastic bags.
- To keep them calm on the flight, it always helps to have a favorite toy, blanket or pillow that smells familiar.
At the airport
Here’s what you need to know once you get to the airport.
Checking in
Check in for your flight at the ticket counter. You’ll need both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers, which you can find in your email or in My Trips. We’ll also give you a special bag tag for your pet’s carrier.
Pet relief areas
Many airports have places you can take your pet to use the bathroom while you’re there. Use the airport maps feature on the United app to see where they’re located.
Please note, therapy and emotional support cats and dogs must fly as pets, not service animals. They must follow all rules outlined in this policy both at the airport and on the plane.
Pet strollers must be checked in the lobby and count towards your checked bag allowance.
On the plane
Once you’re on your flight, there’s only one rule you need to follow. Your pet must stay in their carrier with the door closed, and under your seat at all times.
