🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

United Airlines (United States) carries dogs in the cabin only: convenient for small dogs, but a non-starter if yours is too heavy. Here are the exact conditions, the fee and the steps to follow.

In the cabin

United Airlines accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 9 kg (20 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect about $150 (≈€138) per segment.

Airline conditions: dog + carrier max 9 kg (20 lb); ~$150 per segment; max 2 pets.

In the hold: via the cargo service

United Airlines does not carry dogs as accompanied baggage: the hold goes through the cargo/freight service, priced by quote and with dedicated logistics. There is no longer a general checked-pet hold option; the PetSafe program is limited, and 22 breeds are banned.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, United Airlines restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, favor the cabin when its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check your travel dates. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact United Airlines to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, valid rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate depending on your departure country, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Comparing with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our “Can my dog fly?” comparison tool and check our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with United Airlines? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: United States, Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Does United Airlines accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 9 kg (20 lb) carrier included.
How does a large dog travel on United Airlines?
Only through the airline’s cargo/freight service, priced by quote.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on United Airlines?
As a guideline: cabin about $150 (≈€138) per segment. The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

United Airlines — traveling with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly: confirm with United Airlines before booking.