Cabin dog + carrier limit varies by airline and route; verify the current limit before booking
Airline dog policy
United Airlines
United Airlines is widely considered one of the most accessible US carriers for in-cabin dog travel, with a relatively straightforward booking process and generous size allowances. The airline's former PetSafe cargo program has been permanently suspended for civilian passengers, so only in-cabin travel is available for the general public. United uniquely allows passengers to bring up to two pets per person if a second adjacent seat is purchased, making it the only major US carrier with this option.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Contact before booking
Confirm the dog booking directly with United Airlines.
Ask for written confirmation of the exact route, aircraft, dog weight, breed, carrier or crate size, fee and documents before paying.
Booking tip
United limits cabin pets to around 7 per flight depending on aircraft type, and you must call reservations to book — online pet booking is not available. A notable detail: if your connection is longer than 4 hours domestically or 24 hours internationally, United charges a separate $150 layover fee per pet. This can significantly increase costs on multi-leg itineraries. Unlike Delta, United issues a separate confirmation number for your pet, which must be presented at check-in.
Why it can work
United is the only major US airline that allows two pets per passenger (in two separate carriers) when you purchase a second adjacent seat. This is a game-changer for owners relocating with multiple dogs. Like Delta, United has no weight limit for cabin pets — only size requirements for the carrier. United also allows both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers, giving you more options depending on your dog's preference. Always verify aircraft-specific restrictions, as some planes (A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800/8, 737-900/9) only allow one total pet per flight.
Restrictions
United bans cabin pets on flights to/from Australia, UK, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Guam, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Jamaica, Barbados, Panama, Philippines, Cuba, and several Pacific island nations. Brachycephalic dog breeds (Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian) are restricted from cargo travel. No pets in Premium Plus, Polaris Business, exit rows, or bulkhead seats. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old domestically and 16 weeks for international travel.
Dog-owner notes
United requires a rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate for all international dog travel. For dogs entering the US, strict CDC rules apply since August 2024 — while dogs are not subject to the same CDC dog import form, always check destination-specific requirements. You cannot use online or kiosk check-in when traveling with a pet; you must check in at the counter. Arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights with a pet. United's main hubs are Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), and Denver (DEN).
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.