How to fly with a dog on United
Cabin up to 9 kg · about €140 per flight
Dog in the cabinYes
Max weight (dog + bag)9 kg
Fee per flight≈ €140
Hold / cargoNo
Rules checkedNovember 2026
Cabin pets on US domestic flights only.
Step by step
- Check your dog fits the cabin rulesOn United your dog can fly in the cabin if dog and bag together weigh at most 9 kg. Bigger dogs can't fly with United.
- Get a soft carrier that fits under the seatUse a soft, leak-proof bag with ventilation that fits under the seat in front of you. Your dog stays in it for the whole flight.
- Book your flight, then add your dog straight awayAirlines only take a few pets per flight. Add the pet to your booking (online or via United's service team) as soon as you've booked – the fee is about €140 per flight.
- Get the papers in orderWithin the EU: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU pet passport. Outside the EU, check the destination's import rules – some countries need blood tests or months of preparation.
- Check where you're flying toThe UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore only let pets arrive as cargo, never in the cabin.
- Arrive early and check in at the deskYou can't check in a pet online – go to the counter, show the papers and pay the fee if you haven't yet.
United routes where your dog can fly in the cabin
Los Angeles → New YorkChicago → SeattleVienna → New YorkAmsterdam → New YorkBoston → New YorkBarcelona → New YorkNew York → ChicagoChicago → VancouverReykjavik → New YorkMallorca → New YorkSan Francisco → VancouverSeattle → ChicagoSan Francisco → DallasMiami → ChicagoNew York → PragueNew York → ReykjavikMunich → New YorkSan Francisco → BangkokNew York → AthensVenice → New YorkChicago → New YorkNew York → IstanbulToronto → ChicagoSan Francisco → Toronto
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on United?
Yes – small dogs fly in the cabin if dog and bag together weigh at most 9 kg. Cabin pets on US domestic flights only.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog on United?
About €140 per flight for a dog in the cabin; it varies by route.
Can my dog fly in the hold on United?
No, United doesn't take pets in the hold.
Can I fly with my dog to the UK on United?
Not in the cabin – the UK only lets pets arrive as cargo.
Rules as of November 2026 and fees are approximate – confirm with United before you book.