United Airlines in-cabin pet policy — and the carriers that fit
United Airlines allows small pets in the cabin in a carrier up to 18 × 11 × 11 in, stowed under the seat in front of you. The in-cabin fee is $150 each way. 8 of the 15 carriers we track clear that published limit.
The Sherpa Original Deluxe (Small) leaves the most room — 1" on its tightest dimension, while the Sherpa Original Deluxe (Medium) only just squeaks in with nothing to spare. United's 11" height ceiling sits mid-pack among the 17 airlines we track (shared with Delta, American, Frontier, Allegiant, JSX): Breeze and Avelo allow more, while Air Canada allows only 8".
United Airlines pet rules
| Recommended max carrier (soft) | 18 × 11 × 11 in |
| Max hard-sided kennel | 17.5 × 12 × 7.5 in |
| Soft-sided required? | Soft recommended; hard allowed within its limit |
| In-cabin fee | $150 each way · compare all airlines → |
| Species allowed | dogs, cats |
| Pets | Pet must fit in the carrier fully under the seat in front of you |
| Booking | Add your pet when booking or via Reservations |
Source: official United Airlines pet policy · verified 2026-07-23
Carriers that fit United Airlines
Matched to United Airlines's published 18 × 11 × 11 in limit (height checked strictly; footprint may rotate). See the full United Airlines carrier shortlist →
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| Carrier | Size | Fit | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 × 10 × 8.5 in | Fits 1" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 16 × 10.5 × 9.8 in | Fits 0.5" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 10 × 10 in | Fits 1" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 11 × 10.5 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 8.5 × 10.5 in | Fits 0.5" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 11 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 16 × 8 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 11 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 22 × 10.5 × 10.5 in | Fits collapsed | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 12 × 10.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18.7 × 10.8 × 10.75 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 19 × 11.75 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18.5 × 11.75 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 11.5 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 12 × 12 in | Too big | See on Amazon → |
How to confirm your actual under-seat space
United Airlines's number is a fleet-wide recommendation, not a promise for your exact seat. Before you buy or fly:
- Check which aircraft operates your flight (in your booking or on a seat-map site).
- Avoid bulkhead and some window seats — they have less (or no) under-seat storage.
- Call United Airlines to confirm under-seat dimensions for that aircraft, or
- Choose a collapsible / flexible-height carrier that adapts to a tighter space.
More airlines: Delta · JetBlue · American · Southwest · Alaska · Frontier · all →
Common questions
What size pet carrier does United Airlines allow in the cabin?
United Airlines's recommended maximum in-cabin carrier is 18 × 11 × 11 in (soft) or 17.5 × 12 × 7.5 in for a hard-sided kennel. It must fit fully under the seat in front of you. Source: the United Airlines pet policy.
How much does United Airlines charge for an in-cabin pet?
$150 each way. Always confirm the current fee on the official United Airlines pet page before you fly.
Which pet carriers fit United Airlines?
8 of the 15 carriers we track clear United Airlines's published 18 × 11 × 11 in. The roomiest is the Sherpa Original Deluxe (Small), with 1" to spare on its tightest dimension. Full shortlist: /fits/united/.
Does United Airlines require a soft-sided pet carrier?
United Airlines recommends soft-sided but allows a hard-sided kennel within its published limit. Height is what rules carriers out: United Airlines publishes 11", against 13" at the most generous airline we track.
How many pets can I bring in the cabin on United Airlines?
Pet must fit in the carrier fully under the seat in front of you. Species accepted: dogs, cats. Add your pet when booking or via Reservations