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. Already own a carrier? Enter its measurements below to check it against this limit. 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 58 airlines we track (shared with Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JSX): Avelo and Breeze allow more, while EL AL Israel allows only 7".
Will your carrier fit United Airlines?
Measure the outside of your carrier (bulges included) and enter it below. The check uses United Airlines’s published 18 × 11 × 11 in limit — height is checked strictly, the footprint may rotate.
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: Air Canada · Alaska Airlines · Allegiant Air · American Airlines · Breeze Airways · Delta Air Lines · Frontier Airlines · Southwest Airlines · Alaska Horizon (Horizon Air) · 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