What Size Pet Carrier For United Airlines?

admin
Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Traveling with your pet can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to make sure you have everything in order before you fly. One crucial aspect of air travel with pets is finding the right carrier size to meet United Airlines’ requirements.

United Airlines has strict guidelines for pet carriers, and choosing the right size can make all the difference in ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during the flight. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting the right size pet carrier for United Airlines, so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your trip with your furry friend.

What Size Pet Carrier for United Airlines?

What Size Pet Carrier for United Airlines?

If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend, it’s important to choose the right pet carrier. When flying with United Airlines, there are specific requirements for pet carriers that you must follow to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.

Size Requirements

The first thing to consider when choosing a pet carrier for United Airlines is size. The airline has strict guidelines on the dimensions of the carrier to ensure it fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for an in-cabin pet carrier are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

Read More:  Can I Earn United Miles On Copa Airlines?

It’s important to note that your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier. Additionally, the carrier must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and made of sturdy materials. United Airlines also requires that the carrier has a waterproof bottom and a secure latch.

To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, it’s recommended to choose a carrier that is slightly larger than the airline’s requirements, as this will give your pet more room to move around.

Types of Pet Carriers

There are two types of pet carriers that are approved for in-cabin travel with United Airlines: soft-sided and hard-sided carriers. Soft-sided carriers are made of lightweight materials and can be easily stored under the seat in front of you. They are ideal for cats and small dogs.

Hard-sided carriers are made of more durable materials and provide extra protection for your pet. They are ideal for larger dogs and those who are nervous or anxious during travel. However, hard-sided carriers can be heavier and more difficult to store under the seat.

Soft-Sided Carriers

If you’re considering a soft-sided carrier, look for one that is made of durable and water-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester. The carrier should have well-ventilated sides and a secure latch. It’s also important to choose a carrier with a comfortable and cozy interior, as this will help your pet feel more relaxed during the flight.

Hard-Sided Carriers

If you’re considering a hard-sided carrier, look for one that is made of sturdy materials such as heavy-duty plastic or metal. The carrier should have a secure latch and a comfortable interior. It’s also important to choose a carrier with adequate ventilation to ensure your pet stays cool and comfortable during the flight.

How to Measure Your Pet

Before purchasing a pet carrier for United Airlines, it’s important to measure your pet to ensure they will fit comfortably in the carrier. To measure your pet, follow these steps:

1. Measure your pet’s length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
2. Measure your pet’s height from the top of their head to the ground.
3. Measure your pet’s width at the widest point, usually the shoulders.

Read More:  Where Are United Airlines Bases?

Once you have these measurements, you can choose a carrier that is the appropriate size for your pet.

Benefits of Traveling with a Pet Carrier

Traveling with a pet carrier has many benefits, including:

1. Ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during travel.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety for both you and your pet.
3. Easy transportation through airports and on flights.
4. Ability to keep your pet close to you during the flight.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pet carrier for United Airlines is crucial for a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend. By following the airline’s size requirements, choosing a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier, and measuring your pet beforehand, you can ensure a stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding pet carriers for United Airlines.

What are the requirements for a pet carrier on United Airlines?

United Airlines requires that pet carriers meet certain requirements in order to be used for travel with pets. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure. Additionally, the carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier must also fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

For specific dimensions and other requirements, it is recommended to check with United Airlines before purchasing a carrier.

Can I bring my pet carrier as a carry-on?

Yes, pet carriers are allowed as a carry-on item on United Airlines. However, they will count as one of the passenger’s carry-on items. It is recommended to check with the airline for any additional fees or restrictions.

It is also important to note that the carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger and must comply with United Airlines’ pet carrier requirements.

What sizes of pet carriers are allowed on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows for a variety of pet carrier sizes depending on the size of the pet. For in-cabin travel, the maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the maximum dimensions are determined by the aircraft being used and the size of the pet.

It is recommended to check with United Airlines for specific dimensions and other requirements before purchasing a carrier.

Read More:  Can You Use Zoom On United Airlines?

What types of pets are allowed to travel with United Airlines?

United Airlines allows for domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and household birds to travel with their owners on flights. Other types of animals, such as reptiles, rodents, and insects, are not allowed to travel in the cabin but may be allowed in the cargo hold.

It is recommended to check with United Airlines for specific requirements and restrictions for traveling with pets.

What are the fees for traveling with a pet on United Airlines?

The fees for traveling with a pet on United Airlines vary depending on the type of travel and the size of the pet. For in-cabin travel, the fee is $125 each way. For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the fee is based on the weight of the pet and the distance traveled. It is recommended to check with United Airlines for specific fees and requirements for traveling with pets.

Additionally, it is important to note that some countries may have additional requirements and fees for traveling with pets. It is recommended to check with the destination country for any additional requirements before traveling with a pet.

United — What you need to know before flying with your pet


In conclusion, selecting the correct size pet carrier for United Airlines is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience for your furry friend. By following the airline’s guidelines and measuring your pet accurately, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or issues during check-in and boarding.

It’s important to note that United Airlines only accepts pet carriers that are compliant with their specifications, and failure to comply may result in denied boarding. Therefore, it’s recommended to double-check the carrier’s measurements, materials, and features before purchasing or packing it for your trip.

Finally, investing in a high-quality and comfortable pet carrier not only benefits your pet’s well-being during travel but also provides peace of mind for you as a pet owner. With the right carrier, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

adminChief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Leave a Comment