If you’re interested in learning more about United Airlines’ pet policy, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, you’ll learn about United Airlines’ pet policy, as well as get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling with pets.
United Airlines is a prominent American airline that enables travelers to bring their dogs in the cabin as well as checked luggage.
The headquarters of this airline is in Chicago, Illinois.
In addition, they have ten airline hubs in the continental United States, Guam, and Japan.
Above all, this airline provides a safe environment for you and your pet to travel.
Also, if you’re looking for an airline that allows your pet to fly alone, United Airlines has you covered.
Are you curious as to why individuals travel with their pets? Emotional Support Animals are discussed in this article (Everything You Need to Know).
United Airlines’ Pet Policy in the Cabin.
In most cases, United Airlines only allows small pets in the cabin, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits.
United will allow your pet to fly with you in the cabin if they are small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a container under the seat in front of you.
The following are some instances of pets that United Airlines allows in the cabin:
- 1 completely weaned dog or cat (minimum 6 months old) per carrier
- Rabbits kept in a cage (1 per carrier)
- Puppy or kittens that have been weaned (minimum 8 weeks old, maximum 2 per carrier)
- Birds that have been domesticated in the house (maximum 2 per carrier)
Throughout the trip, your pets should be kept in their carriers under the seat in front of you.
On a United Airlines flight, you’ll also have to pay a $125 service fee for each in-cabin pet.
It is critical to book at least 30 days in advance and at least 5 days in advance of your trip.
Whether you’re traveling with your pet or your pet is traveling alone, this is a must.
Furthermore, most United Airlines flights only allow two dogs, so making reservations as soon as possible is recommended.
You should read this article on the Letter for Emotional Support Animals if you wish to register your pet so that you can legally have them with you at all times.
United Airlines’ pet policy, as well as the rules and restrictions for traveling with pets in the cabin, are available here.
Other Pet-In-Cabin Requirements
Domestic flights require your kittens to be at least 2 months old.
In addition, kittens and pups must be at least 4 months old to fly internationally due to rabies vaccine regulations.
Also, pets are not permitted to fly with unaccompanied minors on United Airlines.
Your pets must also fly on the same planes as the person responsible for them.
Although United Airlines permits pets on most flights, oxygen service will not be offered for pets in the event of an emergency.
Pet Policy for United Airlines Checked Baggage
Your pet can fly in the pressurized and heated cargo compartment of the plane.
Pets checked as luggage will be accepted at the airport check-in counter and brought to the baggage claim area at your final destination.
If your pet is going alone or is too large to fly in the cabin, the United Airlines PetSafe program can accommodate it.
This program transports cats and dogs from airport to airport to over 300 destinations.
Additionally, PetSafe, United Airlines’ pet transportation service, has partnered with American Humane to reinforce it.
PetSafe can transport pets weighing from 2 lbs (1 kg) to 770 kg (350 kilograms).
The cost of this service is largely determined by the size of your animal and the country from where you go.
Transporting a pet weighing less than 11 pounds (5 kilograms) from the United States to various domestic and international destinations costs between $201 and $417, while transporting larger pets between 300-770 pounds (136-350 kg) costs between $963 and $2410.
Tips for Choosing a Pet Carrier
Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers are required for pets traveling in the cabin. Soft-sided carriers are 18′′ x 11′′ x 11′′ (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm), whereas hard-sided carriers are 17.5′′ x 12′′ x 7.5′′ (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm) (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).
Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around safely in its carrier.
Additionally, if your pet is traveling with PetSafe, its container must be large enough for your pet to move freely and stand with its head raised.
Your pet should be able to turn around and lie down in a normal position while in the carrier.
Furthermore, the carrier should be tall enough for your pet to stand and sit without his or her head or ears hitting the top.
Make sure you use appropriate material for the carrier, such as hard plastic, metal, or wood.
Above all, your pet’s container should allow for adequate ventilation to prevent suffocating.
The container should also have metal bolts to keep the pet safe inside.
Food and drink bowls must be firmly attached to the interior of the crate and accessible from the outside for easy replenishment without opening the door.
Also, crates taller than 30 inches, including the 700 series, are not accepted by PetSafe.
Customers should also be aware that United Airlines no longer sells or provides crates at any of its airport facilities.
United Airlines accepts service animals.
Service animals are animals that have been professionally trained to assist persons with disabilities and impairments.
If you have a disability, United Airlines will very certainly allow you to fly with your service animal.
Furthermore, you will not be charged any additional expenses for your service animal.
The reason for this is that you will not be charged a price for your service animal.
Furthermore, you are permitted to travel with your emotional support animal in the aircraft cabin as long as they do not obstruct an aisle or any other emergency evacuation zone.
Providing your service animal with a vest or harness, however, will be quite advantageous.
This will aid airport officials in their understanding of the animal’s location.
Pet Restrictions on United Airlines.
It’s crucial to remember that certain flight destinations are subject to route rules and limitations.
As a result, you may not be able to fly to such areas with your dogs in the cabin.
To ensure that you can fly with your pets onboard, call United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) from within the United States.
If you are not from the United States, contact your local reservations office.
There are other restrictions, in addition to the route laws and regulations, that prevent you from flying with specific sorts of pets at certain times of the year.
For example, between the 1st of June and the 30th of September each year, United Airlines does not accept the following short-nosed dog breeds.
Among the breeds are:
- Bulldog, American
- Boston Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in Boston
- Boxer
- Bulldog, English or French
- Spaniel King Charles
- Lhasa Apso (Lhasa Apso)
- Shar-Pei
- Shih Tzu
Mixed-breed dogs with these breeds’ short-nosed traits are not permitted as checked baggage or cargo.
This limitation is in place to keep your pet safe.
It does not, however, apply to animals flying in the cabin with you.
United Airlines does not accept the following cat breeds.
- Burmese
- Persian
- Himalayan
- Shorthair with exotic origins.
Important information to keep in mind to ensure that your pet travels safely with United Airlines.
United Airlines places a high premium on your animal’s comfort and safety during the flight.
United Airlines is indeed worried about your pet’s general health.
As a result, there are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your pet travels securely.
#1. Ascertain that your pet is of legal age.
According to the USDA, your pet must be at least eight weeks old and properly weaned before flying.
#2. Ascertain that your pet is at ease in the carrier.
Before traveling, it’s a good idea for your animal to get to know its shipping container.
They will be less stressed during the voyage as a result of this.
Nonetheless, make sure they have the proper carrier for a safe and enjoyable journey.
#3. It is critical to ensure that your pet is in good health before traveling.
Always check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is OK to travel.
You’ll need a health certificate to comply with state and federal regulations, which your veterinarian can supply.
For your travel to be valid, it should only be permitted once.
You must reserve at least 30 days in advance if your pet is accompanying you.
If your pet is traveling alone, it will be transported by United freight.
As a result, at least 10 days ahead of departure, the certificate must be issued.
Conclusion
A big thumbs up if you’ve made it this far.
You may make informed choices and decisions now that you are aware of United Airlines’ Pet Policy.
Taking your pet on a trip is a significant responsibility that you should not take lightly.
As a result, make sure your pet is as safe and comfortable as you are before embarking on any journey.
United Airlines Pet Policy Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that pets fly for free on United?
If you want to travel with your pet in the United Airlines cabin, you will have to pay a fee. On United Airlines flights, pets in the cabin are charged $125 each way.
Is it possible for my dog or cat to sit on my lap during a flight?
No. During your domestic trip, you must keep your dogs in their carrier, which must be stored under the seat in front of you.
What is the maximum size of the dog that can fly in a cabin?
To fly with you inside the plane, your dog should weigh no more than 20 pounds. As Checked Bags: Most airlines will accept crated dogs as checked baggage. This means you’ll check your dog’s cage with your other belongings during check-in, and he or she will be weighed and transported with the rest of the plane’s luggage.
How do I get my dog to fly for free?
If your pet is a valid emotional support animal, such as a dog, a cat, a pot-bellied pig, or even a small horse, you can take your pet on a plane for free, according to Federal regulations. If you have sufficient documentation, such as a note for emotional support animals from a doctor, therapist, or both, your pet can travel in the cabin with you, outside of a carrier, and for free.
