Navigating the Skies with Your Furry Friend: A Guide to United Airlines’ Pet Policy
Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure, but navigating airline pet policies can feel like deciphering a foreign language. If you’re considering taking your furry friend on a trip with United Airlines, worry not! This comprehensive guide will untangle United’s pet policy, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for you and your four-legged companion.
Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin with Me in United Airlines?
United Airlines prioritizes pet safety and passenger comfort. Therefore, only cats and dogs are permitted to travel in-cabin, subject to space availability. United doesn’t allow any other pets on board.
Meeting the In-Cabin Criteria
For your pet to fly comfortably at your feet, they must meet these requirements:
- Age: Pups and kittens must be at least 4 months old for international flights and 8 weeks old for domestic flights within the United States.
- Carrier Compliance: Your pet must travel securely in a United-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. The carrier can be either hard-sided or soft-sided, with proper ventilation, secure closures (preferably zippers), and a leak-proof bottom. Here’s a breakdown of the size restrictions:
- Hard-sided kennels: maximum dimensions of 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm)
- Soft-sided kennels: maximum dimensions of 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm)
Important Note: Each passenger is allowed a maximum of one pet carrier in the cabin. However, if you’d like to bring two pets, you can purchase an additional seat to accommodate the second pet carrier.
Booking Your Pet’s Spot on the Plane
Since pet travel is subject to space availability, it’s crucial to make reservations for your pet well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Here’s how to secure your pet’s spot:
- Contact United Reservations: Call United Reservations as soon as you book your flight to confirm pet acceptance on your chosen route and date.
- Provide Pet Information: Be prepared to share your pet’s breed, weight, and dimensions during the reservation process.
- Pay the Pet Fee: United charges a one-way fee of $125 for in-cabin pet travel. There’s an additional $125 fee for layovers exceeding 4 hours domestically and 24 hours internationally.
Preparing Your Pet for Takeoff
To ensure a calm and comfortable flight for your pet, here are some pre-flight preparations to consider:
- Acclimation to the Carrier: Familiarize your pet with their carrier well before the flight. Leave it open in a familiar location with comfy bedding and treats to encourage them to explore it voluntarily.
- Veterinarian Visit: Schedule a vet checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough for air travel. Discuss any potential concerns you might have and obtain a health certificate if necessary (usually required for international travel).
- Fasting and Hydration: Withhold food for a few hours before the flight to prevent nausea. However, ensure your pet has access to water throughout the travel day.
Restricted Items for In-Cabin Pets
While your pet can have a comfy bed and a favorite toy in their carrier, some items are strictly prohibited in the cabin:
- Food and water bowls (removed during takeoff and landing)
- Leashes, collars (can be attached to the carrier for identification purposes)
- Live animals other than approved service animals
Service Animals vs. Pets
United differentiates between service animals and pets. Service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are exempt from fees and can travel free of charge in the cabin, but specific requirements and documentation are necessary. Always check with United for the latest guidelines on service animal travel.
Alternatives to In-Cabin Pet Travel
If your pet doesn’t meet the in-cabin criteria or you prefer not to have them in the cabin, United does not offer pet travel in cargo for most passengers. However, exceptions exist for active military personnel on permanent change of station orders and Foreign Service personnel on reassignment, under specific circumstances.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips for a Smooth Flight
Here are some bonus tips to ensure a positive travel experience for you and your pet:
- Label your pet carrier clearly with your contact information.
- Take your pet for a bathroom break before boarding.
- Avoid feeding your pet right before or during the flight.
FAQ’s
Yes, but with limitations. United Airlines only allows cats and dogs to travel, and only in the cabin (not as checked baggage). There’s also limited space available, so booking in advance is crucial.
There’s a $125 fee per pet, each way, for in-cabin travel. If your layover exceeds 4 hours domestically or 24 hours internationally, an additional $125 fee applies.
Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights and 4 months old for international flights. The pet carrier dimensions are:
Hard-sided carriers: maximum 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches (44 x 30 x 19 cm)
Soft-sided carriers: maximum 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 x 28 x 28 cm)
The carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
You cannot book pet travel directly through the online booking system. Call United Reservations after booking your flight to confirm pet acceptance on your chosen route and date. Be prepared to provide pet information and pay the pet fee during this call.
A health certificate might be required for international travel. It’s best to consult your veterinarian for the latest guidelines. For domestic flights within the US, typically no documentation is needed beyond ensuring your pet meets the age and carrier requirements.
