United Airlines Pet Policy: Traveling with Your Furry Friends

Nowadays, most airlines are making pet travel rules easier and more flexible for passengers because they know about this fact that most passengers love to travel with their furry friends. Are you thinking of flying with your pet for the next travel on United Airlines flights? Do you know about the rules and the major things about the United airlines pet policy or not? Here are the major things that you need to know about the United Airlines flight pet policy. Now, the airline is working on the goal of easy and stress-free pet travel. Here is the comprehensive pet policy that you need to follow on board. There is a special Pet Safe program as well by the airline, and you need to understand the requirements and rules to ensure a safe and smooth journey with your pet.

In-Cabin Pet Travel

Small pets like small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in-cabin of United flights, but there are some conditions for their owners. Only eligible pets are permitted for the in-cabin pet travel. Your pet carrier must be fit under the seat in front of you. The pet carrier's required dimensions are 18 x 11 x 11 inches (soft-sided carriers) or 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches (hard-sided carriers). The pet carrier should not exceed this dimension. The pet must remain in the carrier at all times during the flight.

What is the United Airlines pet travel fee?

The fee for pet travel on United flights is $125 per one-way flight. Here is the catch that you need to know: an additional $125 fee is applicable for each stopover of 4+ hours within the US or 24+ hours internationally. The weight restrictions are also applicable to United pet travel, and the carrier combined must meet the airline weight restrictions.

PetSafe® Program for Larger Pets

On the other hand, let's talk about those pets who cannot travel in the cabin. Yes, the airline also offers the Pet Safe program for all those pets who can't travel in the cabin. There is a dedicated cargo service for all those pets, designed for the safe and comfortable transport of large animals. Eligible pets for the Pet Safe program are dogs, birds, rabbits, and cats.

What about the booking requirements?

Here, you need to know the booking requirements for large animals on United Airlines flights. The reservations should be booked at least 5 days in advance. A valid health certificate is required within 10 days of travel. Now, let's talk about the carrier specifications which you must follow for smooth travel. The carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. The airline must comply with United's Cargo shipping standards, and the fee varies on the pet size, weight, and destination.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Right now, United Flights no longer accepts emotional support animals in the cabin because pets previously classified as ESAs must now meet the requirements for either in-cabin pet travel or the PetSafe Program.

Service Animals

The airline allows service animals to travel with their owners free of charge with some rules and guidelines. Only trained dogs are permitted to assist with disabilities. The documentation also required for the service form includes a US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Travel Form. The animal must meet the behavioral standards.

Restrictions and Guidelines

Airlines may also enforce restrictions to ensure the safety of pets and passengers on the aircraft. There are some breed restrictions as well such as brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as Bulldogs and Persian cats, are not permitted for cargo travel due to health risks. Another is the destination restriction because there are some routes that have country-specific regulations, and that's why pets may not allowed at some destinations. The last one is weather restrictions, and pets cannot travel as cargo during extreme weather conditions to ensure their safety.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

You must make sure of all the things to do before the pet travels on United Airlines; for example, obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Also, you must attach a clear ID tag with your contact information to your pet collar or carrier. Remember to acclimate to the carrier because it helps to your pet for being familiarize with the carrier ahead of the trip to reduce the stress. Also, try to avoid frequent feeding during the journey to avoid discomfort.

Booking Pet Travel with United Airlines

For in-cabin United Airlines pet cabin reservations, you can contact the United Airlines customer service number. For the PetSafe program, you can directly reach the dedicated helpdesk or visit their official website for more information.

The Bottom Line

Hence, it's all about the rules and tips for traveling with your pet on United Airlines flights. The airline is always trying to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for the flyers, and that's why they provide flexibility to pet owners. Whether your pet is small or large, you can book your pet travel under the airline's two different programs.

FAQs

What pets are allowed to travel in the cabin on United Airlines?

Small pets such as cats and dogs can travel in the cabin if they meet the size and weight restrictions. The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, with dimensions of 18 x 11 x 11 inches for soft-sided carriers or 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches for hard-sided carriers. The pet must remain in the carrier throughout the flight.

What is the fee for pet travel on United Airlines?

United Airlines charges $125 per one-way flight for in-cabin pet travel. For stopovers longer than 4 hours within the U.S. or 24 hours internationally, an additional fee of $125 is applicable.

What is the PetSafe® program on United Airlines?

The PetSafe® program is designed for larger pets that cannot travel in the cabin. It provides a safe and comfortable cargo service for pets such as dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance, and a valid health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel) is required.

Does United Airlines allow emotional support animals (ESAs)?

No, United Airlines no longer allows emotional support animals in the cabin. Pets previously classified as ESAs must now meet the requirements for in-cabin pet travel or the PetSafe® program.

What restrictions apply to pet travel on United Airlines?

- Breed Restrictions: Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Persian cats are not allowed for cargo travel due to health risks.

- Destination Restrictions: Pets may not be allowed on certain routes due to country-specific regulations.

- Weather Restrictions: Pets cannot travel as cargo in extreme weather conditions to ensure their safety.

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