United Airlines Pet Policy allows you to travel with your pet. In order to travel with your pet, you must book a reservation in the cabin of your flight that includes an extra seat for your pet. You may also be required to pay an additional fee for this seat. This fee varies depending on the weight of your pet.
In addition to having an extra seat on your flight, you will also need to pay a $125 fee per flight segment for each pet traveling in cargo. If you do not wish to pay this fee, then you must book a reservation in the cabin of your flight and include an extra seat for your pet.
United Airlines Pet Policy
United is proud to be the only airline in the world to offer live animals as part of its pet transportation service. We’re proud of our pet policy, which is designed to ensure that your pet travels safely and comfortably with us.
In order for United to transport your pet, we require that you follow these requirements:
- Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
- Your pet must be at least 8 inches (20 cm) tall, measured from the floor to the withers (highest point on the back).
- Your pet may weigh no more than 20 pounds (9 kg), including food and water.
- All vaccinations are required for international travel and must be administered by an accredited veterinarian within 6 months of the travel date.
- If travelling internationally, all pets must have a passport issued by their country of origin or permanent residence.
The following pets are prohibited from travel:
- Ferrets
- Snakes
- Reptiles
- Spiders
- Alligators or crocodiles
All pets are welcome to fly with United, but there are some restrictions.
Service Animals
United welcomes service animals in the cabin, provided they are trained to behave properly in public settings. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless these devices interfere with their work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
Emotional Support Animals
United allows passengers to travel with an emotional support animal (ESA) if the passenger provides a letter from a licensed mental health professional and it is determined that the animal is necessary for the passenger’s mental health. The letter should include:
- The passenger’s full name and date of birth;
- The passenger’s home address and telephone number;
- A statement that the passenger has a mental health-related disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM IV);
- A statement that the passenger needs the emotional support animal as an accommodation for air travel and/or for activity at the destination; and
- A statement that the individual providing the assessment of the person with a disability is a licensed mental health professional who has met in person with the person seeking to use an emotional support animal.
If you are traveling with a pet, there are several things to know before you fly.
A pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot be larger than 19 x 14 x 9 inches (48 x 36 x 23 cm). The maximum weight allowed for each pet is 30 pounds (14 kg).
You must provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of the flight. The health certificate must be endorsed by USDA, state, or foreign government officials. The endorsement may be on the original health certificate if it was issued within 10 days of travel or by an endorsement from another airline if it was issued more than 10 days before travel.
You must also include proof of vaccination for measles, mumps and distemper for cats and dogs over three months old in addition to rabies vaccinations.
United Airlines Fees for Flying with Pets
Many travellers are concerned about the fees associated with flying with their pets. Fortunately, United Airlines has simplified the process and made it easier than ever for pet owners to travel with their companions.
There are no additional requirements for bringing your pet along for the flight; you can choose between checked baggage and cargo. To travel with your pet, you must be at least six months old and have a carrier that can hold your pet’s entire body.
To fly with your pet on United, you must first ensure that it is registered with the airline. If you are travelling with a pet, you must provide a copy of the vaccination certificate for your pet.
Also, your pet must be tattooed with its name and number. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take your pet on the flight. You must check with the specific airline’s baggage policy to travel to other destinations.
If you’re flying with your pet on United, you’ll have to register the animal at the airline’s customer service desk. After you register your pet, they’ll give you a bright yellow bag tag.
Your pet must be at least two months old to travel in the cabin. If you’re travelling with a larger dog, your pet must be over four months old.
NOTE: If your pet is more than a half-pound, you’ll have to purchase a ticket for it.
Types of pets allowed on United Airlines flights
The pets must be small enough to fit in a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of you, or in an approved carrier that can be stored on board the aircraft. The carrier must remain under your seat at all times.
Pets traveling in a cabin must be at least eight weeks old and weaned. They are not allowed to fly if they are pregnant or have recently given birth.
The following animals are also not allowed to travel on United Airlines: reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, rodents, and rabbits (due to their inability to adjust body temperature). Wild animals may only travel as cargo and require special handling arrangements. Any animal that has been declared dangerous by USDA will not be accepted for travel by United Airlines.
The following types of animals are allowed as service or emotional support animals:
- Dogs (domestic canine or hybrid)
- Puppies (under 4 months old)
- Cats (domestic feline or hybrid)
- Ferrets (domestic ferret or hybrid)
United Airlines Pet Reservations
You can travel with your pet on United Airlines by making reservations in advance. If you’re planning to travel with a dog, cat, or bird, you can make a reservation with your pet.
The airline will allow pets in the cabin on domestic and international flights. But you must make sure you have a rabies or health certificate for your pet before you fly.
In addition, if you have a layover of more than four hours within the United States or 24 hours outside of the United States, you will need to pay an extra fee.
The airline requires a health certificate and a rabies vaccination for your pet to travel. If your pet is not rabies-vaccinated, you must get him a rabies shot at least 30 days before flying.
You can also contact United Airlines for advice on travelling with a dog. You can make reservations for your pet simultaneously as your seat. Whether you have a dog or cat, you can always book a flight through United.
If you’re flying with a dog, you must make a reservation at least five days prior to your trip. You’ll need to fill out an application that provides the airline with all the necessary information about your pet.
You will need to submit the completed form as early as five days before your flight date. Alternatively, you can call United Airlines to make reservations for a pet-friendly cabin. The process to book a United Airlines pet-friendly flight is easy and convenient.
United Airlines Pet in the Cabin
United Airlines can accommodate most pets in the cabin of the aircraft, but certain restrictions apply. Before booking your flight with your pet, please review United’s current policies and restrictions.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel, and they must have all required vaccinations prior to travel. United does not accept snakes, reptiles, or other animals that require special handling.
The following pets are not allowed to fly:
United Airlines prohibits service dogs in training from traveling in the cabin of any United Airlines flight. A service dog in training may only travel under the conditions described below for service dogs.
Breeders are not allowed to transport their animals as part of their breeding program on United flights.
United Airlines Pets in Checked Baggage
With United Airlines’ Pets in Checked Baggage, your pet can travel with you on all domestic flights.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, weigh 2 pounds or more, and be fully weaned. They also need to be microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, and wear a collar with identification tags.
If you’re traveling with a pet, please be aware of the following:
- Dogs are allowed in the cabin of the aircraft if they’re small enough to fit in a carrier under your seat; larger dogs must be checked in cargo.*
- Cats are allowed in the cabin of the aircraft if they’re small enough to fit under your seat; larger cats must be checked in cargo.*
- Please note that cats and dogs may not travel as carry-on baggage if they are too young to control natural bodily functions or have not been housebroken.
Here are some of our most important rules:
- All animals must be kept in hard-sided carriers that can fit under your seat or in the overhead bin during the flight. The carrier must have handles on top and on both sides, so it can be lifted without tipping over if it becomes necessary to move it around the airport or onto another conveyance.
- Animals may not exceed 20 pounds (10 kg) weight or 36 inches (91 cm) in length. The maximum height for dogs is 15 inches (38 cm), and for cats, 19 inches (48 cm). This includes the length of their tails!
- Please bathe your animal thoroughly before bringing him aboard
United Airlines Pets Guidelines & Restrictions
Our Pets Program allows you to bring your pet with you on your trip, as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Your pet must be at least eight weeks old and have received a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel.
- Your pet must be in a secure kennel that can fit under the seat in front of you on the plane (with the exception of service animals).
- You will need to provide proper identification for your pet at check-in, including a rabies vaccination certificate or other proof of immunization against rabies, issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than one year before travel.
- If your pet is too large or heavy to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane (with the exception of service animals), they will need to travel in cargo.
United Airlines Pet Travel Tips and Tricks
United Airlines is one of the most pet-friendly airlines in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
Their pet travel program is comprehensive, including everything from check-in to cargo shipping to in-flight services for your four-legged friend.
Here are some of our favorite tips for traveling with your pet on United Airlines:
- Make sure you’re aware of all fees associated with bringing your dog or cat along on your trip. The price of the ticket will be higher than if you were flying alone, but it’s worth it!
- Make sure you understand the rules regarding how many pets can be brought on any given flight.
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