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BlogTravel TipsUnited Airlines Pet Policy 2024: Tips & Policies

United Airlines Pet Policy 2024: Tips & Policies

Traveling with pets can be a chaotic experience, especially when you're still trying to figure out airline policies. However, leaving your furry friend at home might not be an option for a pet parent. Understanding the guidelines before embarking on your travels with your pet is important, as it can save you both time and money. Make sure to gather all the necessary information about United Airlines pet policy before bringing your pet along on your trip.

Whether flying with your entire family and pet for a holiday, a solo trip with your furry buddy, or a summer camp, you can quickly contact Fond Travel's customer care at +1-(571)-389-6426, as we are here to help you select the best flight deals for you and your pet.

As you read this blog, you will get all the information about traveling with a pet. Make sure to follow them to avoid any difficulties at the airport.

United Airlines Pet Policy

Taking to the Skies Since 1926

United Airlines, a major American airline founded in 1926, has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. It boasts a vast network, serving over 350 destinations across 60 countries. United pioneered the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, and collaborates with numerous other airlines through codeshare agreements.

United Airlines maintains a sizable fleet consisting primarily of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Passengers can choose from various cabin classes to suit their travel style when flying with a dog in United Airlines, from budget-friendly Basic Economy to luxurious First Class, when looking for the best time to buy United Airlines Tickets. In between, options include Economy, Premium Plus, and Business Class.

United Airlines Pet Policy

United Airlines' pet policy allows owners to fly with a pet, with some guidelines passengers must follow. You can travel with your pet if you meet the specific requirements.

Basic Details

Traveling with pets in a cabin is only permitted for cats and dogs if the space is available. If you plan to travel with two pets, kindly note that you must purchase two seats on your flight. Your second seat must be adjacent to your assigned seat to ensure you can properly care for both pets during the flight. It is essential to remember that these United Airlines pet policies apply to all types of furry companions.

What All pets can fly?

Only Service Dogs Can Fly Free:

  • Dogs over 4 months old who are trained to help someone with a disability can fly for free.
  • These are called service dogs, and they must be able to perform tasks like guiding, alerting, or retrieving.
  • Service dogs in training and flying with their trainers are also allowed.

Other Types of animals allowed

  • All other cats and dogs, including emotional support animals and therapy animals, must fly as pets.
  • For all other pets you'll need to pay the United pet fees and your animal will travel in a carrier under your seat.
  • Other types of animals, like hamsters, birds, or reptiles, are not allowed on United flights.

Remember:

  • Only dogs are allowed as service animals.
  • Service dogs fly free, while other pets like cats and dogs have a fee and fly in carriers.
  • Other animals like hamsters or birds cannot fly on United.

How can your pet fly with United Airlines?

Once you have decided to travel with your service pet, you must complete a couple of forms required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the United Airlines pet policy. These forms will need information about your service animal, such as its weight, breed, vaccination, and vet information. If you have a MileagePlus® account, you can sign in, complete these forms online, and save them for your trip. If you do not have an account, you can fill out the accessible PDF versions linked below. Whether you complete the forms online or as PDFs, you must print and keep them with you while you are at the airport and on the plane. Please note that the forms cannot be completed electronically for international flights and flights to Hawaii and Guam. You will need to print and carry them with you during your trip.

Fond Tip:Take care of your pets when you are at the airport. Carry all the essentials of your pet.

pet fly with United Airlines

You can click on the links below to fill out the form.

For service animals U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (united.com)

For flights 8 hours or more: United States Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form

It's important to note that the United pet policy is subject to change, so it's always a good idea to call one of our travel experts at +1-(571)-389-6426 to check for the most up-to-date information and to add a pet to United flight.

What is the Size of the Pets Carrier in United Airlines?

Ensuring your pet fits in your carrier is essential when flying with a small dog. While there are no restrictions on the weight or breed of pets that can travel by air, they must be placed in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, or you won't be allowed to fly with your pet.

Read our other blog: United Airline Cancellation Policy

When traveling with your pet, you must ensure that the carriers you use in the cabin are complex or soft-sided. For hard-sided carriers, the maximum dimensions allowed are 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm), while for soft-sided carriers, the maximum dimensions allowed are 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). United Airlines prioritizes your pet's safety and comfort, so please ensure they can stand up and turn around in the carrier.

Service animals are the only exception, as they can travel without a carrier.

The images below are of the United Airlines pet travel crate requirements.

United Airlines pet travel crate requirements

What is the pet fee for the United pet policy?

United Airlines only allows cats and dogs as in-cabin pets for a charge of $125 per pet where your pet remains in the cabin. Moreover, United Airlines dog policy charges an additional $125 for a trip with the U.S. with an exceeded 4-hour stopover or an international tour schedule exceedingly more than 24 hours stopover.

However, reserving your pet is the most essential thing that United observes, and the airline limits the number of pets in the cabin on a few flights. So, even though United allows travelers to add a pet while reserving a flight, ensure your pet is available.

Fond Tip:To make your flight less stressful, bring a familiar toy, blanket, or pillow to keep your pet calm.

Bottom line - United Pet Policy

Traveling with your pet on United Airlines may be tricky due to the strict United Airlines dog policy. After all, United is one of several airlines that forbid the transport of animals in the aircraft cargo hold.

Furthermore, there are limitations on the kinds of pets and the age at which they can travel under United's pet policy. You will only be permitted to travel with cats and dogs that can be accommodated in a pet carrier of the proper size. Call +1-(571)-389-6426 and talk to our experts about carrying a pet to a United flight.

FAQ’s

How can I book a flight for my dog in United?

To book a flight for your dog with United Airlines, it's important to do this well before your travel date, as pet accommodation is subject to availability and specific requirements. Contact our customer service to inquire at +1-(571)-389-6426.

How old do my pets have to be to fly?

For domestic flights on United Airlines, puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months old. For international flights, they must be at least 4 months old due to vaccination requirements.

What is the weight limit for pets flying with United Airlines?

In-cabin pets have no weight limit for pet travel but need an appropriate carrier. Checked baggage pets and carriers must be approximately 45 kilograms (about 100 pounds). Emotional support animals, limited to cats or dogs, can weigh up to 65 pounds. Call our customer care for further guidelines at +1-(571)-389-6426.

How many pets are allowed on United flights?

You can bring up to 2 service dogs or 1 service dog and 1 pet on your flight. If you bring both, you must buy an extra seat. Notify the airline and complete forms for the service dog. Keep the pet in a carrier and pay applicable fees for it.

Where will my dog sit on the plane?

On United Airlines, small dogs in a carrier are placed under the seat and can travel in the cabin. A carrier is considered as a single piece of carry-on luggage. Ensure that you book that as an "in-cabin" ticket in advance.

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About the author
Cynthia Lucas
Cynthia Lucas

Cynthia Lucas, a visionary author at Fond Travels since 2017, has revolutionized travel writing by blending exploration with captivating storytelling. Renowned for her insightful advice, Cynthia excels in sharing the best tips and tricks on securing the cheapest flights, hotels, and experiences. Her work enables travelers to realize their dream trips without breaking the bank. 

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