Everything You Need to Know about United Airlines Pet Policy
You love traveling, but you don’t want your Furry baby to stay at home without you? If that is the scenario, then United Airlines Pet Policy can take you out of such a situation. However, you have to understand that the Airline has some terms and policiesthat you need to follow. Apart from airlines, different countries also have their own policies for passengers traveling with pets.
Thus, if you are planning to go on your next trip with your Pet, you may read this Article.
What is United Airlines Pet Policy?
The Airline allows pets to travel in both the Passenger cabin and Shipped separately. In case you are boarding a domestic flight, you have the option to take your Pet along with you in the cabin. However, this rule is not allowed in Hawaii. Along with this, the same rule is permitted if you are traveling between U.S./Canada and Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Otherwise, if you are opting for International flights other than in the above-mentioned countries, the acceptance rule varies. In the cabin, pets are not allowed on flights to or from Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, etc.
What are the rules and regulations for eligible pet travel?
Like every other airline, United also has some rules that the passengers must keep in mind when they are flying with pets:
Only small and domesticated cats or dogs are allowed in United Express and United Airlines.
These pets can travel anywhere within the continental United States except for Hawaii.
You must carry your pet’s health certificate, or else boarding will be denied.
Your pet must be at least four months old and should be comfortably seated under the seat in front of you.
Only one pet is allowed in one pet carrier, and it is counted as a piece of carry-on luggage.
If you want to bring another pet in the same carrier, purchase an extra ticket.
Your pet carrier must be approved by United or should follow the carrier guidelines set by the airline.
Whether it’s a flexible carrier or a rigid one, they must have waterproof bottoms, secure fasteners, and adequate ventilation.
The dimension (maximum) of a hard-sided kennel is 17.5 inches (L) x 12 inches (W) x 7.5 inches (H), which is 44 x 30 x 19cm.
The dimension (maximum) of a soft-sided kennel is 18 inches (L) x 11 inches (W) x 11 inches (H), which is 46 x 28 x 28cm.
It is mandatory to inform the airline in advance if you are traveling with a pet. You can do so online or by calling their customer service phone number.
You will be charged $125 for pet service, which you can pay at the time of check-in.
The United Airlines pet policy for international flights is different as compared to the domestic flights policy; therefore, make sure to check with the airline for proper rules and regulations.
Make sure your pet fits
According to the United Airlines pet policy weight limit, there is no maximum or minimum weight that your cat/dog should be of. However, the only condition is that the pet must stay inside the United-approved pet carrier and should fit inside it comfortably. No body part of the pet, for example, nose, ears, or tail, should come out of the pet carrier.
How does flying with pets on United compare to other airlines?
If we compare United Airline’s pet policy with other major airlines, then it comes in the fourth number. These analyses are made on the basis of strictness, the welcoming nature of the staff, comfort, space, and other such factors. Without any doubt, United Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly with if you are traveling with a pet. Below given graph gives a representation of the pet-friendly airlines.
What do you mean by United Airlines’ Pet-in-Cabin Policy?
According to the pet policy of United Airlines, only small domestic pets like dogs, rabbits, and cats can fly in the cabin. Apart from that, the Pet must be of at least eight weeks old or above for all domestic flights.
Whereas, if you are planning an International trip, then the Pet should be of 16 weeks or more than that. Any animal other than the above-mentioned one needs to be transported via PetSafe with the help of United’s Live Animal Service.
In addition to that, the Pets who are traveling in the cabin have to be inside their carrier only, and they should be able to turn around and stand up or sit easily in the carrier.
Essential Carrier Requirements of United Airlines in Cabin Pet Policy
The United Airline’s pet policy allows both Hard and Soft-sided carriers for the Pet traveling with them. The Hard-sided carrier’s size should be equal to or less than 17.5 x12 x 7.5 inches. In the meantime, the soft-sided carriers’ dimensions must be less than or equal to 18 x 11 x 11 inches. Moreover, the soft-headed carrier needs to fit under the seat in front of you as well.
Furthermore, you can travel with only one Pet per carrier.
What are the Form Requirements to travel in the cabin before the flight?
Below we have mentioned the Forms that you have to send to the Airline before boarding the flights with your Pet.
A copy of united airlines’ pet policy health certificate.
Picture f your Pet to be sure about its breed.
A photo of a Pet crate.
Alternatively, you have to send a signed customer acknowledgment form as well.
After submitting these, you have to wait for the response from the Airline. They will review it and make sure that your Pet is under the united Airline’s cabin pet policy. If not, then they will call you and sort out the problem. However, if the issue doesn’t get resolved and your Pet doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, they can’t travel with you.
United Airlines Pet Cargo Policy- Brief Explanation
Although United Airlines currently gives persimmon for Pets in Cargo. But back then, they used to allow pets to travel in the cargo as well. It was suspended because of the tragic pets dealt. And there is no information available about the program to get resumed again.
However, if it is a case of emergency and your Pet is too big to travel in a cabin, then you have to fulfill a few requirements to access the United Airlines Pet Cargo Policy. The major demands of the United Airlines PetSafe program or Pet Cargo Policy are:
Pets should be between 2 lbs to 350 lbs.
The charges vary according to the size and weight of the Pet and from the location, you are traveling.
What are the Form Requirements to Travel in Cargo?
With united airlines’ pet travel policy, you have to provide a few specific documents before your flight:
Submit a United Airlines Pet Policy Health Certificate that is signed within ten days of your flight departure date.
Alternatively, submit a Rabies certificate from a licensed veterinary doctor.
A recent photograph of your Pet.
Image of the Pet Create, showcasing all its sides.
You have to sign the customer acknowledgment form, in which you will accept that you are carrying your Pet under the PetSafe Program of United Airlines.
How to Reserve a flight for your Pet with United Airlines?
You can reserve a place for your Pet with Unite Airlines at the time of ticket booking only. However, if you want to make a reservation later. You go to the MY Trips option, available on the official website of United Airlines. Apart from that, you can also call on United Airline Toll-free number and ask them to help you in making your Pet’s reservation.
Note: It is always advised to make your Pet’s reservation in advance because there is some limitation on the number of pets traveling per flight.
Apart from the Pet Policy, you can also read a bit about the Baggage Policy of United Airlines so that you don’t have to face any issues while traveling with your four-legged friend.
Traveller Pro Tips
Traveling to a new city with your pet can sometimes be troublesome, as you may be filled with worry about whether your pet will be comfortable or not, whether it will create chaos on the flight, how to handle them, and more. Given below are some tips that every traveler must keep in mind when they are traveling with a pet.
Carry a comfortable carrier: It is important for the pet to be in a safe and secure carrier, or else they may face comfort problems or start barking. Hence, double-check the carrier, make sure it is the right size, and that the dog/cat fits in it comfortably.
Don’t put too many toys in the carrier: When you are at home, you can give your pet as many toys as you wish, but this is not the case on flights. Putting too many toys in the carrier will leave them with little to no space to move, and it may cause discomfort to the pet.
Carry proper paperwork: To ensure smooth travel and check-in of the pet, make sure you are carrying all the necessary paperwork. This includes the health certificates and more about the vaccines, age, etc.
Extra Activity: Do the same thing we do with babies before a flight. Engage them in activity; let your pet play and run as much as they want so that they get tired. This way, your pet will most likely rest or sleep in the carrier during the flight.
Give them your scent: For pets who are still puppies or kittens or have never been away from you, it is advised to keep a cloth or a toy with them that smells like you. With this, they will feel close to you and will not create chaos in the flight.
Conclusion
United Airlines is considered a great airline for traveling with or without pets. It makes sure to provide a safe and secure space for the pets so that they can travel in peace. The United executives are warm and welcoming and make sure to cater to all your pet-related needs. In case you have any pet policy-related doubts, you may get in touch with a United executive by directly calling +1-855-300-3027
The United Airlines Pet Policy Cargo is also named the PetSafe Program, under which pets that are too large to fit in the carrier can travel. Remember, only cats and dogs are permitted in the cargo, and you may expect a charge of somewhere between $200 to $2000, as it depends on the flight and destination.
The United Airlines Pet Policy 2023 has laid down certain rules and regulations that every passenger must abide by. It is important to follow the carrier rules, dimensions, and other terms as if United catches you not following the terms, you may not be allowed to travel with your pet. This would further lead to changes in your travel plans, so it’s better to abide by the rules.
The United Airlines pet policy clearly states that the passenger must carry a pet health certificate, which includes a rabies vaccination certificate administered not more than 30 days before the United flight. Other vaccinations that have expired should also be given to the pet.
There are no weight restrictions for pets flying in United cabins. However, according to the United Airlines Pet Policy in the cabin, the cat/dog must fit comfortably inside the carrier and should remain inside for the entire duration of the flight.
