Traveling with your canine or feline friends will certainly make your journey an enjoyable and fascinating one. However, it has its sets of rules and regulations. So let us look into a detailed insight of travelling with pets on United Airlines’ flight.
How to Prepare On A United Airlines Flight When Flying With Pets?
United Airlines no longer allows passengers to check pets via their PetSafe program. Pets are permitted in the cargo only if they fly with employees from the state department or those in active duty military services.
When flying with your pet in the cabin, only dogs and cats are permitted. Moreover, all of it depends upon the availability of space as well.
Pet travel isn’t free of cost, you will be charged $150 per way. Some United Airlines destinations don’ permit pets. That is why double-checking is important before you fly to save yourself from any hassle.
When flying with your dog to the United States from any international destination, make sure you provide all the required documents and also fill out the form, which you will get from United’s official website.
In case of international travel, ensure that you make yourself aware in advance about the requirements of entry and exit for your particular destination.
On most of the United flights, each person is allowed to carry a maximum of two pets. To carry two pets, the passenger has to buy two seats. The second seat has to be adjacent to your seat so that you may care for both your pets. There are some United flights like A319, and A 320 where there is limited space below the middle seat. On these flights each person is allowed a single pet.
Where Can You Fly Your Pets On A United Airlines Flight?
If the destination to which you are travelling permits pets onboard, then you may carry them on any United Airlines or United Express flight. International travellers have to call the customer service helpline to include a pet to their reservation.
Those who have booked a ticket on multiple airlines, which may include United Airlines’ partners, in such cases while carrying a pet onboard it is essential to check with each of them to know of their pet policy. United Airlines doesn’t allow you to carry pets to , or from , or even through the following countries as stated below:
- Australia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- South Africa
- Spain
- Philippines
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Palau
- Mongolia
- New Zealand
- Morocco
- Marshall Islands
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- Ireland
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Guam
- Greenland
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hawaii
- French Polynesia
- Micronesia
- Dominica
- You aren’t permitted to carry pets on United flights traveling from Guam to the US mainland or Tokyo-Narito.
- You cannot carry pets in the cabin for flights to or from Bilbao
- Pets in the cabin are also not permitted for flights from Kaohsiung, going to or from Tokyo-Narita, as well as flights traveling from Taipei to or from Guam.
What are the Required Dimensions for Carrying Pets On United Airlines Flight?
There are no limitations for breeds or weight when you carry pets on United Airlines flights. However, you must note that all pets in the cabin have to travel in hard or soft-sided carriers. The only pets that do not require a pet carrier to travel are service animals. Hard-sided carriers must be of a height of 9 inches, width of 12 inches, and length of 17.5 inches. In the case of soft-sided carriers the required dimensions should be 11 inches high, 18 inches long, and 11 inches wide.
How to Book A Reservation For Your Pet On United Airlines Flight?
When booking on united.com, select the option, Travel with a pet. If you are to add your oe to your existing reservation, then you must go to the My Trips option. If you have to add your pet to your trip, you won’t be able to do it via the United App.
As mentioned already, for flight tickets bought on the 26th April 2024 and after that, the cost for traveling with pets each way is $150.
Tips For Travelling With Your Pet On United Airlines Flight
Here are some things to note when travelling with your pet on United Airlines flight:
- Carry all essentials like collapsible water bowls, treats, plastic bags, and leash to make your pet feel comfortable as you wait at the airport.
- To ensure that your pet is calm when onboard, carry their favorite toy, and even a pillow or blanket smelling familiar.
- The carrier in which you will be carrying your pet has to be properly ventilated. It also has to be accommodated below the seat to your front. Else, you won’t be permitted to fly on a United flight along with your pet.
- You have to check in at the ticket counter. You have to provide confirmation numbers for you as well as your pet that would be sent to your email address. You may even retrieve the information in the My Trips section.
- Several airports have pet relief areas, to help your pet relieve themselves. You may search for these spots and find their location by checking them out on the United app, Check the airport map section.
- If you are carrying emotional support or therapy dogs as cats, they have to travel as pets onboard, and will not be given the status of service animals.
- You should check your pet strollers, and they’ll go in as checked baggage.
- The most important rule to adhere to when on board is that your pet must remain within the carrier throughout, and the door has to be tightly shut.
Also Read: United Airlines Baggage Policy
Can You Carry Service Animals On United Airlines Flights?
Yes you can. United Airlines two service dogs absolutely free, if all the requirements are complied with. Only dogs are permitted as service animals on all United Express, and United flights. They also have to be a minimum of four months of age. United Airlines allow service dogs on board who are with their owners.
Service dogs who are going through the training process are permitted as well provided they travel with their trainers. Ensure that you have all the appropriate documents needed for your service dog’s hassle free travel. If you have any confusion you may visit the United website for any clarification or even contact their customer care.
If you are travelling with your service dog on international flights you cannot fill out the form online. You have to get in touch with United’s accessibility desk. The forms have to be printed and carried throughout your trip. For domestic destinations, the form may be filled out online.
You must also guarantee that your pet won’t relieve itself at the airport or plane. You can search for pet relief areas at your source and destination airport via the United airport. The dog has to remain seated on the floor in the space which is in front of where you are seated. Though a pet carrier isn’t needed, you can put your service dog in one provided it meets the specified dimensions. Pet strollers aren’t allowed at the gate and you can’t sit at the exit gate along with your service animal.
Conclusion
So, if planning to carry pets on board, you can do that in a hassle free manner provided you are updated with all rules and regulations, and also know about the fees, and minimum age requirements. For any doubt you may visit United Airlines’ official website or get in you with their customer support team.
FAQs
You are allowed to carry as many as two service dogs on board. However, you can also carry one pet and one service dog. You have to purchase an additional seat for accommodating both your animals. The service dog can be carried for free but for the pet you have to pay a fee, and carry it in a carrier.
For cats and dogs travelling internationally rabies vaccination alongside health certificates are required. The rabies vaccinations should have been completed in 28 days prior to travel date. Carrying a health certificate validated from the vet is recommended as some destinations might ask for this certificate when you arrive there with your pet.
For cats and dogs travelling internationally rabies vaccination alongside health certificates are required. The rabies vaccinations should have been completed in 28 days prior to travel date. Carrying a health certificate validated from the vet is recommended as some destinations might ask for this certificate when you arrive there with your pet.
For service dogs it is free of charge. However, for pets, it isn’t free, the cost for each way is $150.
