Taking a trip can be a difficult experience under the very best of scenarios. Bringing along your animal can make the procedure a lot more complex.
While service animals are extensively allowed, the United Airlines animal policy for other animals has a number of essential information that can journey you up. In this piece, we’ll cover the most essential information you require to understand about United Airlines animal travel, consisting of the United Airlines dog policy.
Get the current points, miles and take a trip news by registering for TPG’s complimentary day-to-day newsletter.
United Airlines’ animal policy
United Airlines will just accept cats and dogs as in-cabin animals. There is a $125 charge for each one-way travel plan where your animal accompanies you in the cabin. In addition, United will charge another $125 for any one-way travel plan within the U.S. with more than a four-hour stopover or any one-way global travel plan with more than a 24-hour stopover.
Have an approaching trip in mind? See how close you are to spending for it with points with the free TPG App!
Among the most essential information of the United animal policy is that your animal will require an appointment. United restricts the variety of animals it permits in-cabin on particular flights. So, although United will enable you to include a family pet to your reserving whenever after you book, it’s finest to make certain there’s schedule for your animal when you reserve your flight. Even though United no longer has change fees, you’ll be stuck rescheduling your trip if your particular flight isn’t allowing more in-cabin animals.
Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets
United Airlines’ pet carrier requirements
The United pet policy allows for both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers. Hard-sided carriers must be no more than 17.5 inches long by 12 inches wide by 7.5 inches high. Meanwhile, United recommends that soft-sided carriers be no larger than 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high. However, the only firm requirement for soft-sided pet carriers is that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you (hard-sided carriers must also fit underneath the seat in front of you).
United stipulates that only one pet is allowed in each pet carrier. Additionally, the United pet policy states that the animal must be able to stand up and turn around in its carrier.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet
United Airlines’ pet cargo policy
United Airlines does not currently enable any pets in cargo. Previously, the United pet policy did allow pets to travel as cargo. However, United’s program for pets in cargo, PetSafe, was suspended a few years ago after some tragic pet deaths. There is no indication when (or if) this program will resume.
Related: What you need to know about traveling with dogs on a plane
How to use the United pet policy
United has multiple options for booking a pet on your flight. First, there’s a link to book a new trip with your pet. But, if you already booked your trip, you can include a family pet to your existing trip by searching for your flights on the United website.
Once you have the specific itinerary in front of you, scroll down for the drop-down menu labeled “Special accommodations” and look for “Add animal.”
Related: How to modification or cancel a United Airlines flight
Bottom line
The United Airlines pet policy can make it challenging to travel with your pet. After all, United is one of many airlines that doesn’t allow animals to travel in the cargo hold on flights. Further, the United pet policy is restrictive regarding the types of pets that can travel. In specific, you’ll only be able to fly with cats and dogs that can fit into a pet carrier of the appropriate size.
Finally, United will only accept a certain number of animals in the cabin per flight, so you’ll need to reserve space for your animal early.
