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United Airlines is a pet-friendly air carrier that permits passengers to travel with up to two animals, including pets, emotional support animals (ESAs), and service animals. All animals must travel in the cabin with their owners. Previously, United operated a program called PetSafe, which allowed animals to be transported in the plane’s cargo hold. However, this program was discontinued in 2018 after a series of unfortunate incidents and has not been reinstated since.
U.S. based air carriers must comply with rules enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Under these regulations, service animals fly for free and do not have to be confined in pet carriers.
Emotional support animals used to be protected under the ACAA, but are no longer considered service animals and now must travel as regular pets. ESA owners must follow the United Airlines flying with pets guidelines. Under the United pet policy, all pets and ESAs must travel in pet carriers with specified size requirements. Pet fees apply to emotional support animals.
Understanding the United Airlines pet policy before making travel plans and booking flights is important to avoid unwanted situations.
What is United Airlines Pet Policy?
United Airlines is a pet-friendly company that allows bringing up to two pets per passenger on its flights. Up until 2018, United Airlines used to run a PetSafe program that permitted pets to travel as cargo, however, following several unfortunate incidents, the program was suspended and animals are now only permitted aboard the aircraft.
Bringing pets on United Airlines is now allowed only if they travel in-cabin. The airline does not enforce breed or weight restrictions. However, all pets (dogs and cats) must be confined in hard or soft-sided pet carriers that fit under the seat.
United, in compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), must accommodate service dogs. Service dogs are exempt from the United Airlines pet rules. They are allowed to travel outside carriers, and without paying fees.
Since 2021, emotional support animals are considered as regular pets when traveling, thus they are subjected to fees and must be kept in carriers. Understanding an airline’s pet policy is vital before making reservations. Different pet-friendly airlines have unique regulations regarding pets and emotional support animals.
What Types of Pets does United Airlines Allow?
United Airlines welcomes both dogs and cats to travel in the cabin. The airline permits service dogs to board freely onto their aircraft, while emotional support animals, therapy animals, and service dogs in training must be transported in pet safe carriers under standard pet travel policies. Although dogs are welcome in the cabin, United Airlines does not permit pit-bulls and pit-bull mixes breeds on their aircrafts.
According to the United Airlines dog policy, puppies must be at least two months old for domestic flights. For international travel, dogs must be at least six months old to meet CDC importation regulations.
Similarly, the United Airlines cat policy states that kittens must be at least two months old for domestic flights, and four months or older for international travel, to comply with vaccination requirements.
United’s now-discontinued PetSafe cargo program previously imposed breed restrictions for both dogs and cats, particularly short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Persian cats, due to health risks—especially during warmer months. Since 2018, the program has been suspended and has not resumed.
How much does United Airlines Charge per Pet?
As of April 26, 2024, United Airlines pet fee is $150 per pet for all tickets purchased on or after that date.
Additional charges may apply for extended travel—specifically, for flights with layovers exceeding four hours on domestic itineraries or 24 hours on international routes. As a result, bringing a dog on an international trip with United Airlines can often exceed the base fee of $150.
The United Airlines pet cargo cost used to be higher and subject to different regulations. However, as already stated, it is no longer possible to board pets as cargo due to health and safety concerns. This option is no longer available to regular passengers.
What is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for United Airlines?
United Airlines has an in-cabin pet policy allowing dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most domestic and international flights. Pets must be confined in carriers placed beneath the seat in front of the owner. The United Airlines in-cabin pet policy allows both hard and soft-sided carriers. Travellers with two pets must have separate carriers for each pet.
United Airlines does not have breed or weight limitations. Destination restrictions, however, are possible. All pets traveling in-cabin with the company must have valid health certificates.
Age limitations exist too. Kittens and puppies must be at least two months old to travel on domestic flights. For international flights, the age limit is four and six months, respectively.
During flights, pets must remain in their carriers at all times. United Airlines pet in-cabin policy states that passengers with pets are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit rows, the front row of each cabin, or United Premium Plus seats. United Airlines does not allow bringing pet strollers to the gate. Pet strollers must be checked and count toward the checked bag allowance.
Pet owners must inform United Airlines that they are bringing their pets in the cabin in advance and book this option when making flight reservations.
What is the Recommended Pet Carrier Size for In-Cabin Travel with United Airlines?
The recommended pet carrier size for in-cabin travel for United Airlines is 9 in (22 cm) x 17.5 in (44 cm) x 12 in (30 cm) for hard-sided carriers, and 11 in (27 cm) x 18 in (45 cm) x 11 in (27 cm).
The United Airlines pet carrier size policy exists to ensure the carriers fit under the seat and do not invade the personal space of other passengers.
Passengers with pets and emotional support animals must comply with the United Airlines pet carrier requirements. Service animals are exempt from this rule and do not have to be confined during flights.
Is there a Pet Weight Limit for In-Cabin Travel for United Airlines?
No, there is no weight limit for pets for in-cabin travel for United Airlines. The company does not restrict the pet’s weight. However, United Airlines has a restriction on the carrier size.
The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Therefore, even though there is no United Airlines pet weight limit, the carrier size restriction prevents large dogs from traveling.
Each airline has its weight limit for dogs on planes. Look for a different airline if planning a flight with a large dog that does not fit United Airlines’ carrier dimensions.
Does United Airlines Require a Health Certificate for In-Cabin Pet Travel?
Yes, United Airlines requires a health certificate for in-cabin pet travel. The company requires both health and rabies certificates for international flights.
A health certificate is not always mandatory for domestic flights. However, it is recommended to have one, as some destinations may require health certificates on arrival.
Licensed veterinarians are authorized to issue health certificates. A valid health certificate has the owner’s name, phone, and address, as well as information about the pet, such as breed, sex, age, color, and a list of recent vaccinations.
In the health certificate, the veterinarian must state that on the last exam, the pet was free of infectious diseases and has not injured or attacked a person in the last 30 days.
United Airlines requires a rabies certificate for international flights. To be eligible for a certificate, the pet must have completed the rabies vaccinations at least 28 days before the flight.
Additional rabies-related rules may apply depending on where you are traveling and whether the CDC considers the destination to be high-risk for rabies.
Can you Bring more than One Pet In-Cabin with United Airlines?
Yes, you can bring more than one pet in-cabin for United Airlines. The company accepts up to two pets per person.
Passengers traveling with two pets must buy two seats to ensure the pets are accommodated properly. The second seat must be next to the assigned seat so that the owner is able to take care of both pets.
Certain aircraft in the United Airlines fleet have limited space under the middle seats and only allow one pet per person. The one pet rule applies to aircraft: A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800, 737-8 (MAX 8), 737-900, and 737-9 (MAX 9).
Does United Airlines Restrict Pets to Certain Destinations?
Yes, United Airlines restricts pets to certain destinations. Pets are allowed on United or United Express flights to destinations that accept pets.
United Airlines restricts pets to destinations with no-pet policies. For example, it does not allow pets to fly to, from, or through Australia, Greenland, Iceland, Sweden, or the United Kingdom.
Pets can travel from Guam to the U.S. mainland or Tokyo-Narita, but are not permitted on flights back to Guam. Flights from Guam to the U.S. mainland are considered international. In-cabin pets are also prohibited to and from Bilbao.
Call 1-800-864-8331 if planning to fly internationally to familiarize yourself with the destination’s pet rules and add a pet to the air travel arrangements.
Does United Airlines Still Fly Pets in Cargo?
No, United Airlines no longer offers cargo transport for pets under its standard passenger services. Until 2018, the airline operated a program known as PetSafe, which allowed passengers to check pets as cargo on select flights. However, following a series of high-profile incidents, the program was suspended and has not been reinstated.
According to the current United Airlines pet policy cargo rules, exceptions are made only for active-duty U.S. military personnel and foreign service members traveling on official assignments. Pets may be flown in cargo only when the owner is relocating under a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or reassignment order.
Even under these limited exceptions, the United Airlines pet cargo cost remains the responsibility of the pet owner and can vary depending on route, size, and logistics.
What is United Airlines Policy for Emotional Support Animals?
United Airlines policy for emotional support animals is the same as for pets. In 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOT) updated its guidelines and as a result it no longer considers ESAs as a separate category similar to service animals.
As a result, emotional support animals on United Airlines flights travel as pets. This means that they must comply with the airline’s pet policies.
DOT revised and changed its ESA regulations due to concerns regarding safety and misuse of ESA designations. The increase in incidents associated with untrained ESAs, fake ESA letters, and misrepresentation of regular pets as ESAs or service animals sparked the revision.
The United Airlines ESA policy states that emotional support animals must travel in carriers that fit under the plane’s seats and they are subject to an ESA fee for flight services.
United Airlines emotional support animal policy does not include breed or weight restrictions on ESAs. The fact that they must be in carriers, however, indirectly limits the size of ESAs allowed in-cabin.
Are ESA Letters still Required to Fly with ESAs on United Airlines?
No, ESA letters are no longer required to fly with emotional support animals (ESAs) on United Airlines. Under current regulations, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) no longer recognize ESAs as service animals.
As a result, emotional support animals are treated the same as pets for air travel. ESAs must comply with United Airlines’ standard pet policies, which include paying applicable pet fees and remaining confined in an airline-approved carrier throughout the flight.
Although the DOT and ACAA previously recognized ESAs—and ESA letters were once required—policy changes mean that United Airlines and other major U.S. carriers no longer accept an ESA letter as basis for special accommodations.
Can United Airlines Deny an ESA?
Yes, United Airlines can deny an ESA. On January 11, 2021, emotional support animals shifted from being protected under the DOT to being treated as regular pets in air travel.
Airlines are therefore allowed to deny emotional support animals if they do not meet their pet regulations and policies.
United Airlines has the right to reject ESAs if they are obviously sick, aggressive, or confined in carriers that do not meet the proper kenneling criteria. United Airlines is also permitted to deny travel if the final destination does not accept pets or if there are weather predictions about extreme temperatures at relevant airports.
What is United Airlines Policy for Service Animals?
United Airlines allows service animals to fly in-cabin with their handlers free of charge. All US airlines must adhere to regulations imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). In accordance with DOT’s rules and regulations, passengers are permitted to fly with up to two service animals or service animals in training.
Dogs and some kind of miniature horses are the only two species recognized as service animals, and United permits dogs exclusively. Physical and psychiatric service dogs qualify as service animals. There is no universally mandated age requirement for service animals.
Handlers are required to fill out DOT forms at least 48 hours prior to travel arrangements. The two required forms are the Air Transportation Service Animal Training Behavior and Attestation.
United Airlines service animal policy does not require service animals to be confined in pet carriers. However, they must behave appropriately and be leashed or harnessed at all times.
Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals. Psychiatric service dogs, on the other hand, still enjoy protection and are categorized as assistance animals.
According to the United Airlines service dog policy, the company has the right to deny in-cabin flight to service dogs if they are misbehaving, being aggressive, or severely disruptive.
What is the Procedure for Flying with a Service Dog on United Airlines?
The procedure instructions for flying with a service dog on United Airlines are given below.
- Confirm Eligibility. United Airlines allows service dogs and service dogs in training to fly when accompanied by their handlers.
- Complete the Paperwork. All service dog owners are required to fill out the Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Those traveling on flights that last more than eight hours must also complete the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
- Contact the Airline. Call United Airlines’ accessibility desk to get information on any destination-specific service dog rules.
- Book the Flight. With the paperwork completed and the information gathered, it is time to make a flight reservation. Add the service dog to the trip to ensure accommodation.
- Choose the Right Seat. The service dog must sit on the floor space in front of your seat, or if you prefer, and if its size allows, be confined in a pet carrier. Service dogs cannot be in the aisle or the floor spaces of other travellers. As a service dog handler, you cannot sit in the exit row.
- Prepare for the Flight. Pack all essentials, including collapsible bowls, leashes, treats, and plastic bags. Use the United App to learn where the designated pet relief areas are before the dog needs to use one.
The service dog owner is responsible for ensuring the dog is well-behaved, trained, and under control at all times, either tethered or harnessed. The owner guarantees that the dog will not relieve itself on the plane or at the gate. They must have the completed DOT forms on hand and are responsible for tending to the service dog’s needs during the flight.
Do you need to Notify United Airlines in Advance For Flying with a Service Dog?
Yes, you need to notify United Airlines in advance for flying with a service dog. The notification process differs based on whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
For domestic flights, you need to select “I’m bringing a task-trained service dog on my trip” when booking. After the booking is done, go to “Trip Details” and complete the paperwork. If you have a MileagePlus profile, the form will be saved, and all you need to do is add it to the new trip.
If flying internationally, including Hawaii and Guam, contact United Airlines’ accessibility desk at 1-800-228-2744 to get information about destination-specific rules on traveling with a service dog and add the service dog to the booking.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free on United Airlines?
Yes, service dogs fly for free with United Airlines. The company allows free travel for two service dogs per passenger. Service dogs, however, must meet specific requirements. The dogs must be at least four months old, either fully trained or currently in training, and accompanied by their handlers.
Therapy and emotional support animals are considered pets under the Air Carrier Access Act and are subject to air travel fees.
Are there Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on United Airlines?
No, there are no breed restrictions for service dogs on United Airlines. In accordance with the US Department of Transportation and United Airlines’ policy, breed restrictions do not apply to service animals, specifically service dogs.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) defines a service dog as a “dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability.”
The ACAA protects service animals exclusively, and it does not cover emotional support animals and therapy dogs. Therefore, breed restrictions may apply to ESAs and therapy dogs.
Can you Bring more than One Service Dog on a United Airline Flight?
Yes, you can bring more than one service dog on a United Airlines flight. The company allows up to two service dogs per passenger to comply with the rules imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
In accordance with United Airlines’ policy, both service dogs must fit, either in the handler’s foot space or on their lap.
Large service dogs do not typically fit, and handlers must consider purchasing an additional seat or booking multiple flights. Every service dog flying with United Airlines must be accommodated properly.
Are there Size Restrictions to Fly with a Service Dog with United Airlines?
Yes, there are size restrictions to fly with a service dog with United Airlines. The ACAA obliges airlines to accept service animals on flights.
United Airlines complies with the Air Carrier Access Act and does not generally restrict service dogs based on weight. Size restrictions, however, may apply in some cases.
For example, the service dog must be able to fit within the handler’s foot space. The service dog’s presence must not physically interfere with the comfort of other passengers, and it must not block the emergency exit rows.
Can United Airlines Deny a Service Animal?
Yes, United Airlines can deny a service animal. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must accept service animals and allow them to sit with their handlers in the cabin. Exceptions to the ACAA, however, exist.
United Airlines is allowed to deny a service animal if it poses a direct threat to other passengers or crew members, misbehaves, or its size hinders the safety of other passengers, like blocking the access to the airplane’s emergency exits.
Handlers who fail to provide proper documentation for their service animals can also be legally rejected. Finally, United Airlines has the right to deny a service animal if it violates the law of the flight’s destination.
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