United Airlines, the third largest airline in the world, operates flights to 238 cities across the U.S. and 118 international destinations around the world. The airline welcomes passengers to bring pets in the cabin on United and United Express flights. There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally.
If you’re planning to fly with your pet on United Airlines, here are some very important up-to-date policies you’ll need to know. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you and Fido have a seamless journey.
The Booking Process
Pets traveling on United Airlines can be booked online. When planning to travel with a four-legged passenger, you’ll need to first make sure the flight you’re taking allows pets, then go ahead and book your own flight and be sure to click “Travel with a pet” during the booking process. If you need to add a pet to an existing reservation, you can go to My Trips on the United Airlines website and make the change. Once you’ve made your reservation online, call the United Airlines customer service line at 800-864-8331 to confirm your pet. The airline representative will ask for your pet’s name, breed and weight. The number of pets allowed per flight varies depending on the type of aircraft you’re flying on, so it’s important to confirm your pet’s reservation with customer service.
You’ll pay the additional pet fee when you arrive at the airport to check in for your flight.
Carrier
Pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennels (without touching any side or the top of the container).
Non-collapsible carriers can’t exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey.
Hard-sided carriers must be within the dimensions of 7.5” high x 17.5” long x 12” wide.
Soft-sided collapsible carriers must be within the dimensions of 11” high x 18” long x 11” wide. They also have to be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material and have nylon mesh ventilation on two or more sides.
Pets in the cabin must remain in their kennels with the door closed, under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
Check-In
Plan to reach the airport with plenty of time. We suggest arriving more than two hours before your scheduled flight if you’re traveling with your pet to allow enough time to check in and to find a pet relief area at the airport. When you arrive at the airport, check in at the ticket counter. You’ll be asked to show both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers. You’ll also pay the pet fee at check-in. The airline attendant will provide you with a separate receipt for your pet along with a bag tag for your pet’s carrier. Payments can be made with cash or credit card. You will also need to have your pet’s health certificate, which must be issued by a vet within 28 days of your trip.
Save time and stress at the airport by creating your pet profile on BringFido’s website, or mobile app for iOS or Android. You can upload your pup’s health records for one-touch access whenever you need them.
Once you and your pet are checked in and have your cabin pet tag, you are ready to go to the security checkpoint. At the checkpoint, you will need to take your pet out of its carrier. Your pet must remain in the carrier in the airport apart from at the security checkpoint and designated relief areas.
United Airlines’ Pet Policy
United Airlines permits pets to travel in a carrier in the cabin. With the exception of service animals, only cats and dogs are permitted on board, and only one pet per passenger is allowed. Pets traveling within the U.S. must be at least two months old, while pets traveling internationally must be at least four months old. The number of pets allowed on board each flight depends on the type of aircraft you’re flying on. There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally.
Carry-On Pets
While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. There can only be one pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside. Pets are welcome to fly with you in the cabin if they are at least two months old when traveling within the U.S., and at least four months old when traveling abroad. Only one pet is permitted per passenger, and the carrier is considered a carry-on item. The fee for carrying a pet in the cabin is $125 each way. There is no charge for service animals.
Pets in Cargo
United Airlines does not accept pets in cargo. Exceptions apply for active duty U.S. military personnel on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) including retirement/separation orders, State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP) and their spouses while traveling on assignment.
Pertaining to all airlines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a temporary suspension of dogs (carry-on or checked), including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies.
For more information about United Airlines’ pet policy, restrictions and guidelines, check our United Airlines travel page. For flights outside of the U.S., visit our International Pet Travel Page for information on restrictions and documentation.