Is United Airlines strict on pet policy?
  • 18 Dec, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Is United Airlines strict on Pet Policy? 

United Airlines is one of the pet-friendly airlines, ensuring that passengers and their pets are comfortable throughout the journey. However, the airline is also responsible for the safety and security of co-passengers on the plane, so it has a strict pet policy. The aim of the pet policy is to ensure that your fur friend is happy and comfortable on the plane, and so are the co-passengers. How strict is United with pets? What is the united pet policy? Does United check pet documents? You will get answers to all these queries in the article, so let's begin. 

How strict is United Airlines on Pets? 

United Airlines is very strict, and there are certain rules you need to follow when traveling with pets. The United Airlines pet policy highlights mentioned below will help you understand it clearly: 

  • United Airlines allows you to carry cats and dogs only as pets. Service animals are not allowed unless you are an active military member. 
  • You can carry pets (cat and dog) in the cabin only; they cannot fly in cargo unless you are an active military member and carrying a serious animal.
  • United Airlines allows passengers to carry only 2 pets per passenger. You just need to reserve a seat for your pet next to you so that you can take care of both your pets. 
  • There is no restriction on the breed and weight of pets you can carry; however, you need to keep them in a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier. The dimensions of the soft-sided carrier should be 45 x 27 x 27 cm or 18 x 11 x 11 in, and the hard-sided carrier should be 44 x 30 x 22 cm or 17.5 x 12 x 9 inches. 

How do you book your pets with United Airlines? 

You can book your pets with United Airlines during the booking process. The process is simple: you need to open the booking section and highlight the option "Traveling with pets." If your ticket is already booked, follow the steps below to book your pet on United. Remember, adding pets via the United app is not allowed. 

  • Go to the United Airlines 'My Trip' section on the homepage 
  • Provide the confirmation number/ reference number and last name, find the booking
  • Select the ticket for which you wish to add a pet, and click on 'Edit Reservation.'
  • Proceed with the 'Add pet' option and follow the prompts 
  • Once the reservation for your pet is complete, you will get the confirmation 

Does United Chcek Pet Documents? 

Whether United Airlines will check the documents depends on the country you are flying to. Some countries are very strict about pets, and they don't allow them or require a Pet document for rabies vaccination. However, you must be ready with the paperwork and vaccination proof before leaving for the airport. You can visit the United Airlines website to check the country's rules for where you are flying. 

How much does it cost to carry on a pet on United? 

In General, United Airlines charges around $125/ to $150 each way when you travel with a pet. However, an additional cost of around $125 applies if there is a layover of more than 4 hours within United and more than 24 hours when traveling internationally. Remember, travel credits are not accepted to pay for the pets. 

Traveling with Pets? Things to consider 

When traveling with pets, carry essentials such as a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats, plastic bags, etc., as these things may not be available on board. 

To keep our pets calm and relaxed, you can also have a blanket, favorite toy, or pillows that smell familiar. 

As the seats are limited, you are advised to book seats for your pet as soon as possible. Otherwise, no seats mean you cannot carry your pet on board. 

Conclusion:

 United Airlines is very strict about pet travelers, allowing only cats and dogs to travel with no other animals. Pets are allowed in the cabin only, not in cargo. Your pet should be kept in a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier with an approved dimension. The carrier must fit under the seat, or you cannot fly. You can carry a maximum of 2 pets, and the seats should be booked for them next to you. Hopefully, you are clear about everything; talk to the airline for additional information about pets.