Everything You Need to Know About United Airlines Pet Fees
Travelling with pets on an airplane can be kind of a hassle, am I right? Between figuring out how to handle Buddy during takeoff and landing and making sure he’s secured in his carrier safely, it’s a lot to worry about. But the paperwork and fees are another big stress. After searching “united airline pet fee” I’m sure you’ve got a ton of questions about what United charges to bring Fluffy along. Well, let me tell you everything you need to know so your trip goes smoothly.
United Pet Policies in a Nutshell
Basically, United allows you to bring your cat or dog in the aircraft cabin as long as they meet certain size and booking requirements. The pet must remain in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel that easily fits under the seat. The fee is currently $125 each way for domestic flights (within the U.S.), while international flights are $200 each way. You’ll pay those fees when booking the ticket. There may also be charges from the airport for things like checking in at the pet desk. From my experience booking pets on United, it can add a couple hundred to your total cost of travel.
What Types of Pets Are Allowed?
United accepts dogs and cats as cabin pets. All other companion animals like birds, rabbits, hamsters etc. have to be checked as cargo due to safety restrictions. I’d advise against putting a bunny through that if you can help it! The pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. United has a size limit of around 7 pounds for lap pets, so bigger dogs need to go in the cargo hold. Make sure to verify your specific pet meets United’s rules before buying those plane tickets.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for Air Travel?
There’s no way around it – flying is super stressful for animals. It involves lots of new sights, sounds and confinement in a small space. To help your pet stay calm, get them used to their carrier before the big day. Practice having them go inside for treats and training them to understand it’s a safe place. I’d also ask your vet for a mild anti-anxiety aid to give an hour before heading to the airport, if needed. On the day of, don’t give them food within a few hours of takeoff but do provide water. And make sure any required vaccinations are up to date according to the details on United’s animal transport page.
What Paperwork Is Required?
When booking your pet’s ticket online or at the airport, United will have you fill out a Pet Check-In form with all their details like microchip/tag number, vaccinations, etc. You’ll need a signed health certificate from your vet issued within 10 days of travel too. Don’t forget items like collar/harness, leash and documentation inside the carrier. From my experience, agents tend to crack down more on international trips. Showing up prepared with complete paperwork helps things go smoothly instead of facing potential delays. You may also have to visit the Pet Transport desk as you check in versus the regular counter.
What If My Pet Misbehaves In Flight?
Although most pets fly just fine, stuff happens sometimes, you know? If Rover starts barking non-stop or escapes the carrier, the crew members have the final say on whether he can still fly cabin. They may ask you to restrain him more, give him a sedative or relocate to the cargo hold, which could mean extra surcharges. I saw a lady get embarrassed once cause her cat meowed loudly the whole trip! My advice would be to go above and beyond with training and anxiety stuff pre-flight so there’s less chance of any issues mid-air. Better safe than having to fork out more cash, amirite?
How Do I Prepare For Pickup/Drop Off?
When it’s time to hand over your pet at the airport, make sure all documents and the kennel are labeled clearly with your contact details inside and out. Most locations let you walk pets to the designated pet area to let them go potty or have a drink one last time. Then it’s off to cargo for the under-hold pets. For meet-up, track the pet’s flight status and be at baggage claim promptly. Then they’ll bring your pup out for reunion time! It never hurts to pack extra bribes in case they’re stressed from the adventure. With care and preparation, your furry friend should be raring to enjoy the rest of your trip together with less trauma from the air travel part.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
No one likes to think bad things could happen, but I’ve seen a few horror stories. Delayed, diverted or lost pet shipments occur on rare occasions due to issues like mechanical problems or weather. United does their best to get animals to their destinations, but mishaps are a possibility. I’d highly advise investing in travel health insurance specifically for your pet ASAP. It may seem like an extra cost now, but it could save you major bucks later if anything goes amiss. Make sure emergency contacts are clearly listed too in case you need to be reached apart from your pet. Hopefully all goes smoothly, but it’s always good to have contingencies prepared just in case, right?
What About Emotional Support Animals?
If Fido provides emotional support to help manage a mental or emotional disability, he may be able to fly in the cabin as an ESA versus regular pet. However, United recently joined other airlines in requiring owners to complete an online training course and provide documentation. From my experience volunteering with therapy animals, processing false ESA claims has become a big issue the past year with people trying to pass pets off for free flights. Airlines are cracking down to ensure those with legitimate needs still have accommodations while tackling the rising abuse of the designation. Check United’s site closely for the latest requirements if traveling with an emotional support pet.
In Summary…
I hope this helps give you a clear picture of what to expect paying pet fares and preparing for air travel with United. Let me know if any other questions come to mind! The important things to remember are verifying your specific animal, fees, paperwork rules well ahead of booking. Then focus on positive training, vaccinations and keeping stress low during the actual trip. With patience and planning, your pet should feel right as rain by the end of the adventure no matter what mishaps may occur along the way. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!
United Airline Pet Fee Policy
| Pet Type | Cage Size | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Hard-sided | $125.00 each way |
| Dogs | Under seat carrier Must fit under seat |
$125.00 each way |
| Snakes | Secure container | $125.00 each way |
| Birds | Ventilated container | $125.00 each way |
| Hedgehogs | Secure ventilated container | $125.00 each way |
FAQ
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How much is the pet fee for United Airlines flights?
The pet fee for United is usually around $125 per flight for a dog or cat in the cabin. However, animals travelling in the cargo hold have a fee of $200. Certain restrictions may apply based on the animal’s size and breed.
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Are there weight limits for pets on United?
Yes, there are size and weight restrictions for pets flying in cabin on United. Dogs and cats must be under 20 pounds to travel with you in the cabin. Animals over this weight need to go in the cargo hold. Larger kennels or carriers may be required depending on the pet’s size.
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What paperwork is required for a pet on United?
To fly with a pet, you will need a signed health certificate from a vet. This must state that the animal is healthy, up to date on shots, and suitable to travel. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is also essential. TSA requires pets remain in kennels that can be scanned at security checkpoints too.
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Are emotional support animals charged a fee on United?
Normally yes, however under certain circumstances emotional support animals (ESAs) can fly free of charge. You basically need official documentation from a medical professional to prove you need the ESA for a mental health condition. ESAs have fewer restrictions than pets but aren’t fully trained service animals.
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Is the pet fee refundable if my flight is canceled?
According to United’s policies, the pet fee is non-refundable even if your flight gets canceled or delayed. I guess that’s not entirely fair to passengers, but airlines gotta make cash somehow. Maybe send United a nice email asking if they’d kindly refund the fee as a one-time courtesy? It can’t hurt to politely ask, right?
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What happens if my pet misbehaves on the plane?
If your pet acts up onboard and disturbs other passengers, you may be asked to put them in the cargo hold for the rest of the flight. Airlines need to ensure safety comes first. Thankfully, most well-trained pets fly with no issues. But things like barking excessively or jumping on people could cause problems. It’s best to prepare your pet for the experience to avoid any mishaps.
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What is the pet policy for international flights on United?
United’s international pet policies are similar yet vary somewhat by destination country. Check restrictions like health certificates, kennel requirements, approved breeds, and quarantine needs thoroughly in advance. Perhaps call an expert pet travel agent to ensure you follow every rule, as mistakes can result in denied boarding or even abandoning your pet upon arrival – yikes! Plan well ahead when taking pets internationally.