United Airlines Pet Policy in 2022: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or work trip this year, figuring out United’s pet travel rules is an important part of your travel planning. This comprehensive guide covers United Airlines’ current pet policy restrictions and requirements to help ensure safe, stress-free travel for you and your furry companions.
What Types of Pets Can Fly?
United allows dogs and cats as checked or cabin baggage on most domestic and international routes. However, certain restrictions apply depending on your pet’s size, breed, health documents, and the destination country’s import rules.
- Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
- Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals are allowed in the cabin for a fee with proper vet documentation.
- Exotic pets like snakes, lizards, chickens and monkeys are prohibited for passenger safety and quarantine reasons.
From my experience traveling with pets, it’s crucial to check each destination’s specific rules in advance. Some countries have unique quarantine periods, vaccinations or import permits required for pets that you’ll need to sort out well before your trip.
Cabin vs Cargo Requirements
Whether your pet flies in the cargo hold or cabin depends on size limits and aircraft type. Let’s review the key conditions:
Cabin Travel
Pets must remain in FAA-approved pet carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you. The combined pet and carrier weight cannot exceed 20 pounds.
Some types of small dogs, cats, rabbits and birds typically qualify for the cabin. However, cabin space fills up fast, so it’s smart to book early if flying with pets inside the plane.
Cargo Hold Travel
Larger pets that exceed the cabin weight/size limits must ride in the climate-controlled cargo compartment. United sets a 70-pound limit per kennel, with no more than 2 pets per passenger.
Be aware cargo pets have different check-in deadlines – at least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4-24 hours ahead for international trips. Late pets risk being denied travel to avoid delays.
Required Health Documents
No matter which way your pet flies, the appropriate vet health records are non-negotiable. They prove your pet is fit to travel and meets any import country’s entry prerequisites.
For domestic flights within the U.S., a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) signed within 10 days is needed. Most international destinations demand additional laboratory tests and vaccination records no older than a set number of days or weeks before arrival.
I once had complications arise because my dog’s rabies vaccination expired too close to our trip date. Taking pet documents to your vet well ahead of time allows flexibility if updates or revisions are required.
Booking and Prep Tips
Booking your pet’s space early is crucial for cabin spots and to ensure adequate ground handling is scheduled en route. United charges up to $125 each way for checked pet baggage.
When booking, enter your pet’s details like breed, weight, age, etc. In advance of travel, take these steps:
- Have current identification like a name tag and microchip on your pet at all times.
- Prepare your pet by gradually exposing them to carrier training and noises similar to the aircraft environment.
- Pack pet food/water bowls, collapsible water bottles, plastic sheeting/towels, leash and poop bags in your carry-on for use during connections.
Basically, with a little prep and awareness of the policies, traveling by air doesn’t have to be awful for you or your pet. Let me know if you have any other questions!
In-Transit Considerations
During flights, pets rely on handlers to look out for their welfare. Here are some things that can unexpectedly go wrong:
Animals must meet health cert timelines upon arrival at transfer airports too. Delays happen and layovers sometimes run long, putting documentation validity at risk in rare cases.
One time my cat seemed stressed during a long connection. Thankfully United staff brought her out of the cargo hold briefly so I could check on her. Communication is key if issues arise.
Another concern is pets getting lost or misdirected to the wrong destination city due to paperwork or tagging errors. Most airlines are liable if pets don’t reach the intended destination safely, but it’s still best preventing such mix-ups.
Does this help summarize the main rules and items to consider when flying United with pets? Let me know if you need any clarification on certain points. Safe travels to you and your furry friends!
Additional Resources:
For the most accurate and up-to-date pet travel policies, check United’s website: united.com/animals
The American Veterinary Medical Association also provides excellent general guidelines on preparing pets for flying: avma.org/pet-travel-prep
Finally, the USDA’s Travelling with Pets page lists traveling tips plus quarantine and import rules for pets entering the United States: aphis.usda.gov/travelling-pets
I hope this helps provide the answers and reassurance you need to make arrangements for your upcoming United journey. Best of luck and safe travels to you and your pets!
United Airlines Pet Travel Policy 2022
| Pet Type | Cabin or Cargo | Maximum Size | Notice Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cats | Cabin (in carrier under seat) | Up to 10 lbs | At least 48 hours before flight | $125 one way domestic flight |
| Dogs | Cabin (in carrier under seat) | Up to 20 lbs. | At least 48 hours before flight | $125 one way domestic flight |
| Snakes | Cargo only | Maximum 4 feet | At least 48 hours before flight | $200 one way domestic flight |
| Birds | Cabin in ventilated container | Container dimensions | At least 48 hours before flight | $125 one way domestic flight |
| Reptiles | Cargo only | Container size restrictions | At least 48 hours before flight | $200 one way domestic flight |
FAQ
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Does United Airlines allow pets in the cabin?
United allows most dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, as long as they meet certain size and health requirements. Pets must remain in their carriers under the seat for the whole flight.
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What are the size restrictions for pets in the cabin?
Pets traveling in the cabin must fit comfortably within their carrier which cannot be larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. This is basically like a regular pet carrier or small dog crate size. Oversized pets have to go in the cargo hold.
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Are there any health documents required for a pet to fly?
Yup, all pets must have a certificate from a vet saying they are healthy and show proof of up-to-date vaccinations. The vet paperwork cannot be older than ten days before your flight dates. Otherwise they might not let Fluffy board the plane with you!
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Does United charge a fee for pets in the cabin?
Yes there is a kind of steep fee for bringing a pet in the cabin. I think it was around $125 each way last time I checked. At the same time, it’s better than them having to ride in cargo where it’s kinda loud and cold, you know? Perhaps United could lower the cost a bit to be more fair to pet owners.
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What animals are prohibited from flying?
Certain animals aren’t allowed to fly due to health or safety concerns. Basically any exotic or dangerous pets like snakes, farm animals, or large monkeys are a no-go. United also bans hedgehogs, ferrets and insects from both the cabin and cargo hold. Maybe they had a unpleasant experience with a bug or ferret on a plane before!
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Can an emotional support animal fly for free?
Technically yes, if you have official paperwork from your doctor stating you need an emotional support critter, it can ride in the cabin free of charge. However, not everybody abides by the rules. Come on folks, we shouldn’t take advantage just to dodge a fee. Pets are still animals that must be cared for properly on planes for everybody’s comfort.
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What do I do if my pet seems stressed on the plane?
Good question! If little Rex starts whimpering or your bird gets all riled up, it’s best to contact a flight attendant for help. They may be able to find a quiet area to soothe your pet until it calms down. Communication is key. Don’t just ignore your pet’s signals ’cause stressed animals can escalate the situation. Let’s work together to keep everybody relaxed at 35,000 feet, whether they have paws or hands!