Flying with a Dog on United Airlines

If you’re planning on flying with a dog on United Airlines, we’ll tell you how to fly with a dog on United for both domestic and international flights, including tips on how to prepare your dog for the trip, what documents you will need, and what to expect at the airport. Flying with a dog can be a stressful experience, but with proper planning and understanding of the airline’s specific policies and procedures, the process can be smooth and enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Flying with Small Dogs

For domestic flights within the United States, United allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with you, as long as they are in a kennel that fits under the seat in front of you.

The carrier must also meet the following size requirements:

• For flights within the United States, the maximum size for the kennel is 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches tall.
• For international flights, the maximum size for the kennel is 19 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches tall.

If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin with you, or if you are traveling with a large number of pets, United also offers cargo travel for pets. This option allows your dog to travel in the hold of the plane, in a temperature-controlled and pressurized area specifically designed for pets.

It is important to note that United only allows a maximum of two pets in the cabin per flight, and only one carrier per passenger. If you are traveling with more than two pets, or if your carrier does not meet the size requirements, your pets will need to travel as cargo.

Booking the Flight

When booking a flight on United’s website, simply select “add a pet” under the “traveling with” section during the booking process. You will then be prompted to enter your pet’s information. It is important to book your pet’s travel as soon as possible, as there is a limited number of spaces available for pets on each flight.

Pet Fee

United charges a pet fee for each pet that travels in the cabin or as cargo. The fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin is $125 each way, and the fee for cargo travel is based on the size and weight of the kennel. It is important to note that these fees are non-refundable and are not eligible for mileage accrual.

Before your Trip

Before your trip, it is a good idea to get your dog accustomed to being in a carrier or crate and to traveling in general. This will help to reduce anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

It’s also a good idea to pack a travel kit for your pet, including any necessary documents, a small bag of treats, and a water bottle with a spill-proof top. You’ll also want to bring a small blanket or towel to place in the kennel to make it more comfortable for your pet. It’s important to remember that United Airlines does not provide food or water for pets during the flight, so you’ll need to make sure your pet has enough for the duration of the trip.

Arriving at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, make sure to check in with United and let them know that you are traveling with a pet. If you’re traveling with a dog crate, you will need to check the crate at the baggage counter, and it will be transported in the cargo hold of the plane.

It is important to note that United does not allow pets in the cargo hold on flights to or from the following destinations: Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Tonga.

Flying with a Service Dog on United

If you are flying with a service dog on United, the process will be slightly different. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as assisting with mobility or alerting to an impending seizure. Service dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners at no additional charge on United Airlines, as long as they meet the requirements for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To travel with a service dog on United Airlines, you will need to provide documentation from a licensed medical professional stating that you have a disability and that the service dog is necessary for your travel. You will also need to provide documentation from the service dog’s training program, as well as proof of the dog’s health and vaccinations.

In addition to the documentation requirements, there are also specific guidelines for traveling with a service dog on United. Service dogs must be trained to behave properly in public and must be able to remain calm and quiet during the flight. They must also be harnessed or leashed at all times and must not occupy a seat.

If you are traveling with a service dog on United Airlines, it is important to inform the airline at the time of booking, as well as at the airport during the check-in process. This will allow the airline to make necessary accommodations for your service dog and ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Please note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and therefore do not have the same rights as service dogs. However, United does allow emotional support animals to travel in the cabin with their owners, as long as they meet the requirements for emotional support animals and the necessary documentation is provided. The fee for traveling with an emotional support animal is $125 each way.

During the flight, your service dog will be allowed to sit with you in the cabin of the plane. United allows service dogs to sit on the floor at the customer’s feet or in their lap, as long as the dog is not blocking the aisle.

It is important to make sure that your service dog is well-behaved and that they do not disrupt the other passengers. It is also a good idea to have a vest or other identifying gear for your service dog, as this will help to communicate to other passengers that your dog is a service animal.

Flying with a Dog on International Flights on United

If you are flying with your dog on an international flight with United, it is important to familiarize yourself with the entry requirements for the destination country, as some countries have specific requirements for pet travel. United recommends contacting the embassy or consulate of the destination country to obtain the necessary documentation and information on entry requirements.

It is important to research the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to and make sure you have all of the necessary documents. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as an import permit or a health certificate from a government-approved veterinarian.

Note that United does not allow pets in the cargo hold on flights to or from the following destinations: Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Tonga.

Enjoy your Flight!

Flying with a dog on United Airlines can be an enjoyable experience with proper planning and understanding of the policies and procedures. Whether you are traveling with a small dog in the cabin or a large dog as cargo, United offers a variety of options to accommodate your dog. For service dogs, United adheres to the guidelines set by the ADA and allows service dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners at no additional charge, as long as the necessary documentation is provided. With these guidelines in mind, you and your dog can have a comfortable and stress-free travel experience on United.