What To Know
- Traveling with your beloved dog can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both you and your furry companion.
- In the event of a lost or injured pet, they will work with you to locate and care for your dog.
- If your dog has special needs, such as a medical condition or anxiety, you should contact United Airlines in advance to discuss arrangements.
Traveling with your beloved dog can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both you and your furry companion. When it comes to air travel, understanding the policies and regulations of different airlines is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of flying with dogs on United Airlines, answering the question: “Can dogs fly United Airlines?”
Boarding Requirements: Eligibility and Restrictions
United Airlines welcomes dogs as checked baggage or in-cabin pets on select flights. To ensure your dog’s eligibility, it must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Health: Dogs must be healthy and have a clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
- Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, and other aggressive breeds, are not permitted on United Airlines flights.
- Size and Weight: Dogs must fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier and pet combined cannot exceed 20 pounds.
Carrier Regulations: Ensuring Comfort and Safety
United Airlines requires all dogs to travel in airline-approved carriers. These carriers must be:
- Size: The carrier must be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilation: The carrier must have adequate ventilation on all sides.
- Secure: The carrier must have a secure latch and be made of durable material.
In-Cabin vs. Checked Baggage: Weighing the Options
United Airlines offers two options for pet travel: in-cabin or as checked baggage. Each option has its own advantages and considerations:
In-Cabin
- Benefits: Your dog remains with you throughout the flight.
- Restrictions: Only small dogs that fit under the seat in front of you are allowed in the cabin.
Checked Baggage
- Benefits: Larger dogs or multiple dogs can be accommodated.
- Considerations: Your dog will be transported in a pressurized and temperature-controlled cargo hold.
Fees and Charges: Understanding the Costs
United Airlines charges a non-refundable fee for transporting pets:
- In-Cabin: $125 per carrier
- Checked Baggage: $200 per carrier
Booking Your Flight: Making the Arrangements
To book a flight with your dog, you must contact United Airlines directly. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your pet’s name, age, breed, and weight
- The size and type of carrier you will be using
- Your preferred method of travel (in-cabin or checked baggage)
Day of Travel: Preparing for Departure
Before your flight, ensure your dog is comfortable in its carrier and has access to food and water. Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow ample time for check-in and security screening.
Arrival and Retrieval: Completing Your Journey
Upon arrival at your destination, proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your dog. If your dog was transported as checked baggage, you will need to visit the cargo area to pick them up.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I bring my emotional support animal on a United Airlines flight?
Yes, emotional support animals are allowed on United Airlines flights. You will need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
2. What if my dog is too large to fit under the seat?
Dogs that are too large for in-cabin travel must be transported as checked baggage.
3. Can I bring multiple dogs on the same flight?
Yes, you can bring multiple dogs on the same flight, but they must be in separate carriers and meet the size and weight requirements.
4. What happens if my dog gets lost or injured during the flight?
United Airlines takes the safety and well-being of pets seriously. In the event of a lost or injured pet, they will work with you to locate and care for your dog.
5. What should I do if my dog has special needs?
If your dog has special needs, such as a medical condition or anxiety, you should contact United Airlines in advance to discuss arrangements.
