What methods of transport does United Airlines provide for my pet?
- Travel in the passenger cabin.
- Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
- Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.
Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?
Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:
- Only domesticated dogs, cats and birds are allowed.
- Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Dogs and cats must be fully weaned.
- You are not traveling to Hawaii.
- Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
- The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and can fit under the seat.
- Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?
Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:
- Only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed.
- Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Dogs and cats must be fully weaned.
- The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information).
- Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?
If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, or if you would like your pet to travel unaccompanied, contact United Airlines Cargo at 1-800-UA-CARGO for more information.
What are the fees associated with pet transport?
Travel within the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories:
| Pets | Tickets purchased from October 2, 2008 through November 13, 2008 for travel anytime | Tickets purchased on or after November 14, 2008 for travel on or before December 2, 2008 | Tickets purchased on or after November 14, 2008 for travel on or after December 3, 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet traveling as carry-on | $175 | $175 | $175 |
| Pet traveling as checked baggage in a small or medium kennel | $175 | $175 | $250 |
| Pet traveling as checked baggage in an intermediate, large or extra large kennel | $250 | $250 | $250 |
International travel to/from North America:
| Pets | Tickets purchased on or after November 14, 2008 for travel on or after December 3, 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Central America Mexico | Asia via the Pacific Europe South America | Africa Asia via the Atlantic Middle East | |
| Pet traveling as carry-on | $175 | $200 | $250 |
| Pet traveling as checked baggage in a small or medium kennel | $175 | $200 | $250 |
| Pet traveling as checked baggage in an intermediate, large or extra large kennel | $250 | $400 | $500 |
Contact United Airlines Reservations for rates to/from Japan and Brazil.
What are the kennel requirements?
In addition to the size and weight maximums, the USDA and United Airlines require that kennels meet the following requirements:
- Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
- Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
- Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
- Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
- Contain absorbent material or litter.
- Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
- Be closed securely, but not locked.
- Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
- Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.
What health documentation is required?
While United Airlines does not require a health certificate for your animal, some States and Countries do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements.
Are there any other restrictions?
United Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.
Short-nosed dog breeds are not accepted for travel as checked baggage or cargo from June 1 - September 30.
Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.
