Traveling with your pet can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it involves air travel. United Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry, offers pet transport services, but understanding the ins and outs can be daunting. This guide simplifies United Airlines Pet Transport options, helping you make informed decisions for your furry, feathered, or scaled companion.
Please note: As of February 9th, 2021, United Airlines has indefinitely suspended their PetSafe program. While this program is not currently available, this guide provides information based on past policies and general pet travel information which may be helpful for future reference or when considering other airlines. We will update this article should United reinstate PetSafe or announce new pet travel policies.
Domestic vs. International Pet Travel with United (When Available)
Navigating pet travel with United Airlines differs significantly between domestic and international routes.
For U.S. domestic flights (when pet transport services are available), the process is generally more streamlined. Typically, you would need to ensure your pet has the correct kennel, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (specific requirements may vary, especially for destinations like Hawaii).
International pet travel on United, however, historically involved more complexity. For certain destinations like Australia, Italy, New Zealand, or Singapore, United often required pet owners to engage a professional pet-shipping company due to stringent quarantine regulations and import prerequisites.
Additionally, for pets traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Micronesia (including Guam), United’s policy sometimes mandated that pets travel unaccompanied as cargo, depending on the specific program available at the time.
Regardless of your destination, thoroughly reviewing the import requirements of your destination country is crucial. Does your destination necessitate an import permit for your pet? If so, you might need to present the import permit number when booking an international flight for your pet (when services are available). Adhering to every detail of the import rules is essential to prevent complications with your pet’s flight booking, check-in, or customs clearance.
If managing these complexities feels overwhelming, professional pet relocation services like PetRelocation can offer valuable assistance. They can guide you through the specific import requirements of your destination country and manage flight bookings on your behalf.
United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Travel (Policy Subject to Change)
When United Airlines permits in-cabin pet travel, it offers a convenient option for smaller pets.
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Eligible Pets: Typically, small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds (excluding cockatoos) are allowed to travel in-cabin with United, subject to specific breed and size restrictions that may change.
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Kennel Requirements: Pets must travel in an airline-approved hard-sided kennel no larger than 17.5 in x 12 in x 7.5 in (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm) or a soft-sided pet carrier that can fit comfortably under the seat and expands to a recommended maximum of 18 in x 11 in x 11 in (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Only one pet is allowed per kennel (except for birds under certain conditions), and the pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
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Booking In-Cabin Travel: To book in-cabin pet travel (when available), you would typically need to contact United Customer Contact Center. It’s recommended to book well in advance as there are often limitations on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight.
In-Cabin Pet Travel Fees: Historically, United Airlines charged a service fee for in-cabin pets, often around $125 USD one-way, with potential additional charges for lengthy stopovers. Always confirm the current fee structure when booking.
Even when your pet travels in the cabin with you, remember that you are still responsible for meeting the pet import requirements of your destination country.
United PetSafe (Program Currently Suspended) – For Informational Purposes
Historically, United Airlines offered a specialized program called PetSafe for unaccompanied pet travel or pets traveling as cargo. This program was designed to ensure pets’ safety and comfort during travel when they could not travel in the cabin.
Key features of the PetSafe program (when operational) included:
- Specialized Handling: Pets traveling via PetSafe were handled by trained personnel.
- Climate-Controlled Cargo Facilities: Cargo areas were pressurized and temperature-controlled to ensure pet comfort and safety.
- Airport Transportation: At major airports, United sometimes provided vans to transport pets to and from aircrafts, minimizing their exposure to tarmac conditions.
When PetSafe was typically used:
- Size Restrictions: When pets and their kennels exceeded in-cabin size limits.
- Destination Requirements: For travel to countries that mandated pets arrive as manifest cargo.
To utilize PetSafe (when available), pet owners needed to use travel crates that met IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for type and size. Pet relocation specialists could assist in determining the correct crate size and ensuring compliance.
Booking PetSafe (Historically): Reservations for PetSafe were made by contacting the PetSafe Desk directly. When booking, you would need to provide:
- Shipper and consignee information (names, addresses, phone numbers).
- Travel details (departure and arrival airports, desired flight day).
- Pet details (name, age, sex, species, breed, weight, kennel size).
PetSafe Pricing (Historical): Rates varied based on origin and destination and were typically calculated based on the combined weight of the pet and kennel. Each pet and kennel was charged separately. Additional fees like broker fees, kenneling charges, or surcharges could also apply.
United Airlines Pet Travel Restrictions (Policies Subject to Change)
United Airlines, like other airlines, has implemented restrictions regarding pet travel to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. Historically, these restrictions included:
- Crate Size Limits: United had restrictions on the maximum height of pet travel crates accepted under the PetSafe program, previously around 34 inches (86 cm) tall. Pets requiring larger crates might need to be transported via alternative airlines.
- Breed Restrictions: United Airlines previously restricted the transport of snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs and cats, as well as strong-jawed dog breeds, due to potential respiratory issues during air travel. A detailed list of restricted breeds was usually available on United’s PetSafe page (when the program was active).
It is essential to always check the most current policies and restrictions directly with United Airlines or a pet travel specialist, as these regulations can change.
Need Help with Pet Transport?
While United Airlines PetSafe program is currently suspended, understanding the complexities of pet air travel is still crucial for future planning. If the process seems overwhelming, especially with international travel and varying airline policies, consider seeking assistance from pet transport specialists like PetRelocation. They can provide expert guidance and handle the intricate logistics of pet relocation, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for your animal companion.
