How Much Does United Airlines Charge For Pets?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the United States, and many pet owners wonder what the cost of bringing their furry friends on board will be. While United Airlines has specific rules and guidelines for traveling with pets, the costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. If you’re planning on traveling with your pet, it’s essential to know what fees to expect and how to prepare for your flight. In this article, we’ll explore the costs associated with bringing pets on board United Airlines flights and provide tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

How Much Does United Airlines Charge for Pets?

If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend, it’s important to know the cost of bringing them along. United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world, and they have a pet policy that allows passengers to bring their pets on board. But how much does United Airlines charge for pets?

1. In-Cabin Pet Fees

Bringing your pet in the cabin with you is the most popular option for pet owners. United Airlines allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds to travel in the cabin with their owners. The fee for in-cabin pets one-way is $125, and there is a limit of one pet per passenger.

If you’re traveling with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal, there is no charge for the animal, but documentation is required.

If you’re traveling with a pet internationally, there may be additional fees and requirements that you need to be aware of.

2. Checked Pet Fees

If your pet is too large to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, you’ll need to check them as cargo. The fee for checked pets depends on the size and weight of your pet, as well as the destination and departure airports.

For domestic flights within the United States, the fee for checked pets is $125-$450, depending on the size and weight of your pet. For international flights, the fee can be as high as $1,000.

It’s important to note that United Airlines does not accept snub-nosed or pug-nosed dogs as checked pets due to their increased risk of respiratory problems.

3. Pet Reservations

If you’re planning to bring your pet with you on your United Airlines flight, you must make a reservation for your pet in advance. The number of pets allowed on each flight is limited, so it’s important to make your reservation as early as possible.

When making your pet reservation, you’ll need to provide information about your pet’s size, weight, and the type of carrier you’ll be using. You’ll also need to provide a health certificate for your pet.

4. Pet Carrier Requirements

United Airlines has specific requirements for pet carriers that you’ll need to follow if you’re bringing your pet on board. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

The carrier must also fit under the seat in front of you if you’re bringing your pet in the cabin. If you’re checking your pet as cargo, the carrier must be sturdy enough to protect your pet during transport.

5. Pet Travel Restrictions

United Airlines has certain restrictions on pet travel that you need to be aware of before you book your flight. For example, pets are not allowed to travel to certain destinations due to local regulations.

Additionally, pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin on flights to and from Hawaii, Guam, and certain international destinations.

6. Pet Health and Safety

United Airlines takes the health and safety of pets very seriously. If your pet appears to be sick or distressed, they may not be allowed to travel.

Additionally, if the temperature is too hot or too cold, United Airlines may not allow pets to travel. During the summer months, United Airlines has restrictions on pet travel to certain destinations due to high temperatures.

7. Pet Check-In

When you arrive at the airport with your pet, you’ll need to check in at the United Airlines counter. Make sure to arrive early, as you may need extra time to complete the pet check-in process.

You’ll need to provide your pet’s health certificate and carrier, and you may need to pay any applicable fees. United Airlines recommends checking in for your flight at least two hours before your scheduled departure time.

8. Pet Arrival

When you arrive at your destination, your pet will be unloaded from the plane and taken to the baggage claim area. You’ll need to pick up your pet at the baggage claim and take them out of their carrier.

Make sure to give your pet plenty of water and a chance to stretch their legs after the flight. United Airlines recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after your flight arrives before picking up your pet.

9. Pet Benefits

Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience. You’ll have your furry friend by your side, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety during the flight.

Additionally, bringing your pet with you on your trip can help you save money on pet boarding fees. You won’t have to worry about finding a place to board your pet while you’re away, which can be costly.

10. Pet Travel vs. Pet Boarding

If you’re trying to decide whether to bring your pet with you on your United Airlines flight or board them while you’re away, there are several factors to consider.

Traveling with your pet can be more expensive than boarding them, but it also means you’ll have your pet with you and won’t have to worry about them being in an unfamiliar environment.

On the other hand, boarding your pet can be less stressful for both you and your pet, as you won’t have to worry about traveling with them or navigating pet travel restrictions.

Overall, the decision to bring your pet with you on your United Airlines flight or board them while you’re away depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Airlines’ Pet Policy?

United Airlines allows domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and household birds (excluding cockatoos) to travel accompanied in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S. An additional charge of $125 each way applies for in-cabin pet transportation.

For pets traveling in the cargo hold, United Airlines accepts cats, dogs, rabbits, birds (except cockatoos), and some cold-blooded animals. The charge for this service varies depending on the size and weight of the pet, as well as the destination of the flight. United Airlines also requires a health certificate and proof of vaccination for pets traveling in the cargo hold.

Can I bring more than one pet on a United Airlines flight?

United Airlines allows only one in-cabin pet per passenger, but you can bring more than one pet in the cargo hold. However, the combined weight of the pets and the carrier cannot exceed 200 lbs for domestic flights and 300 lbs for international flights. You must also pay a separate fee for each pet traveling in the cargo hold.

Additionally, if you are traveling with a service animal and an in-cabin pet, United Airlines requires you to notify them at least 48 hours prior to your flight to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made.

What are the requirements for pet carriers on United Airlines?

For in-cabin pet transport, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 18 x 11 x 11 inches. The pet must be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier comfortably. The carrier must also meet all USDA animal welfare requirements.

For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the carrier must also meet the USDA requirements and be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. The carrier must also be sturdy and well-ventilated.

Can pets travel on all United Airlines flights?

No, pets are not allowed on all United Airlines flights. Some flights may not be equipped to accommodate pets in the cargo hold, while others may have restrictions on in-cabin pet travel. Additionally, certain countries have restrictions on pet travel, so it is important to check the regulations of your destination before booking a flight with United Airlines.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, United Airlines recommends that you notify them at least 48 hours prior to your flight if you are traveling with a pet.

What is United Airlines’ policy on emotional support animals?

United Airlines allows emotional support animals on flights free of charge, but you must provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you need the animal for emotional support. The animal must also be trained to behave properly in public and follow all commands from the owner. United Airlines does not accept certain animals as emotional support animals, including spiders, rodents, snakes, and reptiles.

Emotional support animals must also meet the same requirements as other pets for carrier size and weight, and you must notify United Airlines at least 48 hours prior to your flight if you plan to travel with an emotional support animal.

How to Book Your Dog’s Ticket on United Airlines (in cabin)

In conclusion, United Airlines charges varying fees for pets depending on the type of animal and travel destination. For domestic travel within the United States, the fees range from $125 to $175 for each way. However, for international travel, the fees could go up to $1250 depending on the destination and the travel class.

It is important to note that United Airlines has specific regulations for pet travel that pet owners must adhere to. These regulations include proper pet carriers, up-to-date health certificates, and booking the pet’s travel in advance. This ensures the safety and comfort of the pet during travel.

Overall, United Airlines offers a convenient way for pet owners to travel with their furry companions. By understanding the fees and regulations, pet owners can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for their pets.