United Airlines Pet Policy: Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Airline Pet Policies

Editor’s Note (Updated June 2024): Airlines frequently update their pet policies. For the most up-to-date information, please check with your airline in advance. Even if an airline is not currently taking pets, they must still allow service and emotional support animals.

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Introduction to United Airlines Pet Policy and Other U.S. Airlines

Flying with a pet can be a stressful experience, particularly if it isn’t something you do often. Each airport has its own policies and quirks, and on top of that, each individual airline enforces different procedures.

To streamline the information, we’ve created this updated list of the airline pet policies for all major U.S. airlines, including the detailed United Airlines pet policy, as well as some helpful general knowledge, so flying with your pet isn’t such a headache.

For more tips on flying with pets, check out this comprehensive guide: Flying with a pet.

Humane Travel: Ensuring Safe Conditions for Pets

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has compiled a list of requirements to ensure humane travel conditions for pets on all flights, regardless of the airline. These requirements address:

• Food and water
• Crate or carrier size and condition
• Ventilation
• Temperature

Airlines will refuse to allow your pet to fly if they feel the pet will be in unsafe conditions. Most airlines will not allow your pet to fly if they are in a kennel that is too small or if the pet is obviously sick or injured.

It’s important to review these guidelines when preparing to fly with your pet to ensure compliance and a safe journey.

Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Pet

Selecting the right carrier is crucial for your pet’s comfort and safety. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Size: Ensure the carrier is spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Ventilation: Choose a carrier with ample ventilation to ensure your pet gets enough fresh air.
• Comfort: Look for carriers with soft padding or the ability to add a blanket or bed.
• Safety Features: Secure latches and locks are essential to keep your pet safe.
• Airline Approval: Make sure the carrier meets the United Airlines pet policy and other airlines’ requirements for cabin or cargo travel.
• Material: Hard-sided carriers offer more protection, while soft-sided carriers can fit better under airplane seats.

Airline Pet Policies Overview

Alaska Air Group

Contact: 1-800-252-7522 | Website

• Maximum number of pets: 1 carrier in the First-Class cabin, 5 carriers in the main cabin; 1 per passenger unless an adjacent seat is purchased, then a passenger may have 2.
• Price: $100 each way (cabin or baggage).
• Advance reservations: Recommended (holiday travel restrictions apply).
• Temperature restrictions: Pets may be refused if temperatures at any location on your itinerary “exceed certain limits,” which Alaskan Airlines does not specify. Other airlines have set limits of no hotter than 85 F (29.4 C) and no colder than 45 F (7.2 C).
• Allowed animals:
  • In the cabin: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds.
  • In cargo/baggage: Cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, nonpoisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Other pets must receive advance approval. Only dogs and cats are permitted to be flown to Hawaii. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for travel in the cargo compartment on Alaska Airlines flights, but they may travel with you in the cabin as long as you have a carrier that fits under your seat.
• Carrier maximum size:
  • Hard-sided: 7.5″H x 17″L x 11″W
  • Soft-sided: 9.5″H x 17″L x 11″W
  • Up to 150 pounds. Full list of kennel requirements for cargo here.

Additional Notes:

• Pets are not permitted in the First-Class cabin or baggage compartment on Alaska Air’s Airbus planes.
• Alaska Airlines does not transfer pets to other airlines. You will need to pick up your pet after deplaning and recheck your pet on the new flight.
• Fur-st Class Care is an animal flight program with this airline that offers free pet health examinations and discounted health certificates at Banfield Pet Hospitals located in PetSmart stores.

American Airlines

Contact: 1-800-433-7300 | Website

• Maximum number of pets: 5–7 carriers per flight (depending on plane), 1 per person.
• Price: $125 each way (cabin); $200 each way (baggage).
• Advance reservations: Required.
• Destination restrictions: Domestic travel may not include Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS), or Palm Springs (PSP) during the period of May 1–Sept. 30.
• Temperature restrictions: No hotter than 85 F (29.4 C) at any location on your itinerary; no colder than 45 F (7.2 C). The cold-weather restriction may be waived at temperatures as low as 20 F (-6.6 C) if you bring a signed note from your veterinarian. Talk to the airline about this possibility.
• Allowed animals: Cats and dogs. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats are not accepted for the cargo compartment (checked pets).
• Carrier maximum size: Depends on the plane, so contact the airline in advance. The usual dimensions seem to be 9″H x 19″L x 13″W (with larger carriers allowed in cargo).

Delta Air Lines

1-800-221-1212  |  Website

• Maximum number of pets: 2 pets in the First-Class cabin, 4 pets in the main cabin, 1 per person. Space is limited.
• Price: $125 each way (cabin). Cargo price is determined by the size of the carrier. Animals are not included in the free baggage allowance.
• Advance reservations: Required but cannot be booked before 14 days before departure.
• Allowed animals: Small dogs, cats, and household birds (no birds allowed to Hawaii). No pit bull–type dogs in the cabin.
• Carrier maximum size: Determined by flight/type of plane. Contact the airline to determine cabin carrier size requirement. Baggage allows carriers of the dimensions 40″L x 28″W x 30″H, and cargo up to 32″L x 35″W x 48″H and 51 pounds.

Frontier Airlines

1-800-432-1359  |  Website

• Price: $75 each way (cabin only).
• Advance reservations: Recommended.
• Allowed animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small household birds.
• Carrier maximum size: 18″L x 14″W x 8″H

Hawaiian Airlines

1-800-367-5320  |  Website

• Prices: Cabin inter-island travel: $35. Cabin departing Hawaii travel: $175. No pets are allowed to travel in the cabin when arriving in Hawaii. Checked baggage: $60 (within Hawaii), $225 (when arriving or departing from North America). Cargo: Varies depending on weight of animal(s) + carriers. Call 1-800-367-5320 to discuss your specific needs.
• Advance reservations: Strongly recommended. For cargo, advance reservations are required.
• Allowed animals: Dogs, cats and household birds.
• Carrier maximum sizes: Cabin: 16”L x 10”W x 9.5”H; animal and carrier combined cannot exceed 25 pounds. Checked baggage: From 21”L x 16”W x 15”H and 18 pounds to 36”L x 24”W x 26”H and 70 pounds. Cargo: From 21”L x 15”W x 16”H and 26 pounds to 48”L x 32”W x 35”H and 277 pounds.

Note: We strongly recommend that you call Hawaiian Airlines directly to discuss your specific animal. Some animals cannot be shipped as cargo; others are prohibited from entering Hawaii.

JetBlue Airlines

1-800-538-2583  |  Website

• Maximum number of pets: 4 per flight.
• Price: $125 each way (cabin only).
• Advance reservations: Recommended.
• Allowed animals: Dogs and cats.
• Carrier maximum size: 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H, and the combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.

Note: Currently, JetBlue does not ship pets as cargo.

Southwest Airlines

1-800-435-9792  |  Website

• Maximum number of pets: 6 carriers per flight; 1 per person (carrier may contain 2 pets of the same species provided they both have room to comfortably turn around).
• Price: $95 each way (cabin only).
• Advance reservations: Required with an in-person payment at the ticket counter.
• Allowed animals: Dogs and cats.
• Carrier maximum size: 18.5”L x 13.5”W x 8.5”H.

Spirit Airlines

801-401-2222  |  Website

• Maximum number of pets: 4 carriers per flight.
• Price: $110 each way (cabin only).
• Advance reservations: Recommended.
• Allowed animals: Dogs, cats and household birds (no farm poultry, waterfowl, game birds, birds of prey or flightless birds).
• Carrier maximum size: 18″L x 14″W x 9″H and cannot exceed 40 pounds.

United Airlines

1-800-864-8331  |  Website

• Maximum number of pets: 2–4 per flight, depending on aircraft, and 1 carrier per person.
• Price: $125 each way (cabin); baggage and cargo rates are determined by size and weight of the carrier. Call United to discuss your pet’s needs before booking your trip.
• Advance reservations: Required.
• Allowed animals: Cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds (excluding cockatoos) are allowed in the cabin. Some breed restrictions apply to baggage/cargo animals for safety reasons.
• Carrier maximum size: 17.5”L x 12”W x 7.5”H (hard carriers), or 18”L x 11”W x 11”H (soft carriers).

Note: See United’s PetSafe Program for shipping animals as cargo.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Almost all airlines, including those with policies like the United Airlines pet policy, allow properly documented service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly for free. Required documentation may include:

• Vaccination records (depending on where you are flying to/from)
• Letter from a mental health professional (ESAs only)
• Letter indicating the animal’s ability to refrain from “accidents” while in flight
• Proper harnesses, leashes, and restraints
• Correct visual aids identifying the animal as a service animal or ESA

Check with your airline to see its specific requirements, but be prepared to have the above documents in hand and answer questions at check-in. Most airlines require in-person check-ins at the ticket counter — you can’t use self-check-in or curbside services. Also, ask your airline about boarding early.

Be aware that even if your animal is designated a service or emotional support animal, they may not be allowed or may be quarantined immediately upon arrival at your destination.

All airlines warn that if the service animal or ESA acts in an uncontrollable, aggressive, or disruptive manner, they reserve the right to remove the animal and their handler from the flight. Be advised that because of the recent uptick in disruptive ESAs and so-called “fake service dogs”, many airlines are taking a tougher stance on these animals.

Most airlines, including American Airlines, allow passengers to buy an extra seat for their service animal or ESA, but otherwise, the animals may not sit in seats. Understanding these regulations will help when flying with pets.

Handling Layovers and Delays

Layovers and delays can be stressful for both you and your pet. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

• Plan Ahead: Check if the airports on your itinerary have pet relief areas.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated on flight status changes and communicate with airline staff about your pet’s needs.
• Essentials Pack: Bring a travel bag with pet essentials like water, food, a bowl, and waste bags.
• Comfort Breaks: Use layovers to take your pet to designated relief areas for a stretch and bathroom break.
• Calm Environment: Keep your pet calm with their favorite toy or blanket and stay close to provide reassurance.

Exotic Pets

Most airlines, including those following the United Airlines pet policy, do not accept exotic or unusual pets, regardless of their status. These may include:

• Rodents
• Reptiles
• Arachnids
• Hedgehogs
• Ferrets

However, this rule can apply to any animal. Call your airline and check the rules before booking a trip for you and your exotic pet.

Hawaii has restrictions of its own to adhere to because it is a rabies-free state and is stringent about what animals are allowed to enter.

Here are some more travel tips to follow when your pet joins you in the air:

Other Important Information

When transporting pets, there are some consistent rules across all airlines:

• Temperature Limits: Airlines will not transport pets as baggage or cargo if temperatures drop below 10°F or exceed 85°F.
• Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (“short-nosed” or “flat-faced”) breeds of dogs and cats can’t fly as cargo or baggage. These breeds have trouble breathing at high elevations due to their shorter snouts.
• Time Limits: Check with your airline for time limits on flights longer than 8–12 hours or with layovers.
• Carry-on Policy: Pets count as your carry-on baggage, and you will pay the pet fee even if you have another carry-on item.
• Feeding: Give your pet food or water 4 hours before the flight. Feeding during the flight is usually not allowed.
• Sedation: Avoid sedating your pet unless absolutely necessary. The combination of elevation and sedation can cause health problems.
• Veterinary Proof: You must provide veterinary proof that your pet can fly. This includes a letter or certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days of departure and 30 days of return. Pets staying longer than 30 days need recertification.
• Lost Pets: Pets traveling as cargo or baggage can get lost, just like luggage.
• Kennel Labeling: Clearly label all kennels or carriers with your name, phone number, address, your pet’s name, and their medical information. Make sure to write “Live Animal(s)” visibly.
• Oxygen in Emergencies: Airlines will not provide oxygen to pets in emergencies.
• Age Requirement: Anyone accompanying a pet must be at least 18 years old.
• Early Check-in: Always prepare to check in early when traveling with a pet. Reserve a spot for your pet in advance if possible, as many airlines allow only a few pets in the cabin.
• Pet Age: Pets should be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
• Embargoes: Several airlines have “embargoes” during the year, including when temperatures drop below or exceed safe levels and during the holidays.

Pet Safety Tips During Air Travel

Ensuring your pet’s safety during air travel is paramount. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Pre-Flight Preparation: Acclimate your pet to their carrier and take them on short trips to reduce anxiety.
• Check Temperature Restrictions: Follow the United Airlines pet policy on temperature limits to avoid health risks.
• Stay Hydrated: Provide water before the flight and use spill-proof containers.
• Avoid Sedatives: Avoid sedating your pet unless absolutely necessary, as it can pose health risks at high altitudes.
• Monitor During Flight: If possible, check on your pet during the flight. Ensure they are comfortable and not showing signs of stress.

Our Final Thoughts on Airline Pet Policies

There are many restrictions and regulations when it comes to transporting pets by air, but accidents still happen. The best defense your pet has is you:

• Educate Yourself: Learn what is expected from you, your pet, and the airline.
• Sign Up for Updates: If text message updates are available, sign up for them.
• Stay Informed: Keep track of what’s happening every step of the way to ensure your pet’s safe journey.

Understanding and following the specific United Airlines pet policy and other U.S. airlines’ pet policies will help make the process smoother and safer for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)