United Airlines Travel Partners

One of our pet travel partners is United Airlines, which serves several destinations in the United States including California, New York, Colorado, Houston and Washington.

They are one of the largest American Airlines and thousands use their services for transporting their cats and dogs in and out of America. United is also approved to fly into London Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Glasgow (accompanied pets only).

United Airlines welcome domesticated small dogs and cats in the cabin on most flights. Rabbits and birds can also travel with you between American destinations.

Pets must remain in their crate under the seat in front of you at all times.

United Airlines drop-off locations vary by airport, but please arrive at least 3 hours before the departure time.

PetSafe Program

PetSafe is United Airlines program designed to keep your pet safe and comfortable when they are too large to travel with you. Your pet will be kept in a climate-controlled environment in all weather conditions.

Pets from 1 kg to 350 kg can be transported with PetSafe. The PetSafe desk is open 24 hours a day so you can always get assistance and advice over the phone.

If you arrive at a different time to your pet, United Airlines will keep them in a secure kennel at their Chicago, New York and Houston sites.

Their PetSafe information booklet has plenty of more detailed information.

Cost of pet travel with United Airlines

The fee for pets in the cabin is $125 each way. Otherwise, it depends on the combined weight of your pet and their crate. A fee will be collected at check-in.

Their PetSafe Performance Guarantee ensures that you are partly refunded if there is any disruption to the journey, as long as it is their fault.

Requirements

In order to meet USDA requirements, health certificates must be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian within ten days of the flight. The certificate must be in English.

Each pet must have their own crate when they travel with PetSafe. Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier, so bear this in mind when you are looking to buy one. United Airlines no longer sell carriers at the airport, so plan this well ahead of your travel.

Restrictions

Pets are not permitted on United flights to Dubai, Puerto Rico, India, Australia, Lagos, Nigeria and the Dominican Republic.

Pets who are particularly old or young may get overly stressed when travelling. Therefore, United Airlines recommend that you check with your vet whether they should travel.

Puppies and kittens must be at least ten weeks old. Two kittens or puppies are permitted in the same crate if they are younger than six months, of the same species and there is room for them both.

There are also some breed restrictions, similar to other destinations and airlines, including Pit Bulls, Terriers, Bulldogs and Spaniels.

United Airlines suggest you contact their Customer Service Team to confirm travel plans and check if cabin travel is suitable for you and your pet.

You can call them directly on 1-800-864-8331 and make your reservations over the phone. We recommend you do this as early as possible as spaces are limited. Reservations must be made at least 5 and 30 days before travel.

If you need more guidance on what you need to do before travelling with your pet, our Pet Travel USA page may help.

We recommend you arrange your pet travel before your own, to make sure everything is ready.