May 19, 2017, 1:05 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA links
Travel for animals
Yep, No in cabin pets to Hawaii
Appears UA has decided not to deal with the Hawaii pet arrival process.
Additionally no in cabin pets in most lay-flat cabins. (accepted on 752s)
PetSafe
Also see United Suspends Cargo Program for Pets (PetSafe)
Crossing the line? Rights of UA passenger when animals are on the flight.
Archive thread:Traveling with Pets on UA (In-Cabin or Cargo -- not ESA) {Archive}
Travel for animals
Yep, No in cabin pets to Hawaii
Pets can’t be in-cabin on flights to, from or through Hawaii ....
Additionally no in cabin pets in most lay-flat cabins. (accepted on 752s)
PetSafe
Also see United Suspends Cargo Program for Pets (PetSafe)
In-cabin pets
What are in-cabin pets?
In-cabin pets are domesticated cats and dogs that can fit in a travel carrier underneath the seat in front of you.
Pets can’t be in-cabin on flights to, from or through Hawaii and these international cities, but they are allowed in-cabin on select United flights. Pit Bull breed dogs aren’t allowed in cabin.
You can bring aboard your in-cabin pet’s kennel in addition to your carry-on bag allowance. There’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.
Keep in mind: The rules for service animals are different than those for in-cabin pets. Service animals, including emotional support and psychiatric service animals, are allowed to accompany qualified customers with disabilities in the cabin. You’ll find more details on the Service Animals page. We know that pets are important members of your family, but to keep them and other travelers safe, you must follow the rules below:
Requirements for in-cabin pets
A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there at all times. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm). The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Soft-sided pet carriers can exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible and able to fit underneath a seat without blocking the aisle. Only one pet is allowed in a kennel, and the animal must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.
For questions, please contact the United Customer Contact Center at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
International & Hawaii
United doesn’t allow in-cabin pets on flights to, from or through:
Australia, Cuba, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India. Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Philippines, South Africa, Tahiti. Trinidad and Tobago, UK
Before you travel, you’ll need to find out if pets are allowed to enter your destination. For more information, or to book international in-cabin travel for a pet, contact the United Customer Contact Center. Rules for international in-cabin pets vary.
Aircraft restrictions
What are in-cabin pets?
In-cabin pets are domesticated cats and dogs that can fit in a travel carrier underneath the seat in front of you.
Pets can’t be in-cabin on flights to, from or through Hawaii and these international cities, but they are allowed in-cabin on select United flights. Pit Bull breed dogs aren’t allowed in cabin.
You can bring aboard your in-cabin pet’s kennel in addition to your carry-on bag allowance. There’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.
Keep in mind: The rules for service animals are different than those for in-cabin pets. Service animals, including emotional support and psychiatric service animals, are allowed to accompany qualified customers with disabilities in the cabin. You’ll find more details on the Service Animals page. We know that pets are important members of your family, but to keep them and other travelers safe, you must follow the rules below:
Requirements for in-cabin pets
- Puppies and kittens must be at least four months (16 weeks) old.
- Pets can’t travel with unaccompanied minors.
- If you want to bring aboard an additional pet, you’ll need to buy an extra ticket for that pet and pay an additional $125 each way. Your pet must also always remain in the floor space under the seat.
- If your pet doesn’t fit in a kennel, then they'll need to travel with our PetSafe® program.
- Pets must travel on the same flights as the traveler responsible for them.
- If there’s an emergency, oxygen service won’t be available for pets.
- There are various state and country entry rules for animals, and it’s up to you to know what they are and to comply with them.
- If you’re traveling within the continental U.S., we require you to bring a health certificate (talk to your veterinarian) and proof of your pet’s latest rabies vaccine. You cannot travel within 30 days of your pet’s rabies vaccination.
- If you’re traveling to Hawaii or internationally, please see the “Hawaii and international travel” section below. And if you’re traveling to the U.S. from another country, please see the “Health declarations and vaccination requirements for dogs and cats entering the U.S.” section below.
A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there at all times. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm). The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Soft-sided pet carriers can exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible and able to fit underneath a seat without blocking the aisle. Only one pet is allowed in a kennel, and the animal must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.
For questions, please contact the United Customer Contact Center at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331).
International & Hawaii
United doesn’t allow in-cabin pets on flights to, from or through:
Australia, Cuba, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India. Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Philippines, South Africa, Tahiti. Trinidad and Tobago, UK
Before you travel, you’ll need to find out if pets are allowed to enter your destination. For more information, or to book international in-cabin travel for a pet, contact the United Customer Contact Center. Rules for international in-cabin pets vary.
Aircraft restrictions
- You can book your pet for in-cabin travel only if there is space available.
- If you’re traveling with an in-cabin pet, you cannot be seated in the bulkhead or an emergency exit row.
- If you’re traveling with an in-cabin pet, you cannot be seated in a United Premium Plus℠ seat because the footrest limits the storage space under the seats.
- Two pets per flight are allowed in our premium cabins on select aircraft. Pets are not permitted in our premium cabins on Boeing 757, 767, 777 or 787 aircraft because of limited storage space under the seat.
- Four pets per flight are allowed in United Economy® on all United flights.
- A customer traveling with an in-cabin pet in United Economy on Boeing 757-200 aircraft will need to be seated in a window seat because of limited storage space under aisle and middle seats.
- The number of in-cabin pets allowed varies by United Express partner airline. For more information about the operating carrier’s in-cabin pet policy, contact the United Customer Contact Center.
Crossing the line? Rights of UA passenger when animals are on the flight.
Archive thread:Traveling with Pets on UA (In-Cabin or Cargo -- not ESA) {Archive}
Traveling with Pets on UA (In-Cabin or Cargo -- not ESA)
Dec 20, 2018, 8:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: Continental OnePass Platinum
Posts: 416
Traveling with Pets on UA (In-Cabin or Cargo -- not ESA)
I had not traveled with a pet in-cabin since UA revamped how this works. I had flown with a pet maybe 2 dozen times before, but now it's different. Could not check in online, then it took 20 minutes for them to check me in at the kiosk. I have no idea what all of the computer keystrokes were for (also a call to the gate was needed), then to top it off the agent had to fill in a neon tag by hand. That probably took just 90 seconds, but it seemed interminable to me. She seemed tho imply she needed vet records (there is a line about vaccinations on the tag) but let me go without, suggested she was doing me a favor. Since I only gave myself 45 minutes ast the airport, that 20 minutes was costly and I missed my flight. Next time with a pet, I'll give myself am extra 30 minutes.
Dec 20, 2018, 11:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
...then to top it off the agent had to fill in a neon tag by hand. That probably took just 90 seconds, but it seemed interminable to me. She seemed tho imply she needed vet records (there is a line about vaccinations on the tag) but let me go without, suggested she was doing me a favor.
https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ai...-fatal-n856761
Dec 21, 2018, 3:58 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,239
I had not traveled with a pet in-cabin since UA revamped how this works. I had flown with a pet maybe 2 dozen times before, but now it's different. Could not check in online, then it took 20 minutes for them to check me in at the kiosk. I have no idea what all of the computer keystrokes were for (also a call to the gate was needed), then to top it off the agent had to fill in a neon tag by hand. That probably took just 90 seconds, but it seemed interminable to me. She seemed tho imply she needed vet records (there is a line about vaccinations on the tag) but let me go without, suggested she was doing me a favor. Since I only gave myself 45 minutes ast the airport, that 20 minutes was costly and I missed my flight. Next time with a pet, I'll give myself am extra 30 minutes.
Dec 21, 2018, 2:09 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: Continental OnePass Platinum
Posts: 416
That's why I posted! 
BTW, I just looked at the neon tag again, and the lines for information about rabies vaccinations are listed on the neon tag as being for international travel. Even so, the GA wanted to fill that out (for my IAH->MCO flight) and seemed to intimate that she shouldn't let me travel without the associated documentation. Makes me suspect part of the reason for the 20 minute checkin was she didn't really know what she was doing. Still, I'll give myself a LOT More time with a pet in the future.
BTW, I just looked at the neon tag again, and the lines for information about rabies vaccinations are listed on the neon tag as being for international travel. Even so, the GA wanted to fill that out (for my IAH->MCO flight) and seemed to intimate that she shouldn't let me travel without the associated documentation. Makes me suspect part of the reason for the 20 minute checkin was she didn't really know what she was doing. Still, I'll give myself a LOT More time with a pet in the future.
Dec 21, 2018, 2:12 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,016
Was at Costco on Maui today. Big sign at entrance denying entrance to "Emotional Support Animals" (allows true, trained service animals). Nice. Wish airlines would follow suit.
Jan 10, 2019, 4:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,319
Incidentally, after the manual check-in:
a) I can’t check-in on the app or change seats. So it’s not like the manual check-in clears the restriction.
b) I was auto added to the Upgrade List (however it’s full 😩
The flight is now delayed 90 mins which is exactly what I didn’t want to happen so just hanging outside with the pup. Can’t SDC obviously so pet travelers keep that in mind too.
Jan 14, 2019, 4:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,617
Yes flying today for the first time since the policy change. No CPU icons or processing for this 1K. Online / app check-in not possible as others have reported. Checked in at Premier line, agent was friendly and added the Neon tag.
Incidentally, after the manual check-in:
a) I can’t check-in on the app or change seats. So it’s not like the manual check-in clears the restriction.
b) I was auto added to the Upgrade List (however it’s full 😩
The flight is now delayed 90 mins which is exactly what I didn’t want to happen so just hanging outside with the pup. Can’t SDC obviously so pet travelers keep that in mind too.
Jan 14, 2019, 5:35 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 29
There is still not consistency on check-in for pets. In Houston, we got the third degree from a scowling bag-check agent who demanded to see paperwork, despite it having been reviewed, approved and so designated in the system by the duly designated authorities online weeks prior. In San Francisco, check-in was a breeze and the attended desk was faster than the bag-drop line for machine check-in.
May 27, 2019, 7:06 am
#9
Join Date: May 2019
Location: ksfo, ksjc
Programs: UA 1MM+ spouse
Posts: 4
Flying with two cats BOS-SFO
I’m in need of a little advice. My daughter is moving from Boston to San Francisco this summer and needs to fly with her two cats. I have already booked three seats: for her, me, xtra seat and the two cats on a non-stop flight on a 757-200. I did this by phone and the helpful agent got us window, middle and aisle in E+. All three seats and the cats are ticketed.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
May 27, 2019, 8:37 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
I’m in need of a little advice. My daughter is moving from Boston to San Francisco this summer and needs to fly with her two cats. I have already booked three seats: for her, me, xtra seat and the two cats on a non-stop flight on a 757-200. I did this by phone and the helpful agent got us window, middle and aisle in E+. All three seats and the cats are ticketed.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
You won't find any 737 on BOS-SFO because UA treats the route as a special class of service, as compared to other domestic flights. Under normal circumstances, they'll only fly an aircraft with lie-flat seats in front.
Unfortunately I don't have clear memories of the 752 underseat, but I do think the middle seat has approximately the same underseat storage as the window. Do you know the dimensions of the cat carriers? Then perhaps someone here can definitively confirm or refute that.
If it turns out you can't get the carriers both into the same row, I'd think you can have a relatively calm experience with you/daughter/extraseat booked row X middle/window and row X+1 window.
May 27, 2019, 11:25 am
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,399
I don't understand the need for three seats. It sounds unnecessarily expensive. Surely one pet container can go under daugher's seat and one extra seat for the second pet container will give lots of space.
Check UA rules regarding whether two cats can share one pet container.
Check UA rules regarding whether two cats can share one pet container.
May 27, 2019, 11:33 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 4,993
I’m in need of a little advice. My daughter is moving from Boston to San Francisco this summer and needs to fly with her two cats. I have already booked three seats: for her, me, xtra seat and the two cats on a non-stop flight on a 757-200. I did this by phone and the helpful agent got us window, middle and aisle in E+. All three seats and the cats are ticketed.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
I just found that United said pets need to be booked on window seats on the 757-200 because of underseat space. Does anyone know if the two cat carriers can fit under the three seats together, or do I now need to drag her father along to get a window seat on the same flight?
I already looked to see if a 737 flies that route non-stop but apparently not anymore, or at least not on the date we need.
It’s a long flight and I’m trying to minimize stress on the cats as well as minimize annoying other passengers, so I’m really hoping we can fit both cats under the row of three.
I’m afraid if I call and ask, all the agent will do is look it up and say “nope – I’ll scatter your seats all over the plane…..”
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Good Luck and Welcome to Flyertalk!
May 27, 2019, 3:24 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2019
Location: ksfo, ksjc
Programs: UA 1MM+ spouse
Posts: 4
I don't understand the need for three seats. It sounds unnecessarily expensive. Surely one pet container can go under daugher's seat and one extra seat for the second pet container will give lots of space.
Check UA rules regarding whether two cats can share one pet container.
Check UA rules regarding whether two cats can share one pet container.
Welcome to flyertalk!
You won't find any 737 on BOS-SFO because UA treats the route as a special class of service, as compared to other domestic flights. Under normal circumstances, they'll only fly an aircraft with lie-flat seats in front.
Unfortunately I don't have clear memories of the 752 underseat, but I do think the middle seat has approximately the same underseat storage as the window. Do you know the dimensions of the cat carriers? Then perhaps someone here can definitively confirm or refute that.
If it turns out you can't get the carriers both into the same row, I'd think you can have a relatively calm experience with you/daughter/extraseat booked row X middle/window and row X+1 window.
You won't find any 737 on BOS-SFO because UA treats the route as a special class of service, as compared to other domestic flights. Under normal circumstances, they'll only fly an aircraft with lie-flat seats in front.
Unfortunately I don't have clear memories of the 752 underseat, but I do think the middle seat has approximately the same underseat storage as the window. Do you know the dimensions of the cat carriers? Then perhaps someone here can definitively confirm or refute that.
If it turns out you can't get the carriers both into the same row, I'd think you can have a relatively calm experience with you/daughter/extraseat booked row X middle/window and row X+1 window.
Even if it's slightly smaller maybe we can encroach on space from the window or aisle to make it work.
May 27, 2019, 5:31 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
Also I didn't realize that you can book an extra seat just to have an empty between you.