United Airlines adheres to the rules and regulations for service animals as set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, regardless of your chosen airline, Dogs on Planes encourages all travelers with any kind of service animal to be familiar with their basic rights and responsibilities.
Though United conforms to the Department of Transportation regulations, they have their own set of service animal policies. If traveling with an assistance dog, you should be aware of and understand the following information.
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United Airlines Service Animal Policy
United welcomes all trained service animals aboard their flights for no additional expense. The airline defines these as animals that receive specific training to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities—those who assist with visual impairments, deafness, seizures, and mobility limitations.
Trained service animals are accepted in the cabin for qualified individuals with a disability. The service animal should sit in the floor space in front of the customer’s assigned seat. As with all on-board animals, he cannot protrude into the aisles. Exit row seating is prohibited, and documentation may be required for an animal traveling to international destinations. Service animals must be at least 4 months of age. Individuals with disabilities may bring a maximum of two service dogs.
United only recognizes service animals who have been trained and certified. However, animal trainers are permitted to bring one service animal that is training to assist disabled passengers onboard free of charge.
You will need to fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Transportation Service Animal Training and Behavior Attestation Form for all flights, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for flights over 8 hours.
United Airlines Emotional Support Animal Policy and Form
In accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, United Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. You may transport your emotional support animal as a pet. The same restrictions apply to therapy animals. Standard pet regulations and restrictions will apply to both emotional support animals and therapy animals.
Service Animals and Prohibited Behavior
If your service animal engages in disruptive behavior, United Airlines may prohibit it from traveling. This behavior may include:
- Excessive barking
- Aggressive behavior (biting, growling, snapping, &c)
- Relieving themselves in non-approved spaces
- Jumping on guest or employees
- Not responsive to owner/handler’s commands.