Pet Travel Airline Rules: United Airlines

Travel options
SPECIAL NOTICE: United is currently re-configuring the seating on aircraft that fly International routes and some domestic routes. As a result most International flights are not accepting pets in the cabin in either first or business class.

Your dog or cat can travel in three ways: in the cabin with you, accompanying you as checked baggage or unaccompanied as cargo. All options require advance reservations and are subject to a charge. If you are bringing a pet other than a dog or cat, please contact us to make sure your pet can be accepted for travel. Call United Airlines™ reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) in the U.S. for complete details.
Carry-on
A small dog, cat or domesticated household bird can travel with you in the passenger cabin if the pet is small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel that is placed under the seat. Animals are never allowed out of the kennel during flight. The charge is Costs $175 for carry-on pets and small and medium kennels. $250 for large and extra large crates for domestic travel one way; international rates vary by destination.

Checked Luggage
Your pet may accompany you on your flight as part of your checked baggage. Your dog or cat will ride in the pressurized and heated cargo compartments of the same aircraft as you are ticketed. Pets as checked baggage will be accepted at the airport check-in counter and delivered to the baggage claim area at your final destination. The charge for shipping is $125 for small/medium size kennels and $250 for intermediate to extra large for domestic one way travel; international rates vary by destination.

Unaccompanied pets
An unaccompanied pet will travel as part of the cargo system. Animals in the cargo system are accepted at the cargo facility and travel in the pressurized cargo compartments of our aircraft. Fees vary based on weight, size and destination.  Extreme weather guidelines will apply, preventing cargo shipment of any live animal when the temperature is forecast to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point in the animal's journey.
Kennels
You and United® must follow USDA regulations on the size of your pet's kennel. The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, and turn around freely. The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. Prescribed kennels are available at most airlines for a fee. When in doubt,
check with United, because the USDA assigns full responsibility for accepting the proper kennel to the airline.
Kennel requirements
Your pet's kennel must:
Contain no more than one adult dog or cat, or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than six months and under 20 pounds each
Display "LIVE ANIMAL" labels with letters at least one inch high; labels must appear on top and on at least one side (labels are available at check-in)
Certify with a signature the last time (within four hours before bringing your pet to the airport) that your pet was offered food and water
Indicate your name and address
Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" marking (labels available at check-in)
Include food and water dishes (both empty) secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside
Contain absorbent material or bedding, such as newspaper
Show a food and water schedule

Kennel checklist
Kennel construction meets acceptable requirements (no wheels, no wire kennels, no collapsible kennels, leakproof bottom and absorbent material). There must be a one-inch spacer bar around the kennel.
Hardware (bolts/screws) complete and assembled
Door lockable and secure
Kennel size allows freedom of movement for your pet to stand, lie down and turn around freely
Ventilation standards: domestic three sides, international four sides (includes door)
Health certificate
Correct labeling (live animal and directional up arrows)
Water/feed dishes (two dishes or divided dish)
Feeding and watering certification completed

Contact Information:
If your pet will travel as carry-on baggage or checked baggage, call 800-864-8331) .
If your pet will be unaccompanied, contact United Cargo at 1-800-UA-CARGO

http://www.united.com/page/middlepage/0,6823,1047,00.html?jumpLink=%2Fted-pets

During periods of very cold weather the airline may require an ACCLIMATION CERTIFICATE. You can order this form online in our store. http://www.pettravelstore.com/store-pet-immigration-forms1.html