Your (recent) experience with United

[StillHope]

The last time I took the plane to Hawaii (Oahu)was 4 years ago.
And it was not United.
I know,a lot of things changed (paid luggage,for instance).
Of course,I'll talk to an agent.But it would be nice to hear from someone on the forum - what to do and not to do.

My main concern is the luggage and the dog.
The dog has already the permission to enter and the Kona vet is scheduled to meet us.

May be some tips how to make sure he is OK boarding and exiting the plane.

The luggage -on the plane I'll have a carry on and thinking to have a messenger type of bag (I carry the laptop in it) as a "hand bag.
It's 17x12 inches.I hope it will be OK.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[DickWilson]

Based on our experience flying united into Kona with our dog you should be fine. United gave us a little tag telling us that our dog was on board each time we changed planes;twice. When we arrived in Kona we had time to claim our luggage before Lona vet was done with our dog. Great service by Kona vet. We packed a collapsible water bowl for our dog and got him a fresh drink at the airport. Then when we got the rental car, we took the crate apart and put it in the rental. We had a charger for a rental and got 4 suitcases and the dog crate as well as Mr. dog in it. pretty crowded but it worked out ok.

dick wilson
"Nothing is idiot proof,because idiots are so ingenious!"

[missydog1]

StillHope,
just go to www.united.com and click on the baggage allowance so that you know exactly what they allow as carry on. Last time I flew it was one carry on and one personal item, so I think you are fine. But no need to rely on what other people tell you when it's on the official website. There's probably info on transporting pets as well.

I hate United for their attitude because they are snotty and inflexible, but that's a generalization. No doubt they have employees who understand customer service, and maybe someday I'll meet one of them. I would fly them again, and be prepared to hate them again. They get you where you're going. Just feed yourself before the flight and don't rely on their food.

[asly]

Sorry, but I have to chime in with Kathy - I don't like United either, won't fly them again if I can help it. Last time I flew them to the island, they were soooo over booked, they bumped the hell out of every one, then reseated people randomly and tried to get us all drunk on free bottles of champange to keep us quiet. And the overall attitude was rude and just plain frazzled the whole trip, not a calming experience for anyone. Their planes seem really cramped. We usually fly Hawaiian, I think they are very accomodating and the planes seem comfy, this time however, we're trying Alaska. We normally fly Alaska for west coast trips and have been pleased. However, this time, we have to purchase our lunch on board which seems to be the equilvalent of a lunchable cracker snack for 7 or 8 bucks - no thanks we'll bring our own. Sorry to carry on, I understand you only wanted to know about United. :-)

[Carey]

I have not used them here, recently, but friends & family have.

Nothing memorable for any of them on the flights. MIL & nieces were flying them the day TSA removed fluids from the acceptable carryons, so when they changed planes they lost lotions & soaps & toothpaste & such.... nothing to do with United...

[d96778]

Stillhope,
We fly with Hawaiian Air & have always been pleased with the service. They allow 1 personal bag & 1 carry-on. The
1st checked bag is $15. I usually carry my purse & a carry-on,& my husband carries the computer bag & 1 carry-on at no extra charge. They provide a simple meal at no extra charge. I don't know what their policy is for pets. Right now, if you'll check the prices for early Nov. I think I remember seeing some days from the West Coast to Kona for $159, 1 way. Our next flight will be mid-Nov.

Dee

[missydog1]

I think it's been established that StillHope is flying United, the only airline that will accept Mr. Doggie, and that is a given. She just wants to know what to expect.
asly, what an awful story. Not only do they mess you all up, but they aren't polite about it.

The only reason I will fly United again is to use Star Alliance miles, if I can get an award. The last time I flew United was 2004 on an award trip to Dublin. The SFO-KOA segments were fine. The Vancouver to SFO return segment sucked, and was so late that our hotel restaurant had closed for the night, and they hadn't fed us on the flight. We had been flying for 12-13 hours or more, so that was no fun, and we hadn't had a chance to catch a meal in transit.

When we arrived at SFO without our checked luggage, late at night, United gave us a toothbrush, only after we asked for something to help with the situation. A toothbrush. []

The bag showed up the day after we arrived in Kona, so two days later.
But that was five years ago. The reason I hate them now was a reservation snafu where one of the agents explained the fare class rules all wrong and then they charged a hefty penalty to cancel the reservation, which it turned out was unworkable. But as I hadn't got a recording of their agent giving me the wrong explanation, oh well. That's why I call them inflexible.

Still, I feel optimistic that they can get Hope to KOA with her dog and all will be well.

[asly]

I didn't realize United was the only airline that flies pets. Sorry to put a negative spin StilHope, especially when it's a stressful time with moving and all. I'm sure all will go well.

[Robin C]

I have flown United a couple of times in the last two years. I have had no problem counting my laptop bag as my "personal item".

We brought our dog and cat over 3+ years ago (not really recent) on United. No problems other than me being waaaaay overly anxious. United was really nice. As Dick said, they gave us a little ticket showing that the pets were loaded. Its one you fill out at check in and they tear off a section. They brought it to me even before the plane was seated. It was a huge relief knowing they were on the plane with me.

Just be prepared to take your pup out of the crate for TSA inspection at your originating airport. They check to make sure there aren't any disallowed items in the crate.

If the rules are the same, you are not allowed to take your dog out of the crate while on airport property (other than the TSA and ag inspection). If you get some help lifting the crate onto one of those baggage carts you should be fine.

Best of luck.
Robin

[heather]

Just flew myself,hubby,and our 2 pups on Delta from LAX! We had a great experience! Everything went smooth and as planned. They also gave us a slip letting me know the dogs were on the plane. After check in,everything is in their hands. Just sit back and relax! Meeting the vet at the airport was a VERY pleasant experience.Took much longer for my hubby to get the rental car then it took me to get the dogs. Jenny was a joy to deal with. We flew a 70lb and 20lb dog,so we also rented a large SUV and broke down the cages for the ride.(We had 2 suitcases and 2 guitars in tow as well.)They let me get the dogs out to stretch legs and go potty. Make sure to bring something for them to drink. Our pups were super thirsty. Instead of bringing another dish,I just popped out one of their water bowls from their kennels. The anticipation was a lot worse than the flight itself! FYI-on Delta's website it says they only fly animals to Oahu. After speaking with several reps I learned that they DO fly to Kona.I even struggled with the ladies at check in! After a few phone calls they found out I was correct and the pups were on their way. I learned just how important patience is! Wouldn't hurt to check with Delta as well! We were all happy at the end of a very long day! Good Luck!