United Airlines is to ban many breeds of dog and other pets from its cargo hold following the death of a giant rabbit and a French bulldog.
From 18 June several dog and cat breeds, along with other small animals, will be unable to fly with the airline and all other types of pets will be banned from travelling in the cabin space.
The airline will also be banning pets from travelling between certain locations and time periods where hot weather may cause overheating.
Jan Krems, vice president of cargo at United Airlines, said: “We are committed to making significant improvements in our program and adhering to the best practices of animal comfort, wellbeing and travel on behalf of our customers and their pets.”
United had suspended all pet flights after the death of the French bulldog when the bag it was in fell from an overhead storage container. The airline reported a US high of on flight animal deaths, totalling 18.
United Airlines had been one of the most animal friendly airlines with the new measures bringing it closer into line with its competitors.
