Just sent an email to United Airlines.  Disgusting.  They are idiots for doing this and I hope they reverse their policy.  I am going to boycott them until they do.

The solution is very simple here and that is to REFUSE flying with United Airlines.  United will suffer big time due to loss of revenue.  There are other airline carriers one can choose from.  Give United Airlines the boot  because it sure as hell deserves it!!!!!

This falls in line with my recent experience with United Airlines.  Their customer service is undeniably atrocious! 

I just sent an email I hope they reverse this policy!! This is dog profiling!! I will NOT be flying United!!

Next step is profiling of humans.  They probably will get it as incorrectly as they do for dogs.

Sending a letter now. This makes me so mad! If this policy had been in place three months ago, gem puppy Jet would have never found his way from Las Vegas to Burlington, Vermont, and our safe and loving home.

As an animal rescue volunteer who works with mostly American Bull Terriers, I find United Airline’s ban discriminatory, unethical and extremely ignorant.  Money talks, so I will be boycotting this airline and pass the news along to many of my colleagues and friends, who in turn, will also shun United Airlines.  Reverse your ridiculous and unfounded policy.

Ignorance at its best!

How is banning pit bulls from anything any different than racism?  It’s not.  Letter being sent.

How is banning pit bulls from anything any different than racism?  It’s not.  Letter being sent.

Shame on you, United Airlines!

Letter sent.  I guess they might want to talk to McDonalds since they are also the experts on dogs and what they are all like and know exactly what any dog will do at any time since all dogs act the same.  Definitely discriminatory and a shame.  

Boycott United Airlines. They should be ashamed.

Recently I flew United to Volunteer at the Sanctuary – will never fly
United again.  All flights had extremely horrible customer service. They were also not prepared w/ enough food and drink for all aboard.
During my volunteer time I adopted a fur daughter for which I was happy to
drive 5 hours to Newark, NJ to pick her up.  The majority of the service
I received while waiting for my girl was less than stellar.  From what I
understand Continental was amazing to work with, so I’m guessing it has
to do with United and it’s employees – shame on them for bad service and fur baby profiling.  My next adoption I will be
driving my new fur child home.  It may take me a week to get from Utah
to New York but it would be well worth it to not have to be treated
horribly and deal with the treatment I did while waiting for her flight
to arrive.

Apparently, many people will be flying the “friendly skies” with another airline! I personally, don’t feel that was a very wise business step to take on the airlines part. Lack of concern for buyers of tickets when the economy is down, does not help United’s fundage.Saying no to certain breeds is just bad business ethics and common sense.

I believe a boycott is called for! Lets all join together and fight ignorance and racism!

OK, so we now are boycotting United for dog profiling and American because of the tragedy of Jack the Cat. Southwest and a the rest will be happy to hear this!

I am afraid I would not be inclined to fly my pet on any airline days. There are alternatives. And the commercial companies do not show any interest in their safety. Unfortunately certain breeds are not welcome anywhere lately. So sad and ignorant. If you want to travel with your pet look at companies like PetAirways. It is no fun to fly anymore and I would never risk my pets life on the airlines now. Too many horror stories. They can’t even give their human passengers decent service. 

Sorry to disagree with your feelings but as a former airline employee of 26 years, I agree with the ban.  When a passenger checked-in their best friend with me, I did everything I could to make the customer and pet feel welcome and secure.  However, I came across many pets that were absolutely scared to death and acted aggressively to anyone that came near their kennel.  You must understand that there are human beings transporting the pets to the baggage area and to the aircraft and have been bitten many times.  Think about the cost to the airline when an employee is injured on the job.  I would also like to add that when pet owners choose a pet to love, they are quite aware of the breed and the breeds short comings.  That being said, if you choose to bring a known agressive breed in to your home, then you should take full responsibility of what comes along with that breed.  I sincerely don’t think you are seeing the full picture here.  It’s not discrimination, it’s employee safety.  In closing, there are other airlines to use than just United!

This ignores the bigger issue. Nobody should be checking pets in as baggage (and that is what you’re doing, unless you bring them into the main cabin). The conditions back there are inhumane. It’s loud and often cold, and your pet likely has no idea what is happening to him/her. This if if all goes well, which as you know it often does not. I used to work for an airline, and while I did my best to comfort these frightened, often air-sick animals, many in my position treated them like the rest of the baggage. Believe me, your pit bulls are better off.

shame on you for saying this. a known agressive breed? not all pit bulls or pit bull type dogs are agressive! I have 2 that have never bitten anyone nor would they. I have however been bitten by many small breed dogs but because they dont hurt as bad as a large breed dog we dont ban these small dogs. Think of the stress dogs are under being caged and then moved into an airplane. It can be stressful for people and dogs cant use words. I think you need to educate yourself before posting a comment on something you obviously need education on.

Flying may not be the best thing for any animal on a commercial airline.  I think most people understand that.  But the continuous discrimination of certain breeds of dogs that partly is attributed to some of the biased media and people who don’t get the facts on dogs in general and fuel the hysteria about certain dogs is unfair.  There are so many responsible pit bull owners and owners of other dogs that never make the news.  That is what is so unfair.  I know that is life but it never fails that the responsible dog owners and innocent dogs continuously are paying for the irresponsible things other people do with their dogs.  I have never seen anything as bad as what is happening to a group of dogs called pit bulls.  It seems to me that because they are pit bulls and not another type of dog they are considered to be fair game for persecution.  Anything is acceptable when it comes to pit bulls.  Anyone can spread lies about supposed pit bull attacks or whatever because they are pit bulls.  Many of the stories about attacks by pit bulls don’t even end up being pit bulls and that is what is so unfair.  It is not right what is happening to these dogs.  No one would ever go to the lengths to persecute another breed or group of dogs that bite like some people do with the group of breeds called pit bulls.  These dogs are beautiful, amazing dogs in the right hands and deserve so much better along with their responsible owners. It is not right the unfair persecution of these dogs and their responsible owners.  That is why people fight for these dogs. They deserve so much better than what is happening to them in this country and worldwide.  The lies that are being spread about these dogs is unbelievable and totally unfair.  Many dogs bite and/or kill and to persecute any one dog or breed, etc. is just so unfair.  It has to stop.

Shame on United Way………will not fly the unfriendly skies of United until this ban is lifted !

One more thing.  Also, apparently because the group of dogs are pit bulls and not other dogs that bite it is okay to kill them off and abuse them with bragging about shooting pit bulls or a good pit bull is a dead pit bull.  Like I said.  No one.  No one would ever go to the lengths to persecute a dog that bites (a lot of dogs bite by the way and/or kill) like some people do with the pit bulls.  That is all the more reason why they need to be protected from people that just don’t like them and think they have a right to get rid of them.  The focus should always have been on making any dog owner take dog ownership more seriously and learn dog behavior and if you do not make your dog safe you should be held accountable.  It sure isn’t the dog’s fault.

Just sent a letter too and also will not fly with them.  My vet said that she has never in her practice had to muzzle a pitbull but that she muzzles small breeds, shepherds, spaniels, etc. all the time.  This regulation is just plain silly – my temperament tested, Canine Good Citizen pitbull can’t fly, but the neighbor’s little fluffy dog that bit three of the neighborhood kids can!??

Simplifies my travel plans. With or without dogs, I will have nothing to do with United  Airlines.

My family and I usually fly through United Airlines but if they cross to go ahead with these policy then I will pay the extra to fly with another company.

choose*

I do not think you understand the core issue with this. The problem here is that pit bull are NOT ‘known aggressive dogs’ as you said. You should educate yourself on the issue. Pit Bulls are not even a breed, they a body type. They have been used in dog fights- NOT because they are a ‘known aggressive breed’ but because their will to please is a lot stronger than most breeds. The NOT AKC registered Pit Bull was bred to be a nanny dog- that means protect a baby from rats and vermin from getting in the crib. Now, you tell me if thats a ‘known aggressive dog’. And it would seem to me that these canine racists at United should be more worried about the 225 dogs that are killed under their care a year for not properly heated/cooling the area where pets are stored. Employees should be safe and have rights- but banning Pit Bulls will do nothing for you. More people get bit by Chihuahuas every year than Pit Bulls. Open you’re eyes, and do your research… Disappointed. 

Aren’t the airlines losing enough money without this stupid ban? Are they, like, trying to fail now?

You’ve supposedly seen the dogs being scared out of their mind when being forced to fly, sadly though you obviously don’t understand that the biting and aggression is based on confusion, fear, and not knowing what is going on. Flying for an animal is a traumatic experience, and even though some of the dogs have flown multiple times it is still traumatic. But to claim that a breed specific ban is the best, is wrong, honestly can you say that it’s only the dogs that look like pit bulls that bite? It is disgusting how this country has turned on a breed of dog that we had as a national icon. Many have fought in wars beside our troops (over the last 150-200 years), stayed with the children on farms (or in homes) to watch out for their well being, the have become members of law enforcement to help protect our cities and boarders. But now a days these dogs are being destroyed for being protectors, for being the loved family dog this country once loved. They are being destroyed out of fear and media driven hysteria. But to people like you it doesn’t matter that this breed has become a fashion statement to punks, thugs, “gangstas”, drug addicts, careless owners who just want to look cool. Have you done your research to see what these dogs go through to make their POS owners money? The ones who refuse to fight are used as bait dogs, they are beaten, starved, set on fire, electrocuted, etc. They are over bred, and due to the over population of this breed, they are getting into irresponsible hands. People who do not pay attention to the behavior and mannerisms, they miss the signs of fear and insecurity. Some owners even encourage bad behavior in their dog, like stated stereotypes listed above. And to be honest with you, MOST PEOPLE DO NOT DO THE RESEARCH! You are naive to think that all owners of this group of dogs care enough to raise a happy and social dog, or even smart enough for that matter. They do not know how smart these dogs are, or how much exercise they need; they are a working dog, and only happy when they have expelled pent up energy. These dogs are only aggressive because of bad owners and the media has told you so. Employee safety is a BS excuse to cover up this act of BSL, if they want employees to be safe then ban ALL breeds.

Dogs don’t carry weapons and threaten to kill people.  Some people should be banned from flying. Pitbulls are very affectionate; not like arrogant people who push their way acting like someone is going to sit in their seat. I too won’t fly United or Continental

My little “Wallaby” & I were going to fly United until I did my homework & found out about the breed ban. Not only did I switch airlines, but airports to fly direct with my little girl. I just hope they don’t destroy her Mobility Cart. Wallaby just makes the cut off for cabin travel. So she’ll be with me the whole trip. I got a “Calming Collar” & cotton for her ears to help with the noise & stress of travel.

I can’t believe this crap.  We were taking small steps forward and now this step back.  I thought that we were in the 21st…not in the dark ages.  I will never never fly United and I will encourage my friends not to as well.  I’m so fed up with this kind of narrow mindedness… how can this breed of dog ever win?   I will definitely be contacting United!!!!  

Letter sent. I will no longer be using United Airlines and will advise my friends and family to do the same!

wake up people. pit bulls make headlines. And for good reason. They bite people and other dogs. Mine dog was attacked by a pitbull compleletly unprovoked. A pit bull that belonged to a family member. A pit bull that I know was raised with nothing but love. And I found out later a pit bull that had donne the exact same thing to other dogs. Not buying this crap that it is how they are raised.

You could say the same for a lot of dogs.  All sorts of dogs bite.   It doesn’t matter if you don’t buy the crap.  It is the reality.  With millions of dogs bites will happen with all types of dogs.  The owner is responsible for making any dog safe and to be good at understanding dog behavior.

Well said.  Breed discrimination is not fair and accomplishes nothing.  Also, there are so many dogs that are mixed breeds how could anyone fairly judge any dog without doing DNA testing?  Also, dogs are individuals and should be treated as such.

And do millions of dogs kill when they bite. Pit bulls do regularly when they bite. And they don’t have to be provoked. They don’t have to have a thermometer shoved up the backside or have someone come on their property or have someone threaten them. They just have to get the urge for who knows what reason to attack an innocent person or dog. So yes. Wake the hell up.

31 people die in one year by all types of dogs in the US.  31 people with millions and millions and millions of dogs along with millions and millions and millions of people. I have woken up to the facts about dogs and not the hysteria.  Even nonfatal dog bites are rare with millions of dogs although DNA testing is not done on nonfatal dog bites.  The National Canine Research Council has the facts.  Fatal dog bites are so rare in the US you have a better chance of being struck by lightening than being killed by a dog.  All dog owners need to make sure they can keep their dog safe.  There is no one bad dog.  The focus always should be on the human to understand dog behavior and train their dog and don’t violate leash laws and breed any dog responsibly.

I meant for the post directly below me to be posted as a response to someone further down below but that is okay.  It is confirming that there is no one bad dog and that the focus should always have been on the owner of a dog for responsibility and that breed discrimination is unfair and useless especially since there are so many dogs that are mixed breeds how could you fairly judge these dogs and you would have to do DNA testing and still that would accomplish very little.  Dogs are individuals and each dog will act differently and pit bulls have as much right to be a pet in the US as any other dog.  All types of dogs bite and/or kill.  To single out any breed or group of dogs and say you know exactly what they will do in any given instance and that every other type of dog is safe is inaccurate and unfair.

     It is unfortunate that much of society remains ignorant on the Pit bull breed.  Although I regularly drive in order to take my Pit with me, there have been instances in which I had to put her on a plane- military orders to deploy and my parents accepted the responsibility to watch her for 15 months.  Not only did she do exceptionally well on the plane, the United flight staff commended her for being such an amazing passenger.  It saddens me that United and Continental would then disregard their positive experiences with Pit bulls, with a ban based solely on the ignorance of not only the Pit bull breed, but an ignorance of dogs in general. �
     Dogs exist with a variety of temperaments, based on a multitude of factors–training, upbringing, socialization, current emotional state, as well as genetics (breed).  I had high hopes that it would be recognized by companies, law makers, and society itself, that a trait of aggression is multifactorial, and therefore breed specific bans would not be effective in ruling out just the problem dogs.       As United amends its regulations from examining individual dog behavior towards the new regulation of banning Pit bull breeds, it has not only done a disservice to dogs up for adoption, but now has done a disservice to many military service members that have no other option than to fly our dogs to a trusted family member or friend while fighting overseas.  I have no doubt that many of us will remain responsible pet owners and make the proper arrangements for our Pits, and if that includes taking my money, loyalty and service to another airline company, then so be it.  

As a pit bull owner, I was astounded to read about United’s policy, so I checked it out myself on their website.  The restricted breeds do not appear to be due to aggressive nature but due to possible respiratory stress for brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds. Also listed are Shih Tzu, Pekinese and Pug. Mr. Castle, if what you reported is true then Pug and Pekinese owners had better stand up and be heard because your dog has now been targeted and banned for its aggressive behavior. This report, although accurate in that pit bulls cannot travel, appears to have been poorly researched,

Exactly! I always call people against pit bulls and other ‘bully’ breeds “Dog Racists.”

Pit bulls ARE NOT brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds. 

You’re very ignorant about pit bulls. They are in the news all the time because the media has chosen them to the “evil, dangerous dog” of the past few years.  Before that it was rotties, German Sheperds etc…..we don’t hear about all the other breeds who bite and attack in the news because the media chooses to ignore these stories.  Why?  Because it doesn’t make for a good headline.  I’ve washed dogs in shelters fo years and years and have never had anything but love, good behavior and kisses from pitties.  But I have been bitten by many other breeds.  It’s the individual dog.  Case closed.

 Good point, I didn’t think so either, but mine does tend to snort when he gets excited, like when he barks.  A good question for the vet!

I just sent a letter and I will not fly them.  I have kitties and am not a dog owner.  I hope to rescue one one day and if it is a banned breed well then so be it.  My pets travel with me where I can keep an eye on them.  If they are not welcomed then I am not welcomed.  The 3 dog bites that I have received were from yorkies and chihuahua’s. Safety precautions need to be taken yes, for all breeds but banning a select group just because? It’s ridiculous. They certainly have taken not one but many steps backwards. 

I have had a succession of Rottweilers, and none has ever growled at, let alone bitten, another person. However, I think one has to acknowledge that if these strong, large-jawed dogs DO bite, it is potentially much more damaging.

However, one thing I do not understand: aren’t the traveling dogs caged so that the muzzle could NOT stick out and hurt anyone? Or do the baggage handlers have to pick up the crate by sticking their hands inside? If not, however menacing the dog sounds, surely it cannot do anything to the airline employees?

They have seen the last of my business….a lesson to all other airlines…if you want my business, don’t profile my dog! My beautiful Black Lab/Pit was the epitome of a gentle, well-bred, obedient, well behaved lady…welcomed everwhere she went. There were passengers on my last flight that had over-imbibed, and were rude, loud, and looking or  ight and defnitely were not acting as well as my Spring.. But airline discrimination…this has gone too far! We can fight it by all of us boycotting the airlines who do this. There are too many airlines who will want our business and out dogs!!.

I agree w/ the last commenter. I own dachshunds, and am very responsible and take them to obedience training, etc. But I know that this breed has, in fact, bitten more people that MANY of the large breeds combined, and that’s not even counting any more of the little breeds that bite as well!! I won’t be flying this airline now, or ever, whether or not I have my dogs w/ me!

There’s only one thing to say- This act by United is discrimination. Yes, there are dogs who do not act “appropriate” at times but I am sure that there are ways to fly an animal without injury to anyone (employees). Veterinarians know how to calm an animal that is going to travel. All breeds should be able to fly as long as precautions are taken by everyone and fees have been paid. Slavery was bad- but it ended. Look how far we have come…….Pit Bull dogs are being mistreated and misunderstood by ignorant people who choose not to hear, educate themselves or listen to facts. I’m a pit bull owner. I’m a pit bull rescue. My husband is a veterinarian. My life wish is that one day (just like slavery)….there will no longer be discrimination against this breed of animal. And that one day pit bull/pit bull mix dogs are not euthanized simply because of the color of their fur. To anyone who reads these and has had a negative experience with a (pit bull), try to remember that all breeds have the potential to fight, bite, etc….Education is key. Just because a few people bombed our country and destroyed our Trade Center does not mean that every person who wears a turban or comes from the Middle East is a  terrorist. Do you see my point? This is a beautiful country but we are killing millions of dogs simply because of the way they look. Now children……let’s turn our  energy into some positive things for the animals…..ALL of them! AMEN

I suppose what I don’t truly understand is aren’t all dogs in airline approved kennels to begin with inside the cargo of the plane? So why does it matter on the breed of dog unless they are planning on opening the gate and letting them out? I had to sit next to a thug gangster type young man on my flight to Vegas…I’d rather sit next to a pit.

Just sent a letter and refuse to fly with them although I am a Mileage Plus member. This it discrimation at its ugliest and the fear mongering has to stop. I have two pit bulls. My daughter has one. Her best friend, two. I would trust an infant with any of them. The only dog that has ever threatened to bite me was a chihuahua! I am more afraid of them than any pit bull I’ve ever met. My “girls” are like my children and for United to discriminate against them discontinues my use of the airline permanently even if they should rescind the ban. That they made the stupid mistake in the first place makes me worry about their decision making processes regarding other things such as airplane maintenance and other major matters involving my safety. GOOD-BYE UNITED!!!

Pardon the long comment and poor formatting; I just sent this (nicely formatted and bulleted) to cargo@united.com &  media.relations@united.com:

Dear United Airlines Policy Makers,
Your recent decision to ban certain breeds, based on appearance, from being
transported on United flights is unfounded.  As a veterinarian, I am a
stringent believer in people adopting the right breed; however, your
breed profiling policy should be rescinded for the following reasons:

* It is is ill-informed
* It is a step backwards in animal welfare
* It will create very poor public relations for your company

Consider the following:
– Recent studies by Dr. Victoria Voith and Dr. Julie Levy show that visual
identification of a mixed-breed dog’s heritage is inaccurate 75 percent
of the time when compared with DNA testing.

– Untrained cargo
attendants are not in a position to even attempt visual determination.
 As a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about breeds, I am wrong much of
the time; how can they make such a call?  – Animals that are properly transported are not a danger.  Any dog,
cat, or bird can bite.  This is why they are shipped in approved
kennels.– Breed profiling is a silly basis for banning transport.
 A pit bull is no more likely to cause a problem on a flight than any
other animal–or a human, for that matter.  Because some humans are
unruly passengers, do you ban all people from flying? �
This new ruling is creating much bad press and poor public
relations for United.  I recommend that you do several things to repair
the damage that this ill-conceived policy is doing:
  ** Convene a panel of knowledgeable breed, welfare, and veterinary experts to review this issue  ** Keep the public informed; keep the investigation open; show that you have the best interests of all at heart  ** Create
an education program for your employees in conjunction with any labor
organizations who may be involved so that cargo handlers do not have to
be unduly concerned or frightened due to media scares; teach them proper
handling  ** Create tighter policies (if necessary) to insure the proper crating
and respectful care and transport of all animals on your airlines
Please consider the repercussions of your policies and rectify this mistake.

I used to own a dog grooming business years ago and was never bit by a pit bull. The only dog that really ever bit was a lasa  and small dogs nipped.  Pretty unfair practice.  I will not be flying United either!

You make a good point.  It’s about the headlines.  Scare media is a problem.  I’m a vet, and I think that well-meaning people lean the other way and forget what inhumane people bred and continue to breed the pit bull to do.  We have stacked their genes against them.   Unprovoked attacks (what we consider unprovoked) SEEM to have a higher incidence in some breeds. However, this is still breed profiling, and not all pit bulls are a danger. A properly crated dog of any kind should be safe to transport. This increased incidence is a matter of degree and should not preclude them from being shipped.  Any dog can bite in unfamiliar circumstances.  This makes all dogs (and cats and some humans) a risk.  All animals require cautious and informed handling, not banning.

You are ignorant. My pit bull is an angel. My beagle, on the other hand, had to be put down for mauling one too many people.

Discrimination results from ‘bad’ breeders/owners.  My dogs have been attacked by pit bulls 7X in the last six years–including pits that were ‘former friends’. Only one of these pits was a(n abandoned) ‘fighting’ dog-the rest family pets. I fear pits due to this, & avoid them so my own anxiety doesn’t cause a problem.  No probs with any other breed, so I ‘discriminate.’  I know it’s not the dog, but the breeder/owner…I have no ‘control’ over that, so avoid all pits.  Sorry, but the problem(‘bad’ owners) is real.

I think a bit of rationality is due in this discussion.  Both the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Mortality and Morbidity Report, along with many other reputable publications who only report the statistics, have shown that the pit bull, rottweiler, and some other breeds head the list of dogs involved in fatal attacks, maulings, and dog bites leading to human death.  Media has turned this into a hysteria. But what is the balanced view?  What is the percentage of each breed that does this?  That is, of all the dogs of each breed, what percentage performs these dangerous behaviors?  Is it that different between all the breeds?  That would be a VERY informative and educational statistic and not as misleading as the relative and absolute number of attacks.

Also, we must consider which breeds are still being bred to fight and kill in the U.S.  That is, which ones are actively adding psychological instability into the gene pool by breeding for the instinct to attack and kill? We have to consider the fears of other when they contemplate being possibly mauled and killed by an animal.  Humans have a fear of wild animals that eat us–and pets that behave in the manner of a wild animal by stepping outside of their domestic role and biting to kill.  Education of the public–and United– is what is necessary, and legislation, and enforcement so that these genes are no longer being perpetuated in the dog population.  Have sympathy for a fearful person. In some respects, their fears are well-founded. 

Of all the attacking dogs in dog parks, the ones I have run into that the owners could not pull off my dogs were pit bulls.  I am not prejudiced against them.  I’ve owned a mix.  However, I am aware that we humans are breeding them for these characteristics, so there is a higher likelihood of those genes popping up in the breed population.  It’s just common sense that more will behave the way we bred them.  To ignore this is to create more polarization of the two sides in this argument and to doom more pit bulls to death.

I used to always try to fly United. This new policy will change that for good, unless they change the policy back to one that is fair.

Letter sent to protest this development.

I have been fighting my Homeowners Association for years regarding breed banning.  I don’t think it benefits anyone.  They came up with a list of 10 breeds that are supposedly dangerous.  There wasn’t one small breed on it.  I have three yorkies but I take care of a pit bull and two bull mastiffs for my friends.  I have never had a problem with any of them.  They have been in my house and around my yorkies continually and have shown such gentleness I was amazed.  Of course no one on our HOA board said a thing about the chihuahua that had attacked every dog in the neighborhood.

One of my yorkies came from Florida to California seven years ago on Continental Airlines.  She was only 8 weeks old and flew alone.  Continental was superb in transporting a live animal. It was December 29th and freezing cold with a plane change in Texas.  First, they had a special hold for animals NOT the cargo hold.  it was heated and comfortable.  Next, the animals were taken directly from the plane into a heated van and transported to the next plane where they were loaded once more without being subjected to the weather. She arrived active healthy and adorable.  I did a lot of research on which airlines were the best for transporting animals and Continental won hands down.  Now that United has purchased Continental and intituted breed bans, I not only will not fly United, I will be forced to stop recommending Continental for transporting live animals.  For seven years I have never hesitated referring customers to Continental based on my wonderful experience.  Too bad… 

After 43 yeas with ual—-let me tell you it was co taking over ual—it will never be the same and i feel they may not make it as an airline–if they do it will not be a nice place to work�
We used to love ALL animals!!!!!�
thxs
cp

won’t be flying united.

won’t be flying united.

More idiotic regressive thinking prevails in the boardroom again. Nice going United/Continental. As if things weren’t going poorly enough for you, this “pre-emptive” litigation guard will cost you more in flying customers than the unlikely lawsuit you have imagined.

poor man.

It seems some animal bigotry dies as hard as does the human kind. Anecdotal crap has always been used to support one crackpot theory or another. Witness this fool.

What if the dog in question is a therapy or service dog with documentation from a doctor?  

So  United Airlines is not going to allow Handicaped People to use there Air Lines.
A lot of breeds are used like the sheperd, Pit Bull , Even St. Bernards. Guess us handicap no longer count. A lot of those Handicaped are Veterons severly wounded in the last few wars. I guess I don’t get it?

Bad breeding in upper management….

How do you get bit when the dog is in a crate?!

I understand your attitude, but I have had a Collie that bit and a Keeshond that bit too.  And I met a sweet Pit that was used as a bate dog that was the sweetest dog I ever met.  Lots of dogs bite no matter what their breed or size.  It’s not fair to lump one breed as bad.  Personally, I don’t trust German Shepards!

Absurd!  United is not the only carrier that now discriminates against certain breeds.

I have just contacted United Airlines to urge them to repeal this ridiculous policy. I also told them that I will not fly United again. I am livid over what they have done.

We have to educate people, companies and everybody regarding this wonderful dogs.  It is unbelievable a big company like United would fall back on something like this.  I will not fly with United but then I never did.

I like Celeste’s comments.

“United” means joined together – they need to change their name to “Divided”!

Just another example of how messed up our country is becoming! Hope the other airlines don’t follow suit.

I am upset that the “Friendly Skies” would treat animals and passengers with such a negative policy.  There are many other airlines out there wanting our business.  I will never fly United or Continental until there is a policy change.  If we all stand up against United and hit them in the pocket book things will then change.
ac

No more United for me. Get educated.

An excellent number of comments – good and bad but I cannot see why United would have a problem shipping peoples’ companions.  It is profiling breeds and should not be as such.  I’ve known small dogs also who have bitten people, visitors and yet their other dogs never made such a move.  I also would rather sit by a dog than beside someone of seemingly unscrupulous character, at any time!  Give me a dog.  No one person, nor is any rescue organization going to ship any animal without being in a safe (from harm), humane airline carrier.  Get real people.

Ignorance is bliss, the propaganda you read
and the lies you perpetrate are dangerous!  The answer to your fear is
education….give it a try.  It worked for me.  Through this simple
process you may find out that you have been talking out the wrong hole.

As an airline pilot (not United, thank goodness) and owner of the bully breeds, I’m astounded but not surprized by United’s policy.  This company is so fraut with bureaucracy and a general lack of common sense, it took them over a year with a team of highly paid excutives to determine what type of coffee they were going to serve!  The answer is to avoid the airline altogether, both for animal transportation and passenger travel.  I would do the same for any company that discriminated against anyone or any being.

Made it plain and simple for them in my note – I won’t be a customer nor share holder anymore while they are making such stupid decisions in the company.  “Pit”iful.

This is CRAP.  I am sick and tired of the haters of Pitts spreading their lies about ALL Pitt bull breeds.  They are DOGS that learn behavior from how they are treated!  You suck United Airlines.  PIT BULLS don’t take AMERICAN planes down killing thousands of people, unlike HUMANS!!!!  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

How ridiculous and ignorant for United to profile any breed. We just spent time volunteering at Best Friends.One of our most joyful memories was having a pitbull puppy named Pepsi join us for the night.

No No Bad United!!!

There are no bad dogs — only bad owners.

Pitbulls were bred to be “people dogs”.  I know many police officers and law enforcement types who LOVE pitbulls, have their very own at home, and they have children.

United Airlines needs to wake up and smell the coffee?  If they don’t wake up,  someone will get smart and develop a speciality new AIRLINE which would�
transport all types of breeds and have special handlers – and make a ton of money,because of United Airlines Breed Prejudice.  

Who knows, maybe someone will file a great lawsuit against them for initiating
such a campaign against pit bull owners??????  

All people require skilled and special “handling” too when flying.
Prisoners, drug dealers, chemical brain disorders who are refusing to take
their medications, terrorists?  This does not mean they cannot FLY on�
United Airlines, right?  

Why pick on a poor dogs appearance.  There is racial profiling, and now�
we indeed see breed profiling happening – this should be ILLEGAL.

I have one pit I always transport inside a crate.  The other pitbull does not
have to be transported inside a crate.  In fact, he is terrified of a crate.
He has no social interaction problems with the others, and was the easiest
to train.  He learned commands quickly, has a willing, obedient spirit.

The one who loves the crate, I manage by simply keeping her separate
from my other three dogs, her only social time is walking on a leash with�
the other three – and this is no problem at all.  She loves children and is
trustworthy with them.  

If you had a special needs child, you do what you must. �
The same should apply to owners of pitbulls.
The airlines need to have a meeting with CESAR MILLAN of National Geographic
Channel show “Dog Whisperer”.

It just came to mind, Would 9/11 have happend if they had a Rotwiler, Pit Bull or any of those breeds on the plane. I know if I had my old Fox Hound on there She would have put any one that looked like a thret to me in their place real quick. I just do not get it.

A United employee told me that when United merged with Continental, they adopted their pet policy. All short-nosed dogs, including French Bulldogs are banned because they have a hard time breathing; especially under stress in a cargo pit. She told me that too many of those breeds have died in transport. She went on to say the policy was implemented by a pet lover, who is very concerned with pet safety.

This article is painting the wrong picture. United adopted Continental’s pet policy when they merged. It is called pet safe becuase the pet’s safety is number one. United does not allow any short nose breeds to travel in cargo. It is due to these breeds have a difficult time breathing. Especially under the stress of being in a cargo pit. The new United pet policy was developed by vets and animal lovers from Continental. They even built play areas at some airports for pets and owners stuck due to a delay or long layover. So this rule applies to Pugs, French bull dogs, English bull dogs, etc. They are allowed if small enough to be carried on board and also I have seen a pit bull and german shepherds travel in cabin as someone’s guide dog.

i will no longer fly with united. its a shame the continental airlines logo will be a part of united. for all of you complaining about Pits and their stories, take a good look at the passengers you or your kids sit next too and tell me if that guy in a suit isn’t a child molester. just becuase he wears a suit doesn’t mean he’s not a convicted felon. and just because a dog carries a gene of a certain breed doesn’t mean he’s a killer. stop wasting your time being opinionated and get out there and volunteer and work with the breed.  

How ridiculous!  Statistically, the dog that most frequently bites is not a pit or a rottie, etc., but a dachsund.  I won’t fly them either. 

do not understand how a dog caged for transport can threaten any one. Ok maybe a young child would not know the dangers of picking on an imprisoned Dog.. Grownups that have a job should know better. Ones I was a garbage man driving a truck. I had a partner that would jump off and throw the bags on.
I Pulled up to one customer’s yard and my partner started to pic up the load, when a Doberman came running around the corner of the house Barking and growling. I jumped out of the cab and ran face on to that dog. He/She turned and ran. Now how can any publication list them a bad and mean?????
oooooh…….. I forgot 99% of what is printed is bad stuff. I know of dogs that have saved children even ones not in their family. But I guess because it is a Shepherd that is originally bred to protect sheep (and the such) they are classified as mean??????? Does that means that we want to get rid of an animal that protects children. I keep thinking back to 911 How could we have Prevented that from happening? Highly trained bad breed as United calls them would have stopped it from happening. People are too young to remember how those breeds protected everything from a politic to a baby, Kept small business from failing because of theft. All breeds are genetically bread for specific reasons, learn what the reasons are and then train your pet accordingly.
�
Big thing is keep your dang hands out of the cage of a nervous dog you are definitely going to be bit.