Outrage as United Airlines Faces Scrutiny Over Pet Deaths During Flights

Outrage as United Airlines Faces Scrutiny Over Pet Deaths During Flights

United Airlines came under severe fire between 2015 and 2018 after a string of pet transport tragedies rocked public confidence in their handling of live animals. The most infamous case occurred in 2018 when a French Bulldog died in an overhead bin during a flight from Houston to New York.

The flight attendant reportedly insisted that the pet’s carrier be placed in the overhead compartment, despite protests from the owner. When the flight landed, the pet had died from suffocation. The incident was recorded and shared widely on social media, sparking global outrage and a media storm.

Following this, other stories began to surface—reports of animals being loaded onto the wrong flights, being left in overheated or freezing cargo holds, or not surviving long-haul journeys. Public trust in United’s PetSafe program was severely damaged.

Statistics revealed that United had the highest number of pet deaths among all U.S. airlines at the time. In response, United temporarily suspended its PetSafe program and launched a thorough investigation. The airline partnered with animal welfare experts to overhaul procedures, revising rules around which breeds could be transported, how animals were handled, and ensuring proper climate control in cargo areas.

New policies included breed restrictions (especially for brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs), increased staff training, and more transparent communication with pet owners. Additionally, United implemented an electronic tracking system for pets traveling in the cargo hold, so owners and staff could monitor the animal’s location and condition in real-time.

Despite these efforts, many customers remained wary. Several lawsuits followed, including high-profile cases where customers claimed emotional distress and negligence. The airline’s reputation took a hit in the press and on consumer review sites. Animal rights groups intensified their campaigns, urging passengers not to fly their pets with United.

Public awareness around pet travel safety increased significantly. Other airlines took note, with competitors revamping their own pet policies. United’s missteps inadvertently led to industry-wide changes.

Over time, United’s PetSafe program was reinstated, with updated safety protocols and public relations campaigns aimed at rebuilding trust. Yet even today, the 2018 incident lingers as a cautionary tale of what happens when company policy overrides common sense and compassion.