United Airlines bans dozens of dog and cat breeds from cargo hold under new pet travel policy

In response to the controversial death of a dog on a United Airlines flight in March, the carrier is overhauling its pet travel policy, including banning the transport of dozens of breeds of dogs and cats in the cargo compartment.

Passengers can still bring small pets, including many of the breeds banned in cargo, into the cabin if the animal's carrier fits under the seat without obstructing passengers from exiting.

The new policy doesn't address service animals and emotional support animals. It also appears to effectively ban some fully grown large breeds, including Mastiffs and some bulldogs, since they won't be allowed in the cargo hold and would appear to not fit under a seat in the cabin.