Delegate James Moylan penned a letter to the United Airlines corporate office to discuss their travel policy for pets.

While United does allow passengers to fly their pets in either the main cabin or in the cargo area (under specific circumstances) nationally, the policy does not apply to civilian passengers wishing to fly with their pets to and from Guam.

However, active military personnel are exempt from these provisions.

The letter further covered the challenges Guam's law enforcement agencies must face when attempting to fly in detection dogs, which are vital for the island's efforts in reducing the importation of illegal drugs or even banned agricultural products.

“The primary concern is this inequity by the airline when it comes to who can bring in pets to the island. Unfortunately, island residents have limited flight options when it comes to travel into the lower 48, as well as Hawaii and Alaska, as UA is the only airline for the most common Routes,” said Moylan.

“Secondly, while we absolutely support the exemption provided to military personnel, the airline needs to explain this imbalance. More importantly, they need to address it by amending their policies for Guam residents,” he added.

“While we understand that these are business models and policies that the government can't just go in, infiltrate, and attempt to change statutorily, our objective is to seek answers and solutions from the entity. When it comes to a bond between individuals and their pets, there is no distinction in whether the individual wears a uniform or not,” he said.

The letter was acknowledged as received by UA's corporate office, and the Delegate looks forward to a conversation with them on this policy.

“We have built a working relationship with the UA corporate office, particularly in our back-and-forth discussions on the inconveniences island residents face when transiting through Hawaii from Guam,” Moylan said. “An issue we are still working with various entities on. Our office will continue to engage with the intent of seeking some resolution to the matter.”