Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta allows small pets to travel in the cabin, as well as in the cargo hold. Delta Airlines pet policy upholds certain restrictions that you must be aware of before traveling with pets. Below are the detailed guidelines.

Delta Pet In Cabin Policy

The airline allows small cats, dogs, and household birds. to travel in the cabin. Pet fee, each way would be applied which can be paid at the time of Delta Airlines check-in.

Important rules under Delta pet policy for pets in cabin

• The pet must be enclosed in the container.
• Pets of the same breeds are allowed inside the carrier.
• A female cat is permitted to travel with her offspring. The age of the offspring must fall between 8 weeks and 6 months.
• Animals must remain inside the carrier during boarding.
• Under the Delta Airlines baggage allowance guidelines, the pet carrier would be counted as carry-on baggage.
• 1 pet is permitted per kennel.

Delta pet age requirement

Here is the overview of the pet age requirement –

Delta pets in cabin restrictions for seating

As per Delta pets in cabin policy, passengers are not allowed to accommodate pets on the following seats –

• Bulkhead seats
• Emergency exit
• No stowage seat
• Flatbed seats
• Rows 46-51 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 54-59 on the A330 -300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft
• Delta One Cabin

Pet travel restrictions for particular destinations

The pets are not permitted as Delta pets in cabin service for the following destinations –

Other pet restrictions

• Household birds are prohibited on flights to/from Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
• Pets cannot travel in the First Class and Delta Comfort Plus cabins.

Delta pet fee for in cabin travel

Below is the overview of the Delta Airlines pet fee for the following destinations –

Delta pet carrier requirements for pets in cabin

Ensure your pet can comfortably fit in a small, ventilated carrier under the seat in front of you. It must meet the following requirements –

• The pet must fit in well with enough space to move.
• Be suitable for placement under the seat in front of you.
• Soft or hard-sided carriers should be leakproof with three sides of ventilation (4 for international travel).
• Recommended Delta pet carrier size 18″ x 11″ x 11″ as it fits most planes.
• During boarding, deplaning, in Delta boarding areas, airport lounges, and while on board, pets must remain inside the kennel with the door securely closed.

Delta pet cargo

Yes, Delta Airlines allows pet travel in cargo hold. Pets that do not fulfill the in cabin requirements must travel as Delta pet cargo.

When traveling with pets as checked baggage, you must arrange the travel up to 48 hours before scheduled departure as pet the Delta pet policy

Do You Know?

As per Delta pet policy, the airline exclusively allows animals as checked baggage for active U.S. military personnel or active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and their spouses who have active transfer orders.

Delta pet fee for travel in cargo

Delta Airlines significantly dropped pet travel fees with effect from Feb 28, 2022, which costs 95 USD/CAD for travel within the USA.

Here is the table highlighting the new Delta pet fee for travel as cargo-

Delta pet carrier requirements for pets in cargo

Delta requires that pet carriers for pets traveling in the cargo hold must be made of a rigid material, such as hard plastic, wood, or metal. The carrier must provide enough space for the pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. Additionally, you must label the carrier with the pet’s name, your name, and your contact information.

What are the USDA pet carrier requirements for pets in cargo?

USDA crate requirements for Delta pet cargo include –

• Constructed with rigid materials (no cardboard) such as plastic, wood, or metal.
• No wheels allowed.
• Ventilation openings on three sides, covering the upper 2/3 of the crate.
• Functional handles on the exterior to prevent tilting.
• Secure closure with zip ties for transit safety, along with labels indicating “Live Animal” and upright arrow position.
• Bedding or absorbent material inside the crate.
• Two dishes for food and water, attached to the crate door and easily accessible.

What are the requirements for Delta pet travel as cargo?

Passengers requesting the Delta pet travel as cargo must meet the following requirements –

What are the required documents for Delta cargo pet travel?

You need to submit the following paperwork for Delta cargo pets travel –

• A health certificate is necessary. The health certificate, issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of transport, must include –
  • The shipper’s name and address
  • Animal’s identification 
  • Confirmation of good health
  • Details of administered inoculations if applicable
  • The veterinarian’s signature and date of the certificate

How to book Delta pet travel in cargo?

• Call Delta’s dedicated Reservations team at 800-221-1212 to inquire about pet travel and make a reservation.
• Confirm with the agent that your flight allows pets to travel as checked baggage. 
• Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your pet. 
• Obtain an approved pet crate or kennel that meets Delta’s size, material, and ventilation requirements.
• On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for the check-in process. 
• Inform the Delta agent at the Special Service Counter that you are checking your pet as baggage.
• Pay the applicable Delta Airlines pet fee.
• Adhere to Delta Airlines pet travel guidelines.
• Adhere to Delta’s guidelines for preparing your pet for travel.

Delta pet carrier dimensions

Below is a list of crate sizes, associated costs, and compatible aircraft types. Prices listed are exclusive of tax and are subject to modification.

Exceptions for XLG/500 Series –

XLG/500 Series is allowed on any Delta Aircraft except 767-300-300ER-400ER, A330-200, 717-200, CRJ-200-700-900, ERJ-145-170-175.

What are the Delta pet in cargo restrictions?

Delta Airlines does not allow crates made of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard, or collapsible materials. Moreover, they prohibit crates with extra openings on the top or sides and those secured with plastic latches instead of hardware, such as metal nuts and bolts.

Weather restriction for Delta Airlines pet cargo –

As per Delta Airline pets policy, animals cannot be accepted as checked baggage during extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures exceeding 80˚F (26.5˚C) or falling below 20˚F (-6.5˚C).

Live Birds –

Regarding live birds, pets and tropical birds kept indoors are at risk if the temperature at any point of the itinerary drops below 50˚F (10˚C). When temperatures range from 50˚F (10˚C) to 20˚F (-6.7˚C), transportation is at the shipper’s own risk.

Restricted Aircraft –

Delta Airlines does not permit passengers with pets in Business Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One, and Delta does not accept animals as checked baggage or cargo on any Delta 767 aircraft or Delta A330-200 Aircraft.

Delta Airlines pets as checked baggage

Below is the overview of the accepted pets as checked baggage on Delta Airlines flights –

Breed restrictions under Delta pet policy

Delta Airlines no longer accepts snub-nosed or pug dogs and cats as checked baggage.

Which dog breeds are restricted under Delta pet policy?

Which cat breeds are restricted under Delta pet policy?

Delta Airlines pet policy does not allow certain snub-nosed cats in the baggage hold. These include –

• British Shorthair
• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian
• Scottish Fold

What are the Delta international pet travel guidelines?

Delta Airlines allows pets to travel internationally in the cargo hold but not in cabin and the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. The other requirements depend on the country you are traveling to.

Here’s a table summarizing the regulations for Delta traveling with pets to various destinations –

How to book Delta international pet travel?

Here are the important steps to prepare for the Delta Airlines International Pet Travel service –

• Get in touch with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re traveling to.
• Make sure you obtain all the necessary paperwork for your pet’s travel.
• Schedule a visit to your local veterinarian for international health requirements.
• If you’re traveling to the United States or from the US, check the importation and export regulations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• Be prepared for additional fees and charges that may apply during your pet’s travel.

Does Delta pet policy allow service dogs?

Delta Airlines allows disabled passengers to travel with service dogs. The airlines no longer consider Emotional support animals (ESA) as service animals.

What is the Delta service dog policy?

As per Delta service dog policy, here are the important points to consider –

• Trained service animals on Delta flights must be seated below the passenger’s seat or in their lap.
• They are not allowed to occupy seats.
• Service animals travel for free and should not exceed the size of the passenger’s seat.
• Associated items, such as kennels, blankets, and food, are permitted.
• Trained service animals are limited to dogs trained to assist individuals with disabilities.
• 2 service animals are allowed per passenger.

What are the required documents for Delta Service Dogs

These documents include –

• Must complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form to validate their animal’s health, training, and behavior. 
• For flights lasting 8 hours or more, customers must also submit the DOT Relief Attestation Form

For last-minute bookings, the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form can be presented at the check-in counter or departure gate.

Additional information about Delta service dog policy

• The airlines reserve the right to refuse transportation only if the animal displays disruptive or aggressive behavior.
• Certain locations, including Hawaii, the U.K., and other island nations, have specific requirements and quarantine laws 
• If you are traveling with a trained service animal, please note that no additional pets are allowed in the cabin.

Additional guidelines under Delta pet policy

The additional Delta flying with pets guidelines include –

• Large pet crates are required to be transported as cargo.
• Primates and reptiles must be shipped as cargo.
• Delta Pet fee will apply per pet during airport check-in and at each layover.
• Exceptions may be made for routes with connections lasting over 6 hours.
• Pets/animals are not counted in the free baggage allowance.
• There are no additional charges for excessive size or weight.

Delta Airlines Pet Policy prioritizes the health and welfare of pets throughout the travel process. Pet owners need to familiarize themselves with the policy and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience for their furry companions.

Delta Pet Policy FAQs