Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta Air Lines is a renowned American airline based in Atlanta. Passengers are able to bring their pets along for the ride on select flights, either in the cabin or as cargo. For further details, customers can call the toll-free number (800) 221–1212. Additionally, Petsmartmag is a great resource for finding pet-friendly accommodation at your destination.

Pets in the cabin

Delta Air Lines has set a limit of two pets in first-class, two in business-class, and four in the main cabin for each flight. Small pets such as cats, dogs, and household birds can travel in the cabin on certain flights within the United States, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. However, pets are not allowed on flights to Hawaii. To be eligible for cabin travel, the pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of the passenger. For domestic travel, the pet must be at least 10 weeks old, 16 weeks old for flights to the USA from other countries, and 15 weeks old for European Union travel. Female cats and dogs between 10 weeks and 6 months old may travel with their litter provided they are in the same carrier. Fees for taking a pet in the cabin vary depending on the flight. For U.S.A, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands flights, the fee is $95, for flights outside the U.S. the fee is $200, and for flights to Brazil the fee is $75.

Pets as a checked baggage

Unfortunately, Delta Air Lines does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage.

Pets in cargo

However, animals that are too large to fit in the cabin may be shipped as cargo through Delta Cargo. For domestic flights, pets must be booked at least 14 days in advance, and there is no guarantee that the pet will be on the same flight as its owner. Shipping a pet requires dropping it off at a Delta Cargo location at least 3 hours before departure.

Airline recommendations

When travelling with a pet in the cabin, the maximum carry-on kennel size will be determined by the flight. It is recommended to use a soft-sided carrier with dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm) which should fit on most Delta aircrafts. Pets must remain in the carrier during airport boarding, during boarding, and throughout the duration of the flight. For pets travelling with Delta Cargo, carriers should have one of the following dimensions (as long as the pet fits comfortably): 27" x 20" x 19" (68 cm x 50 cm x 48 cm); 32" x 22" x 23" (81 cm x 55 cm x 58 cm); 36" x 24" x 26" (91 cm x 61 cm x 66 cm); 40" x 27" x 30" (101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm); and 48" x 32" x 35" (122 cm x 81 cm x 89 cm). The kennel must be rigid with a solid top, have proper ventilation on at least 3 sides domestically or 4 on international flights, a solid door, and nuts and bolts securing loose parts. Additionally, the kennel should be spacious enough for animals to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier must also include food and water dishes clipped securely inside and an absorbent material on the bottom.

Other limitations

Delta does not accept certain brachycephalic breeds, such as American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin, Bulldog, Chinese Pug, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel (Chin), Mastiff (all breeds), Pekinese, Pit Bull, Pug, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel; as well as cats, including Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, and Persian.

Written by Petsmartmag