Delta Airlines Pet Policy – Explained

If you’re planning to travel with your pet on Delta Airlines, small dogs, cats, and household birds are welcome in the cabin, provided they fit in a ventilated carrier under the seat.

Some breeds are restricted due to health risks, so check restrictions before booking.

Cabin pet carriers can’t exceed 18’x11’x11′, and fees range from $95 to $200 each way, based on destination. Also, make sure you have the required health certificates and vaccination records.

Booking early is crucial as there’s limited space for pets on board. Keep reading for more on cargo options and detailed travel guidelines.

Allowed Pet Types on Delta Flights

Delta Airlines allows a variety of pets to travel on their flights, including small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin, as well as other small animals as air cargo.

If you’ve got a furry or feathered friend, you’ll need to take into account specific pet weight restrictions and breed size limitations to guarantee a smooth journey.

To bring your dog in the cabin of the plane your pet must fit comfortably in a small, ventilated carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Typically, this means your pet should weigh under 20 pounds, including the carrier. Only small dogs, cats, and household birds meet these cabin pet requirements.

Larger pets, like bigger dog breeds or cats that exceed this weight limit, must travel as air cargo.

Delta allows various pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and marmots, to travel as cargo on domestic flights.

For active military personnel, Delta offers a convenient option: transporting pets as checked baggage during transfer orders. It’s important to review the military pet transport guidelines to avoid last-minute issues.

With Delta’s pet policy, you and your pet can travel together. Ensure you follow these requirements for a smooth journey.

Breed Restrictions

Are you aware that certain dog and cat breeds face restrictions when traveling by air due to their unique health risks?

Delta Airlines has specific breed exceptions in place to guarantee pet safety and passenger awareness.

Delta doesn’t accept over 20 dog breeds and 5 cat breeds for air travel. 

These include popular dog breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, and Pugs, as well as cat breeds such as Persians and Himalayans. 

The primary concern is the health risks associated with these snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds.

Their unique facial structure often leads to breathing difficulties and a higher susceptibility to heat stroke and respiratory problems, especially during the stress of air travel.

• Read also: Can French Bulldogs Fly on Planes?

For the safety of your pet, it’s important to verify whether your pet’s breed falls under these restrictions before booking your flight.

Pet Carrier Size

Delta Airlines offers several pet carrier options, but understanding the size restrictions is crucial for in-cabin comfort and compliance with airline policies.

For pets traveling in the cabin, Delta recommends using a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 11″ (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

This size typically fits under the seat in front of you, allowing your pet to travel comfortably by your side. 

If your pet needs to travel as cargo, the allowed dimensions for cargo kennel sizes are more generous. 

Delta accepts carriers up to 48″ x 32″ x 35″ (122 cm x 81 cm x 89 cm) depending on the aircraft.

Cargo kennels must be rigid with a solid top and door, and they need to provide proper ventilation on at least three sides for domestic flights or four sides for international travel.

Additionally, the kennel should include food and water dishes, as well as absorbent material to handle any accidents.

Pet Travel Fees for Cabin and Cargo

For cabin travel, fees vary depending on your destination.

If you’re flying within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll pay $95 each way. 

International fees are higher, costing $200 each way, and for flights to or from Brazil, the fee is $75 each way.

These fees cover small dogs, cats, and household birds that can comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat.

When it comes to cargo handling, the fees are more complex.

Cargo fees aren’t always specified upfront but can include multiple charges such as:

1. Shipping rates – Vary by distance and size.
2. Terminal handling charges – Fees for managing your pet at the airport.
3. Customs clearance fees – Especially relevant for international travel.

All cargo fees must be paid in full before the pet is released at the destination airport. Keep in mind that cargo handling involves a more detailed check-in process, so plan accordingly.

Pet Cabin Limits and Reservation Notice

With only 2 pets allowed in First Class, 2 in Business Class, and 4 in the Main Cabin, space availability is a significant factor.

The total limit of 8 pets per flight means you must act quickly to secure a spot for your furry friend.

When planning to bring your pet onboard, remember that Delta requires you to check in at the airport ticket counter. This means curbside or online check-ins aren’t an option.

Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight to complete the check-in process smoothly. This extra time ensures you meet all requirements and avoid any last-minute hassles.

Since pet spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, calling Delta’s reservations line to book your pet’s travel is your best bet. This way, you can confirm space availability and adhere to the reservation deadlines.

For service animals, Delta requires a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before travel.

Pet Travel Documents and Health Certifications

For in-cabin domestic flights, pets traveling as cargo, and international trips, each scenario has unique requirements.

Let’s break down what you need for each travel type to guarantee a smooth journey for your furry friend.

In-Cabin Domestic flights

To travel with your pet in the cabin on a US domestic Delta flight, you’ll need to provide specific travel documents and health certifications.

Firstly, familiarize yourself with pet weight restrictions; your pet and its carrier must weigh no more than 20 pounds combined to travel in the cabin. This helps guarantee your pet fits comfortably under the seat.

The pet check-in process requires you to arrive at the airport ticket counter at least three hours before your flight. This isn’t something you can do curbside or online, so make sure to plan ahead and allocate enough time.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Health certificate from your vet, issued within 10 days of your flight.
2. Rabies vaccination records for your pet.
3. Pet travel form, which you can download from Delta’s website.

Pets Traveling as Cargo

For pets traveling as cargo, you’ll need to secure a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, dated within 10 days of your departure.

his certificate ensures your pet meets all health requirements and is fit to fly. Discuss your pet’s age, medical history, and any potential risks with your vet to guarantee a safe journey.

Delta Cargo also requires an Animal Acknowledgement and Certification form. This form certifies that your pet isn’t a snub-nosed breed, which can have breathing difficulties, and confirms that your pet isn’t in the final third of pregnancy.

Pregnancy guidelines are strict; pets in the final third of pregnancy aren’t allowed to travel as cargo. 

International Pet Travel

Traveling internationally with your pet necessitates meticulous planning and specific documentation to guarantee a smooth journey.

First and foremost, you’ll need to meet the vaccination requirements of your destination country. Keep in mind that different countries have different rules, so thorough research and planning ahead are crucial.

Next, be aware of quarantine regulations.

Some countries, like Australia, have strict quarantine policies, while others might be more lenient. It’s important to know these regulations to avoid any surprises upon arrival.

Here are three key steps for your international pet travel preparations:

1. Health Certificates and Pet Passports: Make sure your pet has a valid health certificate and a pet passport if required. These documents typically include proof of vaccinations and a microchip identification.
2. Import/Export Permits: Some countries require specific import/export permits. Verify if your destination mandates these and secure them well in advance.
3. Pet Travel Insurance: Consider obtaining pet travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your journey.

Contacting relevant authorities, like an Animal Reception Center for the UK, can streamline your approval process.

Service and Emotional Support Animal Rules

Let’s go over what you need to prepare for a smooth journey with your service or emotional support animal.

Service Animals

Delta Airlines allows only trained service dogs to accompany passengers, ensuring they’re properly trained and current on vaccinations.

To fly with your service dog, you must meet specific training requirements and provide vaccination proof.

Only dogs that are trained to assist a person with a disability are permitted. You can bring up to two service dogs per passenger.

To make your journey smoother, here are key points to keep in mind:

1. Seat accommodations: Your service dog must fit within your seat’s footprint without extending into the aisle. If your dog is too large, you can either check it as baggage for free or purchase an extra seat.
2. Relief provisions: For flights over eight hours, you need to submit a DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form, confirming your dog can relieve itself in a sanitary manner or won’t need to relieve itself during the flight.
3. Free travel benefits: Properly documented service dogs fly for free. Be sure to submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form attesting to your dog’s health, training, and behavior.

Emotional Support Animals

While service dogs are welcome on Delta Airlines flights, emotional support animals are no longer accepted.

Delta’s ESA policy reflects a shift in the airline industry, recognizing the distinction between emotional support vs service animals.

Emotional support animals, despite their benefits, don’t meet Delta’s stringent criteria for service animals.

Pet Travel Route and Destination Restrictions

First, let’s talk about international restrictions. Delta doesn’t allow pets in the cabin for flights to or from certain destinations, including Australia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and many more.

In fact, for travel to the UK, Delta won’t accept any live animals as checked baggage or cargo.

Second, European routes have their own set of destination restrictions.

If you’re flying to the Republic of Ireland, you must notify the Department of Agriculture in advance. Additionally, for other EU countries, a special Veterinary Certificate is required to show that your pet has a microchip and other necessary documentation. Preparing for this can take 1-4 months, so plan ahead.

Here are the top three things to keep in mind:

1. Countries with In-Cabin Pet Bans: Pets aren’t permitted in the cabin on flights to/from Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and the UK.
2. Special Documentation: For EU travel, you need a Veterinary Certificate and other documents. For Ireland, notify the Department of Agriculture before traveling.
3. Checked Baggage Restrictions: Pets can’t travel as checked baggage to destinations like Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, and several others.

Always contact Delta to verify the specific rules for your itinerary.

Refunds for Pets Denied Boarding

If your pet is denied boarding, you may be eligible for a refund under Delta’s pet travel policy.

Understanding the refund process can save you time and frustration. Delta’s customer service team is there to assist you with policy clarification and to guide you through the compensation options available.

When your pet is denied boarding, you’ll want to contact Delta’s customer service immediately. They’ll help you initiate the refund process and explain any necessary steps.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:

Step	Action	Details
1. Contact Customer Service	Reach out to Delta	Explain your situation and request a refund.
2. Provide Documentation	Submit required documents	Include booking details and proof of denied boarding.
3. Wait for Review	Delta reviews your case	The review process may take a few days.
4. Receive Refund	Refund issued	If approved, the refund will be processed.
5. Explore Compensation Options	Check other options	Depending on the case, alternative compensation may be offered.

Occasionally, pets are denied boarding due to destination restrictions or incomplete documentation. Stay informed about the specific requirements for your travel route to avoid such inconveniences.

If your pet’s travel is disrupted, Delta’s compensation options might include rebooking your flight, credit vouchers, or other forms of reimbursement.

Always keep clear records of your communications and transactions with customer service. This way, you’ll guarantee a smoother process and a quicker resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions