If you’re planning to fly with a pet on Delta Airlines, you need to understand the rules before you book.
The Delta Airlines pet policy allows small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin, provided they fit in a ventilated carrier under the seat in front of you.
Larger animals and other species can travel through Delta Cargo. Fees range from $75 to $200 each way depending on your route, and more than 20 dog breeds are banned entirely due to health risks.
This guide covers everything you need to know: cabin and cargo requirements, breed restrictions, carrier dimensions, documentation, route limitations, and what happens if your pet is denied boarding.
Key Takeaway: Delta Airlines charges $95 each way for domestic in-cabin pet travel, $200 for international flights, and $75 for flights to or from Brazil.
What Pets Are Allowed on Delta Flights?
Delta Airlines permits small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin. These pets must fit comfortably inside a ventilated carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.
Larger pets that exceed the cabin weight limit must travel through Delta Cargo. Delta also accepts rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and marmots as cargo on domestic flights. However, not all aircraft accommodate cargo pets.
Warning: Pets cannot travel as cargo on the Boeing 767 or Airbus A330-200. Verify your aircraft type before booking cargo pet transport.
For active military personnel, Delta offers the option to transport pets as checked baggage during transfer orders. If you qualify, review the military pet transport guidelines well in advance to avoid complications at the airport.
Which Breeds Are Restricted on Delta Airlines?
Delta bans over 20 dog breeds and 5 cat breeds from all air travel, including both cabin and cargo. These restrictions apply to brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, which are prone to breathing difficulties, heat stroke, and respiratory distress during flights.
The restricted breeds include many popular ones that owners might not expect to be banned. If your pet is a mix that includes a restricted breed, Delta may still deny boarding.
Restricted Dog Breeds
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully (all breeds)
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Dutch Pug
- English Bulldog
- English Toy Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Boxer
- Japanese Pug
- Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Pekinese
- Pug
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
Restricted Cat Breeds
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
The common thread is brachycephalic anatomy. These breeds have shortened airways that make it harder to regulate body temperature and breathing under stress. The pressurized cabin environment and temperature fluctuations during loading and unloading create real danger for these animals.
Tip: Check your pet’s breed against Delta’s restricted list before booking. If your dog or cat is a brachycephalic mix, call Delta directly to confirm whether they’ll be accepted.
What Size Pet Carrier Does Delta Require?
Delta requires cabin pet carriers to have maximum dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 11″ (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Soft-sided carriers are recommended for cabin travel because they compress slightly to fit under the seat. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.
For cargo travel, Delta accepts rigid kennels up to 48″ x 32″ x 35″ (122 cm x 81 cm x 89 cm), depending on the aircraft. Cargo kennels have stricter construction requirements than cabin carriers.
| Requirement | Cabin Carrier | Cargo Kennel |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions | 18″ x 11″ x 11″ | 48″ x 32″ x 35″ |
| Material | Soft-sided recommended | Rigid with solid top and door |
| Ventilation | Mesh ventilation panels | 3 sides (domestic), 4 sides (international) |
| Additional requirements | Must fit under seat | Food/water dishes, absorbent lining |
| Weight limit (pet + carrier) | 20 lbs combined | Varies by route and aircraft |
Cargo kennels must include attached food and water dishes, plus absorbent material on the floor to handle accidents during transit. The kennel door must close securely with a mechanism that cannot be accidentally opened.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Pet on Delta?
Delta’s in-cabin pet fees are straightforward and vary by destination. All fees are charged each way, per carrier.
| Route | In-Cabin Fee (Each Way) |
|---|---|
| U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands | $95 |
| International (most destinations) | $200 |
| To or from Brazil | $75 |
These cabin fees cover one carrier containing a small dog, cat, or household bird. You pay the fee in each direction, so a round-trip domestic flight with your pet costs $190 total.
Cargo fees are more complex and less transparent. They typically include multiple charges: shipping rates that vary by distance and kennel size, terminal handling charges for managing your pet at the airport, and customs clearance fees for international shipments. All cargo fees must be paid in full before your pet is released at the destination airport.
Key Takeaway: Delta’s in-cabin pet fee for domestic U.S. flights is $95 each way. International flights cost $200 each way, except Brazil routes at $75 each way.
How Many Pets Does Delta Allow Per Flight?
Delta limits the number of pets per flight to 8 total: 2 in First Class, 2 in Business Class, and 4 in the Main Cabin. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking early is essential.
You cannot check in with a pet online or at curbside. Delta requires all passengers traveling with pets to check in at the airport ticket counter. Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure to complete the process without rushing.
To reserve a spot for your pet, call Delta’s reservations line directly. This is the only way to confirm that pet space is available on your specific flight. If you wait until you arrive at the airport, there is no guarantee a spot will be open.
Tip: Call Delta’s reservation line as soon as you book your ticket to secure a pet spot. With only 8 pets allowed per flight, waiting even a few days can mean no availability.
What Documents Do You Need to Fly with a Pet on Delta?
Documentation requirements depend on whether your pet is traveling in the cabin, as cargo, or internationally. Missing even one document can result in your pet being denied boarding with no exceptions at the gate.
In-Cabin Domestic Flights
For domestic cabin travel within the United States, you need three documents:
- Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued within 10 days of your flight date.
- Rabies vaccination records showing your pet is current on vaccinations.
- Delta pet travel form, available for download on Delta’s website.
Your pet and carrier must weigh no more than 20 pounds combined. The health certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly and free of contagious disease.
Pets Traveling as Cargo
Cargo pets require the same health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure) plus an additional form. Delta Cargo requires an Animal Acknowledgement and Certification form that certifies your pet is not a snub-nosed breed and is not in the final third of pregnancy.
Pets in the final third of pregnancy are not permitted to travel as cargo under any circumstances. Discuss your pet’s age, medical history, and any potential risks with your veterinarian before booking cargo transport.
International Pet Travel
International travel adds significant documentation complexity. Requirements vary by destination country, and preparation can take anywhere from 1 to 4 months depending on the destination.
You will generally need:
- Health certificates and pet passports including proof of vaccinations and microchip identification.
- Import/export permits required by certain countries, which must be secured well in advance.
- Country-specific veterinary certificates, particularly for EU destinations.
For travel to EU countries, a special Veterinary Certificate is required to confirm your pet has a microchip and meets all health standards. For the Republic of Ireland specifically, you must notify the Department of Agriculture before traveling. For the United Kingdom, contact the Animal Reception Center to begin the approval process.
Warning: International pet travel documentation can take 1 to 4 months to complete. Start the process as soon as you begin planning your trip, not after you book your flight.
Does Delta Allow Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals?
Delta Airlines allows trained service dogs to fly in the cabin at no charge. Emotional support animals are no longer accepted on Delta flights. This policy change aligns with updated U.S. Department of Transportation regulations that distinguish between trained service animals and emotional support animals.
Service Dog Requirements
Only dogs individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability qualify as service animals on Delta. You may bring up to two service dogs per passenger, and they fly for free with proper documentation.
Your service dog must fit within your seat’s footprint without extending into the aisle. If the dog is too large for the floor space, you can either check it as baggage at no charge or purchase an additional seat.
For flights longer than eight hours, you must submit a DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form confirming your dog can relieve itself in a sanitary manner or will not need to during the flight. You also need to submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form attesting to your dog’s health, training, and behavior.
Delta requires a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before travel with a service animal.
Emotional Support Animals
Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals on any flights. If your animal does not meet the definition of a trained service dog, it must travel as a standard pet under Delta’s regular pet policy, with all associated fees and carrier requirements.
Where Can’t You Fly with a Pet on Delta?
Delta restricts pet travel on certain routes regardless of whether you’re booking cabin or cargo transport. Several popular international destinations do not permit in-cabin pets at all.
Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to or from:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
For UK-bound flights, Delta will not accept any live animals as checked baggage or cargo. This is one of the strictest destination restrictions in Delta’s pet policy.
European routes carry additional requirements. EU countries require a Veterinary Certificate proving your pet has a microchip and meets health standards. For the Republic of Ireland, you must notify the Department of Agriculture before departure. These preparations can take several months, so early planning is not optional.
Key Takeaway: Delta does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to or from Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE, and several Caribbean nations.
What Happens If Your Pet Is Denied Boarding on Delta?
If Delta denies your pet boarding, you may be eligible for a refund of the pet travel fee. The most common reasons for denied boarding are incomplete documentation, breed restriction violations, and destination-specific bans.
Here is the refund process:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contact customer service | Explain the situation and request a refund immediately |
| 2 | Provide documentation | Submit booking details and proof of denied boarding |
| 3 | Wait for review | Delta’s review process typically takes several business days |
| 4 | Receive refund | If approved, the refund is processed to your original payment method |
| 5 | Explore alternatives | Delta may offer rebooking, credit vouchers, or other compensation |
Contact Delta’s customer service team as soon as your pet is denied. Keep records of all communications, receipts, and documentation related to the denial. If your pet’s travel is disrupted, Delta’s compensation options may include rebooking on a different flight, issuing credit vouchers, or providing other forms of reimbursement depending on the circumstances.
The best way to avoid denied boarding is to verify every requirement for your specific route before you arrive at the airport. Double-check breed restrictions, carrier dimensions, weight limits, and all required documentation.
Tips for a Smooth Delta Flight with Your Pet
Preparation makes the difference between a stressful experience and a routine one. These practical steps will help you avoid the most common problems pet owners face when flying Delta.
Start crate training your pet well before your travel date. A pet that is comfortable in its carrier will be calmer during check-in, security screening, and the flight itself. Place comfort items like a familiar blanket or toy inside the carrier.
Exercise your pet before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calmer dog, and burning off energy before a flight reduces anxiety for both of you. Consult your veterinarian about whether anti-anxiety medication or calming supplements are appropriate for your pet.
Pack a small kit with essentials: waste bags, a portable water dish, treats, and any medications your pet needs. You will not be able to take your pet out of the carrier during the flight, so make sure everything is accessible without opening it.
At the airport, your pet will go through security screening. You will need to remove your pet from the carrier and carry it through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Practice handling your pet calmly in busy environments before travel day.
For additional guidance on keeping dogs calm on flights, consider using pheromones for anxious dogs or consulting your veterinarian about natural anxiety relief options.
If you’re considering other airlines, compare Delta’s policy with American Airlines pet policy or Southwest Airlines pet policy to find the best option for your specific needs.
For international travel, research destination-specific requirements early. Our UK dog travel guide provides detailed information about bringing pets to the United Kingdom, while our traveling to Mexico with dog guide covers requirements for that popular destination.
Consider investing in a high-quality best dog crates for travel to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. The right carrier can make a significant difference in your pet’s travel experience.
Before your trip, make sure you have all the dog travel essentials packed and ready. Proper preparation is key to a successful journey with your furry companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about flying with pets on Delta Airlines.
How do I book my pet on a Delta flight?
Call Delta’s reservations line directly. You cannot add a pet to your booking online. Call as early as possible since only 8 pets are allowed per flight on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does Delta require a health certificate for pets?
Yes. All pets traveling on Delta need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued within 10 days of the departure date. This applies to both cabin and cargo travel.
Can I fly with my French Bulldog on Delta?
No. French Bulldogs are on Delta’s restricted breed list due to their brachycephalic (snub-nosed) anatomy. This breed is banned from both cabin and cargo travel on all Delta flights.
Can pets travel unaccompanied on Delta?
Yes. Delta Cargo offers unaccompanied pet shipments with strict temperature regulations and handling protocols. Booking fees and route restrictions apply, so contact Delta Cargo directly for details.
What happens if my pet gets sick during a Delta flight?
Alert a flight attendant immediately. Having pet insurance, your veterinarian’s emergency contact information, and your pet’s medical records on hand will help you respond quickly. Consult your vet before the flight about any pre-existing conditions.
Does Delta allow emotional support animals?
No. Delta stopped accepting emotional support animals in line with updated DOT regulations. Only trained service dogs are permitted to fly without standard pet fees and carrier requirements.
How early should I arrive at the airport when flying with a pet on Delta?
Arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. You must check in at the airport ticket counter; online and curbside check-in are not available when traveling with a pet.
