Guide to Traveling with Pets on Delta Flights in 2024

If you can’t bear to leave your favorite pet alone while you travel around the world, take them along with Delta’s convenient pet travel policy. Delta Airlines always offers something better in terms of services to its customers. So, if you are a pet parent worrying whether you can travel with your furry animal and wondering about the process, you can set it aside. Delta will help you travel with your cute little pets, like dogs or cats, at a small fee.

For pet travel in 2024, check out the details on Delta Airlines pet travel policy below and bring your precious pawed friend onboard a flight.

What Pets Are Allowed on Delta Planes?

If you have a small dog, cat, or household bird, Delta happily accepts them as your carry-on pets. You just need to pay an additional one-way fee. So, rest assured. If your little hooman fits inside a tiny yet ventilated pet container, possibly to fit underneath the seat in your front, you are good to go.

Also, if you have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc., you can bring them as checked baggage. However, any snub-nosed dog or cat is not welcome on Delta flights. You can try calling Delta Airlines customer service team for shipping such pets as cargo. But remember that the airline is very strict with its pet policy and the allowed animals onboard, so be clear when you connect with the airline.

How to Book Delta Flights for a Pet?

If you want to book tickets with your pets on Delta Airlines, check whether you can bring them as carry-on or checked baggage. Then you can check the process below and follow as it suits to confirm tickets for your furry friend:

• Call Delta Airlines to inquire about pet travel options.

• Confirm pet size and health requirements.

• Inform Delta during your own ticket booking.

• Choose a pet-friendly cabin or inquire about cargo options.

• Buy an approved pet carrier.

• Ensure health certificates and vaccinations are in order.

• Arrive at the airport early for check-in.

• Notify Delta staff and follow their instructions.

• Adhere to cabin crew guidelines for your pet’s well-being

This simple process can help you book flights for your pets and enjoy exceptional deals. The airline will also offer you special discounts if you book tickets in advance and pay the pet fee.

How much is the Carry-On Pet Fees on Delta?

Refer to the table below to understand Delta Airlines Pet travel fees

You can not take Household Birds on international flights. Also, they are not allowed to fly to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Can I bring my pet as a carry-on on Delta?

Yes, you can. Delta allows carry-on pets on their planes. Any small dog, cat, or household bird can travel as your carry-on with Delta Airlines flights. However, you need to make sure that your little friend’s travel is as comfortable as yours. You must comply with the pet travel rules. Check the Delta Airlines carry-on pet policy and book a ticket after confirming every requirement has been met.

Delta Airlines In Cabin Pet Travel Rules

• Any pet of at least 10 weeks old can travel domestically with you in the aircraft cabin.
• On each Delta flight, 4 dogs are allowed in the Main Cabin, whereas business class and first class do not really allow dogs to travel.
• For international travel from the USA, pets must be 16 weeks old.
• The maximum weight of pets, along with the container, can not go beyond 18 pounds.
• If you are traveling to the European Union from the USA, your pet must be at least 15 weeks old
• Only one pet can travel in one kennel in some exceptional cases, such as:
• A female cat or dog with her unweaned litter between 10 weeks to 6 months of age can travel without worrying about the number of animals in the litter.
• If there are 2 pets of the size of the same breed between 10 weeks to 6 months of age can travel in a single kennel.
• The kennel should be according to the airline’s dimensions to be allowed, and you will only be charged for 1 pet.
• Your cabin kennel pets count as a carry-on.
• Your pets must be harmless and odorless.
• Do not give them anything to eat right before the flight.
• Take them to a vet before flying to ensure there is not any issue with their health.

In other words, passengers can only bring one personal item if they are bringing a pet in the carry-on.

What are the kennel requirements for pets as carry-on with Delta?

Delta Airlines has also stated some pet kennel rules for carry-on pets. Here are the details:

• The pet should be small enough to fit comfortably in its kennel and properly move around.
• Kennel’s size must be enough to fit underneath the seat in your front.
• Any soft-sided or hard-sided kennel should be totally leak-proof.
• For domestic travel, it must have three sides ventilation openings and 4 for international.
• The maximum kennel dimensions can vary based on the aircraft.
• However, the recommended is 18 Inches X 11 inches X 11 inches.
• Make sure your pet remains in the kennel during boarding, Throughout the flight, while deplaning, or in the lounge while you are waiting

For any pet of larger size, check the Cargo requirements of Delta Airlines.

Are there any restrictions for passengers with Pets onboard?

According to Delta Airlines pet travel policy, customers may comply with some rules while they are onboard with their pets. Let’s check the information below to understand:

• Passengers can not sit in the following areas when flying with pets:
• Emergency Exit Row Seats
• Nop Stowage seats
• Flat-bed Seats
• A330-200 aircraft’s Rows 30-35
• A330 -300 aircraft‘s Rows 30-43
• B757-200 aircraft’s center seats
• Delta one seats
• For the Entire flight, your pet should remain inside its container.

Also, the Delta Airlines in-cabin pet policy applies to every pet who is permitted on Delta flights.

When do we need to Ship Our Pets with Delta Airlines?

As per Delta Airlines’ Pet Policy International, if your pet does not fit in the carrier and under the seat directly in front of you, you need to ship them as cargo. Delta Cargo is a special shipping service where the airline Transport animals commercially.

Along with their safe transportation, Delta also ensures their complete protection, care, and comfort throughout. Let’s take a look at which pets Delta transport:

• Birds, Chicks, and Hatching Eggs
• Exotic animals, which include Zoo shipments for animals
• Insects, Amphibians, and reptiles
• Small Mammals
• Seafood and Live Tropical Fish
• Household Pets
• Farm Animals

Delta Airlines stands out as the only airline that has a dedicated veterinarian on staff, ensuring the well-being of animals during transport. Their team of trained ground handlers provides personalized care throughout the journey. Meanwhile, their Cargo Control Center agents closely monitor every stage of the animal’s travel. You will also find temperature-controlled vans and designated holding areas at select stations, effectively protecting pets from extreme temperature exposure.

What are the cargo requirements for pets on Delta Airlines?

Delta Airlines’ has a dedicated shipping service for pets known as Delta Cargo. This service provides a safe and reliable option to transport pets. When you ship a pet under Delta Cargo, and they are alone, the airline will take proper care of them. However, you must review the following requirements before that:

• Pets must be on a separate itinerary than yours, and an additional fee or charge will apply.
• You can not book a Delta cargo domestic service for a pet up until 14 days before the departure date.
• Delta Airlines does not guarantee to ship the pets on the same flight as customers or during the same flight schedule.
• To ship the pets, you must drop them off at the Delta Cargo location a minimum of three hours before the departure of a flight. The location is also separate from the passenger check-in.
• You can pick them up at the Delta cargo location at the destination airport after arrival.
• To ensure the safe international shipment of pets, Delta Cargo exclusively accepts shipments from established shipping companies.

Customers must use a pet shipper approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, and follow the shipper’s acceptance procedures.

Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling on Delta Airlines flights?

Yes, Delta Airlines has identified some of the dog and cat breeds as pug or snub-nosed breeds. Such animals have condensed facial structures that impact their ability to breathe normally therefore, they can not be accepted as cargo or in-cabin pets by Delta Airlines. Here are the names of such breeds:

Dog Breeds

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully (all breeds)
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Bull Terrier (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffin (Petite Brabancon)
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Chow Chow
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
• King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier King)
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (all breeds) 2
• Go to Footer Note2
• Pekingese
• Pit Bull
• Pug (all breeds)
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel

Cat Breeds

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

This list is just to give you examples and is not a complete one. So, always connect with the Delta customer service team before booking flights or deciding to book tickets for these pets.

What Documents do I need for traveling with my Pets with Delta?

When transferring your pets on Delta Airlines, you will typically need the following documents:

• Health Certificate: A certificate from a licensed veterinarian confirming your pet’s health.
• Vaccination Records: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies vaccination.
• Import/Export Permits: Required for international travel, check with authorities for specific country regulations.
• Identification Tags: Ensure your pet has proper identification with your contact information.
• Additional Documentation: Check for any additional requirements like microchip information or specific permits.

For the most accurate and current information, contact Delta Airlines or visit their official website regarding the necessary documents for pet transportation.

Can emotional support animals travel in the Delta cabin with their owners?

No, Delta does not approve the emotional support animals as service animals to travel in their cabins with individuals who have disabilities. The airline only allows dogs as trained service animals who can travel with owners who have disabilities.

Trained service animals can either be seated in the floor space below the customer’s seat in the Delta Airlines flight cabins, or on the customer’s lap. The airline does not permit them to occupy seats. However, trained service animals and any associated items with them travel for free. The maximum size of the animal should not be over the passenger’s seat footprint. Trained service animal items include:

• Kennel
• Blanket
• Food, or anything similar.

A customer can travel with up to two service animals which are trained to assist them in their disability. These animals should be properly cleaned with no odor.

How do I Check-in for my Pet?

To check-in, go to the special service counter and take help from a Delta agent available. This person will ensure that your pet and the kennel meet all the requirements for your travel. He will also collect the pet travel fee from you.

Remember to have some extra time at hand for checking in. Also, get your cabin pet tag to go through the security and take your pet out of the kennel for mandatory checks. After that, keep him in the cabin. Now, you can ensure an enthralling journey throughout.

Final Words

You can book a pet easily after understanding the Delta Airlines pet policy and getting proper travel arrangements for your pets. The airline agents will also offer you proper assistance to book tickets with the pets. If you want additional information, consider the information available on the official website of Delta, or call their team. Pet travel bookings can be simple and easy with the guide above and your prior knowledge.

For any more information about Delta Airlines Pet policies, TSA pets, or military pet travel, you can connect with a live Delta agent and get all the answers.

Frequently Asked Questions