Delta: Pet Policy

What methods of transport does Delta Air Lines provide for my pet?

  • Travel in the passenger cabin.
  • Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
  • Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

  • Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat directly in front of you. Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight. Contact Delta Reservations (1-800-221-1212) to determine the appropriate kennel size.
  • Pet must remain inside the kennel (with door secured) while in a Delta boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), a Delta airport lounge, and while onboard the aircraft.
  • Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
  • You are traveling within the United States (except Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
  • Only domesticated dogs, cats, and birds are allowed.
  • The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage. Dimensions are determined by aircraft type; contact Delta Air Lines for more information.
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
  • You may not carry on more than one pet per journey. EXCEPTION: Two pets of the same type may be allowed in one kennel. They must be small enough to fit in one kennel provided they are compatible, of the same species, size, and must meet the requirements of acceptance.
  • For tickets issued on or after February 14,2012, pets are not permitted in Business Class for any international flight.

Does Delta limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight?

Delta limits the number of pets per flight to:

  • First Class: 2
  • BusinessElite®: 2
  • Main Cabin: 4

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
  • Only cats, dogs, household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters are accepted as checked baggage. No snub nosed dogs or cats are permitted to fly as checked baggage.
  • The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information).
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
  • Travel is not scheduled between May 15 and September 15.
  • .

Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?

If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, or you would like your pet to travel unaccompanied contact Delta Air Lines Pet First at 1-888-SEND-PET (888-736-3738) for more information.

Helpful Guidelines:

  • All animal shipments are required to be pre-booked prior to arrival at the origin facility.
  • International Pet Shipments must be booked 3-30 days in advance.
  • US-based Pet Shipments must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance and a maximum of 7 days in advance.
  • Upon arrival in the destination city, pets will be delivered to the Delta Cargo facility within 60 minutes.
  • Only warm-blooded mammals and birds considered to be personal pets or show/exhibition animals will be accepted.
  • Primates will not be permitted.
  • Animals must be considered non-offensive and not dangerous to passengers and baggage handlers.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

  • Fee for animal in the passenger cabin for travel within U.S./Canada, and Puerto Rico: $125 USD one way
  • Fee for animal in the passenger cabin for travel outside U.S.(including U. S. Virgin Islands): $200 USD/CAD/EUR one way
  • Fee for animal in the passenger cabin for travel to/from Brazil: $75.00 USD one way
  • Fee for animal shipped as cargo: See Delta's shipping rates

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the USDA and Delta Air Lines require that kennels meet the following requirements:

  • Made out of rigid plastic, wood, metal, or material of comparable strength with solid roofs. No cardboard kennels.
  • Have wheels that can made inoperable [applies to wheeled kennels only]
  • Have functional handles on the exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
  • Close securely, but not lock.
  • Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
  • Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position. Delta Cargo can provide these labels.
  • Contain some type of absorbing bedding.
  • Contain two dishes (one for food and one for water) attached to the inside of the kennel door which must be easily accessible to Delta agents without opening the kennel door.
  • Feeding instructions affixed to the top of the kennel, along with shipper and consignee information.
  • NOT be made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard or collapsible materials.

What health documentation is required?

While Delta Air Lines does not require a health certificate for your animal to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, some States and Countries do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements. A health certificate is required if your animal will be traveling as Cargo. Call Pet First at 1-888-SEND-PET (888-736-3738) for more information.

Are there any other restrictions?

Delta Air Lines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

Pug or snub-nosed dogs and cats will not accepted as checked baggage or as cargo if the temperature on any part of the trip will exceed 70 degrees Farenheit.

Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.