Delta Air Lines permits travelers to travel with certain pets under the Delta airlines pet policy. They balance animal welfare with passengers’ safety and regulatory compliance. But these policies vary between airlines. Some airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin, and other airlines don’t allow them. If you are making plans to fly with your pet, it is important to know the answer to all your questions before making any decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. In this guide, we provide all the necessary instructions that are important for you to know if you plan to fly with your pet.
Classes of Services Offered to Pets by Commercial Airlines
In-Cabin: Pets must fly with adults while travelling in the cabin, and the carrier is stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets that are not allowed to travel in the cabin due to their size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: If a pet is very large, is traveling without its owner, or is going to a country where pets are not allowed in the cabin, the pet must be transported in the cargo area of the airplane.
What Countries Does Delta Airlines Fly Pets to?
Delta Airlines is a pet-friendly commercial airline with an extensive global route network. Due to aircraft and crate size limitations, Delta transports small to medium-sized pets.
The services it offers to the following countries.
- Antigua
- Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Bonaire
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Finland
- France
- French Polynesia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Portugal
- Saint Lucia
- Sint Maarten
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turks and Caicos
- United Kingdom
- United States
Delta Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your pet meets the Delta Airlines Pet Policy requirements, you should use an airline-approved pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog. The physically or medically disabled dogs are allowed to fly without a carrier.
Pets are Flown on Delta Airlines in the Cabin.
Small cats and dogs and household birds are allowed to fly within the United States, excluding Hawaii, Canada, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Reservations
After placing a booking, call the Delta Airlines service to make your pet reservation.
Age Restrictions
Pets should be 10 weeks old to travel in-cabin within the United States. If you are flying on an international flight, your pet should be 16 weeks old. And if flying to the European Union, they must be at least 15 weeks of age.
Pet Carrier Requirements
Under the Delta airlines pet policy, it depends on the type of aircraft serving the route. The average dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” can fit in a Delta aircraft.
The pet carrier must be:
- The carrier should be comfortable for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.
- It should fit under the seat of your cabin
- No parts of your pet should come out of the carrier
- Have a waterproof bottom and an absorbent pet pad
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides in the domestic US or 4 sides internationally.
Only one pet is allowed in one carrier. But the exception applies when two pets of the same breed and similar size, 8 weeks and 6 months old, can share one carrier if they fit comfortably. A weaned little one can also travel with their mother in one carrier.
Forms Required
When you fly domestically, no health certificate is required, but when you travel on international flights, a health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and other forms are required for your destination country.
Aircraft Restrictions
Under the Delta airlines pet policy, pets are not allowed in International Business Class, International Delta One, or Delta Select on any flights. Pets are also not allowed on flights, although there may be certain domestic flights where this restriction applies.
The maximum number of pets in Economy Class on any airline is four.
A total of two pets per flight is allowed in International or Domestic first class, Domestic Delta One, or Domestic Business Class.
Route restrictions
Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Dakar, the Dominican Republic, Dubai, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. These are the routes where Delta does not transport pets in the cabin.
Pets are not allowed in Hawaii, even in Delta Cargo. Pets are not allowed on flights originating from Brazil and Colombia.
Check-in
When you arrive at the airport, under the Delta airlines pet policy, you need to visit the special service counter to check in with your pet. After inspection, you will be issued a pet tag for the carrier. Then, you will be directed to the security checkpoint, where you will need to remove your pet from its carrier. The carrier will pass through the X-ray machine, and you need to carry your pet through the scanner. After the screening process, you need to keep your pet in its carrier.
Cost (one-way)
US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands: $95.00
International: $200
Brazil: $75
Service dog pet policy
People travelling with a disabled pet need to inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance. Service dogs must be rabies vaccinated, meet all destination and transit country requirements, and be able to sit at the passenger’s feet without disrupting the cabin. Aggressive behavior is not allowed. Only one service dog per passenger is permitted, and Pit Bull breeds are not accepted as of July 10, 2024.
Delta Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If a pet is too large for an in-cabin carrier or is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will normally be transported as checked baggage in a temperature- and pressure-controlled cargo area. However, Delta currently allows this service only for active U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling under permanent change of station (PCS) orders. Eligible travelers must contact Delta customer service to make a booking.
Pet Crate Requirements
Under the Delta airlines pet policy, all pet crates must follow International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The crate must be comfortable for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Approved materials include rigid plastic, metal, fiberglass, solid wood, plywood, or welded metal mesh. The door must have a secure, spring-loaded locking system, the floor must be waterproof, and wheels must be removed before check-in. Delta requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts to secure the top and bottom of the crate, as required by Delta Air Lines.
Breed Banned by Delta Airlines
Delta Air Lines will not transport these breeds or their mixes as checked baggage or cargo:
| Category | Restricted Breeds |
| Dogs (Snub-Nosed / Brachycephalic) | Affenpinscher, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffin, Bulldog (all breeds), Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel (King Charles), Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds except Great Dane), Pekingese, Pit Bull, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel |
| Cats (Snub-Nosed / Brachycephalic) | British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold |
Conclusions:
Delta airlines pet policy understands and focuses on providing safety, comfort, and compliance. By understanding in-cabin and cargo, carrier, breed, and route rules, travelers can plan their trip accordingly to have a smooth journey for both pets and passengers. In this guide, all the details have been mentioned to help you prepare in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can I Buy a Separate Seat for My Dog on Delta?
Ans: no, there is not a specific rule under the Delta airlines pet policy. Delta airlines is strict on this one: pets in the cabin have to stay in their carrier for the whole flight. The carrier should fit under your seat.
Q.2 What Happens If Our Flight Is Delayed Or Canceled?
Ans: If the flight is delayed or canceled, then you have to take care of your pet; Delta airlines will work to rebook the flight on the next available flight.
Q.3 How Strict Is Delta With Carry-On Pets?
Ans: Delta Airlines is very strict when it comes to carry-on pets. The airline enforces its in-cabin pet policy closely to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
Q.4 How Much Is The Delta Carry-On Pet Fee?
Ans: For flights within the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, you can expect a fee of $95 each way. This cost could be separated from your own ticket and covers the special handling for your animal companion. Just be aware that international fees can be different.
Q.5 What Breeds Are Restricted On Delta?
Ans: Delta does not allow short-snouted (brachycephalic) dog or cat breeds to travel as checked baggage or cargo due to breathing risks. This includes breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pit Bulls, Persian cats, and similar mixes. Always check Delta’s restricted-breed list before booking pet travel.
