Dreaming of a vacation with your beloved pet? Delta Air Lines offers options for pet travel, allowing small dogs, cats, and even household birds (on domestic flights) to fly with you in the cabin on select routes. For larger animals, or journeys to specific destinations like the UK or Hawaii, travel via Delta Cargo may be an option.
Understanding our specific policies is key to a smooth journey for you and your cherished companion.
Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin on Delta Air Lines? (Carry-On Pets)
Yes, small, domesticated pets can generally travel with you in the cabin on most Delta Air Lines flights within the United States (excluding Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Size & Carrier Fit: Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a leak-proof, soft-sided carrier that fits entirely under the seat directly in front of you.
- Recommended Carrier Size: Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” (45.7 cm x 27.9 cm x 27.9 cm), as this typically fits most aircraft. Always contact Delta Reservations directly to confirm the right size for your specific flight, as under-seat dimensions can vary.
- Ventilation: Your carrier must have ventilation openings on 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel.
- Pet Age:
- Domestic Travel: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
- International Travel to the U.S.: Dogs must be at least 6 months old, and cats at least 16 weeks old.
- Travel to European Union: Pets must be at least 15 weeks old.
- How Many Pets? Generally, one pet per passenger is allowed.
- Exceptions: One female dog or cat may travel with her un-weaned litter (8 weeks to 6 months old) if they fit safely in one kennel. Also, two pets of the same breed and size between 8 weeks and 6 months old may share one kennel if compatible and they fit comfortably, counting as one pet.
- Limits Per Flight: There’s a limit to how many pets can fly in the cabin per flight:
- First Class (Domestic): 2 pets
- Main Cabin: 4 pets
- International Business Class / Delta One: Pets are not permitted in these cabins on international flights (excluding service animals).
- Where Can I Sit? If you’re flying with a pet in the cabin, you cannot sit in:
- Bulkhead seats
- An emergency exit row
- Seats designated as “no stowage”
- Flat-bed or Delta One seats
- Specific rows on certain aircraft (e.g., Rows 46-51 on A330-200; Rows 54-59 on A330-300; Center seats on B757-200).
- During the Flight: Your pet must stay inside its kennel (with the door secured) at all times while in a Delta boarding area, Delta Sky Club, and onboard the aircraft.
- Booking Your Pet’s Spot: Pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is highly recommended to contact Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support as soon as your human tickets are confirmed to add your pet to your booking. Have your kennel dimensions ready when you call.
- What Does it Cost? Pet in-cabin fees are collected at check-in, per one-way flight segment.
- Within the U.S./Canada, and Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands: $150 USD/CAD (for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025; older tickets might be $95 USD).
- To/From Brazil: $200 USD (for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025; older tickets might be $75 USD).
- Other International Destinations: $200 USD/CAD/EUR.
Can My Larger Pet Travel via Delta Cargo? (Cargo Travel)
For pets that exceed the in-cabin size and weight limits, or for destinations not permitting in-cabin travel (like the UK or Hawaii), Delta Cargo provides a specialized service for live animal transportation.
Important points for cargo travel:
- Separate Booking: Your pet’s cargo travel is a separate booking from your passenger flight. Bookings can usually be made up to 14 days prior to departure. Contact the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center.
- Crate Requirements: Crates must meet strict International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards. They need to be robust, well-ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally without touching the crate.
- Breed Restrictions: Delta Cargo does not accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) due to potential respiratory distress during air travel. A comprehensive list of restricted breeds is available on the Delta Cargo website.
- Temperature Rules (Embargoes): Delta Cargo enforces temperature restrictions. If the forecasted temperature at origin, transfer, or destination airports is below 20°F (-7°C) or above 80°F (27°C), your pet may be denied travel. Acclimation statements are required for temperatures between 20°F and 45°F. Seasonal embargoes (e.g., typically May 15 to September 15 for pets as checked baggage on Delta and Aeromexico operated flights) may also apply.
- No Sedation: For your pet’s safety, Delta prohibits sedated or tranquilized animals from traveling in cargo due to unpredictable effects at altitude.
- Drop-off/Pick-up: Pets must be dropped off and picked up at a Delta Cargo facility, which is separate from passenger check-in. Specific cut-off times apply (e.g., 2.5 hours before departure for domestic, 4 hours for international).
- International Pet Shippers: For international cargo travel, Delta Cargo generally requires customers to use an IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) approved pet shipper.
- Connecting Flights: Delta will not accept animals traveling on itineraries with more than one connection.
- Long-Duration Flights: Delta Cargo generally does not accept warm-blooded animals on flights with an average duration of more than 12 hours.
Please Note: While cargo transport is a common and safe option, it involves specific risks and requirements. Always discuss this thoroughly with your veterinarian and consider consulting with an experienced pet transport company.
What Health Documents Do I Need for Pet Travel on Delta Air Lines? (All Pets)
Accurate and up-to-date health documentation is crucial for all pet travel.
- Health Certificate: A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian is mandatory for most flights, especially international ones. It must be issued within a specific timeframe (often 10 days) of travel.
- Vaccinations: Ensure all vaccinations, particularly rabies, are current. For international travel, specific waiting periods after rabies vaccination often apply (e.g., 21 days for EU entry).
- Microchip: Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip. For UK/EU travel, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- EU Pet Passport / Animal Health Certificate (AHC):
- If you’re an EU resident, your pet will need an EU Pet Passport for travel within the EU.
- If traveling to the EU from a non-EU country (like the USA or UK post-Brexit), an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required.
- United States Dog Import Form (from August 1, 2024): If traveling with a dog to the United States, you need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form.
- Destination-Specific Rules: Every country has unique import regulations. It is YOUR responsibility to check the official government websites of your destination (e.g., USDA APHIS for US imports, DEFRA for UK imports) well in advance. These rules change, so double-check often!
- Tapeworm Treatment (for UK Entry): If entering the UK, your dog will need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
Can My Service Animal Fly with Me on Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines welcomes trained service animals. They have specific documentation requirements that must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. Please visit our dedicated Service Animal Policy on Delta.com for full details.
- Important: Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals under Delta’s policy.
Top Tips for a Smooth Journey on Delta Air Lines
- Plan Ahead! Start planning your pet’s travel well in advance (months, not weeks). This gives you time to meet all health requirements, secure documentation, and reserve their spot.
- Vet Visit: Schedule a vet visit specifically for travel preparation. Discuss your travel plans and destination requirements with your vet.
- Carrier Acclimation: Get your pet comfortable and happy in their carrier long before the flight. Make it a positive space with treats and familiar bedding.
- Exercise Before Flight: Give your pet plenty of exercise before heading to the airport to help them relax.
- Limit Food/Water: Offer a light meal a few hours before the flight, and limit water intake right before and during the flight to minimize accidents.
- Potty Break: Use airport pet relief areas before boarding.
- No Sedation: We, and most vets, advise against sedating pets for air travel due to potential health risks at altitude.
- Stay Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions. Staying calm and reassuring will help them feel more secure.
- Always Verify: Airline policies can change! Always confirm the most current Delta Air Lines pet policy directly on their official website (Delta.com Pet Travel or Delta Cargo Live Animals) or by calling their reservations line before finalizing your travel plans.