delta international pet travel

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Shipping Your Pet

Until further notice, we are only allowing the shipment of pets for active  U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices (FSO)  traveling with active permanent change of station orders. To make an active U.S. Military or FSO pet booking, please contact the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746 (dial 711 for relay services). Keep in mind that you will be required to provide a copy of your permanent change of station orders.

Please note that existing live animal policies will still apply to all animals transported with cargo.

If you meet the transport requirements above and your pet is too large to fit comfortably in a soft-sided pet kennel or crate, you may be able to ship your pet with Delta Cargo . Delta Cargo provides safe, reliable transportation with services to address the needs of all pets that are shipped. We invite you to review the following guidelines prior to contacting us to arrange your pet’s travel:

• A separate pet booking from the customer’s flight reservation must be made with the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746 (dial 711 for relay services). Additional fees and charges apply. Exceptions are made for service dogs that can’t be accommodated in the cabin.
• Pets shipped via cargo cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure.
• Pets are not guaranteed to be shipped on the same flight or flight schedule as the customer.
• Pets must be dropped off and picked up at a Delta Cargo location that is separate from passenger check-in. Please arrive at the cargo facility 4 to 6 hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic travel and 6 hours prior to international travel.
• The cut off time for pet check in is 2.5 hours prior to departure for domestic travel and 4 hours prior to departure for international travel.
• Delta Cargo requires international customers to use a pet shipper approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

Health Requirements

Requirements for cargo travel:.

• Pets must be transported in travel crates/containers that comply with Container Requirement #1 in the current version of the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR) . The travel crate/container must allow the pet to stand, sit-upright, lie down and turn around without touching the top or sides.
• After obtaining a crate/container that complies with the IATA-LAR, your pet must be acclimated to confinement, which is a process that can take weeks to months.
• Your pet must have a health certificate deeming it medically fit for air travel via cargo from a USDA-accredited veterinarian or veterinary authority within 10 days of travel. When traveling internationally, an international health certificate is required, and it must be signed and/or endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or veterinary authority within 10 days of travel.

Understanding the Risks

Transport via cargo can be stressful for animals. Exposure to unfamiliar environments, people and movements impact each animal differently and poses risks that could lead to illness, injury, escape or, in rare cases, death. When you obtain a health certificate for your pet, please discuss the risks of air travel with your veterinarian. Consider your animal’s medical history and whether it has anxiety disorders that may be worsened during travel. Two major factors that should be discussed are your animal’s age and breed.

• Animal age: Since life expectancy varies among breeds, there is no maximum age set for air travel. However, impaired vision or hearing, heart, liver or kidney disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, senility and weakness can often impact older animals. Please ensure that you have discussed the stress of travel and its impact on your pet due to age with your veterinarian.
• Breed: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights. Visit Delta Cargo for a full list of restricted dog and cat breeds .

Live Animal Checklist & Feeding

When you check your pet in, you will be asked to complete a live animal checklist confirming that your pet has been offered food and water within 4 hours of check-in. You must also provide food, along with feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period if an in-transit feeding is necessary.

Tranquilizers & Sedatives

The use of pet tranquilizers or sedatives at high altitudes is unpredictable and the sedation of household dogs and cats is not permitted.  This also includes any medication that causes sedation of the pet.

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Delta Air Lines' pet policy: Everything to know before flying with a pet on Delta

Are you looking to fly Delta Air Lines and bring your dog — or cat or bird — with you on your next vacation? If so, you're in luck, as Delta allows these three types of animals to fly with you in-cabin for a small fee.

But before you go ahead and book your flight, you'll want to be extremely aware of the Delta pet policy . There are some confusing rules and Delta doesn't allow a pet to fly with you on board on all routes, aircraft and seats. Having all the information in advance will ensure that your pet can join you on your travels.

Here's everything you need to know about the Delta Air Lines pet policy.

Delta Air Lines pet policy

With the Delta pet policy, you can bring small dogs, cats and household birds with you in-cabin to select destinations. All pets must fit into a pet carrier and be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, at least 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the EU.

Passengers are only allowed to bring one pet carrier on board, but in some cases, multiple pets are allowed per carrier. For example, one female cat or dog can travel with her un-weaned litter (with no cap) if the kittens or puppies are between 10 weeks to six months of age. Additionally, if you have two pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 10 weeks and six months, those pets are allowed in one pet carrier as long as they fit. In these situations, Delta will only charge you for one pet.

Delta also limits where you can sit if you bring a pet. Per the Delta pet policy, you'll need to avoid selecting seats at the bulkhead and in emergency exit rows. Likewise, avoid seats designated as "no stowage," which are rows 30 to 35 on the A330-200 aircraft, rows 30 to 43 on the A330-300 aircraft and center seats on the B757-200 aircraft. Also, know that carry-on pets are not allowed in any cabin with flat-bed seats, international business class, international Delta One or Delta Premium Select.

There are also additional restrictions when flying with a pet on Delta outside the U.S.:

• You can only bring household birds on domestic U.S. flights (excluding Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam).
• You can't bring pets to Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• You can't travel to or from Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand with pets.
• The CDC currently bans dogs from entering the U.S. from high-risk countries for rabies, such as Egypt.

Since country rules can change at any time, make sure to review Delta's international pet travel restrictions .

Additionally, at the onset of the pandemic, the Delta pet cargo option was put on hold and has yet to come back. Per the Delta dog policy, your dog must fit in an approved pet carrier tha can fit under the seat in front of you — so larger dogs usually can't travel with you on Delta.

Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets

Flying with a pet on Delta

Delta Air Lines recently decreased the cost of bringing a pet on board with you. For tickets purchased on or after Feb. 28, 2022, the cost of flying with a pet on Delta is $95 for flights within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For previously purchased flights, the cost is $125.

However, if you're flying internationally, the cost is slightly different. For all international flights — except to or from Brazil — the price is significantly more expensive, at $200. However, flying with a pet on Delta to or from Brazil is only $75.

All fees are one-way and are collected when checking in for your flight at the airport.

The Delta Air Lines pet policy limited the number of pets on board and within each cabin. So, you'll want to contact Delta as early as possible if you plan to bring a pet.

Finally, if one of Delta's partners operates your flight, you'll need to call the partner airline directly to learn more about its pet policies.

Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet

Delta Air Lines' pet carrier requirements

All pets on a Delta flight must fit into a pet carrier or kennel , and that carrier or kennel must fit under the seat in front of you.

The pet carrier can be soft-sided or hard-sided, but it must be leak-proof and ventilated (three side ventilation openings or four sides for international travel). The pet also must be able to move around and not protrude from the sides. All pets must stay in their carrier while in the boarding area, on the aircraft and in Delta lounges.

Delta recommends a soft-sized kennel with a maximum size of 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches. But, some seats may feature more under seat storage and fit a larger kennel. The agent will record your kennel dimensions when you contact Delta to add your pet to your reservation.

When flying with a pet on Delta, remember that your pet carrier will count as one of your carry-on items. So, in addition to your carrier, you can also bring one personal item on board.

Related: How to change or cancel a Delta Air Lines flight

Bottom line

As long as you do your research regarding the aircraft and cabin you book, bringing a small dog, cat or bird with you on your next Delta flight is incredibly easy. While you can't bring larger dogs with you right now, Delta may resume the Delta pet cargo program in the future.

Make sure to review all of the rules before booking your flight. By doing so and paying a modest fee, you might be able to enjoy your next trip with your small dog, cat or household bird.

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The Pet Friendly Vacation Guide

Delta Airlines Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know Before Flying with Your Dog or Cat

posted on March 12, 2023 by James Brockbank | Last updated on March 13, 2023

Traveling with your pets can be pretty tricky and not to mention anxiety-inducing. Finding an airline ready to accommodate you is challenging, but their policies can be confusing, even if they accept pets. 

Luckily Delta’s pet policy is straightforward, and the airline tells you all you need to know about how it works and the requirements. The Delta pet policy allows some animals to travel as carry-ons based on their size and what types of animals they are. On the other hand, some pet passengers can ship as cargo.

Requirements for carry-on kennels

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As per Delta Airlines’ pet policy, small dogs, cats, and household birds can travel as carry-ons in the cabin with their owners. The in-cabin travel for carry-on pets requires a one-way fee that Delta will collect at check-in.

The pets you bring in cabin kennels will count as your carry-on item, meaning you can only bring one personal item onboard the plane. 

Delta Airlines allows passengers to bring only one pet carrier on board, while the pet must be at least ten weeks old for domestic travel. However, if you are traveling to the United States from another country, the pet should be at least 16 weeks old, and when traveling to a country in the European Union, at least 15 weeks old. 

Moreover, you can only bring one inside the carrier for the pet’s comfort, with a few exceptions. 

• One cat or dog of the female gender can travel with their unweaned litter in a kennel, given that the litter is between ten weeks to six months of age. There is no limit on the number of animals in the litter.
• Two pets of the same breed and size can travel in one kennel as long as they are small enough to fit into the same kennel. In this case, they will be charged as one pet. 

You must ensure that your pet can fit in a small and ventilated pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. The pet carrier also must meet the following Delta Airlines requirements: 

• The pet must be small enough and fit comfortably in the carrier without touching or protruding from its sides. The animal should have the ability to move around in the kennel. 
• Both soft or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and with ventilation openings on three sides (four sides for international travel).
• The maximum dimensions for the carry-on kennel vary and are determined by your flight, as the space under seats varies by aircraft. Delta Airlines recommends using a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 11″ since it fits most aircraft types. 
• As per Delta’s recommendation, you should check your flight’s aircraft dimensions to ensure the kennel will fit. 
• The pet must remain inside its kennel with the door secured while in a Delta boarding area during boarding and deplaning. Also, the pet must be in the Delta airport lounge kennel and on board the aircraft. 
• Delta requires that you fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. You should use either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.

Besides your pet having to remain inside their kennel closed/zipped up for the entire flight, passengers with carry-on pets may not sit in the following areas:

• Bulkhead seats
• An emergency exit row
• Seats designated as “no stowage”
• Flat-bed seats
• Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 30-43 on the A330-300 aircraft 
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft
• Delta One® seats

It is important to note that CAD will be charged for exiting Canada and EUR for exiting Europe. The one-way fee for carry-on pets at Delta Airlines is 

• Fees to/from U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/ U.S. Virgin Islands – USD/CAD 125
• Fees for international flights are USD/CAD/EUR 200. 
• Fees to/from Brazil are USD 75.

If you plan to travel to any of the destinations we mention next, all pets must travel as cargo and cannot be in the cabin, except for service animals. 

• Barbados 
• Brazil – Exit Brazil
• Colombia – Exit Colombia 
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

Additionally, the CDC has an ongoing, temporary suspension prohibiting the entry of dogs, and trained service animals, from high-risk countries for dog rabies into the United States. Per the CDC guidelines, dogs from high-risk countries must appear healthy, be microchipped, and be at least six months old. 

Pets as carry-ons are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. After you check that your pet meets all the requirements set by Delta Airlines, you should contact Delta Reservations to arrange to bring your pet on board. 

Suppose you take a flight operated by one of Delta’s airline partners. In that case, you should check directly with the operating carrier to find out their policies about bringing the pet into the cabin on international flights. 

When contacting Delta Reservations, Delta Airlines also urges customers to have their kennel dimensions (length, width, and height) ready. With the intent of ensuring their passengers’ comfort, Delta puts a limit on the total number of pets per flight.

Once you get to the airport, you must head to the Special Service Counter to check in with your pet. At the Special Service Counter for check-in, a Delta agent will ensure the pet and kennel meet Delta’s requirements for the trip and collect the set pet fee.

It is important to remember to allow extra time at check-in for Delta to ensure your pet is ready for take-off. After you are checked in and get your cabin pet tag, you can proceed to the security checkpoint. Once you are at the checkpoint, you must take your pet out of the kennel. 

The pet must stay in the kennel in the airports except at the security checkpoint and the designated relief areas. 

If you visit a Delta Sky Club with your carry-on pet, Delta’s policies are the same as on board and aircraft. Your pet must remain in its appropriate kennel with the door secured while inside Delta Sky Club for the safety and discomfort of the animal and the rest of Delta Sky Club guests. 

You can ask one of Delta’s representatives to help you find a pet relief area. Pet relief areas are available at most airports for passengers with pets and trained service animals.

Delta Pet Policy: Shipping Your Pet With Delta Cargo

If your pet does not meet the requirements for carry-on travel, you can ship them with the airline’s special shipping service Delta Cargo. Delta Cargo provides reliable and safe year-round transportation to meet the needs of all pets shipped without their owners. 

• You will need a separate booking from your flight itinerary for your pet. Additional fees and charges may apply. 
• If you ship your pet domestically via Delta Cargo, you cannot book it until 14 days prior to departure. 
• Your pet is not guaranteed to be shipped on the same flight or flight schedule as you. 
• If you are shipping your pet, Delta requires you to drop it off at a Delta Cargo location at least three hours before departure time. The Delta Cargo location is separate from passenger check-in. 
• You will need to pick up your pet at a Delta Cargo location. 
• Delta Cargo accepts international pet shipments only from reputable shipping companies. Delta requires international passengers to use a pet shipper approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. 

Knowing the risks 

Often, traveling via cargo can be stressful for animals due to exposure to unknown environments, people, and movements. It can impact each animal differently, leading to injury, illness, escape, or death. 

Delta encourages passengers to discuss all the risks of air travel with their pet’s veterinarian when getting its health certificate. The most important things to consider are your pet’s age, medical history of pre-existing conditions, and if it has an anxiety disorder that cargo travel may exacerbate.

• Age – Delta does not have a maximum age for air travel because life expectancy varies among breeds. But do keep in mind that impaired vision or hearing, liver, kidney, or heart disease, cancer, arthritis, senility, diabetes, and weakness can impact older animals more. 
• Breed – Delta does not permit Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs or cats and their mixes on Delta or Delta Connection flights.

Health certificate

If you are shipping your pet, Delta requires you to take out a health certificate for it. A licensed veterinarian must issue the health certificate within ten days of transport and include.

• Your name and address. 
• Tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the pet. 
• The age of the pet you are shipping. According to USDA regulations, animals must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling domestically. For travel from other countries to the U.S., animals must be at least 16 weeks old, and 15 weeks old for European travel.
• A statement that the pet is in good health. If you know your pet is pregnant, you must include it on the health certificate. 
• List of administered inoculations when applicable. 
• Veterinarian’s signature. 
• Date of the health certificate. 

Live animal checklist 

At check-in, you will be asked to complete a live animal checklist. Signing the checklist confirms that your pet has been offered food and water within four hours of check-in. You must also provide watering and feeding instructions for a 24-hour period, and food in case in-transit feeding is necessary. 

Tranquilizers

Because using pet tranquilizers at high altitudes is unpredictable, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian if you plan to sedate it. Delta requires that you attach the sedation information to your pet’s crate. 

However, sedation of household cats and dogs is not permitted, and you must remember that Delta agents cannot administer any medication.

Delta Airlines observes seasonal restrictions on pet travel to ensure your pet’s safety, meaning it does not ship pets during extreme weather. 

The restrictions include temperatures exceeding 80˚F (27˚C) or if the temperature drops below 20˚F (-7˚C) while your pet is on the ground at any point during the trip. Delta requires a certificate of acclimation when temperatures fall between 20˚F (-7˚C) and 45˚F (7˚C). 

Due to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, the state takes extra care when bringing in live animals despite being part of the U.S. 

According to Hawaii’s regulations, all live animals shipped or brought into the state must have health and rabies inoculation certificates that date no more than ten days before traveling. For flights to Hawaii, Delta does not accept pets as carry-on baggage.

If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, you should prepare by familiarizing yourself with pet travel’s strict regulations. In order to be fully prepared, you should take the following steps before traveling:

• Determine the pet travel regulations by contacting the embassy or consulate of the destination country. 
• Gather all necessary paperwork for your pet’s travel. 
• Contact your pet’s veterinarian to ensure the animal complies with foreign health regulations. 
• About the importation of pets into the U.S., check with the CDC. 
• For international animal export regulations, check with APHIS. 
• Additional fees and charges may apply, including terminal handling charges, custom clearance fees, veterinarian service, kennel storage fees, and shipping rates upon arrival at the destination airport. You must pay all fees and charges in full before the release of your pet.

There you have all the details about the Delta pet policy if you are planning a trip with your pet. It is important to remember that your pet must be safe and comfortable during your flight to avoid health issues like anxiety. As long as you fully familiarize yourself with and follow Delta’s pet policy, you and your pet will have a comfortable journey to your destination.

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UponArriving

Delta Airlines Pet Policy Guide [2022]

Traveling with a pet can be complicated if you don’t understand the rules and regulations of the airlines and the countries you are traveling to. In this guide, I will not only take you through all that you need to know about Delta Airlines’ pet policy, but I’ll share the requirements, restrictions, and limitations of traveling to some popular countries as well.

Table of Contents

What is the Delta Airlines pet policy?

Passengers can travel with their pets as a carry-on or ship them via Delta Cargo as long as they provide all the necessary carriers for the pet(s), supply any needed documents, and pay the fees. I’ll take you through all of these requirements in detail below.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What are the fees for traveling with your pets as a carry-on with Delta Airlines?

Small dogs, cats, and household birds can all travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected each time you board a Delta Airlines flight. As per Delta Airlines policy, household birds are allowed on domestic U.S. flights only, excluding Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam. 

All animals must fit in a small, well-ventilated pet carrier that fits under the set in front of you. If your pet is too large to fit then you need to consider shipping through Delta Cargo which I have explained in a separate section later below.

Note: Pets in kennels brought in the cabin count as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, Delta allows you to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft .

The following fees apply to/from the following destinations.

CAD amount will be charged to exit Canada, while EUR amount will be charged to exit Europe. These fees are established by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance.

How to avoid Delta Airline pet fees

One of the simplest ways to avoid pet fees at Delta is to use the right travel rewards credit card . The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great card for general travel expenses and since these expenses will often code as travel points, it can be used to offset airline pet fees. Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have a $300 travel credit that could be used on virtually any type of travel purchase, including pet fees.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Carry-on pet exceptions and embargos.

When traveling to or from the following destinations on Delta, pets are only permitted to travel as cargo. There is, however, an exception for service animals. When traveling to Hawaii, pets are strictly not permitted in the cabin and other restrictions may also apply. 

A good idea is to go through the current Delta pet travel restrictions based on your destination and/or connecting flights before you book your seats.

As of the date of publishing this post, there is a temporary suspension for dogs traveling within a 6 month period from countries that the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies . The only way around this is to obtain advance written approval from the CDC. This CDC Dog Import Permit applies to all carry-on pets, those traveling via cargo, and even service animals.

The following countries are on the exception list.

• Brazil – Exit Brazil
• Colombia – Exit Colombia
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

If you have a ticket that was purchased for travel from Brazil or Colombia to the U.S. on or after June 7th, 2021, carry-on pets will no longer be allowed with you. Tickets purchased before this date will be honored, however. This embargo does not apply to trained service animals.

Delta Airlines carry-on pet rules

If your furry friend is going to be accompanying you on a Delta flight then here are the rules you need to keep in mind

Cabin Restrictions

For the safety and comfort of all passengers, Delta Airlines allows a fixed number of pets on their aircraft. This means that acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. You should call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to arrange to bring your pet on board.

Also, keep in mind that those traveling with a service animal or an emotional support animal will not be allowed to carry an additional pet in the cabin. For your reference, here is the total fixed number of pets Delta allows on their flights depending on the ticket class and destination .

Additionally, carry-on pets are not permitted in the following areas:

• Bulkhead , emergency exit rows
• Seats designated as “no stowage”
• Flat-bed seats
• Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 30-43 on the A330 -300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft

Emotional support animals and Service Animals

Starting January 11, 2021, Delta Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals. You can of course still carry them as a regular carry-on pet as per the rules and regulations.

Also starting January 11, 2021, Delta now only recognizes dogs as service animals. Travelers with disabilities who require a service animal must fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form . You can find Delta’s complete guide to service animals here .

Military and Foreign Service Officer’s Pets

As a special policy, pets traveling with active U.S. Military or Active U.S State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) or their spouses with active transfer orders are transported as checked baggage. For detailed information on the rules and regulations for this category, you can visit here .

Pet Comfort

All animals must be small enough to comfortably fit in their kennel and they must not touch or protrude from the sides of the kennel. Pets must also be able to move around comfortably in their container. 

Please also note that the hard or soft-sided kennels must be leak-proof and have ventilation on 3 sides (4 sides if you are traveling to an international destination)

Sedation/ Tranquilizers

Sedating your animals is not recommended as the effects of pressurized cabins can be unpredictable. Sedation sometimes causes breathing issues with animals as well. In case you have sedated your pet please inform Delta Airlines crew before you board your flight.

Space and Size

All kennels must fit under the seat directly in front of you. Since the space under the seat in front varies from aircraft to aircraft, Delta recommends a soft-sided Kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” that will fit most aircraft.

Pet must always be in the container

Your pet must never leave the container whether you are at the airport, the Delta boarding area , a Delta airport lounge including Delta Sky Club , or onboard the aircraft. The doors to the kennel must always be secured properly.

Your pet’s age

For domestic travel, the pet must be at least 10 weeks. For travel to and from European countries, the pet must be 15 weeks or older. For all other international destinations, your pet must be at least 16 weeks old.

While there is no maximum age for your animal as it varies greatly from pet to pet, it is advised that aging pets should not be subjected to the stresses of air travel.

Animal breed restrictions

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights. See Delta Cargo , for a full list of embargoed dog and cat breeds.

Counts as a carry-on item

Your pet’s kennel will count as one carry-on item, meaning you will be allowed to bring only one additional personal item onboard the aircraft. Everything else must be checked in.

Exceptions to the single pet per kennel rule

• Exception 1: A female dog or cat is allowed per kennel with her un-weaned litter. The litter must be a minimum of 10 weeks old to 6 months of age. There is no restriction on the number of animals in the litter.
• Exception 2: You are allowed 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months in a kennel, provided that they are small enough to comfortably fit into the kennel and are compatible. In this case, they will be charged as 1 pet.

Delta Sky Club

All the above rules that apply to pets onboard aircraft also apply to any Delta Sky Club. Pets may never leave the container and if required a Delta representative can help you find a pet relief area that is available at most airports.

Delta Airlines cargo policy

Transporting your animal through cargo can be stressful for them. When you are bringing them along as a carry-on, at least you are there to comfort them. With cargo, they no longer have that comfort. 

However, if you are in a situation where you cannot accompany your pet for some reason or if your pet is too large to be carried in the cabin then you will have to use cargo. Please note that the Animal Breed Restriction and tips on Sedation/ Tranquilizers mentioned above in carry-on rules, also apply to sending animals through cargo.

Do visit Delta’s International & Connections Pet Travel Guide for the latest rules and restrictions for all key international and long-haul destinations.

Health certificate

A current health certificate by a licensed veterinarian is required within 10 days of the travel date for your pet. It must have the following details.

• Name and address of the shipper.
• Tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal.
• Age of the animal being shipped: USDA regulations require animals to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by cargo domestically, at least 16 weeks old before traveling to the U.S. from other countries, and at least 15 weeks old for European travel.
• A statement declaring the animal to be in good health (all animals that are pregnant must be declared in the statement).
• List of administered inoculations when applicable.
• Your veterinarian’s signature and seal (if applicable).
• Date of issue of the certificate.

Live Animal Checklist/Confirmation of Feeding

You must complete a live animal checklist when you bring your pet in for cargo at Delta Airlines. In it, you must confirm that the animal has been given food and water within four hours of check-in. Additionally, you have to provide feeding instructions and if your pet needs to be fed again during transit, you must provide the food as well.

Weather Requirements

Delta Airlines has a policy of not transporting pets during extreme temperatures for the safety of the animals themselves. This includes temperatures exceeding 80˚F (27˚C) or temperatures falling below 20˚F (-7˚C), at any point during the route. A Certificate of Acclimation is required when temperatures fall between 20˚F (-7˚C) and 45˚F (7˚C).

The Delta Airlines pet travel policies are simple enough to understand. You will be paying between $75 and $200 depending on your destination. You must ensure to follow all the rules and observe the restrictions that we have listed above and you will be set to go.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

One comment

When will delta resume travel for dogs from Palm Springs Ca to AVC which is Wilkes barre pa. Due to extreme weather temperatures? Do you have partners / regional airlines which can accommodate the dog kennels in their cargo areas? There are two smaller planes involved in that trip.

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Privacy Overview

Pet Policies   

General information, pets in cabin (petc) embargo.

Pets in Cabin (PETC)

Pets in Hold (AVIH) Embargo

Pets in Hold (AVIH)/U.S Military Personnel / Foreign Service Officers

CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.

Documentation requirements.

Ship Your Pet With Delta Cargo

Destination Restrictions

Kennel requirements, seasonal embargoes, animal breed restrictions.

Live Bird Restrictions

Aircraft Restrictions

Delta Connections & Pet Travel

Partner Airlines & Pet Travel

Service and support animals.

At Delta, we take the time and care to ensure every animal travels safely and comfortably. There are several different options available to get a pet to its final destination, including being brought into the cabin , checked as baggage , or shipped as cargo  traveling without their owner. Rest assured no matter how they are traveling, pets will have a safe and comfortable trip.  Please note:  Some states may require a health certificate for a pet. A veterinarian, the U.S. Department of Agriculture  or the Department of Agriculture for the customer’s destination state, may be able to provide more information

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Delta has implemented an embargo for Pets in Cabin (PETC) on flights originating in Brazil and Colombia, effective for tickets purchased on/after June 7, 2021, for travel on/after June 7, 2021.

Travel Originating From: 

Bogotá, Colombia (BOG)

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (GIG) – When operational

Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)

Conditions That Apply to This Embargo: 

• PETC Travel Originating in Brazil or Colombia:

o    For tickets purchased on/after June 7, Delta will not allow PETC travel that originates in Brazil or Colombia.

o    Delta will honor travel with PETC originating in Brazil/Colombia, for tickets purchased prior to June 7, 2021.

• Customers with PETC travel originating in the U.S. going to Brazil/Colombia may return to the U.S. with their pet.
• Additional Information:

o    Tickets that are reissued on/after June 7, 2021 will fall under the original ticket date and rules.

o    Does not apply to trained service animals (SVAN).

o    Applies to Emotional Support Animals; however, Emotional Support Animals (ESAN) confirmed and approved prior to Jan. 11, 2021, will be allowed.

Pets in Cabin (PETC)

Delta Allows dogs, cats and household birds* to travel in the cabin of an aircraft to/from certain destinations for a one-way fee, collected at check in.

*Household birds are only permitted to travel on domestic U.S. flights.

The following restrictions apply to pets traveling as carry-on baggage:

• Only one (1) kennel per customer may be carried on the aircraft.
• There are no military exception for pets in cabin.
• Bulkhead seats
• An emergency exit row
• Seats designated as "no stowage"
• Flat-bed seats
• Rows 46-51 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 54-59 on the A330-300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft
• Row 1 and Window seats in First Class due to no underseat stowage space
• Delta One® seats
• Delta Premium Select seats
• A pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching or protruding from the sides of the kennel and with the ability to move around.
• The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of the customer.
• Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by the aircraft type. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11 ” that fit most aircraft types. Contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations  to determine the appropriate kennel size.
• A 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.
• A pet must be at least 10 weeks old for Domestic travel.
• A pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for European Union travel.
• A pet counts as one piece of carry-on baggage. Pet in Cabin fees still apply.
• One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is a minimum of 10 weeks old to 6 months of age.
• There is no limit on the number of animals in the litter.
• Two (2) pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in one (1) kennel, providing they are small enough to fit into one kennel and are compatible. They will be charged as one (1) pet.

Please Note : Delta does not accept pets in the cabin to/from the following locations: 

• Hawaii (See Pets to Hawaii  for additional details)
• Hong Kong (Special permit/import permit or quarantine permit is required for all animals and birds (including dogs & cats) applied before arrival in Hong Kong and they must be shipped as cargo covered by an air bill.)
• Jamaica  
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Delta and its partners limit the number of total pets in cabin per flight. Call Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations  in advance to arrange for a customer to bring a pet on board. 

Pet in Hold (AVIH) Embargo

Delta Cargo has implemented an embargo on all pet in hold (AVIH) bookings 

• Currently there is no end date to the embargo.  Cargo will continually revisit the restrictions throughout the upcoming days and weeks as there are changes to our network
• The embargo is for pets (AVIH) only and applies to all shipments and all stations globally
• Delta will still accept service (SVAN) that cannot be accommodated in cabin

Delta will transport pets in hold (AVIH)  only in the following situations :

• On day of departure, must have ability to produce government-issued active U.S. military ID or active U.S. foreign service personnel ID/official passport
• On day of departure, must have ability to produce change of assignment orders from military; or change of assignment orders from/to U.S. embassy, consulate, or mission
• Only on flights less than 12 hours in duration . (No exceptions for Military on the 12-hour policy)  

Note : Change of gauge flights are considered two separate flights when calculating the 12-hour maximum flight time. 

Pets in Hold (AVIH)   

Pets in Hold (AVIH) is a service offered by Delta to active U.S. military or active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and spouses (see requirements below),as well as any trained service or support animal unable to travel in the cabin. All animals not meeting these exceptions may not travel as checked baggage and must travel as freight through Delta Cargo .

U.S Military Personnel / Foreign Service Officers

Delta only accepts animals as checked baggage for active U.S Military or Active U.S State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) & their Spouse with active transfer orders for a fee. Pets must comply with federal regulations, including proper documentation based on current policies and procedures. Military Personnel and Foreign Service Officers who meet the outlined exceptions must book pets as checked baggage at least 48 hours before departure.

The following animals are accepted as checked baggage and a customer may transport two kennels per flight. (Giant-sized kennels may only be shipped as cargo; additional restrictions apply according to aircraft and class of service):

• cats (except snub-nosed cats; see list of relevant breeds )
• dogs (except pug or snub-nosed dogs; see list of relevant breeds )
• household birds (domestic U.S. only)
• guinea pigs (domestic U.S. only)
• rabbits (domestic U.S. only)
• hamsters (domestic U.S. only)
• marmots (domestic U.S. only)

All other animals, including reptiles and primates (including lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees), must be shipped as cargo.

• Animal fees are charged each time the pet is checked in at the airport. Fees will be assessed at each stopover point.
• Exceptions may apply to routings that require connections greater than 6 hours.
• Animals are not included in the free baggage allowance or for Delta American Express card (AMEX) free baggage allowance.
• No excess size or weight fees apply.

Please note:  Delta and Delta Cargo do not accept warm blooded animals on flights with an average flight time of greater than 12 hours.

Within the U.S. or Between the U.S. /Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: $200 USD

Between the U.S. and Canada/Caribbean/other International Destinations: $200/USD/CAD/EUR*

Between the U.S. and Brazil: $150 USD

*CAD amount will be charged exit Canada, and EUR amount will be charged exit Europe. Fees established by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance will apply.

Please note: Fees are subject to change.

Pets in Hold and Connecting Flights

• Delta will not accept animals traveling on itineraries with more than one connection.
• Delta will not check animals through on separate tickets as separate fees may apply.
• Customers must collect the animal and re-check the animal with the first operating carrier on the additional ticket.
• An exception may be made for separate tickets if they are issued on DL006 ticket stock and if all flights on the itineraries are Delta-operated.
• Delta cannot check animals through to other airlines (OAL) with the exception of a SkyTeam partner airline. Please contact Global Sales Support or  Delta Reservations  for information regarding the pet in hold requirements if transferring to another SkyTeam partner airline.
• Customers will need to contact the other airline to verify animals as checked baggage acceptance and carrier charges.
• Customers must claim their checked animal from Delta at the connecting point and re-check pet with the other airline. Make sure to add 45 minutes to legal connecting time to make the transfer.

The CDC has specific documentation requirements and recently provided updated requirements that apply to all dogs, including trained service animals (SVAN), Pet in Cabin (PETC), Pet in Hold (AVIH) and dogs handled via Delta Cargo, that are traveling to the United States, starting August 1, 2024.  Dogs entering the U.S. must:

• Be at least 6 months old
• Be microchipped and appear healthy
• Be accompanied by a  CDC Dog Import Form  receipt
• Have specific vaccination or veterinary documents based on travel history & vaccination history; see the chart below. The CDC's website has the current list of countries designated as " high-risk " 

Please Note: Additional documentation that may be required will depend on where the dogs rabies vaccinations were administered and if, within the past 6 months, the dog has been in a high-risk country for rabies or a low-risk or rabies-free country . 

Clear and concise documentation of the pet is required to provide necessary service to our customers. Both pet in cabin (PETC) and pet in hold (AVIH) require the following documentation:

• Appropriate SSR (PETC or AVIH)
• Breed of animal
• Weight of animal
• Kennel dimensions

Please contact your local Delta Reservations office or Delta Sales Support to assist you with the documentation requirements for a reservation that includes a PETC or AVIH.

Ship Your Pet with Delta Cargo

Delta Cargo provides safe, reliable, year-round transportation for pets. Our specially trained ground handlers offer customers' pets personalized care and our Cargo Control Center agents actively track every step of their journey. Temperature-controlled vans and holding areas in select stations prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.   Please review the following information before booking a pet on Delta Cargo .

• A separate booking from the customer’s flight itinerary is required. Go to Delta Cargo or call Delta Cargo at 800-352-2846 for details.
• Additional fees and charges may apply.
• A pet shipped domestically via  Delta Cargo cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure.
• Pets are not guaranteed to be shipped on a customer’s same flight or flight schedule.
• At least three hours before departure time for domestic travel
• At least five hours before departure time for international travel  
• To accept an animal for shipment, forecasted temperatures must be between 20°F and 80°F at each location in the animal’s journey with Delta, including on the ground at origin, transfer and destination.
• Picking up a pet would also occur at a  Delta Cargo location.
• Delta Cargo only accepts international pet shipments from known shippers. Delta suggests that international customers use a  pet shipper approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. Customers would then need to follow acceptance procedures set by the shipper. A list of IPATA members near you can be found at www.ipata.org .
• For additional information, please contact Delta Cargo at 800-352-2746. 

Many countries and states have strict regulations regarding international pet travel.  Please see U.S. Domestic & International Pet Travel  for more information.

To transport a pet in cabin (PETC) either soft- or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides. Kennels are not sold at Delta Ticket Counters, but are available at most pet supply stores.

To transport a pet as checked baggage or cargo, use an approved shipping kennel in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines . The kennel must provide enough room for a pet to stand and sit erect — without the head touching the top of the container — and to turn around and lie down in a natural position.

Approved kennels are available for sale for Delta customers and shippers at most Delta Cargo locations, as well as many pet supply stores. To purchase a kennel from Delta, check with the local cargo facility for availability of the kennel size needed in advance of travel date.

View additional details regarding kennel requirements including kennel type, size and cost.

Due to seasonal weather conditions, to keep pets safe, we do not accept pets as checked baggage during certain times of the year. During those times, customers may ship their pets as cargo .

Year-round Restrictions

Delta will not accept animals as checked baggage during extreme weather, if at any point (origin/transit/destination) during the animal's trip the high temperature for the day is forecast to be:  

Delta also will not accept an animal as checked baggage if the temperature in one or more of the cities in the customer's itinerary is at or near Delta's temperature restrictions, above.

Please note : No exceptions are allowed for the temperature restriction.

Delta reserves the right to refuse live animals as checked baggage and as cargo if the animal's health is in question and/or if the health of the animal may be jeopardized by extreme conditions.

• Delta no longer accepts live animals as checked baggage for travel to/from Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR).

Summer Restrictions - May 15 through September 15

• Delta does not accept pets as checked as baggage on Delta and Aeromexico operated flights.
•   Pets may be shipped as cargo but temperature restrictions apply (see year round temperature restrictions above).

Winter Restrictions - November 1 through March 31

•  Sun Valley, ID (SUN)  
• Twin Falls, ID (TWF)
• Jackson Hole, WY (JAC)  
• For all other scenarios, please see the year-round temperature restrictions above.

Additional Weather Restrictions: Live Birds

Pet birds and tropical birds normally kept indoors are at risk if the temperature, at any point on the planned itinerary, is below 50F (10C). When temperatures are between 50F (10C) and 20F (-6.7C), they are transported at the risk of the shipper. A certificate of acclimation is not required.

Live, wild birds will not be transported unless:

• Shipper, or shipper's agent, certifies in writing on shipper's letterhead and submit with the air waybill, that the birds being shipped were born or bred in captivity or on special farms, or birds are being shipped to or from a zoological garden, wildlife preserve, or government wildlife agency.
• Transportation is restricted to Delta local services.

Delta does not accept snub-nosed or pug-nosed dogs and cats as checked baggage in Cargo. There are no military exceptions for restricted pet breeds.

Live Birds Restrictions

Visit Delta Cargo for complete details regarding transporting live birds.

Delta One™ / Business Class / First Class / Flat Bed Seat Restrictions

Pets in Cabin (PETC) are not allowed in the Delta One, Business Class or First Class cabin on any international flight, regardless of aircraft type, due to insufficient space * . In addition, for the same reason, pets are not allowed on any domestic flight in the Delta One, Business Class or First Class Cabin, that is equipped with a flat-bed seat.

* Exception: Delta is accepting PETC in Business and First Class for International travel when the aircraft is not configurated with flat-bed seats. 

Boeing 767 Aircraft Restriction

Delta does not accept animals as checked baggage or cargo on any Delta operated B767 aircraft systemwide. There are no exceptions to this restriction for any customers, including military customers.

Boeing 757 Aircraft Restriction

Delta does not accept animals as checked baggage or cargo on any Delta operated B757 aircraft to/from Europe. There are no exceptions to this restriction for any customers, including military customers.

Airbus 330-200 Aircraft Restriction

Delta does not accept animals as checked baggage or cargo on any Delta operated A330-200 aircraft systemwide. There are no exceptions to this restriction for any customers, including military customers.

Delta Connections & Pet Travel

If a pet's journey requires it to fly more than one airline, there are some additional considerations to think about in advance. Arrange for a pet's flights to allow for plenty of extra time to change planes.

Prior arrangements are necessary with all the carriers involved, for a pet to receive proper attention. If a pet has to transfer from a Delta flight to a Delta Connection flight, the Delta flight must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the Delta Connection flight. That way we have enough time to make transfer arrangements between the two carriers and ensure the pet is safely delivered.

Delta Connection & Pet Travel have different capabilities and policies concerning pets .

Here is a list of Delta’s partner airlines’ websites outlining pet travel:

• Air France/KLM 
• Virgin Atlantic

Additional information is available for transporting service and support animals.

For any additional information or questions regarding Delta's pet policy program, please contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations for assistance.

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Delta Pet Policy: 5 Things To Know Before Flying With a Cat

Whether you have an upcoming flight on Delta Airlines or you’re trying to find the most pet-friendly airline, there are a few things you should know before heading to the airport with your cat. 

In this article, I’ll take a close look at Delta Airlines’ pet policy including how to book your flight with your cat, how much you can expect to pay for a carry-on pet fee, and what size cat carrier you should bring.

Flying With a Cat on Delta

Delta is one of the most popular airlines today, and with good reason. According to J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study , Delta airlines ranks among the top three airlines for highest customer satisfaction in all of the surveyed categories. Additionally, Delta is a pet-friendly airline.

You can fly with a cat on Delta Airlines for $95 per carrier each way. Additionally, you’ll have to get an airline-approved cat carrier for the trip.

Before you check into your flight, take some extra time to prepare for your trip. Here are five things you need to know about flying with a cat on Delta: 

Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta pet fee, delta pet carrier size requirements, how to fly with a cat on delta, tips for flying with your cat.

Below, you’ll find detailed information on how to fly with your cat on Delta and how you can best prepare for the trip.

Delta has a cat-friendly pet policy that allows you to fly with your cat in the cabin with you. Your cat will take the place of your carry-on during the flight , but you’ll still be able to bring a personal item as well. 

Delta’s pet policy outlines the requirements that your cat must meet in order to be able to fly. These rules are in place to help both you and your cat have a safe, smooth trip. 

Here are Delta’s Pet Policy requirements:

• Your cat must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel
• Your cat must be at least 16 weeks old if you’re entering the U.S. internationally or at least 15 weeks old if you’re entering the European Union
• One cat per kennel unless you have a female cat with an unweaned litter between 10 weeks and 6 months old
• Two cats of the same breed and size between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months old can travel in one kennel if they’re small enough to fit and compatible (charged as one pet)

The only major exception to Delta’s pet policy applies if you’re traveling to or from certain international locations (and/or Hawaii). In these instances, pets can only travel as checked cargo and not in the cabin with you.

You can see a full list of these international destinations on Delta’s website . For more information on traveling internationally with your cat on Delta, visit the company’s International & Connection Pet Travel page .

No matter which airline you end up flying with, bringing your cat onboard with you won’t be free. However, Delta offers one of the most affordable pet fees compared to other popular airlines. So how much does it cost to fly with a cat on Delta?

The carry-on pet fee at Delta Airlines is $95 per kennel. This fee applies if your flying to/from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virigin Islands. The pet fee for international flights is $200.

You won’t be able to pay the pet fee when you book your flight online ahead of time. Instead, you’ll pay it at the airport during check-in. 

In addition to researching the pet fees at Delta Airlines, I also checked out the pet carrier fees at a few other popular airlines to see how Delta compares:

• Alaska Airlines : $100
• American Airlines : $125
• Delta : $95
• Frontier : $99 
• Southwest : $95
• Spirit : $125
• United : $125

Fortunately, Delta is one of the cheapest airlines to fly with your cat. However, it’ll still add nearly $100 per kennel to the total cost of your ticket.

Long before you check in to your flight, you’ll need to get a cat carrier that’s airline-approved. You can check out my top picks for airline-approved cat carriers , but be sure to buy one that fits Delta’s specific requirements:

Delta recommends a soft-sided cat carrier no larger than 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types. However, you should check your flight’s aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fit.

While Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier, you can still use a hard-sided kennel as long as it comfortably fits under the seat in front of you. You’ll have to contact Delta directly to add your cat to your plane ticket anyway, so when you do, be sure to ask the representative about the pet carrier size requirements on your specific aircraft.

In addition to making sure your carrier is small enough to fly, your pet must be comfortable and safe. Your pet carrier should be well-ventilated, and your cat should be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down in it. 

To learn more about how to choose the best cat carrier for your flight, check out my guide on how to tell if your cat carrier is airline-approved .

If you plan on flying with your cat on Delta, you can book your ticket as normal for your flight. You won’t be able to pay for your ticket and the additional pet fee together. Instead, you’ll book your ticket in advance and pay the additional pet fee during check-in at the airport.

I went through the process of booking a ticket with Delta to see how it would go, and there was never an option during the booking process to indicate that I’d be bringing a pet carrier. 

Instead, you should contact Delta as soon as possible to let them know you plan on flying with a cat. 

You can add your cat to your trip by calling Delta at 800-221-1212. You can also contact Delta directly by sending them a message online or in the Delta app ( App Store or Google Play ). Assistance is available 24/7.

On the day of the flight, arrive at the airport extra early. When you check in with your cat, a Delta agent will make sure your cat and kennel meet all of the requirements to fly. Then, they’ll collect the pet fee .

Once you’re checked in, you’ll head to TSA like normal. There, you will have to take your cat out of their carrier. After you’ve made it through TSA, your cat can go back in their carrier. Then, they’ll have to stay in their kennel at the airport and on your flight. 

Once you’ve booked your flight, there are a few things you can do to help your cat prepare for the trip: 

• Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Before you make plans to travel with your cat, make sure they’re healthy enough to fly. Book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to get a checkup, make sure your cat’s microchip information is up-to-date, and get any necessary paperwork. For Delta, you’ll only need a health certificate if you’re flying to a destination with additional restrictions.
• Get your carrier early. The airport and the airplane are both going to be stressful for your cat, especially if they aren’t used to being in hectic or new spaces. For this reason, it’s important to get your airline-approved cat carrier as soon as possible . The earlier you buy your carrier, the more time your cat will have to get used to it. Once you have your carrier, set it out in your house and encourage your cat to explore it with food and treats. 
• Acclimate your cat to the car. If your cat isn’t a frequent traveler, they may be stressed just leaving the house. Start introducing travel to your cat as soon as possible before the flight. You can start by closing them in their carrier, picking them up, taking them outside, putting them in the car, and taking short trips around the neighborhood. Take it slow, and understand it may take days or weeks for your cat to get completely comfortable in the car. For more tips, check out my full guide on how to travel with a cat in the car .
• Use a cat calming aid like Feliway. Many veterinarian offices and cat owners use Feliway to help cats stay calm. You can buy Feliway spray at Amazon and spray it in your cat’s carrier and your car to help them stay calm the day of the trip. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it on the plane. If your cat is particularly anxious, talk to your vet during your cat’s appointment about a prescription sedative for the day of the flight.
• Withhold your cat’s breakfast on flight day. To reduce the likelihood of your cat getting sick on the trip, withhold their breakfast the morning of. You can feed them a full meal no sooner than four hours before you leave, but avoid feeding them right before you head out the door unless told otherwise by your veterinarian. 

When it comes to the airport and plane, you’ll have to keep your cat in their carrier (outside of TSA). Consider packing some cat treats and small toys that they’re familiar with to help let them know they’re okay throughout the day.

Additionally, if you can pack a coat or familiar blanket, your cat may appreciate having their carrier covered in the airport or on the plane. This will help reduce some of the stressful stimuli around them, plus being surrounded by a familiar smell will be comforting for your cat.

Final Thoughts

If you have to fly with your cat, booking a trip with Delta is a great option. Your cat can fly with you in the cabin as long as their carrier fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. 

Delta’s pet fee is $95 per kennel . While that’s a lot to add to your total ticket price, it’s still one of the cheapest options for flying with your cat compared to other popular airlines. Plus, Delta’s overall customer satisfaction scores are exceptional.

While you’re getting ready for your flight, make sure you take your cat to the veterinarian. You may even consider talking to your vet about sedatives for your cat on the day of the trip. 

Additionally, contact Delta as soon as possible to let them know you’ll be flying with your cat. Figure out the size requirements for your specific aircraft, and then purchase your airline-approved cat carrier as early as possible to help your cat start getting familiar with it. 

As a general rule, Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18” x 11” x 11”.

More Content To Help You Prepare For Your Trip:

• 6 Best Airline-Approved Carriers For Flying With Your Cat
• How Long You Can Travel With a Cat Before Needing a Break
• American Airlines Pet Policy: 5 Things To Know Before Flying With a Cat

Dallas is a proud cat parent of three (Kitten, Meera, and Jojen) and they love to travel. In addition to running Travel Tabby, Dallas also writes money saving tips on Clark.com.

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Delta: Pet Policy

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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).
• 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.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

Delta Airlines Pet Travel: A Comprehensive Guide

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Table of Contents

The Delta Air Lines’ pet policy

Delta pet cargo cost, most pet-friendly airlines, delta pet cargo, recapped.

Delta Air Lines passengers who plan on flying with pets have a few options, depending on their animal’s size and species and their destination. If your furry companion requires a pet carrier size that won’t fit under the plane seat in front of you, one alternative is Delta Air Lines pet cargo.

Before shipping your pet, here are the Delta pet policies to be aware of.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to Delta SkyMiles

If you’re planning a trip with your pet, be familiar with Delta’s pet policy ahead of time to be prepared when the embargo is lifted. Only small dogs, cats and household birds can be brought into the cabin as a carry-on. Delta pet cargo allows a wide range of species, with a few exceptions. That means you’ll need to use Delta’s pet cargo if you intend on traveling with your pet chinchilla.

The Delta pet policy also has other requirements. For example, your pet must meet age requirements, and the use of certain items on your pet is restricted during transport (for example, choke collars or radio-controlled collars).

Your pet must meet all of Delta’s pet policy rules for a safe and comfortable journey.

» Learn more: Emotional support animals may no longer fly free

Pet carrier size matters

Your pet’s carrier has to meet Delta’s guidelines, too. An appropriately sized carrier will not only keep them physically secure during the flight, but can also reduce stress.

To fly Delta, your pet’s carrier must be big enough so that your pet can sit and stand without having to crouch. Its ears must not be able to touch the roof of the carrier in these positions. Additionally, the carrier must be large enough to let your pet turn around without effort, as well as lie down comfortably and naturally.

» Learn more: Which Delta Air Lines credit card should you get?

International pet travel rules differ

Flying with pets overseas on Delta has another set of rules and regulations. Notably, the airline's cargo doesn’t offer shipping of warm-bodied pets for flights longer than 12 hours.

Also, research the international pet travel guidelines of your destination country. For example, Australia doesn’t allow animals transported in the cargo hold into the country, and Delta permits only dogs, cats, ferrets, insects and fish between the U.S. and U.K.

Upon arrival at your destination, pets might also be required to quarantine. Pets arriving in Hawaii , for example, need to quarantine for 120 days in Honolulu, where the only quarantine facility in the state is located.

Before finalizing your travel arrangements, read up on the most current regulations for your destination.

Delta Air Lines pet cargo requires its own booking

Unlike a piece of luggage you can check without notice, animals flying in Delta's pet cargo need a reservation. If you’re flying domestically, you can book a reservation up to 14 days ahead of your departure. Contact Delta at 800-221-1212 to make arrangements.

Passengers with an international itinerary must arrange a Delta pet cargo reservation through a third-party pet shipper. Shippers must be approved by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

So, how much does it cost to fly dogs on Delta? What about other animals?

The Delta pet cargo cost varies depending on factors like the size of your pet’s kennel, the origin and destination and the size and weight of your pet. Contact the airline or pet shipping service directly to get an exact rate.

Compare that with bringing your pet on board as a carry-on (if possible), which has fees of $95 each way if you’re flying to or from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In our most recent analysis on flying with pets , we ranked the major U.S. airlines on various factors including fees, types of animals allowed, whether you can bring pets in cargo and number of pets allowed per passenger, among other facrtors.

Here's how they stacked up:

With Delta's pet cargo service on embargo indefinitely, you’ll need to make other arrangements if your pet doesn’t meet carry-on requirements. This might include flying on another airline that offers pet cargo service. At this time, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer limited pet cargo service to their passengers.

If Delta’s dog policy and rules for other pets don’t work for you, consider an alternative travel method, like driving, or leave your pet under the care of a friend, relative or pet-boarding facility for the duration of your trip.

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21 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In Cabin [2023 Pet Policies]

Traveling with our furry companions has become increasingly popular, and many airlines have recognized the importance of accommodating passengers’ beloved dogs. Instead of leaving them behind or entrusting them to a pet sitter, more and more pet owners are seeking airlines that allow flying with dogs in the cabin. Most airlines will only allow flying with small dogs in cabin, however there are some semi-private airlines that will allow larger dogs on board. 

This article will explore several airlines that go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for both humans and their four-legged friends. From pet policies to cabin requirements, let’s dive into the top airlines that warmly welcome dogs on board.

The following airlines allow flying with dogs in-cabin:

• Aegean Airlines
• American Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Aero (semi-private)
• BLADE (semi-private)
• JSX (semi-private)
• Surf Air (semi-private)
• Tradewind Aviation (semi-private)

Related post: Flying Dogs in Cargo: Will my dog be safe? Airlines that Allow Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin [Pet Policies]

Which airlines allow flying with dogs in cabin?

Aegean airlines pet policy..

• Maximum weight: 8 kg (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Cost: 30 EUR domestic and 60 EUR international (prices differ depending on time of year)
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• In case you are travelling with an infant, you are not allowed to fly with a dog in cabin as well.
• Each passenger is allowed to travel with only one (1) dog in cabin, carried within a special box/container.
• Dogs must have a valid anti-rabies vaccination and microchip.

Dog Age / Breed Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old.
• American Bully ▪ Cavalier king Charles Spaniel ▪ Pinscher ▪ Boston Terrier ▪ Affenpinscher ▪ Boxer (All breeds) ▪ Brussels Griffon ▪ Bulldog (All breeds) ▪ Cane Corso ▪ Chow Chow ▪ Dogue De Bordeaux ▪ English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel) ▪ Japanese Spaniel (Chin) ▪ Lhasa Apso ▪ Mastiff (All breeds) ▪ Pekingese ▪ Pit Bull ▪ Presa Canario ▪ Pug (All breeds) ▪ Staffordshire Bull Terrier ▪ Shar Pei ▪ Shih Tzu ▪ Tibetan Spaniel

Carrier Restrictions:

• Dogs must remain in their travel carriers at all times, with the door securely closed. 
• At no point are dogs allowed to sit on a seat itself. 
• If you do not have your own travel carrier, Aegean Airlines will give you a disposable one, available in domestic airports.
• The travel container must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated.
• The carrier must be free of tears, cracks or breaks.

Aircraft Restrictions:

• You may not occupy an exit or bulkhead row.
• You may not sit in the first row or the emergency exit row and the adjacent ones.
• Dogs are not permitted in the cabin on flights to the UK. 

Visit Aegean’s website  for more information.

Air Canada Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight:  22 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size : 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)
• Cost: $50-59 CAD within Canada & USA and $100-118 CAD international
• International allowed: Yes
• Your dog in its carrier will count as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
• Only one dog or small dog per passenger is permitted. 
• Are an unaccompanied minor
• Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
• Require use of a medical device that will be stowed under the seat
• Are travelling in Premium Economy

Dog Age Restrictions:

• Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and must be fully weaned.
• Dogs flying in cabin must remain in their travel carriers at all times.
• Your dog’s travel carrier must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• Up to 2 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.
• On flights operated by their Aribus fleet, pets may not travel in the First Class cabin. 
• On Boeing 789  and 788 aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H20 x W40 x L43 cm
• On Boeing 777-300ER  and  777-200LR aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H21 x W38 x L43 cm

For more info, visit  Air Canada’s website .

Related post: Requirements for Taking Pets to Canada [Pet Passport Guide]

Air Europa Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg (10kg including carrier) or 6kg on flights operated by ATR
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
• Cost: 27-55 USD within Europe and 165 USD long-haul
• Prices subjects to possible surcharges for taxes in certain countries.
• You must arrive at the airport early enough to complete the necessary paperwork.
• Dogs must be at least 3 months old to travel on medium and long haul flights.
• The carrier must be leak-proof and well ventilated.
• Up to 3 dogs may travel in the same carrier, provided they do not exceed the permitted dimension/weight restrictions.
• Passengers are not permitted to bring pets in the Business cabin.
• Pets in the cabin may not fly in an emergency or XL seat.

Visit  Air Europa’s website  for more information.

Alaska Air Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size:  43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft) / 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard)
• Cost: 100 USD each way
• Passengers must be at least 18 years old to travel with a dog in the cabin.
• Your dog will count as your carry on item, so you aren’t permitted to carry any other item.
• A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 dog carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
• Dogs with offensive odours or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
• Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and must be fully weaned.
• You may not occupy an emergency exit row, or any seat with an airbag safety belt.

Visit  Alaska Air’s website  for more information.

American Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight : 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size : depends on flight (call the airline for specific restrictions)
• Cost: 125 USD each way
• International: Yes, but no in-cabin dogs on transatlantic flights or flights longer than 12 hours
• You won’t be permitted to bring on any additional items, as your dog and it’s carrier count as your one carry-on bag. 
• American Airlines will only accept 7 kennels on American flights, and 5 kennels on American Eagle flights.

For more info on additional restrictions, visit  AA’s website .

Air France Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size : 46 x 28 x 24 cm (soft carriers recommended)
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 30-125 EUR international
• International?: Yes, but note that this airline does not accept dogs in the business cabin on intercontinental flights. The dog must travel in the hold.
• Each passenger may travel with only 1 animal.
• Only 1 animal is permitted per container.
• The container must fit under the seat in front of you.
• The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• Generally your dog must be at least 10 weeks old and have all required vaccines.
• On flights within metropolitan France and between metropolitan France and Guadeloupe, Martinique and Reunion Island, the minimum age is 8 weeks.
• On flights between metropolitan France and French Guiana, your dog must be at least 15 weeks old. 

Destination Restrictions:

• Passengers are not permitted to travel with dogs on intercontinental flights, if they are flying in the Business cabin.

For more info, visit  Air France’s website .

Delta Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: No limit, but dog must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (check the under-seat dimensions on your aircraft here )
• Cost: 125 USD within North America, 200 USD international and 75 USD to Brazil
• International:  Yes
• The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• Your dog must remain inside the kennel while in a Delta boarding area, a Delta airport lounge and while onboard the aircraft.
• One adult is permitted per kennel, with the exception of a female dog traveling with her unweaned litter (as long as the litter is between 10 weeks and 6 months of age).
• Two puppies between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months, of the same breed are permitted in the same carrier.
• Dogs must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel.
• Dogs must be at least 16 weeks old for travel to/from the U.S.
• Dogs must be at least 15 weeks old for travel to/from the EU.
• Bulkhead, emergency exit row
• Seats designated as “no stowage”
• Flat-bed seats
• Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 30-43 on the A330 -300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft
• Jamaica  
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

For more info on additional restrictions, visit Delta’s website .

French Bee Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 43x35x20cm
• Cost: 50€ each way
• Only one dog is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions.

Dog Breed Restrictions:

• Breeds include: pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekinese and shih tsus
• For more information on category 1 and 2 dogs check the French Bee website here . 
• Your dog must remain underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be well ventilated.
• Only soft sided carriers are accepted.
• Only one pet per carrier is permitted.
• Bulkhead seat
• Emergency exit row
• Any seat that is restricted for under-seat storage
• Maxi Leg Seat
• The airlines recommends that you sit in a window or an aisle seat.
• Only 4 pets are permitted per flight.

For more info, head to French Bee’s website .

JetBlue Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H
• You may hold your dog in your lap during the flight.
• You may purchase a ticket for the seat next to you, on which you can place your dog’s carrier.
• Both soft sided and hard sided carriers are accepted.
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Cayman Islands

For more info, head to JetBlue’s website .

Lufthansa Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
• Cost: 50 EUR domestic, 60 EUR international within Europe and 80-110 EUR international outside Europe
• Each passenger is allowed to take a maximum of two animals with them.
• You must complete this form before boarding your flight.
• Dogs must be trained to be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in public. If your pet interrupts the flight, staff or other passengers, they may be sent to the cargo hold at extra cost. 
• Dogs flying in cabin must remain underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.
• You have two puppies of similar size and age, who are at least 12 weeks old. 
• You have a mother dog who has a puppy who is dependent on her (0-6 weeks old).
• 8kg restriction still applies.
• All dogs must be at least 12 weeks old, or 16 weeks old for journeys to/from the USA.

Visit  Lufthansa’s website  for more information.

Southwest Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight:  No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 34 x 21 cm
• Cost: 95 USD each way
• International:  No (with the exception of trained assistance and emotional support animals, though no animals allowed to/from Jamaica)
• The dog carrier will count either as your carryon bag or personal item.
• Passengers are permitted to bring 1 pet carrier only. Each pet carrier can contain no more than 2 of the same species of small dog.
• Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted. 
• Your dog must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Seats with no under-seat stowage in front of them

For more info, visit  Southwest’s website .

TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg / 17.6 pounds (including pets and carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 40 x 33 x 17cm 
• Cost: cost varies – check here
• International: yes 
• Passengers traveling with pets in the cabin may select seats that are not located in rows with emergency exit doors or infant stroller apparatus.
• Dogs are not permitted to be carried in Executive Class on long haul flights. 
• More than one dog is permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.
• Only soft-sided carriers are permitted. 
• You are not able to fly into the UK. 

Dog Restrictions:

Pregnant dogs, and puppies under 10 weeks old are not permitted on Tap Air flights.

Visit TAP Air’s website  for more info.

TUI Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg / 17.6 pounds (excluding carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (soft-sided crates only)
• Cost: 50 EUROS
• Your dogs head must not protrude from the transport container and the animal must not leave the container during the flight.
• All dogs must be fitted with a microchip.
• Dogs must be transported in a hygienic watertight bag or basket.
• The carrier must be big enough so the animal can still stand up.
• Pregnant dogs are not permitted to fly.
• Each passenger traveling with a pet must sit by the window.

Visit TUI’s website  for more information.

Turkish Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg, including pets and carrier.
• Maximum carrier size: 23 x 30 cm x 40 cm
• Cost: check here
• International: depends on flight 
• Dogs are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional dog. The dog must remain on the floor underneath the additional seat. 
• Two small dogs are permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.

Pregnant animals and puppies or kittens under 10 weeks old are not permitted on Turkish Airlines flights.

Breed Restrictions:

• Turkish Airlines do not permit transport the dangerous dog breeds such as American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.

Visit Turkish Airlines’ website  for more info.

United Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 28 cm (soft-sided) / 44 x 30 x 19 cm (hard-sided)
• Cost: 125 USD (+ 125 USD service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside the U.S)
• International: depends on flight (contact the United customer-contact center for info on specific flights)
• Only one dog is permitted per carrier.
• Dogs flying in cabin must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Dogs must be at least 4 months / 16 weeks old.
• Pit Bull breed dogs aren’t allowed in cabin.
• Bulkhead seats
• Emergency exit seats
• United Premium Plus seat (the footrest limits storage space)
• Boeing 757-200
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Philippines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Visit  United’s website  for more info.

Vueling Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 10 kg (including carrier) or 8kg on flights operated by Iberia
• Maximum carrier size: 45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 50 EUR international
• Each passenger can only travel with 1 dog.
• Only 3 pets are permitted per flight, or 2 on flights operated by Iberia.
• You must not take your dog out of the pet carrier until you have disembarked.
• Dogs must be at least 3 months old.

Visit Vueling’s website  for more information.

Which airlines allow flying with large dogs in cabin?

As you may have now realised, many commercial airlines will only allow flying with small dogs in cabin. However, there are some semi-private airlines that will allow flying with large dogs in cabin. These will of course be a lot more expensive than a public airline. 

The following airlines allow flying with large dogs in cabin:

• Aero : medium and large dogs up to 65Ibs are permitted on their flights. You will need to purchase an additional seat at full price.
• BLADE : dogs over 25Ibs are allowed to fly in cabin as long as the owner must purchase an additional seat.
• JSX : You can purchase an extra seat for a large dog.
• Surf Air : you can fly with a dog over 20Ibs in cabin as long as you notify Surf and purchase a separate single-use flight pass. Your dog can sit on the seat as long as he or she is harnessed and you put a request in at the time of booking.
• Tradewind Aviation : large-breed dogs are welcome to fly in the spacious cabins of Tradewind Aviation’s Citation CJ3s and Pilatus PC-12s. There’s a limit of one party with pets per flight, and an additional seat must be purchased for dogs over 100Ibs.

For more information check  Airlines that Allow Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin [Pet Policies] .

How to prepare for flying with a dog in cabin.

1. select an appropriate, cabin-approved travel carrier..

As mentioned above, different airlines and aircrafts have different size restrictions for carriers. Be sure to check the restrictions for your specific airline, and aircraft.

For example, Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.

We would recommend using a soft sided carrier as they usually give your dog more space. 

2. Get your dog used to it’s travel carrier.

When flying with a dog in cabin, they will need to stay in its travel carrier for the duration of the journey. So, it’s very important that you spend some time to get your dog used to its travel carrier.

When first introducing your dog to its carrier, take it slow. Lure your dog into their carrier with plenty of treats, and let him/her play and sleep in there as much as possible. You want to avoid forcing your dog into the carrier as this may stress him or her out and may cause a negative association to the carrier. 

3. Train your dog to stay calm.

Your dog will need to be calm and well behaved when flying in cabin. If they show disruptive behaviour, they risk being sent into the cargo area of the plane.

4. Exhaust your dog before the flight.

Try to exhaust your dog a little by increasing the level of activity before your trip. A sleepy dog will be less prone to getting stressed out on the flight, and will likely be better behaved on the flight. 

5. Limit access to food and water before the flight.

When flying with a dog in cabin, your dog won’t be able to go potty. So, it’s a good idea to limit your dog’s access to food before the flight. Additionally, some animals may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. If you are flying in the morning, then feed them the night before. Air Canada suggest feeding your dog four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel. 

Line the bottom of your dog’s travel carrier with a pee pad, just incase they do have an accident.

6. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.

Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.

7. Bring along your dog’s favourite comforts.

To maximise comfort and minimise stress, pop your dog’s favourite blanket or toy in the travel carrier with them. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you could even pop one of your t-shirts in the carrier.

Which dog breeds cannot fly in cabin?

Unfortunately, some airlines have restrictions on the dog breeds they permit on their flights. So, even if you are the owner of a very small dog, they may not be able to fly in the cabin with you. 

The following brachycephalic and snub-nosed dog breeds are often banned from flying in both the cabin and cargo:

• Affenpinscher
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boston Terriers
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldogs (all breeds)
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Presa Canario
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel

This is because of their anatomical abnormalities, short-nosed breeds may be more vulnerable to changes in air quality and temperature in the cargo hold of a plane.

Only certain airlines have these breed restrictions, so while you may not be able to fly with one airline, you may be able to fly with another. However, it’s important that you are confident your dog is healthy enough to fly. 

Related post: 21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin

Documents required for flying with dogs in-cabin.

The documents required when flying with a dog in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. If you are flying domestically, some airlines do not require any documentation. Southwest, for example. However, other airlines require your pet’s health book. Aegean Air, for example. 

You will need more paperwork if you are traveling abroad, in which cases you will usually require the following:

• Microchip certificate
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Animal health certificate
• Additional vaccination certificates
• Rabies titer test results
• Parasite treatment certificate

a) Microchip.

Many airlines require microchip documents when flying with a dog in cabin. Not only is it usually a requirement, it is in your best interest. If your dog was to go missing whilst abroad, then you are far more likely to be reunited with a microchip.

Your dog can get microchipped at your local vet or a charity, such as RSPCA .

b) Rabies vaccinations.

If you want your take dogs on flights, it is likely that he/she requires a valid rabies vaccination. Particularly if you are taking your dog on an international flight as this is a requirement for entering most countries. 

Most countries require dogs to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to importing.

Related post:  How Often Does a Dog Need a Rabies Shot?

c) Animal health certificate.

Most airlines will require an official animal health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian when flying with dogs in cabin.

In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

They are normally valid for 10 days. 

d) Additional vaccinations.

Depending on where you are flying to, your dog may also require additional vaccinations or treatments.

For example, Turkey requires that all dogs are vaccinated against parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper before being allowed into the country.  

e) Rabies titer test.

Some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test before entering. This is usually the case when you are traveling from a country that is considered high risk for rabies.

If your dog requires a titer test the process is as follows:

• Your pet will have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
• Your vet will then send the blood sample to an approved blood testing laboratory.
• Your pet’s blood test results must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.
• The vet will give you a copy of the test results.

f) Parasite treatment.

To enter many countries, dogs are required to be treated against internal and/or external parasites before entering. This includes treatment for tapeworm, fleas, ticks, nematodes and cestodes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay extra to fly with my dog in cabin?

You will yes. The amount you pay however, will differ between airlines as they charge different amounts. The charge also depends on where you are flying to and from. International flights usually costing more.

Can I fly with my dog in cabin on international flights?

You may be able to, depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying to and from. Some airlines allow dogs in cabin on international flights, such as Aegean Air. Southwest, however, do not let dogs in cabin on international flights.

Can I fly with my puppy in cabin?

This depends on how old your puppy is, and which airline you are flying with. Different airlines have different restrictions on the age of dogs that can fly in cabin. Some require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old, where others require them to be 16 weeks old.

Can I fly with a large dog in the cabin?

Unfortunately, unless your dog is an official service dog, only small dogs are permitted. Most airlines require that dogs and travel carriers must have a combined weight of no more than 8kg.

Traveling with your dog is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories. Thankfully, several airlines have recognized the importance of allowing flying with dogs in the cabin and have established comprehensive pet policies to accommodate furry travelers. Whether you choose Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, or JetBlue Airways, you can rest assured that your dog will be treated with care and enjoy a safe and comfortable journey by your side.

• 21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin 
• Flying Dogs in Cargo: Will my dog be safe?
• Flying with an Anxious Dog? [15 Top Tips!]
• Dog Sedatives for Flying: Should I use them?

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This was so helpful, thank you!

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