Can Dogs Fly On Delta Airlines?

Whether you’re going on your dream vacation or visiting your family for the holidays, it is only natural that you’d want your precious four-legged friend to be by your side. This is certainly possible – and a whole lot of fun – if you  travel by car, boat, or in a camper. But what about a plane? Every airline company has its own set of rules and regulations, so it’s essential to get the right information to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for your furbaby. Read on to learn can dogs fly on Delta Airlines and what you need to know before you embark on a trip with your pet.

Are There Any Regulations for Dog Travel on Delta Airlines?

Delta Airlines allows dogs to travel on their flights, but there are certain restrictions and guidelines that need to be followed. Delta has a specific pet policy that outlines the rules for traveling with pets. According to this policy, small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed in the cabin of the aircraft on most domestic flights within the United States. However, there are restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, and they must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Needless to say, the carrier needs to be safe and properly ventilated. 

These are the special requirements as outlined by Delta Airlines:

• Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic (United States) travel
• Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union
• One pet is permitted per kennel with the following exceptions:
• One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of age
• No limit on the number of animals in the litter
• 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in 1 kennel as long as they are small enough to fit into a single kennel and are compatible – they will be charged as 1 pet

Your pet must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and adhere to the following requirements:

• Be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching or protruding from the sides of the kennel and have the ability to move around
• The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you
• The soft or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on three sides (four sides for international travel)
• Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight as the space under seats varies by aircraft, we recommend a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types
• Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight – you should check your flight's aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fit
• Your 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 on board the aircraft

Can Large Dog Breeds Travel on Delta Airlines?

As you can see, small dogs, cats, and even birds can comfortably fly beside you, as long as you’re able to adhere to the company’s rules and requirements. But what about dogs that don’t “fit the bill”? No worries, they aren’t overlooked – they just can’t fly in the cabin with you. Delta also has guidelines for large breed dogs that cannot fit in a carrier under the seat. These dogs may be transported in the aircraft's cargo hold as checked baggage, subject to a different set of regulations and requirements. It's important to note that not all Delta flights accept pets in the cargo hold, so it's crucial to check with the airline if your flight can board a large breed dog. You should also be aware that there are exceptions to this rule that apply for passengers traveling with service animals and U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices, so if this applies to you, be sure to note that when booking the ticket(s).

Even though your pet won’t be right by your side the whole time, you can rest assured that Delta Airlines will make sure that they are safe and comfortable in the cargo section. However, if you are worried that your dog will get antsy or anxious while away from you, consider getting them calming chews for dogs like these natural,  herbal-based treats that are based on hemp, chamomile, and other soothing plants. They are also duck-flavored so if your pooch is a picky eater, you can count on them gobbling these up!

Even though your pet won’t be right by your side the whole time, you can rest assured that Delta Airlines will make sure that they are safe and comfortable in the cargo section. However, if you are worried that your dog will get antsy or anxious while away from you, consider getting them calming chews for dogs like these natural,  herbal-based treats that are based on hemp, chamomile, and other soothing plants. They are also duck-flavored so if your pooch is a picky eater, you can count on them gobbling these up!