Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta Airlines provides accommodation for pet travel on both domestic and international flights, including those connecting through the UAE. Your pet’s mode of travel, either as a carry-on or shipped as cargo, depends on its size, destination, and relevant entry regulations.

Carry-On Pets

Small pets such as dogs, cats, and some household birds may travel in the cabin on select flights, subject to specific requirements. Delta advises travellers to review all conditions well in advance, as international routes and UAE entry rules may place restrictions on in-cabin pets.

• Only small dogs, cats, and certain household birds are eligible.
• The pet must remain inside a ventilated carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
• Some international flights to the UAE may prohibit carry-on pets due to quarantine or import laws.
• Additional carry-on pet fees apply and vary by route and destination.

Pets Traveling as Cargo (Delta Cargo)

For larger animals or when carry-on travel is not permitted, pets are transported separately as cargo. The process is distinct from passenger check-in and involves more comprehensive preparations.

• Delta Cargo handles pets that cannot fly in the passenger cabin.
• Payment is determined by the pet’s size, weight, and travel route.
• An IATA-compliant kennel or travel container is required.
• Owners must provide health certificates, vaccination records, and any specific import permits mandated by UAE authorities.
• Some species or breeds may be banned or restricted; always verify with both Delta and UAE officials.

Carry-On Pets Policy

Delta Airlines permits small pets (dogs, cats, and household birds) to travel in the cabin on eligible flights, provided all requirements regarding age, health, and carrier size are met. The ability to bring a pet as carry-on, as well as the rules and documentation required, may vary depending on the destination and origin of the flight.

For domestic flights within the contiguous U.S., small pets that meet the age, health, size, and kennel requirements can fly in the cabin for a one-way fee collected at check-in. If a customer is traveling outside the contiguous U.S. with a dog or cat, valid entry documents for the destination and, where relevant, documents for returning to the country of origin are mandatory, in addition to meeting Delta’s age, health, size, and kennel standards.

The CDC has specific documentation requirements for all dogs entering the United States. Documentation for other countries will vary; travellers are advised to consult the latest guidelines from USDA APHIS Travel with a Pet.

Eligibility and Requirements

To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, Delta requires the following for pets traveling in the cabin:

• The pet must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel.
• For travel to the U.S. from another country, dogs must be at least 6 months old and cats at least 16 weeks old.
• For travel to the European Union, the pet must be at least 15 weeks old.
• Only one pet per kennel is permitted, with exceptions:
  A female pet with an un-weaned litter aged 8 weeks to 6 months is allowed if the litter fits safely in the kennel.
  Two pets of the same breed and size, between 8 weeks and 6 months old, may travel together in one kennel if both fit comfortably and are compatible. This counts as one pet for fee purposes.
• The pet must travel in a soft-sided, ventilated kennel that fits under the seat in front of the passenger.
• Pets in kennels count as the passenger’s one carry-on item. One additional personal item is allowed.

Seating Restrictions for Passengers with Pets

To maintain onboard safety and comfort, customers traveling with carry-on pets may not sit in:

• Bulkhead seats
• Emergency exit rows
• “No stowage” seats
• Flat-bed or Delta One seats
• Rows 46–51 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 54–59 on the A330-300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft

Travelers must always check for updated requirements and consult with Delta and the relevant authorities for destination-specific documentation and age rules before booking pet travel.

Carry-On Kennel Requirements

When traveling with a pet in the cabin on Delta Airlines, it’s crucial to ensure that the pet’s kennel meets both airline and aircraft-specific requirements. The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you, and your pet must remain inside the kennel from check-in until you exit the airport at your destination. Checking the dimensions for your specific aircraft is advised, as under-seat space may vary.

Key Requirements:

• Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the kennel and have the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides of the carrier.
• The kennel must fit underneath the seat in front of you; Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” as this size fits most Delta aircraft types.
• For domestic travel, the kennel must be leak-proof and have ventilation on at least three sides; for international travel, ventilation is required on all four sides.
• The pet and kennel together count as one carry-on item. You may also bring one personal item.
• At all times within Delta boarding areas, during boarding/deplaning, in Delta Sky Club lounges, and while on board, the pet must remain inside the secured kennel.
• Only one kennel per passenger is allowed, except for specific exemptions such as a mother with an un-weaned litter or two animals of the same breed and size between 8 weeks and 6 months old who fit comfortably together. These exceptions are still charged as one pet.

Checking In With Your Pet

Passengers with pets must check in at the Special Service Counter, where a Delta agent will verify that your pet and kennel meet all requirements and collect the pet fee. Allow extra time at check-in to complete these processes.

• After check-in, you’ll receive a pet cabin tag.
• At security, the pet must be removed from the kennel while the carrier is screened separately.
• Once cleared, your pet must remain inside the kennel at all times in the airport, except when using designated relief areas.

Delta and its partners limit the total number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. Reserve your pet’s spot in advance, and always check the most current guidelines before traveling to ensure compliance.

These requirements ensure a safe, comfortable, and compliant experience for all passengers traveling with pets in the cabin.

International & Connection Pet Travel

Traveling internationally with pets adds complexity, especially regarding documentation, transit requirements, and destination-specific rules. The UAE enforces particular standards for arriving animals.

• All required health documentation, vaccination proof, and UAE import permits must be secured before departure.
• Allow extra time for connections to accommodate pet handling procedures.
• The UAE may require quarantine or a veterinary inspection at entry.
• Breed and species restrictions may apply; check the latest regulations prior to booking.

Important Reminders

Booking for pet travel should be completed as early as possible, as space for both carry-on and cargo animals is limited. Travelers should carefully confirm all rules and fees with both Delta Airlines and UAE regulatory agencies. Regulations can change, so up-to-date research before each journey is essential.

Fees, rules, and restrictions vary based on the pet’s size, breed, destination, and airline policies. For the most current requirements, review Delta Airlines’ official policies and UAE government import guidelines.

International & Connection Pet Travel

Whether your pet is traveling within the United States or to an international destination, we want to ensure a smooth travel experience. Remember, fees and rates can vary depending on whether your small pet is traveling as a carry-on or if you’re shipping your large pet with Delta Cargo.

Travel with animals outside the contiguous U.S. is governed by strict regulations, so it’s best to prepare well in advance of your trip. Consider these tips before you travel:

• Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for their animal travel regulations
• Obtain all necessary vaccines and paperwork (such as health certificates or vaccination records)
• Check for any regulations or advisories from the CDC or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) about animal imports or exports
• The CDC has specific documentation requirements that apply to all dogs, including trained service animals, that are traveling to the United States.
  Dogs entering the U.S. must appear healthy, be microchipped and be at least 6 months of age. 
  All dogs must be accompanied by a receipt of a completed CDC Dog Import Form. 
  Additional documentation may be required depending on where the dog’s rabies vaccination was 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.
• Know that additional charges may apply, such as veterinary bills, customs clearance fees, quarantine costs, and more

Exceptions may apply for customers traveling with trained service animals or those in the U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices.