Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting but complex endeavor. If you’re considering flying with Delta Air Lines, understanding their policies for pets is crucial. For active U.S. military personnel, active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO), and those with trained service or support animals, Delta offers a specific service known as “Pets in Hold” (AVIH). This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Delta Flying With Pets using their AVIH service, ensuring a smoother journey for both you and your furry, feathered, or small critter companion.
What is Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) Service?
Delta Air Lines’ Pets in Hold service, or AVIH (Animal in Hold), is designed to accommodate specific categories of animals that cannot travel in the cabin. This service allows eligible individuals to transport their pets as checked baggage, providing a viable option for pet travel when cabin travel isn’t possible. It’s important to note that this service is primarily intended for:
- Active U.S. Military Personnel and their spouses with active transfer orders.
- Active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and their spouses with active transfer orders.
- Trained service animals or support animals that, due to size or other reasons, cannot travel in the cabin.
For all other pet owners, or for animals not meeting these specific exceptions, Delta requires pets to be shipped as cargo through Delta Cargo. This distinction is important to understand from the outset when planning to fly with pets on Delta.
Eligibility for Pets in Hold: Military and Foreign Service Officers
A significant portion of Delta’s AVIH service is dedicated to supporting active U.S. military personnel and Foreign Service Officers who are relocating with their families. To be eligible to use the Pets in Hold service under these circumstances, you must meet the following criteria:
- Active Duty Status: You must be an active member of the U.S. Military or an active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer.
- Accompanying Spouse: The service extends to spouses of active military and FSO personnel.
- Active Transfer Orders: Travel must be associated with active transfer orders, indicating a permanent change of station or duty location.
- Required Documentation: You must comply with all federal regulations, including providing proper documentation that aligns with current government requirements and regulatory standards for animal transport.
It is imperative for military personnel and Foreign Service Officers to book their pets as checked baggage at least 48 hours before departure. This advance booking ensures that Delta can properly prepare for the animal’s travel and that all necessary arrangements are in place.
Accepted Animals and Breed Restrictions
Delta’s Pets in Hold service accepts a variety of common household pets. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific types of animals and any breed restrictions that may apply. The following animals are generally accepted as checked baggage under the AVIH service (domestic U.S. only unless otherwise noted):
- Cats: Most breeds of cats are accepted, with the exception of snub-nosed breeds. Refer to Delta Cargo’s list of restricted breeds for a comprehensive list.
- Dogs: Similar to cats, most dog breeds are accepted, excluding pug or snub-nosed dog breeds. Again, consult Delta Cargo’s list of restricted breeds for specific breed limitations.
- Household Birds: Domestic household birds are accepted for travel within the U.S.
- Guinea Pigs: Domestic guinea pigs are permitted for travel within the U.S.
- Rabbits: Domestic rabbits can travel within the U.S. using the AVIH service.
- Hamsters: Domestic hamsters are accepted for travel within the U.S.
- Marmots: Domestic marmots are also included in the list of accepted animals for domestic U.S. travel.
Important Restrictions:
- Snub-nosed Breeds: Delta, following safety guidelines, restricts the transport of snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of cats and dogs due to their increased risk of respiratory issues during air travel. Always check the specific breed lists provided by Delta Cargo.
- Other Animals (Cargo Only): All other animal types, including reptiles and primates (such as monkeys, lemurs, gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees), are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Delta Cargo.
- Kennel Limits: Customers are generally allowed to transport two kennels per flight under the AVIH service. However, giant-sized kennels may have further restrictions and might need to be shipped as cargo depending on the aircraft and class of service.
Delta Pet in Hold Fees
When utilizing the Pets in Hold service, it’s important to factor in the associated fees. These fees are charged each time the pet is checked in at the airport, and they will be assessed at each stopover point in your journey. Keep in mind that these fees are separate from standard baggage allowances and are not waived for Delta American Express cardholders or as part of free baggage allowances. Excess size or weight fees do not apply to pets traveling under the AVIH service; however, the standard pet fees do.
Here is a breakdown of the current fees:
- Within the U.S. or Between the U.S. /Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: $200 USD per pet, per direction.
- Between the U.S. and Canada/Caribbean/Other International Destinations: $200 USD/CAD/EUR* per pet, per direction. (CAD amount is charged for departures from Canada, and EUR for departures from Europe).
- Between the U.S. and Brazil: $150 USD per pet, per direction.
Note: These fees are subject to change, so always verify the most current fee schedule with Delta at the time of booking and check-in.
Connecting Flights and AVIH Service
Navigating connecting flights with a pet in hold requires careful attention to Delta’s specific rules:
- Maximum Connections: Delta does not accept animals on itineraries with more than one connection. This limitation is in place to minimize stress and potential issues during transit for your pet.
- Separate Tickets: Delta generally will not check animals through on separate tickets, as this can lead to complications and additional fees. If you are traveling on separate tickets, you will likely need to collect your animal and re-check it with the operating carrier of your subsequent flight, incurring separate fees.
- Delta Ticket Exception: An exception to the separate ticket rule may be made if all tickets are issued on DL006 ticket stock and all flights are Delta-operated.
Transferring to Other Airlines:
- SkyTeam Partners: Delta can check animals through to SkyTeam partner airlines. If you are connecting to a SkyTeam partner airline, it’s essential to contact Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support to confirm the pet in hold requirements and procedures for the transfer.
- Other Airlines (OAL): For airlines outside of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta cannot check animals through. You will need to claim your pet from Delta at the connecting airport and re-check in with the other airline. When planning such connections, ensure you allow at least 45 minutes beyond the standard legal connecting time to facilitate the pet transfer process. Always confirm pet acceptance policies and any carrier charges directly with the connecting airline.
Alternatives: Delta Cargo for Pet Travel
For pet owners who do not meet the eligibility criteria for AVIH, or for animals that are not accepted as checked baggage, Delta Cargo provides a comprehensive pet shipping service. Delta Cargo is equipped to handle a wider range of animals and travel situations, offering specialized services for animal transportation. If your pet travel needs fall outside the scope of the Pets in Hold service, exploring Delta Cargo is the recommended next step.
Flying with pets requires careful planning and adherence to airline policies. Delta’s AVIH service offers a valuable option for military personnel, Foreign Service Officers, and those with service/support animals. By understanding the eligibility, restrictions, fees, and procedures outlined in this guide, you can better prepare for a smoother and safer travel experience for your animal companion when flying with Delta.
