Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure, and for active U.S. military personnel and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), Delta Airlines offers a valuable service to transport pets in the cargo hold, known as AVIH (Animal in Hold). Understanding Delta Pet Carrier Dimensions and Delta’s specific policies is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry, feathered, or scaled companion. This guide will delve into the essential aspects of traveling with your pet in the hold on Delta, focusing on carrier requirements and ensuring you are well-prepared.
Understanding Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) Policy
Delta Airlines provides the Pets in Hold service primarily for active U.S. military or active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and their spouses with active transfer orders. This service is also available for trained service or support animals that, due to specific reasons, cannot travel in the cabin. It’s important to note that this checked baggage option is limited, and most other animal transport must be arranged through Delta Cargo.
Who is Eligible for Delta AVIH?
The AVIH service as checked baggage is specifically 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 or support animals that cannot travel in the cabin.
For military personnel and FSOs, booking pets as checked baggage must be done at least 48 hours before departure. You will need to present active transfer orders and comply with all federal regulations and documentation requirements.
Which Animals Can Travel as Checked Baggage with Delta?
Delta accepts the following animals as checked baggage under the AVIH program:
- Cats (excluding snub-nosed breeds – refer to Delta Cargo’s list for specifics).
- Dogs (excluding pug or snub-nosed breeds – refer to Delta Cargo’s list for specifics).
- 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, must be shipped via Delta Cargo.
Key Considerations for Delta Pet Carrier Dimensions
While the original document does not explicitly detail delta pet carrier dimensions, ensuring your pet’s carrier meets airline standards is paramount for their safety and comfort during hold travel. A properly sized and airline-approved carrier is not just a requirement but a critical aspect of responsible pet travel.
General Guidelines for Pet Carrier Dimensions
Although Delta may not publish specific delta pet carrier dimensions for checked baggage on their main consumer site, it’s crucial to consider general airline-approved carrier guidelines and, most importantly, contact Delta directly to confirm their specific requirements. Here are some general points to keep in mind:
- Size: The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. This ensures they are not cramped during the flight, which can cause stress and discomfort.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential. Carriers should have ventilation on at least two sides, and ideally four, to ensure proper airflow.
- Material: Carriers must be hard-sided, rigid, and leak-proof. Collapsible carriers are not permitted for hold travel as they do not provide adequate protection.
- Security: The carrier door must be secure and close properly, preventing escapes. It’s advisable to use zip ties to further secure the door, especially for anxious pets.
- Handles and Grips: The carrier should have handles or grips for safe and easy handling by airline staff.
A dog comfortably positioned inside an airline-approved pet carrier, highlighting the importance of adequate space for pet comfort and safety during air travel.
It is imperative to verify the specific delta pet carrier dimensions and requirements with Delta Reservations or Delta Cargo directly before your flight. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information based on the aircraft type and your specific itinerary.
Fees and Costs for Pets in Hold
Traveling with your pet in the hold incurs fees, which are charged each time the pet is checked in, including at stopover points. These fees are separate from standard baggage allowances and are not waived for Delta American Express cardholders.
Current Fees (subject to change):
- 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 charged exiting Canada, EUR amount exiting Europe. Fees are determined by the contract of carriage at the time of ticket issuance. Always confirm the latest fee schedule with Delta directly before travel.
Navigating Connecting Flights with Pets in Hold
Connecting flights add complexity to pet travel. Delta has specific rules for pets in hold on connecting itineraries:
- Maximum Connections: Delta generally does not accept animals on itineraries with more than one connection to minimize stress and handling.
- Separate Tickets: Animals are typically not checked through on separate tickets, and additional fees may apply. You may need to collect your pet and re-check them with the operating carrier of the next flight on a separate ticket.
- SkyTeam Partners: While transferring to other airlines is generally restricted, exceptions may be made for SkyTeam partner airlines. Contact Delta Reservations for specific guidance if you are connecting to a SkyTeam partner.
A pet carrier being handled at an airport, emphasizing the importance of secure and appropriately sized carriers for safe and efficient airport handling.
For connecting flights, especially with other airlines, it’s crucial to:
- Verify pet acceptance policies and charges with each airline.
- Claim your pet from Delta at the connecting point and re-check them with the connecting airline.
- Allow ample connection time (at least 45 minutes beyond the legal connecting time) to ensure a smooth transfer.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Pet Safety and Comfort
Traveling with your pet in the hold requires careful planning and adherence to airline policies. While delta pet carrier dimensions are not explicitly stated in the original documentation, understanding general airline carrier guidelines and, most importantly, directly confirming specific carrier requirements with Delta is crucial. By focusing on a properly sized, airline-approved carrier, understanding the fees, and carefully planning for connecting flights, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable travel experience for your beloved pet when flying with Delta. Always prioritize your pet’s well-being and double-check all details with Delta before your travel date for the most accurate and stress-free journey.
