Traveling with your pet on Delta Airlines can be a smooth experience if you’re well-prepared, especially when it comes to understanding the pet carrier size requirements. While Delta primarily uses its “Pets in Hold” (AVIH) service for specific categories, knowing the guidelines for pet carriers is crucial for a hassle-free journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, ensuring you and your beloved pet are ready for takeoff.
Delta Airlines accommodates pets under specific conditions, primarily through its Pets in Hold program. This service is mainly available to active U.S. military personnel, active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO), and their spouses with active transfer orders. Additionally, trained service or support animals that cannot travel in the cabin may also utilize AVIH. For all other animals, or those not meeting these exceptions, travel must be arranged via Delta Cargo.
Pets in Hold (AVIH) for Military and Foreign Service Personnel
Delta Airlines recognizes the unique needs of U.S. military personnel and Foreign Service Officers by allowing them to transport their pets as checked baggage under the AVIH program. This service extends to their spouses with active transfer orders. To utilize this service, it’s essential to book your pet as checked baggage at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Remember to comply with all federal regulations and have the necessary documentation as per government requirements and regulatory standards.
The types of animals accepted as checked baggage under AVIH include:
- Cats (excluding snub-nosed breeds)
- Dogs (excluding pug or snub-nosed 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)
It’s important to note that certain breeds, especially snub-nosed cats and dogs, have restrictions due to potential respiratory issues during air travel. Always refer to Delta Cargo’s list of relevant breeds for detailed information. For animals not listed, such as reptiles and primates, shipping via Delta Cargo is mandatory.
While the original article does not explicitly detail “Delta Airlines Pet Carrier Size” for AVIH, it’s crucial to understand that kennels must be appropriately sized for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Although excess size or weight fees don’t apply, giant-sized kennels might need to be shipped as cargo due to aircraft and class of service limitations. Always confirm specific kennel requirements with Delta Reservations to ensure compliance and your pet’s safety.
Fees and Important Considerations
Transporting your pet via AVIH incurs fees, payable each time the pet is checked in at the airport, including stopover points. These fees are separate from standard baggage allowances and Delta SkyMiles American Express card benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- 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 applies for departures from Canada, and EUR for departures from Europe. Note that fees are subject to change, and it’s always best to verify the latest fee structure when booking.
Delta Airlines, along with Delta Cargo, enforces a restriction on warm-blooded animals for flights exceeding 12 hours in average flight time. This is to ensure the well-being of your pet during longer journeys.
Connecting Flights and AVIH
When planning your itinerary, note that Delta has specific rules for connecting flights involving pets in hold. Animals are not accepted on itineraries with more than one connection. Additionally, pets cannot be checked through on separate tickets, as separate fees will apply. In such cases, you must collect your pet and re-check them with the operating carrier of the subsequent ticket, unless all flights are Delta-operated and on a single DL006 ticket stock.
Transferring pets to other airlines (excluding SkyTeam partners) is not permitted. If your journey involves a SkyTeam partner airline, contact Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support to understand the pet in hold requirements and procedures. You will need to confirm pet acceptance and any applicable charges with the partner airline directly and factor in at least 45 minutes of additional connection time for pet transfer when claiming and re-checking your animal.
Conclusion
While “delta airlines pet carrier size” isn’t explicitly defined for AVIH in the original documentation, ensuring your pet travels in a comfortable and airline-compliant kennel is paramount. Always confirm the most up-to-date policies and any specific kennel guidelines directly with Delta Airlines, especially concerning dimensions and material, to guarantee a safe and stress-free travel experience for your pet. Whether you are military personnel, an FSO, or traveling with a service animal, understanding these regulations is the first step towards a successful journey with your furry, feathered, or scaled companion.
For further information or to book your pet’s travel, please contact Delta Reservations or visit the Delta Cargo website for options outside of AVIH eligibility.
