Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting adventure, and Delta Air Lines offers options to make this possible. Understanding the Delta Pet Fee structure is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide breaks down Delta’s policies regarding pets traveling in the cargo hold (AVIH), focusing on the costs and regulations you need to know.
Who Can Use Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) Service?
Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) service is specifically designed for:
- Active U.S. Military Personnel and their spouses: This applies to those with active transfer orders.
- Active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and their spouses: Also applicable to those with active transfer orders.
- Trained service or support animals: This is for animals that are too large to travel comfortably in the cabin.
It’s important to note that this service is not available for all pet owners. If you do not meet these criteria, or if your pet doesn’t qualify as a service or support animal unable to travel in the cabin, your pet may need to travel via Delta Cargo as freight. This will involve different procedures and potentially different delta pet fees.
Accepted Animals and Breed Restrictions
For those eligible for the AVIH service, Delta accepts a range of common household pets as checked baggage, each subject to specific conditions and the standard delta pet fee. You can generally transport two kennels per flight. Accepted animals include:
- Cats: Most breeds are accepted, but snub-nosed cat breeds are restricted due to respiratory concerns. Refer to Delta Cargo’s list of restricted breeds for specifics.
- Dogs: Similar to cats, most dog breeds are allowed, except for pug or snub-nosed dog breeds. Check the list of restricted breeds to ensure your dog’s breed is permitted.
- Household Birds (Domestic U.S. only): Only domestic birds are allowed within the U.S.
- Small Pets (Domestic U.S. only): Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and marmots are accepted on domestic U.S. flights only.
Please be aware that reptiles and primates (like monkeys and gorillas) are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped via Delta Cargo. Giant-sized kennels also need to be shipped as cargo due to aircraft limitations.
Understanding the Delta Pet Fee Structure
The delta pet fee is charged every time you check in your pet at the airport, and fees are assessed at each stopover point. These fees are separate from your standard baggage allowance and are not covered by any baggage waivers, including those associated with Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. Crucially, excess size or weight fees do not apply to pets traveling under the AVIH service; you only pay the standard delta pet fee.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard delta pet fees:
- Within the U.S. or Between the U.S. /Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: $200 USD per pet kennel.
- Between the U.S. and Canada/Caribbean/other International Destinations: $200 USD/CAD/EUR* per pet kennel. The currency charged depends on your departure point: CAD when exiting Canada and EUR when exiting Europe.
- Between the U.S. and Brazil: $150 USD per pet kennel.
It’s important to remember that these delta pet fees are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee when booking your pet’s travel.
Delta Pet Fees and Connecting Flights
Navigating connecting flights with pets requires careful planning, especially concerning delta pet fees. Delta has specific policies for itineraries with connections:
- Maximum Connections: Delta generally does not accept animals on itineraries with more than one connection.
- Separate Tickets: Checking pets through on separate tickets is usually not permitted, and separate delta pet fees may apply for each ticket. You would typically need to collect your pet and re-check them with the operating carrier of your next flight segment.
- Delta-Operated Separate Tickets Exception: An exception may be made if separate tickets are issued on DL006 ticket stock and all flights are Delta-operated.
- Transferring to Other Airlines (OAL): Delta can only check pets through to SkyTeam partner airlines. For transfers to SkyTeam partners, contact Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support to understand the specific pet in hold requirements and potential delta pet fees that might be levied by the partner airline.
- Responsibility for Other Airlines: When connecting to a non-SkyTeam airline, you are responsible for claiming your pet from Delta at the connection point and re-checking them with the other airline. Factor in at least 45 minutes extra connection time for this process. You will also need to verify the other airline’s pet policies and potential fees separately.
Key Takeaways on Delta Pet Fees
Traveling with pets on Delta can be a viable option for eligible individuals, especially military personnel and FSOs. Understanding the delta pet fee structure, breed restrictions, and policies regarding connecting flights is essential for a hassle-free experience. Always verify the most up-to-date fees and regulations directly with Delta before your travel date to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry, feathered, or small critter companion.
