Allowable pets can still be transported in most cabins or
via Delta Cargo.
Delta will no longer accept pets as checked baggage, but
will continue to transport allowable pets in all cabins of service except Delta
One, effective March 1, 2016. Customers may also ship pets for travel within
the United States as freight through Delta Cargo.
One notable exception to this new policy: Members of the
military with active transfer orders will be allowed to transport a pet as
checked baggage. Additionally, Delta will continue to accept service and
emotional support animals that comply with federal regulations including proper
documentation.
“Many of us at Delta are pet lovers and we know that they
are important members of the family,” said Bill Lentsch, Senior Vice President
- Airport Customer Service and Cargo Operations. “This change will ultimately
ensure that we have a high-quality, consistent service for pets when their
owners choose to ship them with Delta Cargo.”
Pets that are transported via Delta Cargo are monitored
closely by customer service teams during their travel. While at airports, pets
are handled in temperature-controlled holding areas and vans. Also, Delta Cargo
enlists professional kenneling services if overnight stays are required.
With the change effective March 1, customers will be able
to travel with a pet as checked baggage through Feb. 29. Also, Delta will
contact customers with bookings after March 1 that are known to include pets as
checked bags.
Guidance for customers traveling with pets can be found at
delta.com, but customers choosing to ship a pet with Delta Cargo should note
that:
A separate
booking from their flight itinerary is required. Additional fees and charges may apply.
A pet
shipped domestically via Delta Cargo cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure.
Pets are not
guaranteed to be shipped on a customer’s same flight or flight schedule.
Shipping a
pet requires dropping it off at a Delta Cargo location at least three hours
before departure time at a location separate from passenger check-in.
Picking up a
pet will also occur at a Delta Cargo location.
Delta Cargo
will only accept international pet shipments from International Pet and Animal
Transportation Association members. International customers should visit
ipata.org to find an approved member to assist with their transportation
requirements.
