Flying with Pets in Cabin on Delta Air Lines (2026 Guide)
- Amanda McGee
- 16 hours ago
- 5 min read
Everything pet parents need to know before flying Delta with a dog or cat.
If you're planning to fly with your pet on Delta Air Lines, you're in good company. Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines in the United States and is often a favorite among pet parents thanks to its extensive route network, modern aircraft, and consistent pet policies.
That said, traveling with a pet still requires planning. Cabin space is limited, international routes have additional restrictions, and there are important carrier and reservation requirements you'll want to know before booking.
As professional flight nannies, we've helped pets fly on Delta countless times. Here's what we think every pet parent should know.
Delta Pet Policy at a Glance
Small dogs
Cats
Household birds (domestic U.S. flights only)
Pets must:
Fit comfortably inside an approved carrier (no weight limit!)
Remain inside the carrier during the entire flight
Travel underneath the seat in front of you
Be reserved in advance because space is limited (Delta)
💸 Delta Pet Fees (2026)
Current one-way pet fees are:
United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: $150
International Destinations: $200
Fees are paid during airport check-in and are non-refundable. (Delta Professional)
📝 How to Book Your Pet on Delta
One of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting to add a pet.
Delta limits the number of pets allowed in each cabin, so once those spaces are full, you'll need to change flights. (Professionally, the only time we have seen pet space fill up on the entire flight is during the holiday season or if traveling from a very small city that only allows one pet on board.)
The process is simple:
Book your own ticket.
Contact Delta Reservations by phone or chat.
Tell them you'll be traveling with a pet.
Confirm your pet has been added to the reservation.
Arrive early to check in.
💡From your app simply start a chat. Tell them you want to speak with an agent. Share your confirmation number and let them know you want to add a cabin pet. You will need to know the breed, age and weight and your carrier dimensions. They will start the automated "pet chat agent" to ask a serious of questions to officially add your pet to the reservation. If there is no space or pets are not allowed this is when you can chat with a human to find the best alternative option.
💼 Carrier Requirements
Delta recommends soft-sided carriers because they fit more aircraft.
General recommendations:
Leak-proof
Well ventilated
Comfortable enough for your pet to stand and turn around
Must fit completely underneath the seat
Ventilation on four sides for international travel
Recommended dimensions are approximately: 18" × 11" × 11", but Delta allows carriers as large as 20"x12"x12" (It is listed as an option on their online pet reservation form)
Aircraft vary slightly, so always verify your specific flight. We love Delta because of how flexible they are with carrier size.
🌎 Can You Fly Internationally with a Pet on Delta?
Yes! Delta is one of our favorite options for flying with pets to and from Europe. Their hubs in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and JFK offer several nonstop options into destinations like Paris, Rome and Madrid. We choose Delta most often for pets that may be taller or over the 8kg weight limit enforced by other airlines. Here a few popular Delta routes our clients have booked:
USA to Europe
USA to Brazil
USA to Mexico City
USA to Dublin
Before booking an international flight, you'll also need to consider the destination-specific regulations. Check out the entry requirements based on your destination on the Aphis Pet Travel website.
For complex international moves, having someone like PurplePup review your itinerary before purchasing tickets can save thousands of dollars in change fees.
🐱🐱 Traveling with Two Pets
Delta generally allows one pet carrier per passenger.
However, two compatible young pets of the same breed and size may sometimes share one carrier if they fit comfortably. This is most useful for young puppies or kittens from the same litter and under six months.
Our Delta Pet Friendliness Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆☆
8.5 / 10
What We Love
✔ Excellent domestic route network
✔ Generally pet-friendly staff
✔ Modern fleet
✔ Easy online reservation process
✔ Consistent policies
What Could Improve
✖ Only one carrier per human
✖ Pet fees increased in recent years
😁 What Pet Parents Say About Delta
Overall, Delta receives positive reviews from pet owners.
Common compliments include:
Friendly gate agents
Smooth boarding process
Reliable operations
Comfortable cabins
The most common frustrations are:
Limited pet spots
Confusion over international routes
Difficulty finding consistent information online
Fortunately, most of these issues can be avoided by planning ahead.
Is Delta a Good Airline for Pets?
For domestic travel, we'd absolutely say yes. They have a generous size and weight policy, well-behaved pets are welcomed in the Delta lounges, and their policies are enforced consistently across the country.
Delta is one of our preferred carriers for international routes to Europe.
Delta consistently ranks among our preferred airlines for in-cabin pet travel because they have:
Good route options
Predictable policies
Reliable customer service
Comfortable aircraft
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delta have a pet weight limit?
Delta does not publish a specific weight limit for in-cabin pets. Instead, the determining factor is whether your pet can comfortably stand, turn around, and remain safely inside a carrier that fits beneath the seat. Professionally, we recommend staying under 23 lbs for your pet's comfort and yours!
How many pets can travel on one flight?
Delta limits the number of pets permitted in each cabin, so reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Domestic First: 2 pets
Main Cabin Domestic and International: 4 pets
Can I bring two pets?
Usually one pet carrier is allowed per passenger, although Delta has limited exceptions for certain young animals sharing one kennel.
Can my pet sit on my lap?
No. Pets must remain inside their carrier throughout the flight, including during boarding and while the aircraft is in the air.
Can I book my pet online?
Yes, you can book your pet online or from the app by starting a chat.
Can pets fly in Delta One?
Unfortunately, pets cannot fly in Delta One or any lay-flat seat. Pets are also not permitted in Delta Premium. Pets are welcomed in Comfort and Main Cabin.
Does Delta fly pets to Hawaii?
Pets are not permitted to fly in-cabin to Hawaii on Delta but pets ARE allowed on routes from Hawaii back to the mainland. Watch Tiggy's journey from Honolulu to the Mainland here.
Can pets fly in cargo on Delta?
Delta does not allow pets to be booked as accompanied baggage but they do have some cargo options for families on official military PCS travel.
🐾 Need Help Planning Your Pet’s Flight?
If you need help navigating your options, I help pet parents coordinate safe, customized travel every day. Whether it’s a quick domestic flight or an international relocation, your pet deserves expert care every step of the way.
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