This review will break down everything you need to know about Delta Airlines’ pet policy for in-cabin travel, how to book your flight and navigate the check-in process, what to expect, and what to do for a comfortable flight. I’ve traveled four times to Europe and back and on several domestic flights on Delta Airlines with my 20-pound french bulldog, Helga, and we’ve had smooth trips and positive experiences with the staff, crew, and airline.
Delta Airlines also accepts dogs in the cargo hold, but since Helga is a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, airlines will not permit her to travel in the hold out of health concerns. So this article focuses only on in-cabin travel. Procedures and policies for dogs traveling in the hold should be confirmed with Delta Airlines.
Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S., where they received their rabies vaccines (if required), and whether they are less than 6 months old. Changes in these CDC rules may affect your travel. Click here to read and understand these new restrictions and requirements! Please note that some airlines like Lufthansa which previously flew pets to and from the US have suspended pet travel after August 1. Check and double check with your airline, and make sure you have all the new requirements completed before you fly.
Pet Eligibility:
Accepted Breeds:
There are no specific breed restrictions for in-cabin dogs, but your dog needs to fit comfortably in a pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you, and remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight.
Weight Limits:
There is no specific weight requirement or limitation for your dog, but again, they must be able to fit comfortably in their carrier.
Number of Pets per Person:
Delta Airlines allows one in-cabin pet per traveler, with the following exceptions. Two pets of the same breed and size between 8 weeks and 6 months old can travel in one kennel, as long as they fit comfortably and they get along with each other. You will only be charged for one pet fee. Litters of unweaned puppies are allowed too if they all fit. Make sure you cover all the bases and have good communication with your customer service agent when you make your reservation if you’re planning on more than one dog in the kennel.
Number of Pets per Flight:
Delta Airlines permits only a limited number of pets on each flight, but they don’t specify what that number is. These slots are filled on a first come, first served basis, so it’s especially important to make your reservations early if you don’t have wiggle room with dates.
I have never had problems booking Helga our frenchie, but I have always made my reservations months in advance.
Cleanliness and Behavior:
Give your doggo a good bath before your flight. It’s just considerate for those around you in the plane. If you’re a frenchie mom or dad, there’s nothing you can do about the infamous frenchie gas, but at least their fur can smell nice!
Your dog can also run into problems with an airline if they are aggressive or barking a lot. Behavioral training with a professional can help, and also talk to your vet to see if a mild sedative could help ease stress. You and your vet know your dog best. We have flown with Helga both with moderate sedation and without, but I’ve learned more about the potential hazards of sedating a brachycephalic dog so we don’t do that any more.
Booking and Fees for Delta Airlines with a dog in cabin:
Advance Notice:
It’s important to notify Delta as early as possible that you will be flying with a dog, and you’ll need to book your ticket on the phone with a customer service agent (or call immediately after booking online), tell them of your intent to bring an in-cabin dog, and make sure there is room on the flight you want.
Booking Process:
Always speak with a human when booking an in-cabin dog. They will ask you a series of questions about the breed and age of your dog, the weight of the dog and carrier, and the style and dimensions of your carrier, so have that information ready. They will also let you know if the flight has already maxed out on pet slots.
They will ask you for an approximate weight of your dog and carrier, but there is no technical weight limit. When they asked me I said 24 pounds, which was a little on the high side, and they said that was fine. They just need to know.
After you have made the reservation and given all the information about your dog, you will have to call back in a few days to make sure the reservation was accepted. I’m not sure why this is the case, but if you are like me, immediately after the first call, leave yourself a reminder on your calendar to make that second call!
Pet Fee for Delta Airlines with a dog in cabin:
The cost to fly your in-cabin dog on Delta Airlines for domestic flights is $95 each way to and from your destination. International flights overseas are $200 each way, but it was $215 flying out of JFK to Frankfurt because of a local tax. If you have to change planes, you will not have to pay for each leg.
Pet Carrier Requirements:
Carry-On Bags:
Your pet carrier counts as your allotted carry-on item. You can also bring one additional personal item with you, but not a full-sized carry-on.
Size and Material:
Delta Airlines will accept only soft-sided carriers that are no larger than 18″ x 11″ x 11″. Be sure to check the dimensions of the particular aircraft you are flying on to be sure your kennel will fit under the seat. Remember that a soft-sided carrier does have some give and flexibility to it so it can fit in a slightly smaller space than its dimensions.
Condition and Ventilation:
The carrier definitely must be properly ventilated to keep your dog cool and breathing easily, especially if you are flying with a french bulldog or any snub-nosed breed. Delta states that the carrier must be ventilated on three sides for a domestic flight, and four sides for an international flight. My carrier is ventilated on three sides and it was not an issue for my international flight.
Obviously, the carrier must also be in good structural shape with no cracks, broken pieces, or visible problems.
In the Carrier:
Make the carrier as comfortable for your dog as possible. Use a pee pad at the very bottom, and an absorbant towel or blanket on top of that. We also use the foam pad that came with the carrier, and luckily Helga has never had an accident. We’ll also give her a small soft toy that she likes, for comfort and familiarity.
Documentation Requirements for Delta Airlines with a dog in cabin:
Health Certificate/Vaccinations:
Delta Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin on domestic US flights. For European destinations you must have a current USDA health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of a current rabies vaccination, and a working microchip. You should always do your research about your particular destination, and talk to your vet before flying with a french bulldog – or any pet – to make sure they get the thumbs up for air travel and have all their documents in order.
Identification
It’s always a good idea, even though you will have your pet with you, to put an identification tag on the carrier with your dog’s name, breed, age, needed medications or physical ailments, veterinarian contact information, your name and address, your phone number, and an emergency contact information number.
Checking In to Delta Airlines With a Dog in Cabin:
In-person Assisted Check-in:
When you are flying with a french bulldog, or any breed of pet in cabin, you will not be able to complete your check-in process online. Other people you are flying with can do this, but whoever has the dog on their reservation must check in with a customer service agent at the baggage check-in order to get a boarding pass.
In both directions our agent seemed a little perplexed about what to do with a dog in cabin, and had to call someone to ask questions. Also, they were unsure of Helga’s luggage which is actually a dog crate itself, filled with her food and bed, and bowls and other things she needs.
We use this crate at our destination in the back of the rental car for her to ride safely. We’ve also made sure to put big fluorescent labels that say NO ANIMAL INSIDE all over it. But still, every time, regardless of the airline, it seems there’s a snag. Eventually the person in charge said that the crate was fine, the counter agent said ok, and we checked the luggage crate just like our own luggage and took Helga with us in her under-seat carrier to the gate.
*And wouldn’t you know it, this luggage/dog crate never made it home on to our plane from JFK to Frankfurt. To be honest, we’ve had lots of glitches and problems on many airlines by trying to use this crate as luggage, and we’ve decided that from now on Helga gets a suitcase like a normal person!
Check-in and Payment:
Once you are at the check-in counter, you’ll provide your ID or passport and the process will begin. You will need to pay the fee for your dog at this point, and the agent will give you a tag, which you must sign and date, to put on the carrier showing that you have paid the pet fee. Then they will check in your luggage.
There have been times in the past that I’ve been asked to remove Helga from the carrier to physically show the agent so they can verify she’s the same breed and size dog as the one I made the reservation for. But Delta does not require this, and they were able to verify her through the mesh which was great. The less stress for Helga, the better!
Making Your Way to the Gate:
After check-in, you’ll need to pass through security, and here you will be required to take your dog out of the carrier. This point is when I have to explain to the agents that Helga is a little “reactive” and they should stay back when I pass through. She’s super cute, and nobody can believe she isn’t friendly to strangers, but yeah – if you come at her, she’ll cut you.
Once through the security screening, you can put your dog back in the carrier. Sometimes we will keep Helga out at this point, and walk her on the leash to the nearest dog relief area. It helps her get out some of her energy, and she’s much less reactive when she’s walking and feels in control of her destiny.
Pet Comfort and Relief:
It’s always a great idea to research whether there are pet relief areas inside your airports of departure and arrival, and where they are. If there are none, be sure your dog has the opportunity to take care of business outside the airport just before you enter. If your dog will use a pee pad, bring a few extras just in case.
JFK was our stateside airport and it has several nice pet relief areas that are past security. But Frankfurt Airport, our home airport, has no pet relief areas at all! Considering how much Germany loves dogs, this boggles my mind, but that’s the situation if you happen to be flying out of there.
Onboard Delta Airlines With a Dog in Cabin:
Boarding
Your boarding pass will assign you a “group number” which you would normally use to know when you can board the plane. But if you are bringing a dog in the cabin you can board right at the beginning when they ask for anyone who may need “special assistance” when boarding. Don’t feel bad about doing this! Your dog will appreciate a quieter environment while you are getting them under the seat and settled. Those couple extra minutes are very helpful!
Restrictions:
You will need to keep your dog inside the carrier for the duration of the flight. Sadly, the days of lap dogs on airplanes looking out the window are over, so try to make being in the kennel as comfortable as possible. Make sure you have a soft pad on the bottom of the carrier, and line the bottom with pee pads in case of an accident.
Every now and then during the flight, I’ll reach in and give Helga some ear scratches, or a neck rub, or even a little snack. It’s best not to give a full meal or a lot of water within a few hours before flying to avoid accidents, but Helga has learned that the cart coming down the aisle means she gets a little pretzel or a piece of cheese.
I’ll also check in on her to make sure that she is not overheating. If I hear panting, I’ll offer some cool water in a little collapsible bowl.
What to Carry Onboard:
Make sure you carry an emergency “cleanup kit” with wet wipes, a few paper towels, rubber gloves, poop bags, and a plastic trash bag so you can be prepared should your dog have an accident on the plane or in the airport. Also bring a small collapsible water bowl, and a few treats.
Final Thoughts About Delta Airlines With a Dog In Cabin:
Highly recommended
While there are always challenges when flying with a french bulldog, or any dog in cabin, Delta Airlines consistently delivers great service. The staff is kind and courteous, and while I have had a run of agents who needed to call someone with questions about international travel, the delay has never been bad. They didn’t require me to take Helga out of the carrier, and provided pretty much a contactless check-in for her, which was great.
And a huge hats off to them for being one of the VERY few pet-friendly overseas airlines. They’ve made flying with a french bulldog across the Atlantic do-able, and that means a lot!
Alternatives:
If Delta Airlines doesn’t fit your travel schedule or destination, you can consider flying domestically with Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines – both of which I have flown with Helga and can highly recommend. Jet Blue is also cabin-pet friendly. American Airlines has recently relaxed its restrictions and does allow in-cabin pets on most domestic flights now as well.
If you are flying internationally, you can try United, but be sure to check the list of countries where they will not permit in-cabin pets.
Always Verify (Again!)
Whenever I book a flight with my dog in cabin, regardless of the airline, I always call back later to verify the reservation just to make sure it’s there and I don’t hit any unexpected snags. Also, I will always verify the current pet policy of the airline I’m flying on to make sure nothing has changed.
If you found this review of flying with a french bulldog on Delta Airlines helpful, check out these related articles which may be of interest:
- How to Fly With Your Dog in Cabin – Top Tips!
- Staying in a Hotel With Your Dog – Top Tips!
- Flying Volotea Airlines With a Pet in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
- Flying With a French Bulldog on Southwest Airlines
- Flying Alaska Airlines With a Dog in Cabin
- Can French Bulldogs Fly? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Frenchie Travel
