Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure, and for certain situations, Delta Airlines offers a service called Pets in Hold (AVIH) to accommodate your furry, feathered, or scaled companions. Understanding the specifics of Delta’s pet travel policy, especially for pets traveling in the cargo hold, is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Delta Airlines’ Pet in Hold service, focusing on who can use it, which animals are accepted, associated fees, and important considerations for connecting flights.
Who Can Utilize Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) Service?
Delta’s AVIH service is primarily designed for specific categories of travelers and animals. It’s important to determine if you qualify before planning your pet’s journey as checked baggage. This service is exclusively available for:
- Active U.S. Military Personnel and Active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) & their Spouses: This eligibility is extended to those with active transfer orders, recognizing the unique travel needs of military and foreign service families. Specific documentation and adherence to federal regulations are mandatory.
- Trained Service or Support Animals: If your service or support animal is unable to travel in the cabin due to size or other valid reasons, the AVIH service offers an alternative.
For all other pet owners and animals not meeting these specific criteria, Delta Airlines requires pets to travel as freight through Delta Cargo. This distinction is important to note when planning your pet’s travel with Delta.
Accepted Animals and Breed Restrictions for AVIH
Delta Airlines has specific guidelines regarding the types of animals they accept as checked baggage under the AVIH service. Generally, the following animals are permitted for eligible travelers:
- Cats: Most domestic cats are accepted, however, it’s crucial to note that snub-nosed breeds are restricted due to potential respiratory issues during air travel. Refer to Delta Cargo’s list of relevant breeds for a comprehensive list of restricted cat breeds.
- Dogs: Similar to cats, most dog breeds are allowed, but pug or snub-nosed dog breeds are also restricted. Consult the list of relevant breeds provided by Delta Cargo to confirm if your dog’s breed is permitted.
- Household Birds (Domestic U.S. Only): Domesticated birds are accepted for travel within the United States.
- Small Domesticated Animals (Domestic U.S. Only): This category includes guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and marmots, but is limited to domestic travel within the U.S.
It’s important to remember that all other animal types, including reptiles and primates (such as monkeys, lemurs, gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans), are strictly prohibited from traveling as checked baggage and must be shipped via Delta Cargo. Furthermore, giant-sized kennels might also be subject to cargo-only restrictions depending on the aircraft and class of service.
Understanding Pet Travel Fees with Delta AVIH
When utilizing the AVIH service, it’s essential to be aware of the applicable fees. Delta Airlines charges pet fees each time your pet is checked in at the airport, and these fees will be assessed at each stopover point. Keep in mind:
- Fees are not included in free baggage allowance: Neither standard baggage allowances nor Delta SkyMiles American Express card free baggage benefits apply to pet travel.
- No excess size or weight fees: While standard baggage size and weight restrictions don’t apply, the standard pet fees are still in place.
- Fees vary by destination:
- Within the U.S. or Between the U.S. /Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: $200 USD per pet.
- Between the U.S. and Canada/Caribbean/other International Destinations: $200 USD/CAD/EUR* per pet. (*CAD amount is charged for departures from Canada, and EUR for departures from Europe).
- Between the U.S. and Brazil: $150 USD per pet.
It’s crucial to remember that fees are subject to change, and the fees established at the time of ticket issuance will apply. Always confirm the most up-to-date fee information directly with Delta Airlines before your travel date.
Navigating Connecting Flights with Pets in Hold
Connecting flights introduce additional complexities when traveling with pets in hold. Delta Airlines has specific policies to ensure the safety and well-being of animals during transfers:
- Limited Connections: Delta generally does not accept animals on itineraries with more than one connection.
- Separate Tickets: Checking pets through on separate tickets is typically not permitted, as separate fees may apply. You would generally need to collect your pet and re-check them with the operating carrier of the subsequent ticket. An exception might be made for separate tickets issued on DL006 ticket stock where all flights are Delta-operated.
- Interline Transfers (Other Airlines): Delta generally cannot check animals through to other airlines, with the exception of SkyTeam partner airlines. If transferring to a SkyTeam partner, contact Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support for specific procedures and requirements. You will need to confirm pet acceptance and any applicable charges with the connecting airline. In most cases, you will need to claim your pet from Delta at the connection point and re-check them with the other airline, allowing at least 45 minutes for transfer time in addition to the standard legal connection time.
Important Note: Delta and Delta Cargo do not accept warm-blooded animals on flights with an average flight time exceeding 12 hours. Always consider this limitation when planning long-distance pet travel.
Conclusion: Planning Your Pet’s Travel with Delta AVIH
Delta Airlines’ Pets in Hold (AVIH) service offers a valuable option for eligible military personnel, foreign service officers, and those traveling with service or support animals that cannot travel in the cabin. By understanding the eligibility requirements, accepted animal types, breed restrictions, fees, and connecting flight policies, you can better prepare for a smoother travel experience for both you and your pet. Always remember to book your pet’s travel well in advance (at least 48 hours before departure for military/FSO personnel), verify the most current policies and fees with Delta directly, and prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the journey. For any situations outside of AVIH eligibility or for restricted animals, remember to explore Delta Cargo for your pet shipping needs.
