Delta Air Lines Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
Planning to fly with your dog on Delta? Here are the current fees, kennel rules, breed restrictions, and booking steps dog owners need to know.
Delta Air Lines Pet Policy Overview
Delta allows small dogs in the cabin on many routes for a one-way fee. Larger dogs generally cannot travel as checked pets unless they qualify under limited military or U.S. State Department exceptions; otherwise, cargo arrangements may apply through Delta Cargo where accepted.
Your dog must remain inside the closed kennel in the airport boarding area, during boarding and deplaning, in Delta Sky Club locations, and throughout the flight. Only one kennel per customer is allowed in the cabin. Delta notes that under-seat space varies by aircraft, so the kennel must fit your specific flight. For larger dogs, Delta’s public policy indicates cargo arrangements may be possible if the pet is too large for a soft-sided kennel, but acceptance is limited and separate cargo procedures apply.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Delta Air Lines
Book your own ticket first on an eligible Delta-operated itinerary. Before you assume your dog can fly, confirm your route does not fall under Delta’s pet restrictions, such as flights to Hawaii or destinations that require pets to travel as cargo.
Check that your dog qualifies for in-cabin travel. Delta requires the dog to be small enough to fit comfortably in a leak-proof, ventilated kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier no larger than 18 x 11 x 11 inches.
Contact Delta Reservations as soon as you have your booking confirmation. Delta limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight, so early contact matters. Ask the agent to add your pet to the reservation and confirm your seat is in an approved area.
Review seat and aircraft restrictions before choosing or changing seats. Pets cannot sit in bulkhead rows, exit rows, no-stowage seats, many flat-bed premium cabins, Delta One, or Delta Premium Select. Some aircraft types and specific rows also have extra restrictions.
Prepare destination paperwork. If you are traveling internationally or returning to the U.S., make sure you have all required vaccination, import, and health documents. Delta specifically notes that dogs entering the U.S. from another country must meet age and documentation rules, including CDC requirements where applicable.
Arrive at the airport with extra time. Delta collects the in-cabin pet fee at check-in, not during online booking. Bring your dog in the approved carrier and be ready for airport staff to verify that the kennel fits policy requirements.
Keep your dog inside the carrier for the full airport and flight process. Delta says the kennel door must remain closed in the boarding area, during boarding and deplaning, in Delta Sky Club spaces, and onboard the aircraft.
If your dog is too large for the cabin, do not assume checked-pet service is available. Delta’s standard public policy no longer offers routine checked pets for most travelers; larger dogs may need a separate Delta Cargo booking where accepted, and military or U.S. State Department exceptions have separate rules and fees.
Delta Air Lines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Delta Air Lines | American Airlines | Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | $150 U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands; $200 most other international routes | $150 per kennel | $58 per carrier |
| Cargo Fee | Varies through Delta Cargo; no standard public flat fee | Varies through American Airlines Cargo | Not offered for pets |
| Weight Limit | No published combined in-cabin weight limit; pet must fit comfortably under seat | Up to 20 lb combined pet + carrier for carry-on pets | No published combined weight limit in cited fee source; pet must fit in carrier under seat |
| Carrier Size | Recommended soft-sided kennel up to 18 x 11 x 11 in. | Hard-sided kennel up to 19 x 13 x 9 in. on American mainline flights | Carrier must fit under seat; Southwest sells/accepts pet carriers and under-seat fit is required |
| Breeds Restricted | Snub-nosed/pug-nosed dogs restricted from checked baggage/cargo | Breed and route restrictions apply; larger or restricted pets may need cargo | No specific breed list cited in fee source; acceptance subject to safe air travel rules |
| Booking Method | Call Delta Reservations for in-cabin; Delta Cargo separately for cargo | Add pet via aa.com/app or with American; cargo through American Airlines Cargo | Reserve pet space with Southwest; pay one-way carry-on pet charge |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Delta charge to fly with a dog in the cabin?
Delta charges $150 each way for in-cabin pets on routes within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025. On most other international routes, the fee is $200 each way.
What size pet carrier does Delta allow in the cabin?
Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18 x 11 x 11 inches. The carrier still has to fit under the seat on your specific aircraft, since under-seat space varies.
Does Delta have a weight limit for dogs in the cabin?
Delta does not publish a standard combined pet-and-carrier weight limit for in-cabin pets on its public overview page. Instead, the dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in the kennel and the kennel must fit under the seat.
Can large dogs fly on Delta?
Usually not in the cabin. If your dog is too large to fit in an approved under-seat kennel, Delta indicates cargo arrangements may be required where accepted. Routine checked-pet options are limited, with special exceptions for some military and U.S. State Department travelers.
Are any dog breeds restricted on Delta?
Yes. Delta does not accept snub-nosed or pug-nosed dogs as checked baggage or cargo. The restricted list includes breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, and Boston Terriers.
How do I add my dog to a Delta reservation?
Book your own flight first, then contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible to add your dog. Delta limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight, so early booking is important.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a Delta flight?
No. Delta requires your pet to remain inside the closed carrier while in the boarding area, during boarding and deplaning, in Delta Sky Club spaces, and throughout the flight.
Are dogs allowed on all Delta routes?
No. Delta has route restrictions. For example, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to Hawaii, and some international destinations require pets to travel as cargo or do not allow pet travel from certain origins.