🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Delta Air Lines (United States) carries dogs in the cabin only: convenient for small dogs, but a dead end if yours is too heavy. Here are the exact conditions, the fees and the steps to follow.

In the cabin

Delta Air Lines accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 9 kg (20 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect roughly $150 to $200.

Airline conditions: Dog + carrier max ~9 kg (20 lb); $150 domestic, $200 international.

In the hold: via the cargo service

Delta Air Lines does not carry dogs as accompanied baggage: hold transport goes through the cargo/freight service, priced by quote and with its own dedicated logistics. Checked-baggage hold transport has been discontinued (except for military members); the general public goes through Delta Cargo, and brachycephalic breeds are refused.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, Delta Air Lines applies restrictions to flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, favor the cabin when their weight allows it, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Delta Air Lines to add your dog to the reservation.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, rabies vaccination, health certificate or pet passport, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies enormously from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our Can My Dog Fly? comparison tool and browse the comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Delta Air Lines? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: United States, Japan, European Union, Spain, United Kingdom, Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

Does Delta Air Lines accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 9 kg (20 lb) including the carrier.
How does a large dog travel on Delta Air Lines?
Only via the airline’s cargo/freight service (Delta Cargo), priced by quote.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Delta Air Lines?
As a guide: cabin $150 on domestic flights and $200 on international flights. The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Delta Air Lines — pet travel, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — always confirm with Delta Air Lines before booking.