Flying with Your Pet: Stress-Free Pet Travel Tips & Delta Airline Pet Policies

Traveling with a pet can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when navigating airline policies and ensuring your furry friend’s comfort. At flyingwithpet.com, we specialize in helping pet owners plan safe, smooth journeys with their pets. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, we’re here to guide you through the pet travel process, from choosing the right airline to preparing your pet for the journey.

For personalized assistance in booking your pet’s next flight, call us today at 888-299-1968!

1. Preparing for Traveling with Your Pet

Successful traveling with pets begins with careful preparation. Before booking your flight, ensure that your pet is ready to fly and that you have all the required documentation. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Health Check-Up: Most airlines, including Delta, require a recent health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, typically issued within 10 days of travel. This certificate confirms that your pet is healthy enough for air travel and up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations.
• Crate Training: It’s important that your pet feels comfortable in their travel carrier. Begin crate training at least a few weeks before your trip, allowing your pet time to adjust. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated, secure, and spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Packing Essentials: Ensure you bring everything your pet will need during the journey. This includes food, water, collapsible bowls, waste bags, favorite toys, and any necessary medication. For longer flights, consider packing a pee pad for the carrier.

By preparing ahead of time, you can reduce stress for both you and your pet, making your trip a pleasant one.

2. Delta Airline Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

When it comes to Delta Airline pet travel, Delta offers a range of services for passengers flying with pets. Depending on your pet’s size and breed, they may be allowed to travel in-cabin with you or in the airline’s cargo hold via Delta Cargo.

Delta’s Pet Travel Options:

• In-Cabin Travel: Small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed to travel with you in the cabin on most Delta flights. The pet must remain in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Delta’s maximum carrier dimensions for in-cabin travel are 18” x 11” x 11” (length x width x height).
• Checked Pets (Delta Cargo): For pets too large to fit under the seat, Delta provides the option of shipping pets in the cargo hold. Delta Cargo offers climate-controlled and pressurized environments to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the flight. It’s important to note that you’ll need to make a reservation for pets traveling in cargo at least 48 hours in advance.
• Breed Restrictions: Like many airlines, Delta restricts certain breeds from traveling in the cargo hold, particularly brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs and Persian cats, due to the risk of breathing issues in pressurized environments.

For additional assistance with Delta Airline pet travel or to book your pet’s flight, call us at 888-299-1968.

3. Flying with Your Pet: General Guidelines

Regardless of the airline you choose, there are a few universal guidelines for flying with your pet that can make the experience safer and more comfortable for both of you:

• Check Airline Policies: Each airline has its own pet travel rules, fees, and restrictions. Be sure to check these policies well in advance of your trip. Some airlines limit the number of pets allowed on board per flight, so it’s a good idea to book early.
• Choose the Right Carrier: The carrier you choose should meet your airline’s size and material requirements. It should also be comfortable for your pet, with enough space for them to move around. Soft-sided carriers are typically recommended for in-cabin travel, while hard-sided crates are required for cargo hold travel.
• Feed & Hydrate Wisely: Avoid feeding your pet right before the flight, as this could lead to motion sickness. However, make sure they’re hydrated. Bring along a collapsible water bowl to offer them water during breaks in the journey.
• Exercise Before the Flight: Give your pet plenty of exercise and bathroom breaks before heading to the airport. A tired pet is usually a calmer pet, making the flight easier on both of you.

4. Airline Pet Policies: Comparing Delta with Other Airlines

While Delta Airline pet travel is popular due to their comprehensive pet services, other airlines also offer pet-friendly policies. Below is a quick comparison of Delta’s pet travel policies with other major airlines:

• American Airlines: Like Delta, American Airlines allows small pets in the cabin and provides a cargo option for larger pets.
• United Airlines: United offers the PetSafe program for pets traveling in the cargo hold, which includes tracking and additional care services.
• Southwest Airlines: Known for budget-friendly travel, Southwest allows small pets in the cabin for a flat fee on domestic flights.

Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pets, so always double-check the specific policies before booking. For expert advice on choosing the best airline for your pet, give us a call at 888-299-1968.

5. Top Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth travel experience:

• Book Early: Airlines have limited capacity for pets, so book your pet’s flight as early as possible to secure their spot.
• Stay Calm: Pets are highly sensitive to their owners’ emotions. Staying calm and composed will help your pet remain relaxed during travel.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, check weather conditions at both departure and arrival locations. Some airlines have temperature restrictions for pet travel, so you may need to reschedule if temperatures are too high or too low.

6. Book Your Pet’s Next Flight with Us!

Planning to fly with your pet? Let flyingwithpet.com help you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive resources for pet travel, including airline-specific guidelines, travel tips, and booking assistance.

Call us today at 888-299-1968 to book your pet’s flight, whether you’re flying with Delta or any other major airline. Our team is here to ensure your pet has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey.