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Can I bring my dog on Delta Air Lines?

Carry-On Pets Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee that is collected at check-in. The pet must be able to fit in a soft-sided ventilated pet kennel that will go underneath the seat directly in front of you.



In 2026, Delta Air Lines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights for a one-way fee (typically around $95). The pet must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a ventilated, soft-sided carrier that stows under the seat in front of you. For larger dogs, Delta no longer accepts pets as checked baggage in the cargo hold for standard passengers; only active-duty military members with permanent change of station orders can ship pets this way. All other large dogs must be shipped via Delta Cargo, which requires a more complex booking process through an IPATA-approved agent and is subject to strict "temperature-sensitive" blackouts during the summer and winter. For 2026 travelers, a "pro-tip" is that Delta does not allow pets in the cabin for certain international routes (like the UK, Ireland, or Australia) due to local quarantine laws, so always check the specific "Import Requirements" for your destination country before booking your furry friend's ticket.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements. If not, the airline won't let them board.

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We only allow service dogs flying with their owners, or service dogs in training who are flying with their trainers, on our flights for free. All other cats and dogs fly as pets.

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So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.

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Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane in 2023? Most pet-friendly airlines do not permit travelers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. Small dogs can typically accompany you in the cabin, however, most airlines require them to remain inside a kennel tucked under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

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If you find a dog, cat or turkey next to you on your next flight, it probably has a right to be there. If sitting so close doesn't work for you, let the flight attendants know—they will try to help.

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Forms Requirements: A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country.

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The short answer here is no, you cannot fly with your large dog in the cabin during your flight. Most airlines have a requirement that to travel in the cabin, dogs must be able to fit inside a carrier that is stored underneath a plane seat.

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Airline pet travel for smaller dogs and cats Most of the major airlines are still accepting one pet per passenger at an average cost of $125.00 each way on domestic flights. 1. You must make a reservation well in advance as only one or two pets per flight are allowed. The reservation should be done over the telephone.

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Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules.

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Understand the Pet Air Travel Rules and Regulations
  1. Your pet must be over eight weeks of age.
  2. His rabies immunization must be up to date.
  3. A veterinarian-issued health certificate that states the animal is in okay condition for air travel.
  4. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of the flight.


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Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier, as indicated below. Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight.

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With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.

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Don't feed your pet in the hours leading up to flight departure because a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet, United Airlines' website says. It recommends that you avoid feeding a healthy, large-breed adult dog within four hours of takeoff.

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