Can You Buy a Seat for Your Dog on Delta Airlines?
Traveling with pets involves a lot of preparation, especially when flying. For pet owners considering Delta Airlines, one common question is whether you can buy a separate seat for your dog. The short and direct answer is no—Delta does not allow passengers to purchase a separate seat for their dog. However, Delta does provide various options for transporting pets depending on their size, weight, and travel route.
Delta’s Policies for Traveling with Dogs
While dogs are not permitted to occupy seats, Delta offers several alternatives to accommodate pet travel. These include in-cabin transport, pet cargo, and service animal allowances. Here’s what you need to know:
1. In-Cabin Travel for Small Dogs
- Eligibility: Small dogs that fit comfortably in a ventilated pet carrier under the seat in front of the passenger may travel in the cabin.
- Fees: A one-way fee applies, typically ranging from $95 to $125 depending on the destination.
- Carrier Requirements: The carrier must be soft-sided and meet specific dimension requirements. It must be small enough to fit under the seat and allow the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down.
- Restrictions: Only one pet per carrier is allowed, and each passenger can bring only one pet in the cabin.
2. Pets as Cargo
- Larger Dogs: Dogs that do not fit in a cabin-approved carrier must be transported via Delta Cargo.
- Advanced Planning: Delta Cargo services must be booked separately from passenger flights and well in advance.
- Temperature Restrictions: Restrictions apply depending on weather; extreme temperatures may prohibit pet transport.
- Health Requirements: A valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is required.
3. Service and Emotional Support Animals
- Service Animals: Only trained service dogs are allowed in the cabin without being confined to a carrier. Delta follows the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for service animals.
- Emotional Support Animals: As of January 2021, Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals as service animals. These pets must meet the standard in-cabin or cargo policies.
Why Delta Doesn’t Allow Seat Purchases for Dogs
Delta maintains this policy for several reasons:
- Safety: Cabin layouts are designed for human safety restraints. Even if a seat is purchased, dogs cannot be secured during turbulence or takeoff using standard seat belts.
- Comfort: Dogs that do not fit under the seat may pose an obstruction, disrupt nearby passengers, or create sanitation issues.
- Regulations: FAA rules do not recognize seat purchase as a valid method to accommodate pets other than trained service animals.
Tips for Flying with Your Dog on Delta
- Book Early: Delta limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so early reservations are essential.
- Use Approved Carriers: Make sure your pet’s carrier is airline-approved and your dog is comfortable using it before your trip.
- Visit the Vet: A health checkup and updated vaccinations may be required for both cabin and cargo travel.
- Know the Rules: Review Delta's website for pet travel exceptions, documentation, and fees based on your travel route.
- Arrive Early: Pets must be processed through security and may require extra time at check-in.
Conclusion
Although Delta doesn't offer the option to buy your dog a dedicated seat, they do provide safe and reasonable pet travel accommodations. Whether your pup is small enough to fly at your feet or requires a cargo-based journey, Delta ensures pets are well-handled throughout the process. Planning ahead, understanding the regulations, and being prepared with the right gear will make the trip as smooth as possible for both you and your dog.
