Delta says most pets must be shipped as cargo

Beginning March 1 next year, Delta passengers who are accustomed to checking their pets as “baggage,” will need to book them on Delta Cargo. The airline will continue to allow small animals as carry-on luggage, and will also let members of the military with active transfer orders to transport their pets as checked baggage. Additionally, Delta will accept documented service and emotional support animals that comply with federal regulations to fly in the passenger area.

Pets carried on Delta Cargo are closely monitored by customer service teams during travel and are kept in temperature-controlled holding areas while on the ground. Customers need to book their pet with Delta Cargo separately from their own flight. Additionally, pets shipped domestically on Delta Cargo cannot be booked until 14 days before departure, and the animal must be dropped off at the cargo location – separate from the passenger terminal – at least three hours before the flight is scheduled to leave. International pet shipments must be handled by International Pet and Animal Transportation Association members.

The move comes after a number of pet deaths on Delta Air Lines. Market Watch pointed out that Delta has the highest rate of pet fatalities among domestic airlines, accounting for approximately 25 percent of all flight-related pet deaths between May 2005 and September 2015. In that period, 74 animals have died and 14 are unaccounted for.