Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting adventure, but navigating airline policies can sometimes feel like a maze. If you’re considering flying with Delta Airlines and having your pet travel in the cargo hold, understanding their “Pets in Hold” (AVIH) service is crucial. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Delta’s pet travel policy, specifically focusing on the AVIH service.
Understanding Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) Service
Delta Airlines provides the Pets in Hold (AVIH) service as a specific option for certain categories of passengers and animals. It’s essential to determine if your pet travel situation qualifies for this service, as not all animals are eligible to travel as checked baggage on Delta. For pets that do not meet the AVIH criteria, Delta Cargo offers a separate pet transport service.
Who is AVIH For?
The Pets in Hold service on Delta is primarily designed for:
- Active U.S. Military Personnel and their Spouses: Active members of the U.S. military and their spouses with active transfer orders are eligible to use the AVIH service for their pets.
- Active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) and their Spouses: Similar to military personnel, active FSOs and their spouses with active transfer orders can utilize AVIH.
- Trained Service or Support Animals: In situations where a trained service or support animal is unable to travel in the cabin with its handler, the AVIH service can be utilized.
It’s important to note that these are the specific exceptions for pets traveling as checked baggage on Delta. If you do not fall into these categories, or if your pet does not meet the requirements, you will need to explore options through Delta Cargo.
Animals Accepted as Checked Baggage
For eligible travelers, Delta Airlines accepts a limited range of animals as checked baggage under the AVIH service. Customers are permitted to transport two kennels per flight, although giant-sized kennels may need to be shipped as cargo due to aircraft restrictions. The types of animals accepted include:
- Cats: With the exception of snub-nosed breeds. It is important to consult Delta Cargo’s list of snub-nosed cat breeds that are restricted.
- Dogs: Similar to cats, pug or snub-nosed dog breeds are not accepted. Refer to Delta Cargo’s list of restricted snub-nosed dog breeds for clarification.
- Household Birds (Domestic U.S. Only): Only domestic household birds are permitted for travel within the U.S.
- Guinea Pigs (Domestic U.S. Only)
- Rabbits (Domestic U.S. Only)
- Hamsters (Domestic U.S. Only)
- Marmots (Domestic U.S. Only)
It’s crucial to remember that all other animal types, including reptiles and primates such as monkeys and lemurs, must be shipped via Delta Cargo and are not accepted as checked baggage under AVIH.
Delta Pet Travel Fees
Traveling with your pet in hold incurs specific fees, which are applied each time you check your pet in at the airport. These fees will be assessed at each stopover point in your journey. It’s important to be aware that pet travel fees are separate from standard baggage allowances, including those associated with Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. Excess size or weight fees do not apply to pets traveling under the AVIH service.
As of the latest information, the fees are structured as follows:
- Within the U.S. or Between the U.S. / Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: $200 USD
- Between the U.S. and Canada/Caribbean/other International Destinations: $200 USD/CAD/EUR* (CAD amount charged exiting Canada, EUR amount charged exiting Europe)
- Between the U.S. and Brazil: $150 USD
*Please note that fees are subject to change and are based on the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance. Always confirm the most current fees directly with Delta when booking your pet’s travel.
Navigating Connecting Flights with Pets in Hold
Connecting flights introduce additional considerations when traveling with pets in hold. Delta Airlines has specific policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of animals during connections.
Delta’s Connection Policy for Pets
To minimize stress and potential complications for animals, Delta has implemented the following rules for connecting flights with pets in hold:
- Maximum Connections: Delta will not accept animals on itineraries that involve more than one connection.
- Separate Tickets: Generally, Delta will not check animals through to connecting flights on separate tickets, as this may lead to separate fees and logistical complexities. In most cases, customers must collect their pet and re-check them with the operating carrier of the subsequent flight on the separate ticket.
- DL006 Ticket Stock Exception: An exception to the separate ticket rule may be made if all flights are issued on DL006 ticket stock and are operated by Delta.
It is crucial to factor in these connection limitations when planning your pet’s travel itinerary with Delta.
Connecting to SkyTeam Partners
While Delta generally does not check pets through to other airlines, an exception exists for SkyTeam partner airlines. If your journey involves transferring to a SkyTeam partner airline, it may be possible to check your pet through.
To arrange this, it is essential to:
- Contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations: Reach out to Delta’s specialized support teams to inquire about pet in hold requirements when connecting to a SkyTeam partner.
- Verify Acceptance and Charges with the Partner Airline: Confirm directly with the SkyTeam partner airline that they accept animals as checked baggage and understand their specific carrier charges.
- Claim and Re-check: Even with SkyTeam partners, you will likely need to claim your pet from Delta at the connecting point and re-check them with the partner airline. Ensure you allow at least 45 minutes of additional connecting time to facilitate this transfer smoothly.
Conclusion
Delta’s Pets in Hold (AVIH) service offers a valuable option for pet travel under specific circumstances, primarily for military personnel, foreign service officers, and service/support animals. Understanding the eligibility requirements, accepted animal types, fees, and policies regarding connecting flights is vital for a successful and stress-free journey for both you and your pet. Always verify the most up-to-date policies and any potential changes directly with Delta Airlines prior to booking your pet’s travel to ensure compliance and a smooth travel experience.
