Recently we conducted an interview of employees of Delta Cargo Department and asked them the same questions that you have asked us in your emails. See the questions and answers below about airline pet travel in cargo.
Q: If my flight schedule consists of a long layover, can I visit my pet? Where does my pet stay?
A: No. Your pet will stay in a temperature controlled cargo holding area that is only available to Delta cargo agents.
Q: Are these cargo agents trained to handle pets?
A: Yes. All of our pet handling cargo agents have gone through extensive training on how to handle and prepare a pet for travel.
Q: Will these agents feed my pet and provide water if necessary?
A: Absolutely. We ask that you provide food in a clear plastic bag and attach it to the cargo crate. We also check all water bowls and refill them if necessary.
Q: Are you allowed to take the pets out of the cargo crate?
A: No. It is against the law for anyone of our cargo agents to take a pet out of their cargo crate unless an emergency situation presents itself.
Q: When is the pet transported onto the plane?
A: Pets are always last to board the plane and always the first to be unloaded.
Q: What happens if my flight is canceled or if my pet misses a connecting flight?
A: If your flight is canceled your pet will wait in the air conditioned cargo holding area until the next flight is available. If a pet happens to miss a connecting flight we will make sure that he/she will be on the next available flight to your destination.
Q: Does Delta have kenneling facilities available at the airport?
A: Yes. Most major airport hubs have kenneling services available in the case that a pet stays overnight.
Q: Is the captain notified if a pet is traveling on the plane?
A: Yes. The captain will be notified if a pet is traveling in the cabin and/or in the cargo area of the plane.
Q: I understand that your limit for pets plus the crate cannot exceed 100 pounds. Could you accommodate me if my pet is over that weight limit?
A: It depends. Most of our larger airport hubs (such as Atlanta, Georgia) will be able to accommodate a larger dog with larger airplanes such as 757’s.
Q: Would you be able to transport my dangerous dog breed?
A: YES. We are one of very few airlines that will accept dangerous dog breeds such as pit bulls and rottweiler for airline travel.
Q: Is there any information that is vital for the pet travel owner to remember?
A: Please keep in mind that a health certificate must be completed within 10 days of travel. If you plan on staying longer than 10 days at your final destination, another health certificate will need to be completed.
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