Fee for Pet in Cabin
 

We'd like to carry two small dogs in the cabin to a domestic destination this month.

I read on delta.com that the fee is $100 per pet one way :td:

How strict is Delta on charging the fee? It appears gate agents have discretion to pick and choose what fees gets charged.

My understanding is that DL is pretty strict about charging the fee. IIRC, at one time I also believe that there was a limit as to how many dogs DL allowed in a cabin on a flight. I can't swear to it though. Maybe someone else here can help out.

Delta Pet Policy

First: 2
BusinessElite: 2
Coach: 4

If both of your dogs are under 20 pounds, the same species and can remain in the same carrier with enough space, you would only be charged for a single pet, per the policy link I just posted (not a DL employee, so take it for what it is worth).

Delta is as strict with the fee for pets as they for humans. If you want to fly, you have to pay. The fees are not unusual as other airlines charge similar fees.


Continental
United
American
Southwest

Thanks DevilDawg - I had read the Pet Policy, where I learned the fees and restrictions on the number of pets allowed.

It's my hope that FT pet owners or insiders might shed light on the rigidity of this fee actually being collected.

It is no different than flying with an infant. If you'd like your pets you fly, you must pay the fee. If you can't afford or don't want to pay, leave the pets at home.

Having done this a few times, I can assure you there is virtually zero chance of having the fee waived.

As far as the fee, market forces. UA charges $125 one way per pet. So does CO. US charges $100/pet each way. Even WN charges $75 one way per carrier.

It looks like DL raised the limits on pets per cabin (unless my memory is shot, it used to be 1 in F and 2 in Y), but you should still call in to let them know you are planning on bringing a pet in the cabin on your specific flights--they will reserve one of the slots for you so that you don't have to worry about getting the pet bumped because they're already at the pet limit.

Good advice. Thanks for your post.

I've flown with two pets multiple times. Every time I've been charged the feem, so I'd say you have zero chance of having the fee waived. One is 5 pounds, and the other is 10 pounds but not the same species. I've been tempted to put them in the same carrier, but it just seems cruel. The size of an approved pet carrier is awfully tiny. Trying to cram in two little guys just didn't seem right.

For good or for bad, the only way I have seen the pet in cabin fee waived is if the owner claims the animal is a "service animal" and provides "emotional support" to the owner during flight. I was wondering why the pet was not in the carrier in the gate area of my small airport, then saw the anaimal again taken out and cuddled by the passenger in-flight.

The agent told me that they see more and more "service animals" in this regard and basically can do nothing about it. I wonder why there were not as many such service animals when there was no pet-in-cabin fee or when the fee was lower??

Beware of flying DL Connection with more than one pet. A friend called DL weeks ahead of their flight, had two cats confirmed directly by DL for their flight. When they showed up for the flight (last flight of the day), DL told them that only one pet was allowed in cabin on that aircraft. Since it was clearly DL's fault for confirming two pets on the same flight (by the same pax, both booked at the same time on the same phone call), DL put up one of the pax (fortunately husband and wife were traveling together) and one pet in a hotel at DL's expense and rebooked him to fly out the next morning.

My experience is quite different from those posted. We always call ahead and reserve the space which results in no kiosk or online check-in. We have only been charged about 50% of the time depending on the station. Though we have been charged more often recently.
As with anything, YMMV.

Double post.

[QUOTE=AndyTLe;12905602]It is no different than flying with an infant. /QUOTE]

I've never seen a "lap pet". :D