Delta Airlines
Psychiatric Service
Dog Policy

Delta Airlines Main Takeaways:

Psychiatric service dogs fly free on all Delta Airlines flights with required US DOT documentation.
Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets with fees.
Maximum of two service dogs per passenger on Delta Airlines flights.
Required documentation includes US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form submitted 48 hours before departure (or at airport on travel day).
Service dogs must fit within your foot space without intruding into aisles or other passengers’ areas
Your dog must be fully trained to assist with your psychiatric disability through specific tasks.
Service animals in training are not eligible for service animal accommodations.

Understanding Delta Airlines’ Service Animal Policy

Delta Airlines accommodates passengers with disabilities traveling with trained psychiatric service dogs on flights. Psychiatric service dogs fly free of charge in the aircraft cabin and receive full protection under applicable disability laws. This guide covers current regulations, required documentation, and what to expect when flying with a psychiatric service dog on Delta Airlines.

The Air Carrier Access Act: Federal Law Governing Airline Policies

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enacted in 1986 and codified at 49 U.S.C. § 41705, prohibits discrimination against air travelers with disabilities. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation through 14 CFR Part 382, the ACAA applies to all U.S. airlines including Delta Airlines. The law requires airlines to allow trained service dogs in the cabin at no charge, provide boarding assistance, and make reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities.

Delta Airlines complies with all ACAA requirements and follows the revised DOT service animal regulations. Delta accepts psychiatric service dogs at no cost, processes required DOT documentation, and ensures passengers with service dogs receive equal treatment on all routes operated by Delta Airlines.

Important Policy Change: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Recognized on Flights

Following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s updated service animal regulations, Delta Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals on any flights.

Before Policy Change: Old ESA Rules

Emotional support animals previously flew free in the cabin.
Mental health professional documentation was sufficient for ESAs to qualify for cabin accommodation without pet fees or carrier requirements.

After Policy Change: Current ESA Rules

Only fully trained service dogs qualify as service animals.
Emotional support animals must now follow Delta’s pet travel guidelines with all associated fees and restrictions.
Psychiatric service dogs with documented task training still qualify for free accommodation.
All service animals require DOT documentation.

Psychiatric Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals

The essential difference is task training. Psychiatric service dogs must be dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. The training must be complete as service animals in training do not qualify for service animal status and must travel as pets if they meet pet requirements. Emotional support animals that provide comfort without performing specific trained tasks related to a disability must travel as pets following all pet policies.

Advanced Notice

Delta recommends submitting completed DOT Service Animal forms and service requests at least 48 hours before departure. Complete forms electronically and submit through Delta’s accessibility service request system by selecting “Trained Service Animal” in Step 4.

If you need assistance with forms or book travel less than 48 hours before departure, bring printed copies to the airport on travel day where a Delta agent will help you complete them.

You can check in normally using the Fly Delta app or at the airport. Visiting the check-in counter isn’t required for service animals, but having your DOT forms readily available helps expedite airport processing.

Get Your PSD Letter Now

Delta Airlines PSD Requirements

US DOT Service Animal Form Requirements

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires the Service Animal Air Travel form for all service animals on Delta flights. Download the form from Delta’s website or transportation.gov. The form works with Adobe Acrobat Reader and can be completed electronically. Submit through Delta’s accessibility service request at least 48 hours before departure or present at the airport on travel day.

Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for Flights Over 8 Hours

Flights scheduled for eight hours or longer require an additional DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation form confirming your dog can either avoid relieving itself throughout the flight or can do so in a sanitary manner. Download and submit this form along with your Service Animal Air Travel form.

Training and Health Requirements for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Delta accepts only fully trained psychiatric service dogs. Your dog must have completed training to assist with your disability. Service animals currently in training do not qualify. All service dogs must be current on vaccinations and demonstrate appropriate public behavior without showing aggression or causing disruptions.

No Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs

Delta Airlines does not restrict service dogs based on breed, following federal ACAA regulations. All breeds including pit bull-type dogs are permitted if they meet documentation and behavior requirements.

Behavior Standards During Flight

Your psychiatric service dog must avoid displaying aggressive or inappropriate behavior. Prohibited behaviors include growling, biting, lunging, jumping on people, eating from tray tables, and relieving themselves in the cabin except in designated airport relief areas. Service animals must remain on the floor in your foot space or in your lap if small enough. They cannot occupy passenger seats or extend into aisles.

Seating Rules for Psychiatric Service Dog Handlers

Exit Row Restrictions:

You cannot sit in exit rows when traveling with a service animal. Delta will reassign you to another seat at the gate if you select an exit row.

Cabin Class Access:

Service dogs are permitted in all cabin classes including Delta One, Business Class, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Main Cabin.

Size and Placement Requirements:

Service animals must fit within your seat’s foot space without intruding into aisles or other customers’ areas. Animals may be placed in your lap if small enough or on the floor in front of you.

Bulkhead Seating:

Bulkhead seats are available upon request as they often provide additional floor space for service animals.

If Your Service Animal Doesn’t Fit:

If a single seat cannot accommodate both you and your service animal, you may purchase an additional ticket for floor space or check your service animal to a holding area below the cabin without additional charges.

Number of Service Dogs:

Delta permits up to two service animals per passenger. Ensure adequate floor and/or lap space exists to accommodate both animals, which may require purchasing additional tickets. Complete and submit required DOT documents for each animal.

Animal Relief Areas

All U.S. airports provide designated animal relief areas. Delta agents can help locate these areas and escort you through security if needed.

No Fees for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs travel completely free. Delta does not charge fees for transporting trained service animals or their assistive devices. Your service animal’s kennel (occupied or empty) is exempt from baggage fees. Additional essential items such as beds or food also travel free. Service animals do not count against your carry-on allowance.

Emotional Support Animals: Traveling as Pets on Delta Airlines Flights

Emotional support animals no longer qualify as service animals. Your emotional support animal must travel as a regular pet following all pet travel guidelines, fees, and restrictions.

ESA Pet Fees

In-cabin pets cost $150 USD/CAD for U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands travel. International destinations cost $200 USD/CAD/EUR. Fees vary based on ticket issue date and are non-refundable.

Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Delta recommends soft-sided kennels with maximum dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 11″ as this size fits most aircraft types. Maximum dimensions vary by aircraft as under-seat space differs. Soft-sided kennels must be leak-proof with ventilation on 3 sides (domestic) or 4 sides (international). Your pet must fit comfortably with ability to move around without touching the sides. The kennel must fit underneath the seat directly in front of you.

Pet Travel Requirements

Pet Species Accepted: Small dogs, cats, and household birds on domestic flights. Dogs and cats only for international travel.
Pet Age Requirements: At least 8 weeks old for domestic travel. Dogs must be 6 months old when traveling to the U.S. from another country. Cats must be at least 16 weeks old when entering the U.S. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
Number of Pets: One pet per kennel with exceptions: one female with un-weaned litter between 8 weeks and 6 months (no litter size limit if they fit safely), or two pets of same breed and size between 8 weeks and 6 months if small enough and compatible (charged as one pet).
Carrier Requirements: Pets must remain in kennels with doors secured in Delta boarding areas, during boarding/deplaning, in Delta Sky Club, and on board. You may bring one additional item (personal item or carry-on, not both).
Health Requirements: CDC requires all dogs entering the U.S. to be microchipped, at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Additional documentation may be required based on rabies vaccination location and travel history.
Seating Restrictions: Customers with pets cannot select bulkhead seats, emergency exit rows, seats designated as “no stowage,” flat-bed or Delta One seats, or specific rows on certain aircraft.

Carry-On Pet Limits by Aircraft

Delta has a first-come, first-serve policy with capacity limits. Delta First (Domestic): 2 pets allowed (not in flat-bed cabins). Business Class/Delta One/Delta Premium: 0 pets permitted (service animals allowed). Delta Comfort/Main Cabin: 4 pets allowed.

Booking Your Pet

Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible to book your pet with kennel dimensions ready. Delta has limited capacity per flight on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Check-In Requirements

Visit the Special Service Counter to check in with your pet. A Delta agent will verify requirements and collect the pet fee. Allow extra time. After receiving your cabin pet tag, proceed through security where you must remove your pet from their kennel. After security, pets must remain in kennels except in designated relief areas.

Delta Airlines Travel Requirements

Domestic (United States)

Small dogs, cats, and household birds meeting requirements can travel in cabin on domestic flights. Service dogs are accepted on all domestic flights with proper DOT documentation.

International

Dog or cat traveling outside the contiguous U.S. states requires all documentation for entry into the destination and return to country of origin (if applicable). Documentation requirements vary by destination. For partner airline flights, verify their specific policies.

Destinations Not Allowing Cabin Pets:

Pets must travel as cargo (except service animals) to/from Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. Pet travel is not allowed for pets originating in Brazil, Colombia, or Dominican Republic, or on flights to Hawaii.

US Inbound

CDC requires all dogs entering the U.S. to be microchipped, at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Additional documentation may be required based on rabies vaccination location and travel history regarding high-risk rabies countries.