What to do if you have a service dog and want to fly on Delta?

Before you arrive at the airport, make sure to read the airline’s rules.

If you plan to bring your service dog with you on Delta Air Lines you should review their service dog policy so that you are both prepared to travel.

What you should know before bringing your service dog with Delta.

Delta does allow service dogs. Federal laws also protect their use when you fly, as long as they meet specific requirements. The Air Carrier Access Act allows you to bring a specially-trained dog onboard that is able to carry out tasks related to a specific disability, whether it’s physical, mental or any other type.

The service dog must be able to fit under the seat, or on the floor in front of the person. This space cannot be exceeded. They cannot exceed this space.

Service dogs are not allowed to wander on their own. When seated on Delta One they have to remain within the designated foot space when the seat does not recline.

The customer can purchase a second seat at the same cost as the first seat if there is space. Dogs are not allowed to sit on the seats, but they can take up the space under the seat.

It is prohibited to train a service dog.

1. A check-in agent at the airport will request the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form. The form is required for flights that are booked over 48 hours in advance. It must be sent through the Delta Reservations My Trips Accessibility Request Form. If you have less than 48 hours to go before your flight, the form can be presented at either the departure gate or ticket counter. Even if your dog is registered with the National Service Animal Registry, you will still need to provide the same documents.

2. Check that all required vaccines, such as rabies, have been completed before you travel.

3. You can bring a service dog approved by the airline into the Delta Sky Club lounge, as long as it follows the same rules as the ones on board the plane.

4. Before boarding a flight, it’s advisable to allow your dog to use the toilet. Airports in the United States have animal relief zones. Allow extra time for check-in and boarding the plane, as airport staff or cabin crew might need to look over documentation.

You can fly your service dog for free with Delta. However, you will need to have all the necessary documentation. The service dog and its accessories, such as blankets, food, and kennels, are also free.

The airline has the right to ask for documentation, and to have a customer describe what the dog does. The airline can check the vest and harness to see if it is appropriate for a service animal.

Airlines have the right not to allow the animal to travel if it is large, or a nuisance (barking or biting or snarling or jumping, or eating from the tray table on an aircraft). This will ensure that other passengers aren’t disturbed.

The airline can deny travel to the passenger if they feel that the dog is making other passengers and the crew uneasy. The cargo area is free to check in service dogs.

Airlines may also verify the health of an animal and any entry requirements or documentation if it is traveling to another country.

The process can be simple if you have the proper documentation (which is usually completed in advance) and are travelling with a dog who performs an essential function for a person with a handicap.

Allow extra time to answer any questions that an agent may have and for the dog to eliminate itself.

By following the simple (and appropriate) steps, you can have your service dog and yourself comfortably on the way above the clouds.