Comparing Pet Shipping Options: Delta Airlines vs. American Airlines

Shipping your pet via air travelcom/blog/comparing-pet-shipping-options-delta-airlines-vs-united-airlines”>Delta Airlines Pet Shippingpper.com/blog/5-things-to-consider-before-shipping-your-pet-with-frontier-airlines”>American Airlines Pet Shippingel can be a daunting experience for both you and your furry companion. Two major US airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines, offer pet shipping services with different policies and requirements. In this article, we will compare the pet shipping options provided by Delta Airlines and American Airlines to help you make an informed decision.

Delta Airlines Pet Shipping

Delta Airlines offers two options for pet transportation: in-cabin and as cargo.

In-cabin: Small pets, such as cats, dogs, and birds, can travel in the cabin with their owner. The pet carrier must fit under the seat and adhere to size restrictions. Delta Airlines does not permit snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in the cabin.

Cargo: Larger pets that don’t meet in-cabin requirements can be transported as cargo via Delta Cargo. They have a temperature-controlled environment and adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines for pet transportation.

American Airlines Pet Shipping

American Airlines also provides two options for pet transportation: in-cabin and as cargo.

In-cabin: Similar to Delta Airlines, small pets can travel in the cabin, provided their carrier meets size restrictions. American Airlines allows a wider range of small pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and some birds.

Cargo: American Airlines has a dedicated pet transportation service called American Airlines Cargo. They provide temperature-controlled environments and comply with IATA guidelines for safe pet transport.

Comparing Services

When comparing the pet shipping services of Delta Airlines and American Airlines, consider factors such as:

1. Pet acceptance: American Airlines allows a broader range of small pets in-cabin, whereas Delta Airlines has more restrictions on snub-nosed breeds.
2. Temperature-controlled environments: Both airlines offer temperature-controlled environments for pets traveling as cargo. This ensures that your pet is comfortable throughout the journey.
3. Cost: The costs of pet shipping services can vary between airlines. Compare the fees for both in-cabin and cargo options to find the most suitable choice for your budget.
4. Safety measures: Both Delta Airlines and American Airlines adhere to IATA guidelines for pet transportation. This ensures that your pet is transported safely and securely.

Alternative Pet Shipping Options

If you’re still unsure about which airline to choose or are looking for alternative pet shipping options, consider using a dedicated pet transportation service like CitizenShipper. To find out what airlines allow pets to fly alone and the benefits of using a specialized pet shipping service, visit their website.

Considering Layovers and Travel Duration

Another factor to consider when comparing Delta Airlines and American Airlines for pet shipping is the duration of the journey and potential layovers. Lengthy layovers or connecting flights can add stress to your pet’s travel experience. To minimize the impact on your pet, aim to choose a direct flight whenever possible.

Delta Airlines Layovers

Delta Airlines has hubs in various major cities across the United States, such as Atlanta, Detroit, and Los Angeles. This network of hubs can help reduce layovers and travel times when shipping your pet. However, it is essential to carefully examine the flight itinerary and ensure that the chosen flight minimizes layovers and any additional stress for your pet.

American Airlines Layovers

Like Delta Airlines, American Airlines has numerous hubs in cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Chicago. These hubs can also help in reducing layovers for your pet’s journey. As with Delta, reviewing the flight itinerary and selecting a flight that offers the shortest travel time and the least number of layovers is crucial.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Pet

Both Delta Airlines and American Airlines offer comprehensive pet shipping services with various advantages and disadvantages. To choose the best option for your pet, consider factors like pet acceptance, temperature-controlled environments, costs, safety measures, and travel duration. Additionally, evaluate alternative pet shipping options like dedicated pet transportation services such as CitizenShipper. You can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your beloved pet by thoroughly examining all available options.

Additional Services and Support

When comparing Delta Airlines and American Airlines for pet shipping, it is essential to consider the additional services and support provided by each airline. This can include customer service, pet handling, and tracking capabilities.

Delta Airlines Services and Support

Delta Airlines offers the Delta Cargo service, which provides a dedicated customer service team for pet shipping inquiries. They also provide real-time tracking for pets through their GPS On-Demand service. This feature allows you to monitor your pet’s location throughout the journey, providing peace of mind and ensuring your pet’s safety.

American Airlines Services and Support

American Airlines also offers a dedicated customer service team for pet shipping through their American Airlines Cargo service. The airline provides live animal tracking through its cargo tracking system, ensuring you can keep track of your pet’s location during the entire journey.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Regardless of which airline you choose for shipping your pet, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare your pet for travel:

1. Schedule a veterinary checkup before the journey to ensure your pet is healthy and fit for travel.
2. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and obtain the necessary health certificates.
3. Purchase an airline-approved pet carrier that provides enough space for your pet to move comfortably.
4. Familiarize your pet with the carrier to minimize stress during the journey.
5. Ensure your pet is wearing identification tags and microchipped for easy identification.

New CDC Rule

The CDC has recently passed new laws concerning flying with pets. These new rules are intended to limit the exposure of rabies in the United States. Due to these new rules, airlines have decided to embargo pets from flying into the United States from countries or territories considered “high risk” for rabies or if the pet has been in a high-risk location within the past six months.

FAQs

What are the main differences between Delta Airlines and American Airlines pet shipping services?

Delta Airlines and American Airlines both offer reliable pet shipping services, but they differ in terms of pet acceptance policies, temperature-controlled environments, costs, safety measures, travel duration, and additional services.

Can I ship my pet with Delta Airlines or American Airlines if it is a snub-nosed breed?

Both Delta Airlines and American Airlines have restrictions on snub-nosed breeds due to the increased risk of respiratory issues during flights. Before booking a pet shipment, it is essential to check with the airline for specific breed restrictions.

Do Delta Airlines and American Airlines provide temperature-controlled environments for pet shipping?

Yes, both airlines offer temperature-controlled environments for pets during the flight. However, you should verify with the airline to ensure they have the proper facilities for your pet’s specific needs.

How can I track my pet’s location during their journey with Delta Airlines or American Airlines?

Delta Airlines provides real-time tracking for pets through their GPS On-Demand service, while American Airlines offers live animal tracking through their cargo tracking system. Both services allow you to monitor your pet’s location throughout the journey.

What are some alternative pet shipping options to consider?

An alternative to airline pet shipping is using dedicated pet transportation services like CitizenShipper, which offers a more personalized experience for your pet and connects you with thoroughly screened drivers.

Conclusion: Delta Airlines vs. American Airlines

In conclusion, both Delta Airlines and American Airlines offer reliable pet shipping services with various pros and cons. To make an informed decision, it is essential to compare the factors discussed in this article, such as pet acceptance, temperature-controlled environments, costs, safety measures, travel duration, and additional services.

Don’t forget to explore alternative pet shipping options like CitizenShipper, a dedicated pet transportation service that offers a more personalized experience for your pet. By considering all factors and options, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your beloved pet.