Delta’s service dog policy lets your service dog into the airplane cabin free of charge. That includes service dogs for physical disabilities as well as psychiatric service dogs. Service dog owners have this legal right thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, which applies to all flights to, from, and within the United States.

The process for bringing a service dog on Delta is different from bringing a service dog to a store or public venue. Regular pets would fly under Delta’s pet policy. You’ll need to submit special paperwork ahead of time, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

What to Do Before Your Flight

Before flying with your service dog on Delta, you’ll need to complete these steps:

  1. Book your flight with Delta.
  2. Complete the DOT Service Animal Form for your service dog. Remember to do it at least 48 hours before departure.
  3. Submit your forms through Delta’s online Accessibility Request system on their website. You’ll select “Trained Service Animal” in Step 4 of the form.
    (If you can’t submit online or your flight is less than 48 hours away, you can bring the forms to the airport.)
  4. Call Delta at (404) 209-3434 to make sure your service dog is noted in your reservation.

Keep in mind your service dog needs to be at least 4 months old for domestic flights, and also note that service dogs for Delta are not subject to breed restrictions. 

What to Do on Travel Day

On travel day, bring printed copies of your DOT forms even if you submitted them online. Counter and gate agents might ask to see them, and having paper copies makes everything smoother.

You can check in normally — use the Fly Delta app, online check-in, or airport kiosks. Service dogs don’t need special counter service like regular pets do.

At security, your service dog will go through TSA screening with you. Sometimes they’ll need to do a separate screening of your dog. If you’re worried about the security process, call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 before your trip — they can arrange for someone to help you through.

Find the pet relief areas before heading to your gate. Every U.S. airport has them, and Delta agents can point you in the right direction. Getting to the gate early gives you time to coordinate with the gate agents about boarding.

You can choose to pre-board if you need extra time to get settled, or just board with your regular zone. The gate agents are there to help make sure your service dog has enough floor space.

If something goes wrong, ask for a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). They’re specially trained to handle disability-related issues. You might also see Delta’s Red Coats, employees in bright red jackets who provide extra customer service help.

Delta Sky Club Access

If you have Sky Club access, your service dog is welcome there, too. Just remember, they need to stay on the floor (not on the furniture) and can’t eat from the club’s dishes. Keep them close when you’re at the food stations.

What to Do During Your Flight

Once you’re on board with your service dog, here are Delta’s most important rules. Breaking these could get you removed from the flight, so pay close attention:

  • Your service dog must stay in your foot space, the floor area in front of your seat. If they’re small enough, they can sit on your lap.
  • Dogs absolutely cannot sit in airplane seats or block the aisle. This is a federal rule, not just Delta being picky.
  • Your dog needs to behave appropriately. That means no growling, lunging, jumping on other passengers, or excessive barking (unless they’re alerting you about your disability).
  • No eating off tray tables or relieving themselves in the cabin.

If your service dog is too big to fit in your floor space without blocking the aisle, you might need to buy an extra seat or take a different flight. Delta will work with you to find a solution.

For international flights, different countries have different rules. Hawaii needs a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel. European countries need veterinary certificates. Some places, like Egypt, have temporary restrictions. Always check with the destination country’s website before you book.

Delta’s Special Features

Delta has some unique features that make traveling with a service dog easier:

  • Multi-Sensory Room. At Atlanta and LaGuardia airports, Delta has special rooms with airplane mock-ups. If you or your service dog are nervous flyers, you can practice being on a plane before your actual flight.
  • 24/7 Accessibility Hotline. Call 404-209-3434 anytime for help with disability services. They can answer questions, help with bookings, and solve problems in real-time.
  • Red Coats. These are Delta’s elite customer service folks in bright red uniforms. They’re especially qualified to help you navigate the airport and solve tricky situations.
  • No More ESAs. Since Delta stopped accepting emotional support animals in 2021, there’s less confusion at the gate. Service dogs are service dogs, period. ESAs now travel as pets (for $125 each way, in a carrier).