If you travel with your cat, this is big news: Delta has announced that pets will no longer travel as cargo on their planes; instead, the pets can fly in the plane cabins. The new change will take place in March, 2016.
According to the statement released, “Delta will no longer accept pets as checked baggage, but will continue to transport allowable pets in all cabins of service except Delta One, effective March 1, 2016. Customers may also ship pets for travel within the United States as freight through Delta Cargo.”
The change is likely prompted by the fact that many pets have died and/or gone missing on Delta planes in the past. The temperature and air pressure can wildly fluctuate in cargo holds, which can cause pets to have serious health issues and even die.
Allowing pets to travel in plane cabins is a safer option, but large dogs won’t be able to fit in the cabins. The owners of large dogs may choose to fly their dogs via Delta Cargo. According to Delta, “Pets that are transported via Delta Cargo are monitored closely by customer service teams during their travel. While at airports, pets are handled in temperature-controlled holding areas and vans. Also, Delta Cargo enlists professional kenneling services if overnight stays are required.”
It’s encouraging to see an airline respond to the safety issues which led to the deaths of many pets. Delta has taken steps to make air travel safer and more enjoyable for pets – if you fly via Delta, you can expect to start sharing your space with four-legged travelers this March.
this will take care of the problem of cats getting lost or escaping their cages in cargo! hooray!!!