Delta Cargo

General Information

Delta recognizes that when transporting live animals we are often entrusted with what is considered a member of one’s family, along with that there are many regulatory statutes that we must comply with. Please note that kennels with plastic doors and plastic side latches are not acceptable. In reference to the plastic side latch, the kennel can be accepted if the shipper chooses drill holes and add metal nuts and bolts in place of the side plastic latch. Kennels with plastic doors are strictly prohibited. The kennels must be large enough to allow the animal to stand and sit erect without any part of the animal's head, including ears, touching the top of the kennel. The animal must be able to turn around and lay in a natural position.

Additionally, Delta will no longer accept any American, English or French bulldogs, regardless of their age or weight. While we regret the decision to restrict this particular breed, we remain committed to the animal's safety, just as we do with our passengers.

Delta Cargo's Live Animal (PDF) program is designed to address the special needs of all warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals. Recognized by pet owners and commercial shippers for our industry-leading level of service, Delta Cargo provides safe transport of pets and other live animals throughout the world.

Delta Cargo provides three convenient options for shipping your animal. DASH is our small package express service for U.S.-based shipments. We also provide U.S. based and International transportation for the widest variety of animal species.

• Most all animal species are accepted at Delta Cargo facilities (where available), and at select Delta ticket counters. Certain restrictions apply.
• Our U.S. based and international programs provide safe, reliable shipping options for acceptable animals, and are ideal for large animals, and for multi-animal bulk shipments. Maximum weight and size is based on local handling capabilities and aircraft capacity. Delta's fleet of wide body 747, 777, and A330 passenger aircraft are uniquely equipped to handle large animal shipments.
• Collect shipments (person at the destination pays the freight charges only) are accepted within the 48 contiguous United States and Alaska. All other shipments must be prepaid by cash, check, credit card, or Delta Cargo account. COD shipments are not accepted. Collect shipments are not permitted for DASH or international shipments.
• U.S. domestic interline connections within the 50 U.S. states are available between Delta and select carriers.

Additional fees and charges may apply. Terminal handling charges, customers clearance fees, veterinarian services, and/or kennel storage fees are in addition to shipping rates and will be charged to the shipper and/or consignee upon arrival at the destination airport. All fees and charges must be paid in full prior to the release of the animal.

When you check in you will be asked to complete a live animal checklist label. When you sign this label, you are confirming that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours of check-in. You must also give feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period as well as provide full information on any medications you have administered, when applicable. If in-transit feeding is necessary, you must provide food.

Rates
DASH rates are based on the weight of the kennel and its contents, including your pet.

DASH rates in PDF format.

U.S. based and International rates vary based on origin and destination and the size and weight of the kennel or container.

U.S. origin rates in PDF format.

International rates in PDF format.

Service animals traveling as DASH, U.S. based or International (either alone or accompanied) will be charged the applicable live animal rate.

Military Discount

Delta Cargo offers active military personnel a 40% discount when shipping their personal pets internationally. The shipper must present an active military ID or a copy of a Power of Attorney (POA) along with the military orders when the pet is brought to Delta Cargo for travel. If the shipper is the POA, the military soldier must be listed as the consignee. Please call 1.800.352.2746 for more information.

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Kennels and Other Live Animal Shipping Containers

You must use a kennel that meets USDA and IATA LAR regulations. You may use your own kennel or purchase an approved kennel at most pet supply stores. If you are shipping an animal other than a dog or cat, please ask our representative to explain the container requirements needed to ship the animal.

All dog and cat kennels must meet the following guidelines:

Construction

• The kennel must be of rigid construction with a solid top and have ventilation openings on at least three sides. For international travel, regulations require the kennel have ventilation openings on all four (4) sides. Kennels with doors or ventilation openings on top are not permitted.
• Soft-sided kennels, hard-sided carry-on kennels, and kennels made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, or wicker are prohibited as they do not meet applicable regulations.
• Knockdown or folding kennels are prohibited due to the risk of collapse during transport.
• The door must be made of metal. Plastic or Fiberglas™ doors, including side plastic latches, are prohibited because they lack sufficient strength to protect your animal during normal handling. Kennels with doors on top are also prohibited.
• All hardware (nuts, bolts, rivets, latches, clamps, locking mechanisms, etc.) must be secure and in good repair. A metal nut and bolt must be secured in each hole provided on kennels.
• Do not put a lock on the kennel door. In accordance with Federal regulations, the animal must be accessible in the event of an emergency.
• A spacer bar or rim, protruding at least ¾ in. (1.9 cm) must be provided on all sides with ventilation openings.
• Regulations require that wheels, if any, be locked or otherwise rendered inoperable. If your kennel has wheels they must either be removed or taped to prevent the kennel from rolling in transit.

Prohibited/Restricted Kennels:

• Kennels made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard, or collapsible materials are strictly prohibited.
• Kennels with dual opening doors (i.e. one top and one side).
• Kennels with plastic front doors and/or plastic side latches securing the top and bottom halves together without metal hardware.

Size

• Regulations require that the kennel be large enough to permit your dog or cat to stand and sit erect, to turn around, and to lie in a natural position. Kennels that prohibit the animal from turning around are prohibited.
• Your dog or cat’s head (including its ears) must not touch the top while sitting or standing inside the kennel. A good rule-of-thumb is to stand the animal next to the kennel's exterior. If its head or ears extend beyond the top of the kennel, then a larger kennel will be required.
• Kennels for animals other than dogs or cats must be large enough to allow the animal to stand and sit erect, to lie, and to turn about freely.

Food and Water Dishes

• Your kennel must have two empty dishes (one for food and one for water) securely fastened to the inside of the kennel, yet accessible from the outside without opening the door.
• A one piece dish is permitted provided it is divided into two separate compartments.
• Water bottles are permitted provided they are firmly secured to the outside of the kennel and are refillable without opening the door. A separate dish for food as described above is also required.

Absorbent Material

• The kennel must contain absorbent material or bedding. Towels, blankets, and shredded black and white newspaper are good choices.
• Do not use colored newspaper. The inks used in color printing may be toxic to animals.
• Organic materials like straw, hay, or wood shavings are prohibited outside of the contiguous 48 United States and Alaska.

Required Labels and Markings

• U.S. and international regulations require kennels or containers holding live animals be labeled or marked in English and in block letters as follows:
  1. The words "LIVE ANIMAL" at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high on the tops and on at least one side.
  2. Indicate the top with arrows or the words "THIS END UP" on at least two sides.
  3. If the animal can inflect poisonous bites or stings, the word "POISONOUS" in letters at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) high on the top of the container.
  4. If feeding is required during transit, indicate feeding instructions on top of the kennel. It will be necessary to securely attach the food on the outside of the kennel or container. A signed statement from a veterinarian is required if no food is to be given.
  5. You must certify, in writing, that warm-blooded animals tendered for transportation have been offered food and water within four hours prior to check-in with Delta. We suggest you not feed your pet less than two hours prior to check-in. Traveling on a full stomach can be uncomfortable for the animal.
  6. If the animal has been sedated, tranquilized, or otherwise medicated federal regulations require you indicate on top of the kennel or container the generic name of the drug used, the weight of each animal, the dosage, how the drug was administered (oral, injection, etc.), and the time the animal was medicated.
• Caution: Routine sedation or tranquilization of pets is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED as the drug's effects at high altitudes are unpredictable and may cause serious illness. Contact your veterinarian for more information.

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Restrictions

Animals Accepted for Transportation
Delta Cargo accepts all species of live animals for transportation, with the following restrictions:

• Delta will not accept for transport or transfer to other air carriers international interline live animal shipments of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans. Delta will accept for carriage online international live animal cargo shipments to international destinations solely on the Delta route system.
• The acceptance of live animals destined to the United Kingdom is limited to properly prepared and documented shipments of dogs, cats, ferrets, insects, and live fish. All other shipments of live animals to the United Kingdom are prohibited.
• Non-human primates, regardless of species, are accepted only when being shipped between zoological organizations, societies, wildlife preserves, or rehabilitation centers. All other shipments of non-human primates, including shipments between private parties, are prohibited. Non-human primates (when acceptable) must be completely weaned and a minimum of two years of age.
• The following breeds of dogs and cats have been identified by Delta as pug or snub-nosed breeds. These breeds will be refused transportation if the temperature on any portion of their journey is greater than 75°F.
  
  

  Examples of Dogs		Examples of Cats
  American Bull Dog*	Lhasa Apso	Burmese
  American Staffordshire Terrier	Japanese Boxer	Exotic
  American Pit Bull Terrier	Japanese Pug	Himalayan
  Boston Terrier	Japanese Spaniel (Chin)	Persian
  Boxer	Mastiff (all breeds)
  Brussels Griffin	Pekinese
  Bulldog*	Pit Bull
  Chinese Pug	Pug
  Chow Chow	Shar Pei
  Dutch Pug	Shih Tzu
  English Bulldog*	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  English Toy Spaniel	Tibetan Spaniel
  French Bulldog *

  
  *Until further notice, Delta Cargo embargoes all American, English and French bulldogs regardless of their age and/or weight on any Delta or Delta Connection flights.
  
  
• Live wild (exotic) birds will not be transported unless:
  
  1. the shipper, or the shipper's agent certifies in writing on shipper's letterhead, which must accompany the air waybill, the birds being shipped were born or bred in captivity on special farms; or
  2. birds are transported for breeding purposes to or from a zoological garden, wildlife preserve, or government wildlife agency; and
  3. Transportation is restricted to Delta and Delta Connection on-line services.
• Until further notice, the USDA bans the importation of all live avian species from Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cambodia, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Autonomous Territories, People's Republic of China, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sudan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

Minimum Age Requirements / Number of Animals per container

U.S. and international regulations mandate the following:

Species	Age	Number of Animals Permitted
Dogs or Cats	Less than 8 weeks	Zero. (Minimum age is 8 weeks)
	8 weeks - 6 months	Maximum of 2 dogs OR 2 cats per kennel, each of comparable size and weighing less than 20lbs (9kg) each
	6 months or older	Maximum of 1 dog OR 1 cat per kennel
All other warm-blooded animals	Varies	Varies by species. Contact 1.800.352.2746 for more information.

1. Animals must be fully weaned and self-feeding and be of sufficient strength and age to travel safely.
2. Dogs and cats are prohibited from traveling together in the same kennel.
3. For safety reasons, a mother (dam) may not travel together in the same kennel with her weaned or unweaned young.

Aircraft Size and Weight Limit
When making your travel plans, keep in mind that extra-large and giant kennels will not fit on some aircraft. The maximum weight allowed per piece may also be limited. The Delta flight schedules shown online list the type of aircraft operated on your flight. Use this information and the table below to make sure your animal's kennel or container can be accommodated on the flights you select. Printable PDF version for the size and weight limits.

Size Limit for common dog and cat kennels

	Kennel Size
Aircraft Type	Small (21L x 16W x 15H)	Medium (27L x 20W x 19H)	Intermediate (32L x 22W x 23H)	Large (36L x 24W x 26H)	Extra Large (40L x 28W x 30H)	Giant (48L x 32w x 35H)
747 (744, 74X)
777 (77B, 77L)
A330 (332, 333)
767 (764, 76A, 76C, 76D, 76G, 76I, 76P, 76Q, 76S, 76T, 76U)
757 (752, 752, 757, 75A, 75C, 75E 75J, 75N, 75V, 75W, 75X)
A320 (320, 32R
A319 (319)
737 (71G, 713, 73V, 73W, 73Y, 73H, 73A, 73B, 718, 738)						X
MD88 (M80, M88, M81, M8Q)						X
MD90 (M90, M91)						X
DC9 (D94, D95, D9S)						X
E170-E175 (EC5, E70, E75)					X	X
CRJ700-900 (CR7, CJ7, CJ9, CM9, CP9, CR9, RJ7, RJ9)					X	X
ERJ135-140-145 (ERF, ERJ, ER4)					X	X
SF340 (SF3, SFX)					X	X
EMB-120 (EM2, EMW)					X	X

Weight Limit

	Weight
Aircraft	1 - 100 Pounds	101 - 300 Pounds	301 - 500 Pounds	Over 500 Pounds
747 (744, 74X)
777 (77B, 77L)
A330 (332, 333)
767 (764, 76A, 76C, 76D, 76G, 76I, 76P, 76Q, 76S, 76T, 76U)
757 (752, 752, 757, 75A, 75C, 75E 75J, 75N, 75V, 75W, 75X)			Advanced Arrangements Required. Contact 1.800.352.2746 for more information.	X
A320 (320, 32R				X
A319 (319)				X
737 (71G, 713, 73V, 73W, 73Y, 73H, 73A, 73B, 718, 738)				X
MD88 (M80, M88, M81, M8Q)				X
MD90 (M90, M91)				X
DC9 (D94, D95, D9S)				X
E170-E175 (EC5, E70, E75)		X	X	X
CRJ700-900 (CR7, CJ7, CJ9, CM9, CP9, CR9, RJ7, RJ9)		X	X	X
CRJ100-200 (CAJ, CJ4, CMJ, CPJ, CRJ, CRK, RJS)		X	X	X
ERJ135-140-145 (ERF, ERJ, ER4)		X	X	X
SF340 (SF3, SFX)		X	X	X

Temperature Restrictions
Temperature restrictions are based on the actual or forecasted temperature upon departure, transfer (if applicable) and arrival for each station on the itinerary. The following temperature guidelines apply to all animals shipped as DASH, Domestic, or International:

Cargo Live Animal Temperature Guidelines

Temperature	Guideline
85°F (29°C)	Maximum for all warm-blooded animals, except snub-nosed dogs and cats (Note 1 & 3)
75°F (24°C	Maximum for snub-nosed dogs and cats (Note 2)
10°F (-12°C	Minimum for all warm-blooded animals (Note 1 & 3)

Note:

1. Temperature limits do not apply to the following shipments:
   • Any animal tendered as U.S. Mail
   • Birds, including day-old chicks and poults (except birds that are household pets)
   • Cold-blooded animals including live fish and live seafood
   • Farm animals (livestock, poultry, etc.)
   • Research and laboratory animals
   • Wild animals that normally live outdoors
2. Snub-nosed pets include, but are not limited to:
• Dogs: Boston Terrier, Boxed, Brussels Griffin, Bulldog (all breeds), English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Spaniel (Japanese Chin), Pekinese, Pug (all breeds), and Shih-Tzu
• Cats: Himalayan, Persian
3. Contact Delta Cargo for more information regarding the acceptance and handling of day-old chicks and poults tendered as Domestic and International.

Whenever possible, book nonstop or direct flights. In cold weather, choose mid-day flights when temperatures are likely to be warmer. When the weather is hot, choose early morning or late evening flights, which avoid the worst heat of the day. Delta personnel will determine if temperatures are within acceptable limits at time of check-in. If your animal cannot be accommodated due to temperature limitations, Delta personnel will work with you to arrange alternate dates for your animal to travel. Please remember, if Delta determines temperatures are unsuitable for transporting your animal, it is with the safety and health of your animal in mind.

Miscellaneous

• Delta cannot guarantee acceptance of any animal before it is seen by airport personnel. Important considerations for acceptance include en route weather conditions and the health and disposition of the animal. Delta will not accept any animal that is violent, ill, or in physical distress.
• Choke collars of all types and muzzles that hold the jaw tightly closed are prohibited.
• Wire cage muzzles that cover the snout yet allow the animal to pant are acceptable for police or search/rescue dogs only.
• Radio-controlled collars and anti-bark collars are prohibited and must be removed prior to check-in. Electronic equipment onboard the aircraft may inadvertently activate these devices while in flight.
• All shipments of warm-blooded animals must be picked-up within four hours after arrival, or before closing time of the Delta facility (whichever comes first). Animals not claimed within these time limits will be sent to our local veterinarian or kennel service provider for appropriate care. The shipper and consignee are jointly responsible for all veterinary and kennel charges incurred by Delta.
• Unknown shippers (as defined by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration) must be willing and able to safely remove the animal from its shipping container and maintain control over it while Delta or TSA personnel inspect the container prior to acceptance.
  
  You can comply with this requirement using one of the following two options:
  1. You may bring an extra shipping container with you to the airport. Delta personnel will inspect the empty container, after which you may transfer the animal to the inspected container for transport, or
  2. Contact 1.800.352.2746 for information on how you may become a "known shipper" with Delta Cargo.

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Domestic Bookings

All live animal shipments are required to be pre-booked prior to arrival at the origin facility. U.S. based pet shipments may be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance and a maximum of 14 days in advance. For DASH shipments departing within 24 hours, contact our representatives at 1.800.352.2746 at least 5 hours prior to departure.

Flight Schedules

View Delta flight schedules. When planning your itinerary, please remember that a minimum 2 hour connection is required for U.S.-based cargo shipments. Shipments tendered as DASH must be inspected and accepted within our booking system 1 hour prior to the flight's departure. We suggest you arrive at the DASH facility at least 1.5 hours prior to your desired flight time.

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International Bookings

Live animal shipments traveling to international destinations are required to be pre-booked prior to arrival at the origin facility. We accept international pet bookings a minimum of 3 days in advance and no more than 14 days prior to departure. For shipments originating outside the U.S., contact your local Delta Cargo Sales office. A checklist for your dog or cat shipment is added for your convenience prior to booking the animal's itinerary.

The information below reflects Delta's mimimum requirements for shipments to various countries:

• Health certificates, licenses, permits, vaccinations and microchipping may be required. Shippers should contact the nearest Consulate General office or Embassy for each country on the itnerary for current import/export restrictions and document requirements. More infomation on individual country requirements may also be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals.
• Animals traveling unaccompanied to/ from Australia, Hong Kong, or the United Kingdom are only accepted from professional pet shippers who are members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). A list of IPATA members near you may be found at www.ipata.com. Additionally, Delta Cargo will accept dogs, cats, ferrets, insects and fish between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. All other animal species are prohibited.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is our handler for flights to the Netherlands. We will only accept dogs, cats, and ferrets for travel into Amsterdam on Delta mainline flights.

The following countries do not permit the entry of animals traveling as checked baggage:

• Australia
• Cayman Islands
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• United Kingdom (U.K.) excluding service animals

Until further notice, Delta Cargo embargoes all American, English and French bulldogs regardless of their age and/or weight on any Delta or Delta Connection flights.

Flight Schedules

View Delta flight schedules. When planning your itinerary, please remember that a minimum 4 hour connection is required for animals traveling internationally.

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Drop-off/Pick-up

Your shipments may be dropped off and picked it up at the local cargo facility. Small warm or cold blooded species traveling to or from non-cargo facilities may be accepted or retreived at the local Baggage Service Office. Contact 1.800.352.2746 for the hours of operation.

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Special Handling

• Each cargo facility will ensure your pet is handled with care throughout its journey.
• To ensure comfort for your pet while transiting one of our hubs, we offer temperature controlled live animal holding areas in many of our cargo facilities.

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Documentation

Appropriate documentation must accompany all live animals

• U.S. and international regulations require all warm-blooded animals (except mice, rats, birds, and day-old chicks) shipped as DASH, Domestic and International be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a veterinarian licensed in the country of origin within 10 days prior to travel. Exception: birds shipped to San Juan and Honolulu require a health certificate.
• For animals traveling roundtrip within the U.S., the origin health certificate may be used for the return journey providing the return occurs within 10 days from the date the certificate was first issued. Otherwise, a new health certificate will be required for the return journey.
• For unaccompanied or commercial shipments to Germany, the shipper must provide a completed Journey Declaration form.
• It is your responsibility to determine and comply with all local, state and national entry requirements which may apply. In addition to the mandatory health certificate, many states and foreign countries have additional requirements. For additional or current information, please visit these web sites:
  
  U.S. Regulations
  International Regulations

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Regulations

Cargo shippers are responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal regulations. When traveling internationally, failure to comply with all requirements will result in your animal being refused entry, placed in quarantine, or returned to origin. Any additional expenses, penalties, or fees resulting from non-compliance with all requirements are the burden of the shipper. Applicable import/export permits, handling fees and customs clearance fees associated with the animal's travel are the responsibility of the shipper and/or consignee depending on the country's requirements..

For the most up-to-date information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate General office for each country on the planned itinerary at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Be advised, requirements are subject to change at any time.

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Shipping Tips:

Checklist for Unaccompanied Pets and Commercial Shipments
Careful planning is essential to ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your live animal. Click here (PDF) for our Checklist for Unaccompanied Pets and Commercial Shipments to aid you in preparing your animal for travel.

Trip Planning

• The number of animals that can be accommodated on any given flight is limited. Please confirm travel plans with Delta Cargo as early as possible.
• When shipping pets, the most important step you can take to ease the stress of travel for your pet is to make sure it is familiar with its kennel. Purchase the kennel as far in advance as possible. Veterinarians recommend you leave the kennel open in the house with a toy or familiar object inside so your pet may spend time near the kennel and perhaps venture inside on its own. Familiarization with the kennel is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.

Before Leaving for the Airport

• Routine sedation or tranquilization of most animals is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED as the drug's effects at high altitudes are unpredictable and may cause serious illness. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
• On the day before departure, fill one of the dishes with water and freeze it overnight. During travel the ice will slowly melt ensuring a supply of water for your animal.
• Traveling on a full stomach can be uncomfortable for most animals. Offer your animal only a light meal and a small amount of water a few hours before check-in.
• Don't forget to bring along documents including health certificates, import licenses, etc. that may be required by the government authorities at your final destination. When shipping pets, take along a leash to exercise your pet immediately before check-in and upon arrival. Do not place the leash inside the kennel.
• Check the weather immediately before departing for the airport
  
  1. On the internet, go to www.weather.com and enter the origin city or zip code in the space provided
  2. On the city forecast screen, scroll down and click on the Hourly tab to display the current hour-by-hour forecast.
  3. Verify the temperature at departure is forecast to be with Delta guidelines.
  4. Repeat this process for each city on the itinerary.
  5. If the forecast temperature in one or more cities is not within the Delta guidelines, contact us for assistance in rebooking your shipment.

At the Airport

• We suggest you arrive early to allow sufficient time to complete all inspections and acceptance procedures, live animals shipped as DASH or cargo must be entered into the Delta booking system by the time limits shown below:
  

  Location	DASH®	Domestic/International
  50 United States	1 hour	2 hours
  Canada		2 hours
  All Other Locations		4 hours



• While Delta will strive to minimize exposure to the weather, your pet may experience temperatures between 10°F (-12°C) and 85°F (29°C) for up to 45 minutes while on the ground at the airport. This period is within U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. If your animal's age, size, or health conditions cause you to have concern about acclimation to these temperatures, please consult with your veterinarian.

Recovery

• DASH shipments will be available for pick-up at the Baggage Service Office within 1 hour after arrival in select cities.
• Domestic and International shipments will be available for pick-up within 1 - 2 hours, depending upon the destination.
• Please allow 2 - 4 hours after arrival for inspection and clearance of international shipments.

Terms and Conditions
These pages are for informative purposes only and do not form a contract. As such any information contained within this site is subject to change with our without notice. Delta assumes no liability for these changes. Delta also reserves the right to interpret and apply these policies and procedures. In each case, Delta's interpretations and applications shall be final and conclusive.
2009 Delta Air Lines, Inc.©