Flying with a pet from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) needs some planning. ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and has many domestic and international flights. The good news is that Atlanta Airport has several facilities for passengers travelling with pets. There is an indoor animal relief area in every concourse. However, airline pet rules are different. Your pet may travel in the cabin, as checked baggage in limited cases, or as cargo. Before your trip, check your airline's rules, your pet carrier and the entry rules of your destination.

Pet Travel Options From Atlanta Airport

The first question is simple: Where will your pet travel?

In the Cabin
Many airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin on eligible routes. Your pet normally needs to stay inside an approved carrier under the seat.
In the Aircraft Hold
Some international airlines allow larger dogs and cats to travel in a special part of the aircraft hold.
As Cargo
Large animals and pets that cannot travel in the cabin or hold may need to travel as cargo.
Cabin rules are not always based on kilograms
Some airlines use a weight limit. Others mainly use carrier size rules. For many U.S. airlines, the most important point is that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

Airline Pet Fees and Rules at ATL

ATL is the main hub of Delta Air Lines, but many other U.S. and international airlines operate at the airport. Pet fees are not the same for every airline. Some airlines publish a fixed price. Others calculate the price using the route, pet weight, carrier size or travel method.

Airline Cabin Pet Cabin Limit / Rule Larger Pets Published Fee / Status
Delta Air Lines Eligible routes Carrier must fit under seat Limited checked service/cargo conditions
U.S./Canada/PR/USVI: $150
International: $200
American Airlines Eligible routes Carrier rules apply Cargo; checked service mainly for eligible military / State Dept. $200 carry-on pet on applicable tickets/routes
United Airlines Eligible routes Carrier must fit under seat No normal checked-pet service Route/booking based
Southwest Airlines Yes Small vaccinated dogs and cats No checked pets $125 per pet carrier, one way
Frontier Airlines Yes Small pets in carrier No checked pets $149 per pet, per direction
Spirit Airlines Eligible routes Small domestic pets No regular checked pets Published pet fee applies
JetBlue Yes Small dogs and cats in carrier No checked pets Published pet fee applies
Air Canada Yes Small pet in approved carrier Hold available
Cabin: $50–$60
Hold: $105–$126
Air France Eligible routes Airline weight/carrier rules apply Hold available Route-based
KLM Eligible routes 8 kg pet + carrier Hold available Route-based
Lufthansa Eligible routes 8 kg pet + carrier Hold available Route/size based
Turkish Airlines Eligible routes 8 kg pet + carrier AVIH available Route & weight based
British Airways No regular cabin pets — Cargo Quote-based
Qatar Airways Restricted Special cabin exceptions Checked baggage/cargo
≤32 kg: $350 on many non-Qatar routes
32–75 kg: $450
Ethiopian Airlines Yes Up to 8 kg incl. carrier Hold available
International cabin: generally $150
Addis Ababa–U.S. cabin: $300
Korean Air Eligible routes Up to 7 kg incl. carrier Hold available Route & weight based

Delta Air Lines Pet Rules at ATL

Atlanta is Delta's largest hub, so Delta is one of the most important airlines for pet travel at ATL.

Recommended Carrier
18 × 11 × 11 in
for many aircraft
Domestic Fee
$150
each way on applicable journeys
International Fee
$200
each way on eligible routes

Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin on eligible Delta flights. Your pet must stay inside its carrier while at the airport boarding area and during the flight.

Large pets are more complicated. Delta does not offer normal checked-pet travel to most passengers. Special checked-pet rules exist for some eligible U.S. military and State Department travellers.

A Pet Relief Area in Every Concourse

ATL makes bathroom breaks easier for animals. The airport has 24-hour indoor Service Animal Relief Areas in every concourse.

T7 A10 B33 C19 D Centerpoint E14 F7
Pet Supplies
Concrete & Grassy Turf
Low Drinking Fountains

There are also outdoor pet relief options. This can be useful before entering the terminal or after collecting your luggage. If you have a long connection at ATL, check where the nearest relief area is before walking to your next gate.

Going Through Security With Your Pet

Your pet also needs to go through airport security. Do not put your dog or cat through the X-ray machine.

Take Your Pet Out
Remove your pet from the carrier before the carrier is screened.
Screen the Empty Carrier
The empty carrier goes through the security screening equipment.
Keep Your Pet With You
Keep control of your pet while you go through passenger screening.
If you are worried that your pet may run away, tell the TSA officer. You can ask about alternative screening in a private area. Keep a leash or harness ready before you reach security.

Domestic or International?

Pet travel requirements can change depending on whether you are flying within the United States or travelling internationally.

Domestic Flight International Flight
For a normal flight inside the continental United States, the process is usually simpler. International travel usually requires extra checks before departure.
Airline pet reservation Destination entry rules
Carrier requirements Microchip requirements
Pet fee Rabies vaccination
Airport security Veterinary certificate
Usually focused on airline and TSA procedures. An import permit or other country-specific documents may also be required.

Bringing a Dog Into the U.S. Through ATL

If Atlanta is your first airport in the United States, U.S. dog-entry rules are important.

CDC Form
Dog Import Form receipt
6+ Months
Minimum age
Microchip
Must be detectable
Healthy
Dog must appear healthy

Every dog entering or returning to the United States needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs that have only been in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous six months generally need the CDC form and must also meet the basic requirements.

Low-Risk or Rabies-Free Countries
The CDC Dog Import Form and basic entry requirements are generally the main CDC checks.
High-Risk Countries
Additional vaccination, documentation, and airport arrival rules may apply. Where the dog was vaccinated also matters.

Travel Options for Larger Pets

Large dogs usually have fewer options than small dogs. Many U.S. airlines now focus on small pets that can travel in the cabin. Normal checked-pet services are limited or unavailable on several airlines.

Pet + kennel weight
Kennel dimensions
Aircraft type
Temperature restrictions
Destination-country rules

If normal hold travel is not available, cargo may be the only option. Cargo is a different service from normal passenger baggage, so the check-in location, booking process, and price may also differ.

How Atlanta Weather Affects Pet Travel

Atlanta can become very hot during the summer. This matters more when an animal travels in the aircraft hold or as cargo.

Airlines can stop animal transport when temperatures are too high or too low. Do not only check Atlanta's temperature. If your pet has a connection, weather conditions at the connecting airport can also affect the journey.

Connecting at ATL With Your Pet

ATL is a major connection airport. If your pet travels in the cabin, first check your arrival concourse and your next departure concourse.

Arrival Concourse Nearest Relief Area Next Concourse Boarding Gate

There is an animal relief area in every concourse, so you may not need to leave the secure area simply to find a relief facility.

International connections can be more complicated. A dog entering the United States during a connection may need to meet CDC import requirements even if Atlanta is not the final destination.

What Should You Pack for Your Pet

A small travel bag can make the airport journey easier.

Pet Documents
Keep vaccination records and travel documents easy to reach.
Leash or Harness
Useful for security and relief areas.
Waste Bags
Keep a few in your hand luggage.
Small Water Container
Useful during longer journeys.
Absorbent Pad
Useful inside the carrier when allowed.
Small Amount of Food
Bring it when needed and when airline rules allow it.

Before Your Trip to ATL

A pet journey becomes much easier when the important checks are finished before airport day.

A Few Days Before
Confirm the pet reservation with the airline and check the carrier dimensions.
For International Travel
Check government rules for both departure and destination countries.
On Travel Day
Check your terminal and flight information, and keep pet documents easy to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many airlines at ATL allow eligible small dogs and cats in the cabin. The rules depend on the airline, route and destination.

There is no single ATL pet fee. For example, Delta currently charges $150 each way on applicable U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands journeys and $200 on eligible international journeys.

Yes. ATL has an indoor Service Animal Relief Area in every concourse.

Indoor areas are currently near T7, A10, B33, C19, D Centerpoint, E14 and F7.

Pets should normally remain controlled and follow airport and airline rules. During TSA screening, the animal is removed while the carrier is screened separately.

Potentially. Some international airlines accept larger pets in the aircraft hold, while other airlines require cargo. Many U.S. airlines do not offer normal checked-pet transport.

Yes. Every dog entering or returning to the United States needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

Yes. Dogs entering the United States must have a microchip detectable by a universal scanner.

Yes, but check both flights and the rules that apply to your journey. International dogs may need to meet U.S. entry requirements during an ATL connection.

Yes. Pet check-in, carrier checks, security and document checks can add time to your airport journey. Check your airline's recommended arrival time before travel.