Delta No Longer Allows Animals to Fly as Checked Baggage

Delta Air Lines Tuesday announced that it will no longer accept pets as checked luggage starting March 1, 2016.

Delta’s cargo service can also be less convenient since the pet may not be shipped with a customer’s flight.

The change comes after Delta lost a family’s cat at the San Diego Airport in August and a man’s dog at Los Angeles global Airport last November. However, 24 pet deaths on Delta flights were recorded by the Department of Transportation after December 2011. Delta said the pets are monitored closely during travel and handled in temperature-controlled holding areas at airports and in vans. Exceptions to the rule include passengers flying Delta One premium service, members of the military with active transfer orders, and service and emotional support animals with proper documentation.

Pets that are small enough to fit under the seat will still be eligible to travel as carry-on.

United Airlines also doesn’t allow pets to be checked in as baggage. Since then, Delta has gradually placed more restrictions on shipping pets.