And the fees just keep on coming and coming. Delta recently was charging "just" $100 each way for in-cabin pets, and even that was a boost from the previous fee. This means your own fare could be less than your pet's.

Clearly, Delta realizes that many pet owners will pay almost anything to have their dogs and cats with them in the safety of the cabin rather than in the hold. And with the Northwest/Delta merger, the world's largest airline will also be the most expensive in fees, and no doubt others will match.

Note, too, that you're only allowed one carry on bag, and your pet counts as that bag, so you'll have to check even just one bag. See our airline fee chart.

More from Delta's site:

Pets As Carry On

Your pet can travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee of $150 (to be collected at check-in). Pets permitted in the cabin include dogs, cats, and household birds. Monkeys, pot-bellied pigs, reptiles, frogs, mice, rats, sugar gliders, and spiders are not permitted. The following restrictions apply:

  • Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat directly in front of you. Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight. You must contact Delta Reservations to determine the appropriate kennel size.
  • Your pet must remain inside the kennel (with door secured) while in a Delta boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), a Delta airport lounge, and while onboard the aircraft.
  • Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
  • You may not carry on more than one pet.
  • Your pet in-cabin counts as one piece of carry-on baggage.
  • If you're traveling to Hawaii, your pet won't be able to go with you in the cabin, and other restrictions may apply. See Pets to Hawaii for more information.
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