Delta Airlines Partners With Startup To Improve Pet Travel

Delta is partnering with a pet travel pod startup, as it changes its prices and policy for transporting passengers’ animal companions, the airlines announced Tuesday.

Atlanta-based airlines said in a statement that its cargo division will “launch a new pet transportation strategy” through the partnership.

Shawn cole, vice president of delta cargo, said the demand for shipping pets is strong and the company is always looking for ways to improve the travel experience for pets and their owners.

“Working with a start-up like CarePod allows delta the flexibility to enhance our service in new and innovative ways,” he said in the statement.

Jenny Pan, CarePod’s founder and CEO, said the startup’s goal is to transform the future of pet travel, calling the opportunity to work with delta an “exciting step”.

In 2016, delta stopped accepting pets as checked baggage following criticism for the delta of pets in checked carries. Instead, delta said some pets could travel as carry-ons in the plane’s cabin and others could be shipped via Delta Cargo, with rates at the time ranging from roughly $ 195 to $ 1,485.