Delta Air Lines is turning to technology to revolutionise travelling with pets. Partnering with CarePod, the airline will offer smart boxes to transport pets across the United States. With a constant connection to the ground, pets will be monitored 24/7.

Travelling with pets, unfortunately, comes with its risks. Just last week we reported that Qantas apologised after a dog passed away in its care. However, with 24/7 monitoring of smart transport containers, such instances could become a thing of the past. Now, following a two month trial of the technology, Delta is rolling out the CarePod to eight locations within the United States.

How does it work?

Delta is partnering with CarePod. However, what is the CarePod? Packed full of technology, the crate is set to revolutionise travelling with pets. For starters, the crate is constructed from tougher, insulated walls. These special walls will make the crate less susceptible to sudden to rapid temperature changes.

The pet carrier has a built-in water container. This will automatically top up the water bowl inside the crate. However, let us take a look at the technology which really makes the CarePod excel.

The CarePod is additionally fitted with GPS and other sensors. These sensors are directly connected with Delta’s cargo control centre. Here there will be specially trained members of staff monitoring the crates 24/7, 365 days per year. These members of staff can send the ground crew to check on the pets if necessary.

However, it goes one step further. These smart crates connect with the internet. This means that worried pet parents will be able to keep tabs on their animals for the whole duration of the journey.

How can you use the CarePod?

Delta Air Lines will offer the CarePod from eight airports within the United States. These are:

• Atlanta;
• Boston;
• Los Angeles;
• Minneapolis;
• New York JFK;
• New York LaGuardia;
• San Francisco;
• West Palm Beach.

Delta will then begin to roll out the CarePod to other airports as more become available. Dogs and cats that fit into a 300 series crate will be able to use the CarePod. Between three and thirteen days before departure, the CarePod can be booked online or by calling Delta’s customer care team.

Speaking of the innovative crate Shawn Cole, Vice President of Delta Cargo, said: “Continuous innovation is in Delta’s DNA and the launch of the CarePod pet travel carrier, an industry first, is an example of us seeking out innovative partnerships and looking at ways to improve the customer experience throughout all parts of their journey… it represents a significant improvement for the millions of people who want to travel with their four-legged family members.”

Will the CarePod make a big difference to you while travelling with pets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!