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We travel several times per year between Ohio and Florida with our 10lb yorkie. We have an airline-compatible soft carrier that fits under the seat. With Delta, you have to make a reservation over the phone for your pet. They will ask you weight of your dog, the breed, and the dimensions of your carrier. However, you must check in at the counter day of flight and then pay the pet fee. You must have a reservation because there are limits to the number of pets they will allow in the cabin.
Southwest's procedures are identical, except that you can check yourself in remotely prior to visiting the ticket counter to pay the pet fee.
I think Delta dropped the fee to $95 each way. Southwest wants about $125. After making the payment, both airlines give you a specific tag for your pet carrier.
I have seen a few people simply walk on without the tag, meaning they did not make a pet reservation nor pay the fee. The risk there is getting kicked off the flight, and I have seen that happen. I would expect to get stopped by the gate agent if you have no tag on your carrier, but I have not seen that so far.
Regarding drugging the animal, we give ours some pet-friendly melatonin, and then she sleeps for a couple of hours.
Note that we have seen a few flight attendants admonish people that bring their pets out of the carrier. We never do.
At the Delta sky clubs, the attendants are adamant the pet stays in the carrier and the carrier stays on the floor -- never on the furniture. Of course, they're looking for reasons to kick people out of the clubs.
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