Air Travel with Pets: Indian Airline Policies Compared

Flying with your pet in India just got easier. In 2024 alone, Air India flew over 7000 pets aboard its flights, showing how airlines are becoming more pet-friendly.

But here's the catch - every airline has different rules. What works for Air India might not work for IndiGo or SpiceJet.

This guide compares pet policies across all major Indian airlines, helping you choose the best option for your furry friend.

Airlines That Allow Pets in India

Airlines that allow pets:

• Air India (most pet-friendly)
• Air India Express (domestic only)
• Vistara (limited routes)
• Akasa Air (new policies)

Airlines that don't allow pets:

• IndiGo
• SpiceJet
• GoFirst
• Alliance Air

If airlines don't work for you, explore train options in our railway pet travel guide or check all alternatives in our complete travel guide.

Let's dive deep into each airline's specific policies.

Air India: Leading the Pack

Air India offers the most comprehensive pet travel options in India.

Cabin Travel (PETC):

• Weight limit: 7kg including carrier
• Carrier size: 18" x 18" x 12"
• Cost: Standard excess baggage rates
• Pets allowed: Dogs and cats only
• Maximum: 2 pets per flight

Cargo Hold:

• Weight: 7kg to 32kg total
• Pets over 32kg need cargo booking
• All breeds accepted (with restrictions for snub-nosed)

Unique Features:

• Priority boarding for pet parents
• Assigned seating in last rows
• Staff specially trained for pet handling
• Direct booking through customer support

Documentation Required:

• Health certificate (within 72 hours)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• DGAC form
• ID proof

Book at least 72 hours before departure. No multi-city bookings with pets.

Air India Express: Budget-Friendly Option

The low-cost subsidiary has basic pet options.

Policy Highlights:

• Domestic flights only
• Weight limit: 5kg (stricter than Air India)
• Cabin travel on select routes
• Fees: ₹100-200 as excess baggage

Limitations:

• Not available on all aircraft
• Advance booking essential
• Limited customer support

Best for: Short domestic trips on budget

Akasa Air: New Player, Evolving Policies

As India's newest airline, Akasa is still developing pet policies.

Current Status:

• Considering pet travel options
• Surveying customer demand
• Expected to announce by 2025

Keep checking their website for updates.

Airlines Without Pet Policies

IndiGo, SpiceJet, and others cite these reasons:

• Quick turnaround times
• Standardized fleet configurations
• Cost considerations
• Operational complexity

This might change as pet travel demand grows.

Destination-Specific Restrictions

Even pet-friendly airlines have route restrictions:

UAE Flights:

• From UAE: Pets allowed in cabin
• To UAE: No cabin pets from India
• Cargo only for Dubai/Abu Dhabi

UK Flights:

• All pets must travel as cargo
• Not available at Birmingham Airport
• Extra documentation required

USA Flights:

• New CDC regulations apply
• Health certificate requirements changed
• Check latest guidelines

Airport Experience with Pets

Check-in Process:

1. Go to special counter (if available)
2. Present all documents
3. Pet and carrier weighed
4. Pay any additional fees
5. Security screening of carrier

Security Check:

• Remove pet from carrier
• Carrier goes through X-ray
• Hold pet while walking through
• Quick physical check of pet

In-Flight Rules and Guidelines

In Cabin:

• Carrier stays under seat
• No pet on lap or seat
• No opening carrier
• No feeding during flight
• Comfort without disturbance

In Cargo:

• Temperature controlled area
• Pressurized compartment
• Last loaded, first unloaded
• Staff monitoring

Breed-Specific Restrictions

Snub-Nosed Breeds: Not allowed in cargo due to breathing risks:

• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Shih Tzus
• Persian cats
• Boxers

These must travel in cabin only (if under 7kg).

Health and Safety Considerations

Pre-Flight Health Check:

• Heart condition assessment
• Breathing evaluation
• Anxiety levels
• Age considerations

Never Fly If:

• Pet is under 8 weeks
• Recently had surgery
• Pregnant
• Showing illness signs
• Extreme weather conditions

Tips from Frequent Pet Flyers

Experienced pet parents suggest:

• "Book first flight of the day"
• "Freeze water in bowl - melts during flight"
• "Familiar blanket reduces anxiety"
• "Exercise heavily before flight"
• "Avoid sedatives unless prescribed"

Air travel with pets in India is possible but requires careful planning. Air India remains your best bet with established policies and trained staff. Other airlines are slowly opening up to pet travel as demand grows.

Success comes from choosing the right airline, preparing documentation early, and following size/weight restrictions strictly.

For comprehensive travel planning including trains and road trips, check our complete pet travel guide. If trains seem better for your pet, our railway pet travel rules guide has everything you need.

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