Travelling by air with your furry companion can seem daunting — but with the right preparation and knowing the guidelines of Air India, it can be a smoother experience for both you and your pet. Here’s a step-by-step blog to help you plan your journey with your dog or cat on Air India.
1. Start Early: Booking & Eligibility
- First, decide whether your pet will travel in the cabin (with you) or as checked baggage / cargo.
- For cabin travel: The combined weight of pet + container must be under 7 kg (≈15 lbs).
- For checked baggage: If combined weight is over 7 kg up to 32 kg (≈70 lbs), then pet can travel as checked baggage.
- If over 32 kg/70 lbs, the pet must travel as cargo.
- You must book your flight for the pet at least 72 hours before departure.
- Multi-city bookings (with layovers) are not allowed when travelling with a pet in the cabin.
- Domestic and international flights: The policy applies both, though there are additional rules for international travel such as country-specific import/export regulations, quarantine etc.
2. Prepare the Travel Case & Weight Limits
- The kennel or carrier used must be soft, ventilated, and the size must not exceed 46 cm × 46 cm × 30 cm (approx 18 in × 18 in × 11 in).
- Label the kennel with your pet’s name and place an absorbent mat at the base (and bring extra mats) so your pet can relieve itself during the journey.
- Dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin or hold, subject to approvals and aircraft-specific pet policy. Some breeds (especially snub-nosed/flat-faced) are not permitted in the cargo hold due to risk.
3. Documents & Health Requirements
- Your pet must have:
- A vaccination certificate (including rabies) from a registered veterinarian.
- A health/fit-to-travel certificate, duly signed and stamped, issued within at most 72 hours before travel.
- Download and complete the indemnity form (two copies in direct flights; four if connecting flights) for each segment.
- For international travel: You also need any entry permits, pre-import clearance, or other documentation required by the destination country or transit country.
4. At the Airport: Check-in & Boarding
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure when travelling with a pet.
- You’ll get priority check-in and boarding when travelling with a pet.
- Seat assignment:
- You’ll be assigned a seat in the last row of your booked class if you’re travelling with a pet.
- You cannot carry the pet on your lap or in your seat, and emergency exit rows are off-limits.
- The pet must be in its kennel/carrier (for cabin travel) and adhere to harness/leash rules if required.
5. Special Considerations & Tips
- Dogs/cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin; and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo/checked baggage.
- Pregnant pets, or pets that have given birth in the last 48 hours, are not permitted for safety reasons.
- For breeds that are at higher risk (flat-faced breeds), strongly consult your vet if they are to travel in cargo. They may still be allowed in cabin (subject to airline approval).
- Do not sedate or tranquilise your pet before travel — it may interfere with health assessment and risk issues related to air pressure.
- Have your pet acclimated to the carrier/kennel well in advance: put your pet in it for a couple of hours, place a familiar blanket inside, walk the pet before departure, give a light meal and water two hours before boarding.
6. International Travel & Country-Specific Constraints
- Some destinations do not allow pets in the cabin or checked baggage, or have restrictions (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) for pets flying from India.
- Connecting flights must be with Air India only (AI → AI) when travelling with a pet.
- For importing/exporting pets, you may need a clearance from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) in India.
7. Your Travel Checklist for the Day
Before you head to the airport, make sure you’ve got all the boxes checked:
- Flight booked at least 72 hours in advance for pet carriage.
- Suitable carrier/kennel, properly labelled and the right size.
- All health certificates and vaccinations in order + indemnity form.
- Pet is comfortable with the carrier; familiar blanket inside.
- Dry food sealed, leash/harness ready.
- Arrive early (3+ hours before departure).
- Confirm with Air India the specific aircraft’s pet policy, especially for cargo hold travel.
Travelling with your pet on Air India can be a positive experience — for you and your companion — if you prepare ahead, follow the airline’s guidelines, and ensure your pet is comfortable and safe. The key is early booking, appropriate paperwork, suitable carrier, and being aware of what limitations apply.
Bon voyage to you and your four-legged friend! 🐾
For more information, visit this page on Air India Website.
