Air India Pet Travel Policy

Planning to travel with pets can be a daunting task. As pet parents, we know that nothing matters as much as the safety and comfort of your baby while travelling, so it is natural to have some questions when it comes to the relocation process. Is flying with your pet safe?

The answer is yes. When done correctly, air travel is one of the safest and fastest ways for pets to relocate domestically and internationally. With Air India’s updated pet travel initiatives under its “Paws on Board” framework, travelling with pets has become more structured and accessible for pet parents across India and abroad.

Founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines by J.R.D. Tata, Air India is India’s oldest airline. Initially established as an airmail service, the airline gradually expanded into passenger travel and eventually became India’s national carrier. After returning to the Tata Group, Air India has modernized many of its passenger services, including pet travel. Today, Air India remains one of the few pet friendly airlines (https://www.carrymypet.com/airlines-in-india-that-allow-pets-on-board)in India offering structured domestic and international pet travel options. 

If you are planning pet travel with Air India, here’s everything you need to know about the latest Air India pet travel policy 2026.

Air India Paws on Board Program 

Air India’s updated “Paws on Board” initiative simplifies pet relocation for passengers travelling with domesticated dogs and cats. The airline now offers a more streamlined pet travel process with updated in-cabin limits, revised kennel requirements, and dedicated approval procedures for travelling with pets.

Under the latest Air India pet policy, pets can travel:

• In the cabin (for smaller pets)
• As checked baggage
• As manifest cargo for larger pets

Passengers are advised to request pet travel approval with Air India at least 48 hours before departure, as pet bookings remain subject to route approvals, aircraft type, weather conditions, and operational limitations.

Flight Policy for Domestic Pet Transportation Flights

Air India allows domesticated dogs and cats on select domestic flights, either in the cabin or as checked baggage, depending on the pet’s size and weight.

Air India Pet Travel Eligibility

For in-cabin travel:

• Air India allows 10 kg pets in-cabin, including the weight of the soft carrier.
• Pets must travel in an airline-approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger.
• Pets are permitted only in Economy Class, subject to Air India’s seating and operational guidelines.
• Pets must remain inside the carrier throughout the flight.

For pets above 10 kg and up to 32 kg:

• Pets may travel in the aircraft hold approved for pet transportation.
• An IATA-compliant hard kennel/crate is mandatory for checked pet travel.

Larger pets may be required to travel as manifest cargo depending on airline and route regulations. Air India accepts pets only when accompanied by:

• Valid health certificate
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Any additional documents required for the destination

Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to travel. Passengers travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, or certain special assistance requests may not be permitted to travel with pets in the cabin.

Flight Policy for International Pet Transportation Flights

Air India permits international pet travel for domesticated dogs and cats when accompanied by the required health documents, vaccination records, import permits, and country-specific approvals.

Passengers travelling internationally with pets must comply with:

• Destination country pet import regulations
• Transit country requirements
• AQCS (Animal Quarantine & Certification Service) guidelines in India

Passengers importing or exporting pets to/from India are required to obtain the necessary approvals and clearances from AQCS before travel.

Currently, pet import/export clearance facilities are available at:

1. Bangalore (BLR)
2. Chennai (MAA)
3. Delhi (DEL)
4. Hyderabad (HYD)
5. Kolkata (CCU)
6. Mumbai (BOM)

The pet must arrive or depart only through the airport mentioned in the AQCS approval documentation.

Air India international pet travel rules may vary depending on the route, aircraft type, weather conditions, and destination country regulations. Certain international sectors may also have additional restrictions or cargo-only requirements for pets.

Air India Pet Carrier & Kennel Size Requirements

Choosing the correct crate or carrier is one of the most important parts of safe pet relocation.

Air India Pet Carrier Requirements

For cabin travel:

• Soft-sided carrier only
• Leak-proof base
• Proper ventilation on multiple sides
• Must fit comfortably under the seat

For checked baggage or cargo travel:

• IATA-compliant hard kennel mandatory
• Sufficient ventilation
• Leak-proof flooring
• Pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably

Using the correct kennel size is extremely important for airline approvals and your pet’s comfort during travel. You can also use a pet crate size calculator before booking your journey to ensure the kennel meets airline standards.

Restricted Breeds for Air Travel

Certain brachycephalic (flat-faced/snub-nosed) breeds may face restrictions for cargo travel due to respiratory sensitivity during flights.

Restricted Breed Guidelines

This may include breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Persian Cats. In some cases, these breeds may still be permitted for in-cabin travel if they meet Air India’s in-cabin pet weight and carrier requirements.

Pet parents are always advised to consult Air India directly before booking travel for brachycephalic breeds.

Documents Required for Air India Pet Travel

The following documents are commonly required for pet travel on Air India:

Documents Required for Pet Travel

The name on the pet’s documentation should match the passenger’s ticket details to establish ownership.

Air India Pet Travel Charges

Pets travelling on Air India are charged separately and are not included in the passenger’s free baggage allowance.

Air India periodically revises pet travel charges and excess baggage fees. Passengers are advised to confirm the latest pricing directly with the airline before booking.

How to Book Pet Travel on Air India

The booking process for travelling with pets on Air India has become more structured under the updated policy.

Passengers are generally required to:

1. Contact Air India and request pet travel approval
2. Submit pet documents and vaccination records
3. Receive confirmation based on route and aircraft availability
4. Arrive early at the airport for pet check-in procedures

As approvals are limited per flight, early booking is highly recommended for both domestic and international pet travel.

Important Things to Know Before Flying with Pets

• Pets are accepted subject to operational approval.
• Meeting the documentation requirements does not automatically guarantee pet acceptance on every flight.
• Weather conditions may affect pet travel acceptance.
• Sedation before flights is generally not recommended unless advised by a veterinarian.
• Service dogs may have separate travel guidelines.
• Route-specific restrictions may apply for certain international destinations.

At Carry My Pet, we regularly assist families with domestic and international pet relocation, documentation support, airline coordination, and end-to-end pet travel services across India.

If you are looking for a reliable pet relocation service in India, our team can help make your journey smoother and safer for your furry companion.

Disclaimer: Airline pet policies may change based on route, aircraft type, destination country regulations, and operational conditions. Passengers are advised to confirm the latest Air India pet travel rules directly with the airline before travel.