Traveling with your pet is not easy, and it can feel very tough when airlines have strict rules for animals. Air India stands out as one of the most pet-friendly airlines in this area. The airline lets people bring small pets like dogs, cats, and birds with them on many flights, both in the country and outside it. If you get the right papers and plan ahead, you can make your trip easy and nice for you and your pet.
Here is a simple guide to the Air India Pet Policy. It tells you the rules for pets in the cabin. It also tells you about pets as checked baggage. You will see the pet limits and what pets are not allowed. The guide shows what you need when you book. It also shows the fees for pets. There are some other details to look at too.
Air India Pet Travel Policy
Air India lets you bring different small pets with you. It depends on which route you take and the kind of plane. Pets can travel:
- Inside the cabin (carry-on pet)
- As checked baggage in the aircraft hold
- As cargo (on select international routes)
Each type has its own rules. You have to check the age rules, size limits, and the papers needed for your pet. The airline says you must get pre-approval from Air India before you fly. You can’t book your pet on Air India online.
Key Rules for Traveling with Pets on Air India
General Requirements
- Pets allowed: Cats, dogs, and household birds
- All pets must travel in an approved carrier or crate.
- Health certificates, proof that shots are current, and import or export papers must be up to date and accepted.
- Passengers must handle all customs and country rules.
- Air India will not take care of pets if they get sick, hurt, or are not allowed in at your destination.
- Only two pets can go on each aircraft, so book early.
Air India Pet Reservation – How to Book
Air India does not let people book pets online. If you want to save a spot for your pet:
- Call Air India Reservations or go to a booking office close to you.
- Tell them that you want to go with a pet and ask if it can be with you.
- Send all the papers you need before your trip.
- Check that your ticket says you have a pet with you.
- Go to the airport 3–4 hours before your flight so you can check in and get your pet cleared.
Air India Pet Policy for Domestic Flights
Pets Allowed on Domestic Routes
- Small dogs, cats, and birds can fly with you.
- Puppies or kittens need to be at least 8 weeks old.
- Your pet and the carrier can weigh up to 5 kg (11 lbs) together for travel in the cabin.
In-Cabin Pet Requirements (Domestic)
- The carrier size should be no bigger than 45 × 45 × 30 cm
- The container needs to:
- Be soft or partly soft
- Have lots of air holes
- Show the pet’s name on it
- Not leak and have a mat to soak up spills
- The pet must stay inside the carrier during the whole flight
Checked Baggage (Domestic)
Pets that are too big or weigh more than what the cabin lets in will have to go as checked baggage. They need to be in a crate that the airline says is ok.
Domestic Restrictions
- Pregnant pets are not allowed to travel.
- People with pets have to sit in the last row of their cabin class.
- Pet dogs need to wear a muzzle and be on a leash.
- Pets cannot sit on passenger seats.
Air India International Pet Policy
Pets can travel to other countries. But, there are some rules for these trips.
In-Cabin Pets (International)
- Carrier size limit: 45 × 45 × 30 cm
- Weight limit: Up to 5 kg (11 lbs) including carrier
- Pet must be:
- At least 3 months old
- Fully healthy and vaccinated
- Free from any diseases that can be passed to other pets
International Checked-Baggage Pets
Big pets need to be in the cargo area of the plane. They will go as checked bags if there is space for them.
Required Documents
- A health certificate that is still good
- A paper that shows your pet got the rabies shot
- A permit to bring your pet in or take it out
- Approval for keeping your pet in a special area, based on where you will go
- A pet should get the shot at least 30 days before you leave and not more than 12 months before the trip
Important Air India Route-Specific Restrictions
Some countries have strong rules for pet travel.
Not Allowed on These Routes
- Non-stop Air India flights to/from the USA
- Only dogs that help people can fly.
- Flights to/from the UK & Germany
- You cannot bring pets in the cabin or as checked bags.
- Flights to the UAE
- You can only send pets as cargo.
- Flights to Sri Lanka
- You need to send pets as cargo. Pets cannot be in the cabin.
Ultra Long-Haul Flights
- Pets are not permitted, except service dogs
Emotional Support Animals (ESANs)
- Air India does not allow ESANs to travel for free
How to Prepare a Pet for an Air India Flight
To avoid last-minute issues:
Before the Flight
- Get in touch with Air India 48 hours before you go.
- Have all the needed papers and permits with you.
- Make sure your pet has all their shots.
- Carry your pet in a soft and airline-approved box or carrier.
- Give your pet only a small meal before the plane trip.
At the Airport
- Get to the airport about 3 to 4 hours before you fly.
- Complete the pet checklist with an Air India staff member.
- Hand in the indemnity form to them.
- Have the pet and the crate checked by the airline staff.
Air India Pet Cargo – Transporting Animals as Cargo
Air India can help you move pets by cargo. This is helpful for big animals, or if you have to send pets to or bring pets from another country and cargo is needed.
Air India Pet Cargo Details
- Pets have to be moved in IATA-approved crates.
- Cargo is accepted depending on the aircraft, weather, and route.
- A health certificate, vaccination proof, and all needed permits have to be shown.
- Owner should get to the cargo area early.
- Costs go up or down with the route, weight, and crate size.
Many people want to know about Air India cargo pet charges. The price you pay depends on the weight the pet has and the area the flight goes to.
Air India Pet Travel Cost (Domestic & International)
Air India treats pet fees like how they handle extra baggage fees.
| Travel Type | Pet Fee Range | Notes |
| Domestic | USD 100–200 | Based on route + weight |
| International | USD 100–200 | Not part of free baggage allowance |
| Service/Guide Dogs | Free | With approval & documents |
Responsibility of Pet Owners
Air India requires pet owners to:
- Handle all needs your pet has when it is kept apart from others
- Make sure you keep to the rules for the place you visit
- Pay every import, export, and health fee
- Give the right and new medical forms
- Take full care of your pet’s health and safety
Air India will not be responsible if your pet gets sick, hurt, or dies while flying.
Conclusion
Air India’s pet policy helps you travel with your pet, but you must follow the rules and plan before your trip. Whether you fly in the country or to another place, you should know about size limits, routes, important papers, and fees. If you talk to Air India early, both you and your pet can have a good and smooth time on your journey.
If you want to take your pet on your next trip, read the new rules first. Talk to Air India before booking your flight. This way, you know what you need to do.
FAQs – Air India Pet Policy
Yes, Air India lets people take pets on flights. Small pets, like cats and dogs, can go in the cabin or as checked baggage. It will depend on the size and weight of the pet.
Yes, you can travel with your pet on an Air India flight if you follow the airline’s pet travel rules. You need to bring all necessary health documents and book a place for your pet ahead of time before your trip.
Yes, Air India allows pets on international flights. International travel usually requires extra paperwork, including vaccination records, health certificates, and import or export permits. Some countries may have additional entry requirements for pets.
Yes, pets are allowed on Air India domestic flights within India. You need to notify the airline ahead of time, and you must present valid health certificates and vaccination records for your pet at the airport.
Yes, Air India allows pets on international flights, depending on the type of aircraft and the rules of the destination country. Since availability can be limited, it’s a good idea to book early.
Air India generally charges pet fees based on the total weight of the pet and its carrier. The fee varies depending on the route and is considered excess baggage. Prices differ for domestic and international flights, and extra airport fees may apply.
To add a pet to your booking, you must contact Air India customer support or visit a ticket office. You cannot add pet travel online. You will need to provide all required documents for approval before confirmation.
Pet bookings can be made by calling Air India’s call centre or visiting an airline ticket office. You will need to provide details such as your pet’s breed, weight, carrier size, and travel date. The airline will confirm the booking after checking the information.
Air India lets trained service animals travel for free with passengers who have disabilities. Passengers need to provide the required medical or training documents. The airline should also be notified in advance so it can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, Air India allows pets to travel on both domestic and international flights. Passengers must follow airline rules, provide valid documents, and get approval for pet travel before departure.
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