Flying with your pet sounds like an exciting adventure, after all your furry friends too deserve their own vacation! However, taking them with you by air can be quite a challenge, thanks to plenty of rules and regulations laid out by airlines. Most of these guidelines are different for different airlines, so here’s us stepping up to provide you with comprehensive information on flying with pets in India.
Flying With Pets In India: All The Different Airlines And Their Travel Policies
Pet Travel Policy For Air India
Air India has issued detailed, comprehensive guidelines on booking tickets for your pets, essential things to know, and the documents required. Here are the things that you must know:
Booking With Air India
- Pet owners must bring their pet to the check-in counter with the required travel case and paperwork to purchase a ticket.
- They must also make a booking for their pet, by reaching out to Air India’s Customer Support. Air India suggests pet owners to confirm their aircraft’s pet policy in order to confirm the eligibility for carriage of pets in the cargo hold, as regulations may vary.
- It is required to book the flight at least 72 hours before departure for the carriage of pets in the cabin. Air India does not permit multi-city bookings when travelling with a pet.
Guidelines For Pet Travel With Air India
- Air India allows domesticated dogs and cats in the passenger cabin or the aircraft as baggage (cargo compartment), however this is subject to approvals by Air India.
- To travel in the cabin, your pet must be at least eight weeks old. If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, it must be 3 months or older.
- Your pet dog must be muzzled and on a leash throughout the flight.
- Pregnant pets are not permitted to travel. Also, Air India recommends that pet owners inform them if their pet has given birth in the last 48 hours.
Container Guidelines For Air India
- The pet must be in a soft, ventilated bag or kennel which is no more than 18 in length (L) x 18 inch width (W) x 12 inch height (H).
- Pets can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and their container is under 7 kg.
- They can travel in the checked-in cargo compartment if the combined weight of the pet and container is over 7 kg but under 32 kg.
- If the combined weight of the pet and the container is over 32 kg, pets must be carried as cargo.
Air India has mentioned a more detailed set of guidelines on their website that pet owners can check out before their travel with the airline.
Akasa Air Pet Travel Policy
Akasa Air, too, offers guests to let their pets travel in the cabin or in the cargo compartment under their Pets on Akasa service. Currently, they allow it on their domestic flights within India. Here are a few things to know about their Pets on Akasa travel policy:
- Pets on Akasa service is currently available only for domesticated cats and dogs that are three months of age or older.
- They allow pet booking mandatorily 48 hours prior to departure.
- Pet owners must obtain a valid vaccination and health certificate from a registered veterinarian within 72 hours of travel. This health certificate will be considered valid until 15 days from the date it is issued.
Booking With Akasa Air
You can book tickets with Akasa Air for your pets by calling Akasa Air Care Centre on +91 9606112131. Pet owners with pets above 32 kilograms (kg) can also make bookings at the Cargo Terminal.
Container Guidelines For Akasa Air
- Container size for cabin should not exceed 19 inch L x 12.6 inch W x 10 inch height H.
- Container size for check-in/cargo should not exceed 36” L x 28” W x 28” H.
- Pet must remain inside their closed/zipped up container in the airport and during the entire flight.
IndiGo Airlines Policy For Pet Travel
If you were thinking of traveling with your furry friend with IndiGo Airlines, you are in for some disappointing news. Sadly, IndiGo Airlines does not permit pets in any of their domestic flights.
IndiGo only permits guide dogs for visually challenged passengers. However, the passenger must first contact the airline’s call center on 1800 180 3838. Here are the guidelines issued by IndiGo for guide dogs:
- They are not permitted to occupy any seat.
- Passengers are required to carry a moisture absorbent mat and place it under the guide dog.
- The guide dog accompanying the passenger must be properly pet-trained, muzzled, and leashed.
SpiceXpress Pet Travel Policy
SpiceXpress was once a cargo subsidiary of SpiceJet, however, the airline hived off the logistics business in April 2023 as a separate entity. Here are the key features of SpiceXpress’ cargo service for pet travel:
- Pets are transported as per IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal Regulations in specially designed IATA approved containers provided by the pet owner.
- SpiceXpress Aircrafts are pressurized and temperature-regulated for offering optimum comfort to pets.
- Pets are handled by trained professionals.
- Shortened acceptance time and expedited delivery at destination.
- SpiceXpress service for pet travel is available at all airports where Boeing flights are operated. The temperature on Boeing aircraft is specially acclimatized to provide maximum comfort to pets.
However, also note that they restrict certain animal breeds. Pet owners must contact the station in-charge prior to booking to know more about the breed restrictions.
Flying With Pets In India: An Essential Travel Checklist
- Make sure you have at least 72 hours before your flight to make bookings for your pet.
- Consult your vet for any medication your pet might need before flying.
- Have a leash and a suitable harness or collar handy.
- Keep a sealed container with dry pet food in your cabin baggage.
- Carry all original documents you might need for your pet’s verification. Also, do not forget original copies of veterinary records and examinations of your pet.
Preparing Your Pets For Travel: Important Tips
It is generally not recommended to travel with your pet directly without first ‘preparing’ them for travel, especially when it comes to flying. Here are some tips you can follow to prepare them:
- Acclimatize your pet to the container it will be travelling in, starting from a few weeks before departure. Every day (or periodically), place your pet in the container for about two hours and then treat them for their cooperation!
- Place an absorbent mat and a blanket in the container to make your pet comfortable.
- Walk your pet before leaving for the airport on the day of departure.
- Before you place it in the container, remove the leash.
- Do not administer your pet with a tranquilizer or a sedative before traveling at all.
Summing Up
Though flying with pets can sound quite complicated, our one-stop guide for pet travel is sure to help you navigate all the procedures for a smooth travel experience. Most airlines might have different guidelines and set of rules and regulations but some of these tips are applicable to pet travel regardless of the airline. Be it details about pet containers or booking tickets in advance, we’re sure your next adventure with your pets is about to be better with our pet travel guide.
FAQs
Can We Carry Pets In A Domestic Flight In India?
You can carry pets in a domestic flight in India depending on the airline you choose to fly from. While Air India, SpiceXpress, and Akasa Air allow pets, IndiGo does not allow pets on their airline.
Can I Carry My Pet In An Indigo Flight?
No, you cannot carry a pet in an IndiGo flight as it does not permit to do so.
Is Flying Stressful For Dogs?
Yes, flying can be stressful for dogs due to temperature and altitude changes. Plus, animals like dogs and cats are physiologically built differently than humans, so they must acclimatize adequately before flying.
