When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Air India allow pets? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Air India? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Air India? All your answers related to Air India pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Domestic Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Air India based?
Air India is based out of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. Most layovers within Air India’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Air India fly to?
Air India offers service to pets to the following countries: Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, S. Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States*, Vietnam.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Air India Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Air India’s pet policy to travel in-cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed on Air India in the cabin
Small dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the cabin with Air India. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Maximum two pets per flight.
Reservations
Tickets for pets can be purchased at the check in counter or at an airline or city ticket office. As there are a limited number of pets allowed on each flight, you should make a reservation for your pet early but no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
Age/Weight requirements
Minimum age of pet flying in the cabin is eight weeks. Maximum weight of pet including carrier is 15 lbs. (7 kg).
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic US) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
One pet is permitted per passenger. Maximum carrier measurement: 18″ x 18″ x 12″ (46 x 46 x 30 cm). No rigid carriers are permitted. Pet owners will be assigned seats in the last row of the designated class (Economy, Premium, etc.). Pets will be assigned seats that are five rows apart. Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet.
Unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets in the cabin. No food is permitted in the carrier. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight. Carriers must remain on the floor. They must not be put on an airline seat or in your lap.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
Proof of rabies and other vaccinations, health certificate from the Sanitation Department issued within 72 hours of departure and all documents required for your destination country. Air India requires the submittal of an Indemnity Form.
Route restrictions
No pets can fly in the cabin to or from the following countries in the cabin: United States, Canada, and Australia. Pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights departing India and arriving in the United Arab Emirates. All pets flying to the United Kingdom must do so as air cargo. No birds can fly to or through Middle East airports in the cabin.
Check in
Pets should be checked in at the airport ticket counter at least three hours prior to departure.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Cost
The carrier is subject to excess baggage charges. The charges will depend on the weight of the pet and the weight of the carrier.
Service dog pet policy
All service and psychiatric dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
Air India Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Air India if it is flying with an adult passenger. Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about three hours in length.
Pets allowed to fly on Air India as checked baggage
Dogs, cats, small household birds and other pets are permitted to fly as checked baggage.
Reservations
Tickets for pets can be purchased at the check in counter or at an airline or city ticket office. As there are a limited number of pets allowed on each flight, you should make a reservation for your pet early but no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
Age/Weight requirements
This class of service is for pets whose weight including their crate is between 15 lbs. (7 kg) and 70 lbs. (32 kg). Minimum age of pet flying as checked baggage is 3 months.
Pet crate requirements
Only one pet is permitted per crate. Only one crate per passenger. All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
No pets can fly to or from the following countries in as checked baggage: United States, Canada, Australia and United Arab Emirates. All pets flying to the United Kingdom must do so as air cargo. No birds can fly to or through Middle East airports as checked baggage.
Forms Required
Proof of rabies and other vaccinations, health certificate from the Sanitation Department issued within 72 hours of departure and all documents required for your destination country. Air India requires the submittal of an Indemnity Form.
Check in
Pets should be checked in at the airport ticket counter at least 3 hours prior to departure.
Cost
Costs will be determined depending on the size and weight of your pet and its carrier and the route.
Air India Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets allowed to fly with Air India Cargo
Air India will ship warm blooded animals such as dogs and cats on domestic flights within India. Pets must be self-sufficient and require no attention during flight.
Reservations
Reservations should be made by a registered agent in the country of origin. If you need a reference for a transport agent, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Air India flies live animals as air cargo on domestic flights within India only.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Air India cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Cost
Contact your registered agent for more information.
Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. AIRLINE NAME requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Air India
Air India does not specify a ban on particular breeds. They will selectively transport snub-nosed pets with caution, especially in hotter months. It is strongly advised to contact Air India if you are flying a snub-nosed breed.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
Pets must not be sedated when flying in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo. No pregnant pets or those having given birth within 48 hours of flight will be permitted. Parents traveling with small children are advised not to bring pets on board.
The information published here is a guideline for Air India airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
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To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Air India pet policy.
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