Air India Pet Policy

Air India allows passengers to bring small domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and birds on most domestic and international flights. 

• In the passenger cabin (most flights) 
• As checked baggage 
• As cargo baggage

Service dogs that have been trained are permitted to fly with their owners at no cost in the passenger cabin.

Air India Pet Reservations 

To travel with a pet, it is important to inform Air India ahead of time. You cannot make pet reservations online. Instead, you need to either call your country office or visit in person.

Pet Policy for Domestic Flights 

Here are the important points of Air India’s pet policy for domestic flights in India:

• Allowed Pet: Cats, dogs, and birds are allowed to travel on domestic flights within India.

• Container Size: 

• • • If you’re bringing your pet into the cabin, make sure the container is no larger than 45 x 45 x 30cm (18 x 18 x 12in).
    • Pets carried in the cabin, including their container, should not weigh more than 11 pounds or 5 kilograms.
    • Pets that are bigger or weigh more need to be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage.
    • Container Must Be:
      • Be a gentle container. 
      • a good ventilation system. 
      • bear a label with the animal’s name on it. 
      • contain a mat that absorbs moisture.

• Pet Age: For travel, puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old.

• Pet Reservation: For pet reservations, contact Air India Reservations. 

• Check-in: Three hours or more before departure, check-in is required. 

• Pet Forms: The animal’s rabies and immunization records must be up to date.

• Number of Pets: Per flight, a maximum of two pets are allowed.

• Pet Fees:

• • • The pet’s weight, as well as the weight of the container and its food, will be subject to the standard excess baggage fees. 
    • Pets are not permitted as free baggage for passengers.

• Pet Restrictions

• • Cats and dogs who are pregnant will not be allowed.
  • In the final row of his or her cabin class, the passenger must be seated.
  • Pet dogs must be properly muzzled and leashed. 
  • Pets aren’t allowed in the passenger seat. 
• If properly leashed, muzzled, immunized, etc., and with the aircraft commander’s approval, trained guide dogs are permitted to fly for free.

Pet Policy for International Flights

• Allowed Pet: You can bring pets like dogs, cats, and household birds on international flights. However, they are not allowed on nonstop flights to the U.S. (except for service dogs), U.K., and Germany. Please see the information below regarding pet restrictions for international flights. 

• Container Size:  

• • • If you’re traveling with your pet in the passenger cabin, the size of the pet container can be up to 45 x 45 x 30cm (18 x 18 x 12in). 
    • The weight limit for the pet container, including the weight of the pet, is 11 pounds or 5 kilograms for pets traveling in the cabin. If your pet is heavy or big, you need to transport it as checked baggage in the hold. 
    • Container Must Be:
      • Make sure there is enough ventilation. 
      • Make sure to have a label with the pet’s name. 
      • It has a mat that absorbs moisture.

• Pet Age: Cats and dogs need to be at least 3 months old. 

• Pet Reservations: To book your pet on an international flight with Air India, you can either call your country’s office or visit a nearby office.

• • Check-In: Make sure to check in at least 4 hours before your departure.

• Pet Forms: 

• • • The pet owner needs to sign a declaration that protects Air India from any responsibility or liability.
    • To fly, your dog or cat needs to have been vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination should have been given at least 1 month before the flight, but no more than 12 months before the flight’s departure date. The health certificate should also include a list of other necessary vaccinations.  
    • To bring your pet to another country, you need to make sure their rabies vaccination certificates and entry permits meet the requirements of both the destination country and any countries you may be passing through. 
    • The pet needs to have certification proving that it is not infected with diseases that can spread to others, like rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, and so on.
    • Passengers need to follow all regulations and get permission (NOC/clearance) from the relevant regulatory authorities.  I would like information on exporting and importing pets to and from India.
    • Passengers must follow all health and customs rules, including any quarantine rules.

• Number of Pets:

• • • You can bring up to 2 pets, including service dogs, on a flight. 
    • You are only allowed to bring one guide dog on a flight.

• Pet Fees:

• Having pets with you during your travel will come with an extra fee. Please note that the cost of pets is not included in the baggage allowance that passengers are entitled to.
• The charges for excess baggage will be the same as usual. They will include the weight of the pet, the container, and its food. 
• Guide dogs that have been trained can travel for free if they are properly leashed, muzzled, vaccinated, and have the approval of the aircraft commander.  

Air India Pet Charges / Fees

Pets traveling on Air India, whether on domestic or international flights, will be charged the regular excess baggage fees. The cost of bringing your pet on international flights can vary between USD 100 and USD 200. The amount you pay will depend on how much your pet weighs and the specific route you are taking.

Air India Pet Policy for Pets as Checked Baggage 

If your pet weighs more than 11 pounds (5 kilograms) or is not a cat or a dog, you can still bring them with you on your trip. They will need to travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft as checked baggage. The temperature and pressure in the aircraft hold are equal to the temperature and pressure in the passenger cabin.

Pet Allowed: Cats, dogs, small birds, and other pets.

Pet Forms: 

• To travel, you need a health certificate from a licensed vet. The certificate should be issued within 10 days of your travel date. 
• The health certificate should also include a list of other vaccinations that are necessary.  
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccination certificates and entry permits meet the documentation requirements of the destination and transit countries. 
• You need to get permission from all the relevant regulatory authorities. I would like information on exporting and importing pets to and from India.
• Passengers are required to follow all health and customs regulations, including any quarantine rules.

 Check-In: 

• For domestic flights, make sure to check in at least 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
• For international flights, make sure to check in at least 4 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.

Crate Requirement:

• It needs to meet the requirements set by IATA.
• The crates must be made of hard metal or plastic.

Restrictions:

• Restrictions on Dog Breeds. If you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog or cat breed, it’s important to transport them in crates that are one size larger than what is typically needed. 
• Temperature Limits. Please contact Air India for more information. 
• Restrictions on Routes. Please refer to the information provided in the section titled “Route Restrictions” above. 

Conditions Before Traveling with Guide Dogs on Air India 

Air India’s pet policy permits passengers who are hearing or visually impaired to travel with a trained guide dog or service dog in the cabin without any additional charges. But, there are some conditions that you need to be aware of:

• The guide dog must always be on a lead and have a muzzle on. 
• The guide dog must sit under the passenger’s seat or at their feet at all times, without blocking the aisle or any other area.
• No one can let a guide dog sit in a passenger seat.
• The health and vaccine records for the guide dog must be valid and up-to-date. 
• The guide dog must be taught to lead the person who needs it because they can’t hear or see. 
• Only one guide dog is allowed per flight, so call or go to the Air India office in your country ahead of time to make a reservation.

FAQs

What pets are allowed to travel on Air India flights?

Air India allows small domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and birds on most domestic and international flights. Service dogs that have been trained are also permitted to fly with their owners in the passenger cabin at no cost.

How can I make a pet reservation with Air India?

To travel with a pet, you need to inform Air India ahead of time by either calling your country office or visiting in person. Pet reservations cannot be made online.

What are the requirements for bringing pets on domestic flights within India?

On domestic flights, cats, dogs, and birds are allowed to travel. The pet’s container size should not exceed 45 x 45 x 30cm (18 x 18 x 12in), and the total weight, including the pet and the container, should not exceed 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.

Can I bring my pet on international flights with Air India?

Pets like dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed on international flights, except for nonstop flights to the U.S., U.K., and Germany (except for service dogs). Specific regulations and documentation are required for international pet travel.

What are the charges and fees for traveling with pets on Air India flights?

Pets traveling on Air India, whether on domestic or international flights, will be charged the regular excess baggage fees. The cost of bringing your pet on international flights can vary between USD 100 and USD 200, depending on the weight of the pet and the specific route. Guide dogs that are properly trained can travel for free with the approval of the aircraft commander.