Air India permits the carriage of small domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and birds on both domestic and international flights through various options:
In the passenger cabin: Small pets are allowed on most flights, provided they meet specific criteria regarding size, weight, and container requirements.
As checked baggage: Pets that do not qualify for in-cabin travel due to size or other restrictions can be transported as checked baggage.
As cargo baggage: Larger pets or those not suitable for cabin or checked baggage travel can be transported as cargo.
Additionally, trained service dogs are exempt from charges and are permitted to accompany their owners in the passenger cabin.
Air India Pet Reservations
To ensure your pet can travel with Air India, it's essential to make advance reservations by contacting their customer service or visiting a local office. Unlike regular bookings, pet reservations cannot be made online. This proactive step helps Air India accommodate your pet safely and in compliance with all necessary travel regulations. Air India pet policy allows small domesticated pets like cats, dogs, and birds to travel on domestic flights within India.
Air India's policy for domestic flights regarding the transportation of pets
Here are the key points of Air India pet policy for domestic flights within India:
Pets Allowed:
Small domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, and birds are permitted on domestic flights within India.
Pet Container Size and Weight:
Containers must not exceed 45 x 45 x 30 cm (18 x 18 x 12 inches) if carried in the cabin.
Total weight of the pet and container must not exceed 11 lbs (5 kg) for cabin travel.
Larger or heavier pets must travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage.
Container Requirements: Pet containers must be soft, properly ventilated, labeled with the pet’s name, and include a moisture-absorbent mat.
Pet Age: Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
Pet Reservations: Contact Air India Reservations to book your pet’s travel Or dial +1-866-410-8128 for instant support.
Check-in: Passengers traveling with pets must adhere to Air India pet policy, which requires them to check in at least 3 hours before departure to ensure smooth handling of their pet's travel arrangements.
Pet Documentation: Ensure valid rabies and vaccination certificates are available.
Number of Pets: Maximum of 2 pets per flight.
Pet Fees: Normal excess baggage charges apply, including the pet’s weight, container weight, and food.
Exclusion from Baggage Allowance: Pets are not counted towards a passenger’s free baggage allowance.
Guide Dogs: Trained guide dogs travel free when properly leashed, muzzled, and with approval from the aircraft commander.
Pet Restrictions: Pregnant dogs and cats are not accepted. Passengers with pets must sit in the last row of their cabin class. Pet dogs must be properly leashed and muzzled and cannot occupy a passenger seat.
For a smooth journey with your pet on Air India, ensure all requirements are met and reservations are made in advance.
Air India policy regarding pets on international flights
Air India pet policy for international flights allows for the transport of dogs, cats, and household birds, with some specific restrictions:
Pets Allowed:
Pets are generally permitted on international flights, except on non-stop flights to the U.S. (except service dogs), U.K., and Germany. Refer to specific restrictions below.
Pet Container Size and Weight:
In-cabin pets: Container size up to 45 x 45 x 30 cm (18 x 18 x 12 inches), weight up to 11 lbs (5 kg).
Larger pets must travel as checked baggage in the hold.
Containers must be ventilated, labeled with the pet’s name, and contain a moisture-absorbent mat.
Pet Age:
Cats and dogs must be at least 3 months old.
Pet Reservations:
Contact Air India Reservations or visit an office to book your pet on an international flight.
Check-in:
Check in at least 4 hours before departure.
Pet Documentation:
Rabies vaccination required at least 1 month prior to flight, but within 12 months of departure.
Health certificate with other required vaccinations.
Compliance with destination and transit country requirements.
Number of Pets:
Up to 2 pets (including service dogs) per flight; only 1 guide dog per flight.
Pet Fees:
Additional charges apply; not included in free baggage allowance. Normal excess baggage charges apply.
Service Dogs:
Travel free if properly leashed, muzzled, vaccinated, and approved by the aircraft commander.
Ensure compliance with all regulations and obtain necessary clearances for smooth pet travel with Air India on international routes.
Transporting Pets on Flights Between India and the United States
Pets cannot travel on nonstop Air India flights between India and the United States, with the exception of service dogs accompanying blind and deaf passengers, who are allowed to travel in the cabin at no extra cost.
Air India Pet Charges
What fees does Air India charge for transporting pets on flights, both domestically and internationally?
Air India applies normal excess baggage charges for pets on both domestic and international flights. For in-cabin pets on international flights, the charges typically range from USD 100 to USD 200, depending on the pet's weight and the specific route of travel.
Air India Pet Policy for Pets as Checked Baggage
Air India's policy for pets traveling as checked baggage allows for larger or heavier pets (>11lb/5kg) that cannot travel in the passenger cabin, or those that are not cats or dogs, to be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The temperature and pressure conditions in the cargo hold are equivalent to those in the passenger cabin. Pets permitted include cats, dogs, small household birds, and other animals.
For traveling with pets as checked baggage, passengers must adhere to several requirements:
Obtain a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, documenting required vaccinations.
Ensure vaccination certificates and entry permits comply with destination and transit country regulations.
Obtain necessary NOC/clearance from relevant regulatory authorities for import/export of pets to/from India.
Comply with all health, customs, and quarantine requirements.
Check-in procedures:
Domestic routes: Check in at least 3 hours before departure.
International routes: Check in at least 4 hours before departure.
Pet crate requirements:
Crates must conform to IATA standards.
Crates should be made of hard metallic or plastic material.
Restrictions include:
Breed-specific regulations: Snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds should be transported in crates one size larger than standard requirements.
Temperature restrictions: Refer to Air India guidelines.
Route-specific restrictions: Refer to restrictions applicable to specific routes mentioned above.
Traveling with Guide Dogs on Air India
Air India allows passengers who are hearing or visually impaired to travel with a trained guide dog or service dog in the cabin at no additional charge. Here are the key guidelines:
The guide dog must remain leashed and under the control of the passenger throughout the flight.
It should stay under the passenger's seat or at their feet, without obstructing the aisle or other passengers.
The guide dog cannot occupy a passenger seat.
Valid health and vaccination certificates for the guide dog must be provided.
The dog must be trained to assist the specific needs of the hearing or visually impaired passenger.
Only one guide dog per flight is permitted, and passengers must reserve in advance through Air India's reservation system or local office.
Note. Air India does not allow emotional support animals (ESANs) to travel on their flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air India Pet Policy
What is the Air India Pet Policy contact number?
You can contact Air India customer support department by visiting their official website.
+1-866-410-8128
