Flying with Pets on Air India: Complete Policy Guide

Air India operates one of Asia's largest airline networks, connecting India to destinations worldwide. If you're planning to travel with your dog or cat, understanding Air India's pet policies is essential before booking. This guide covers cabin travel, checked baggage transport, and cargo options based on current industry standards that apply to Air India flights.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Cabin weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks old
  • Minimum pet age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks old
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 1 pet carrier

Cabin Travel with Your Pet

Traveling with your pet in the cabin is the most comfortable option for both you and your animal. Your pet stays with you throughout the flight rather than being separated in cargo.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your pet carrier must meet specific dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you:

  • Maximum length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
  • Maximum width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Maximum height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum

Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are required for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat and won't be accepted. Look for carriers with mesh panels on multiple sides for ventilation—this is mandatory for your pet's safety and comfort during the flight.

Essential features your cabin carrier must have:

  • Mesh ventilation on multiple sides (IATA requirement)
  • Absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents
  • Secure closures that won't open during turbulence

Age and Health Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and must be fully weaned. Pregnant animals are not accepted for air travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact Air India directly before attempting to book.

A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is mandatory. This certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure date. Get it as close to your travel date as possible—some destinations may require it within 7 days. Don't risk being denied boarding at the airport; obtain this certificate well in advance.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats

Air India follows industry-standard restrictions on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to serious respiratory risks during flight. These breeds have compromised airways and struggle in pressurized cabin environments.

Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types including French, English, American), Bull Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

Restricted cat breeds: Persian cats are the primary restricted feline breed.

If your pet is on this list, contact Air India directly before booking—restrictions may vary and some airlines make exceptions in specific circumstances. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations strictly prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Air India. Consult your veterinarian about natural calming strategies instead.

Advance Booking is Mandatory

You cannot simply show up at the airport with a pet. Air India limits the number of pets per flight, so you must pre-book your pet before purchasing your ticket. Contact Air India's customer service to arrange pet travel—we're still verifying the exact booking process and advance notice requirements, so contact the airline directly for current procedures.

Checked Baggage Transport

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer this option, checked baggage transport places your pet in the cargo hold with climate control and monitoring.

Age and Health Requirements

Pets traveling as checked baggage must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin travel requirements) and fully weaned. The same health certificate requirement applies: issued within 10 days of departure. Pregnant animals are not accepted.

Carrier Specifications for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers have different requirements than cabin carriers. We're still verifying specific dimension limits for Air India, but industry standards require:

  • Hard-sided or soft-sided crates acceptable (unlike cabin travel)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate exterior

Temperature Embargoes

Air India will not accept pets for checked baggage transport if temperatures are outside safe ranges:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower

If you're traveling during extreme weather, check the forecast at both airports. Some airlines allow cold-weather travel with a veterinary acclimation certificate—contact Air India to ask about this option.

Breed Restrictions Apply

The same brachycephalic breed restrictions apply to checked baggage. Verify your pet's breed eligibility before booking.

Cargo Transport

For larger pets or international relocations, Air India may offer dedicated pet cargo services. Cargo transport requires IATA-compliant hard-sided crates only—soft-sided carriers are not accepted.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

  • Hard-sided crate (mandatory) meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl or trough accessible from outside
  • Absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Age, Health, and Restrictions

Cargo pets must be at least 10 weeks old, have a health certificate within 10 days of departure, and cannot be pregnant. Brachycephalic breeds are restricted. No sedation is permitted.

Temperature Embargoes

The same temperature limits apply: no travel above 29.4°C (85°F) or below -6.7°C (20°F) without special approval.

Service Animals and Assistance Dogs

Assistance animals (service dogs, guide dogs, emotional support animals) have a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. We're still verifying Air India's specific requirements for assistance animals—contact the airline directly with your animal's certification and documentation.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Travel Checklist

  • Verify breed eligibility: Check if your pet is a restricted brachycephalic breed. Contact Air India if unsure.
  • Schedule a vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure (not earlier).
  • Book your pet in advance: Contact Air India to pre-book your pet before purchasing your flight ticket. Confirm the exact booking process and any fees.
  • Purchase the correct carrier: Soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided for cargo. Verify dimensions fit your pet comfortably.
  • Add carrier features: Install absorbent liner and ensure proper ventilation.
  • Check weather: Confirm temperatures at origin and destination are within safe ranges (above -6.7°C / 20°F and below 29.4°C / 85°F).
  • Prepare your pet: Practice crate time before the flight. Bring familiar toys and bedding.
  • Arrive early: Plan extra time at the airport for pet check-in procedures.
  • Confirm destination requirements: Some countries have additional import regulations. Check United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and other destination-specific rules.

Important Reminders

Contact Air India directly for: Current pet fees (we're still verifying pricing), exact booking procedures, specific carrier dimensions for your route, and any route-specific restrictions. Pet policies can vary by route and change seasonally.

Never sedate your pet. This is prohibited by IATA regulations and applies to all airlines worldwide.

Get your health certificate close to departure. A certificate issued too early may not be accepted. The 10-day window is standard, but some destinations require 7 days—verify with your destination country.

For comprehensive preparation, review our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide.

Need Help Planning?

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll help you navigate Air India's requirements and prepare all necessary documentation for your pet's journey.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on industry-standard pet travel policies that apply to Air India. Policies change periodically—always confirm current requirements directly with Air India before booking. For destination-specific import rules, contact your destination country's veterinary or agricultural authority.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 11, 2026