Ciao, Marco here. Air India is one of those carriers where the cabin is your best friend, especially if you fly with a small dog like my Mochi. The headline you actually need: cabin travel caps out at 10 kg, and that number decides everything about how your trip is going to go. Get the weight right first, and the rest gets a lot less scary.
Air India's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Air India handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedUp to 10 kg – In the cabin with you (Economy) verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCabin eligibility: Domesticated dogs and cats are eligible for cabin travel. Cargo restrictions: Snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of… verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be 8+ weeks old. verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 48 hours For reservations of pet in cabin (under 10 kg), passengers must book their travel at least 48 hours prior to the flight departure. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesFor reservations of pet in cabin (under 10 kg), passengers must book their travel at least 48 hours prior to the flight departure. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 One pet per passenger; soft kennel must fit under the seat. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per flight 2 A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in the economy cabin per flight. verified 2026-07-20 Booking method Through customer support or airport counters …queries and concerns Available on 80+ domestic and international routes Cabin travel for pets How to book Through customer support or airport counters verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ YesPet travel is allowed only to and from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) airports. Pet transport is strictly not allowed to or from Birmingham (BHX) airport, so you are advised to plan your itinerary… verified 2026-07-14 Max per flight 2 Air India allows only two pets per flight in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Embargoed routes Pets Pets in cabin (PETC) are not allowed on flights to America, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed. verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours The booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure for the carriage of pets in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Aircraft restrictions ✗ YesKENNEL REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY) Kennel Specifications Material: Rigid, fiberglass, wood, or metal (wire mesh not permitted) Size: Must allow pet to stand, turn, and lie down naturally Ventilation: Required on all four… verified 2026-06-19 Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 46 × 46 × 46 cm The maximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in. verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg The combined weight of the pet and the soft kennel/pet carrier must not exceed 10 kg. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The maximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in. verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing between 10 kg - 32 kg must be booked separately as checked baggage or as cargo. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCabin eligibility: Domesticated dogs and cats are eligible for cabin travel. Cargo restrictions: Snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …where pets are currently accepted. Is there an age restriction to carry pets on board? Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours The booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure for the carriage of pets in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesHow can I make a booking if I am travelling with a pet? You can book your pets in the cabin (up to 10 kg / 22 lb) or in the cargo compartment as baggage (up to 32 kg /70 lb) by: Bringing your pet to the check-in counter… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Booking method counter …/ 22 lb) or in the cargo compartment as baggage (up to 32 kg /70 lb) by: Bringing your pet to the check-in counter with the required travel case and paperwork to purchase a ticket verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 25°C Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed or flat-faced pets, are carried only when temperatures are below 25°C due to risks involved in transporting them in the cargo compartment verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoRemove the leash before placing your pet in the container and avoid using sedatives or tranquillisers. verified 2026-07-27 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg For pets as checked baggage (Above 10 kg, below 32 kg) The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 32 kg verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Hard case carrier as per IATA container guidelines is required verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOver 32 kg – Must be booked as cargo verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesSnub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of respiratory issues and temperature sensitivity. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Is there an age restriction to carry pets on board? Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 4 hours We accept pets up to 4 hours before departure, subject to prior booking confirmation and customs clearance verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesWhen can I book my pet to travel with me? verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per flight 2 Maximum 2 animals- pets or service dog are permitted per aircraft, with the concurrence of the commander verified 2026-07-13 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 25°C Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed or flat-faced pets, are carried only when temperatures are below 25°C due to risks involved in transporting them in the cargo compartment. verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ Nothe carriage of any pet and is not responsible if such pets are refused entry into or transit through any country or territory. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesIn the UK, pets can be carried only as cargo when travelling to or from the London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) Airports In the UK, pets can be carried only as cargo when travelling to or from the London… verified 2026-06-03 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Pets as Checked Baggage ... Hard case carrier as per IATA container guidelines is required ... Pets weighing between 10 kg - 32 kg must be booked separately as checked baggage or as cargo. verified 2026-06-19 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ YesPassenger must carry any additional vaccinations required by the destination state or country which must be officially certified and included in the health certificate. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 7 days Health certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air Certificate must be issued within 7 days before departure or as per the rules of the destination state/country. verified 2026-07-21 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesThe owner must ensure their pets meet all quarantine requirements. verified 2026-07-14 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ YesYou need a valid health and rabies vaccination certificate, not older than 7 days prior from the date of departure (duly signed and stamped) from a registered veterinarian. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesPassenger must carry any additional vaccinations required by the destination state or country which must be officially certified and included in the health certificate. verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesYou need a valid health and rabies vaccination certificate, not older than 7 days prior from the date of departure (duly signed and stamped) from a registered veterinarian. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesHealth certificate, vaccination records, fitness to fly certificate, and airline approval are mandatory. verified 2026-06-19 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 7 days Health certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air Certificate must be issued within 7 days before departure or as per the rules of the destination state/country. verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedHide View How many pets are allowed in the cabin per flight? verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold. verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-07-28 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesA trained guide dog meeting Air India’s requirements and regulations of the destination country is carried free of charge if the dog is trained to assist a passenger with impaired vision/hearing. verified 2026-07-24 Emotional support animals allowed ✗ NoNo, emotional support animals are not allowed on Air India flights. verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Esa note Emotional support animals are not allowed on Air India flights. No, emotional support animals are not allowed on Air India flights. verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ YesA trained guide dog meeting Air India’s requirements and regulations of the destination country is carried free of charge if the dog is trained to assist a passenger with impaired vision/hearing verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesOnly one service dog per flight will be permitted. verified 2026-07-13 Cabin allowed ✓ YesA trained guide dog meeting Air India’s requirements and regulations of the destination country is carried free of charge if the dog is trained to assist a passenger with impaired vision/hearing. The Paws on Board… verified 2026-07-24 Esa recognized ✗ NoAre emotional support animals allowed to travel? No, emotional support animals are not allowed on Air India flights verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 One pet per passenger; soft kennel must fit under the seat verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours Please ensure you make the booking at least 48 hours before departure and have all the required paperwork with you. verified 2026-07-24 Documentation required ✓ YesYou need a valid health and rabies vaccination certificate, not older than 7 days prior from the date of departure (duly signed and stamped) from a registered veterinarian. You must hold entry permits and other… verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets up to 10 kg/ 22 lb Your pet can travel in the cabin with the following container requirements: Only a soft kennel of 17x10x9 inches [LxWxH] is permitted. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCabin eligibility: Domesticated dogs and cats are eligible for cabin travel. Cargo restrictions: Snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of… verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list ion : Domesticated dogs and cats are eligible for cabin travel. Cargo restrictions: Snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of respiratory issues… verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be 8+ weeks old. verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 48 hours For reservations of pet in cabin (under 10 kg), passengers must book their travel at least 48 hours prior to the flight departure. verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesFor reservations of pet in cabin (under 10 kg), passengers must book their travel at least 48 hours prior to the flight departure. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet per passenger is allowed, with a maximum of two pets in the cabin per flight. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 2 A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in the economy cabin per flight Hide View How many pets are allowed in the cabin per flight? verified 2026-05-26 Booking method Through customer support or airport counters …queries and concerns Available on 80+ domestic and international routes Cabin travel for pets How to book Through customer support or airport counters verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ YesChecked 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 verified 2026-07-20 Embargoed routes Pets Pets in cabin (PETC) are not allowed on flights to America, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed. verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours The booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure for the carriage of pets in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 46 × 46 cm ximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in. verified 2026-07-24 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg The combined weight of the pet and the soft kennel/pet carrier must not exceed 10 kg. verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier ximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in. verified 2026-07-24 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing between 10 kg - 32 kg must be booked separately as checked baggage or as cargo. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCargo restrictions: Snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of respiratory issues and temperature sensitivity verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …where pets are currently accepted. Is there an age restriction to carry pets on board? Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …up to 10 kg / 22 lb (with kennel) Submit and verify pet’s documents online with ease Book pet’s travel up to 48 hours before flight departure time Enjoy priority check-in and boarding with your pet 24x7 helpline for pet… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesHow can I make a booking if I am travelling with a pet? You can book your pets in the cabin (up to 10 kg / 22 lb) or in the cargo compartment as baggage (up to 32 kg /70 lb) by: Bringing your pet to the check-in counter… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Booking method counter …/ 22 lb) or in the cargo compartment as baggage (up to 32 kg /70 lb) by: Bringing your pet to the check-in counter with the required travel case and paperwork to purchase a ticket verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 25°C Therefore, we only accept such pets to travel as cargo if the temperature is below 25° C verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoRemove the leash before placing your pet in the container and avoid using sedatives or tranquillisers. verified 2026-07-27 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesNo pregnant pets or those having given birth within 48 hours of flight will be permitted verified 2026-07-01 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg For pets as checked baggage (Above 10 kg, below 32 kg) The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 32 kg verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Hard case carrier as per IATA container guidelines is required verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOver 32 kg – Must be booked as cargo verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesSnub-nosed or flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic) are not permitted in the cargo compartment due to the increased risk of respiratory issues and temperature sensitivity. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Is there an age restriction to carry pets on board? Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 4 hours …comfortably, giving time to both you and the pet to ease into the travelling process. We accept pets up to 4 hours before departure, subject to prior booking confirmation and customs clearance. verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPet travel categories by weight: Up to 10 kg – In the cabin with you (Economy) 10- 32 kg – Must be booked separately as checked baggage/cargo Over 32 kg – Must be booked as cargo Pet in Cabin travel benefits Pet… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per flight 2 A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in the economy cabin per flight A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in the economy cabin per flight Hide View How many pets are allowed in the cabin per flight? verified 2026-06-01 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 25°C Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed or flat-faced pets, are carried only when temperatures are below 25°C due to risks involved in transporting them in the cargo compartment verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Heat embargo 25°C Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed or flat-faced pets, are carried only when temperatures are below 25°C due to risks involved in transporting them in the cargo compartment. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ Nothe carriage of any pet and is not responsible if such pets are refused entry into or transit through any country or territory. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesIn the UK, pets can be carried only as cargo when travelling to or from the London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) Airports In the UK, pets can be carried only as cargo when travelling to or from the London… verified 2026-06-03 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 46 cm …to IATA standards . The maximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg If the combined weight of the pet and the container is over 32 kg / 70 lb they must be carried as cargo verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …to IATA standards . The maximum permissible side of the container for carriage of pets in the cabin is 46 cm/18 in x 46 cm/18 in x 30 cm/11 in verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ YesHealth certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air Certificate must be issued within 7 days before departure or as per the rules of the destination state/country verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 7 days Health certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air Certificate must be issued within 7 days before departure or as per the rules of the destination state/country verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesHealth certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Validity days 7 days You need a valid health and rabies vaccination certificate, not older than 7 days prior from the date of departure (duly signed and stamped) from a registered ve However, some breeds of… verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin and 3 months or older to travel in the cargo hold. verified 2026-07-14 Air India requires cabin pet reservations at least 48 hours before departure. Book the pet in cabin inside that window, never at the gate. The 48-hour rule applies to dogs under 10 kg riding in the cabin. Call to confirm the booking is on the record. Miss the 48-hour cutoff and the dog stays home while the flight leaves.
Snub-nosed and flat-faced breeds are barred from Air India's cargo compartment. A French Bulldog, pug, or boxer cannot ride in cargo on this carrier. Route brachycephalic dogs to the cabin only. Check the breed against the flat-faced list before booking. For a flat-faced dog above the cabin weight limit, cargo is simply not an option here.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Air India? Air India allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Air India? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg. Heavier pets (up to 32 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Air India? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How far in advance must I book my pet on Air India? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
Air India does not publish a one-way cargo fee figure. Request the cargo price directly from the airline before booking anything. A passenger using wheelchair assistance or travelling with an infant should not carry a pet in the cabin. Reassign that pet to another passenger on the booking. Confirm the final cargo charge in writing before paying.
So that's Air India, minus the surprises that once ambushed me at a customs window. Small dog, cabin, 48 hours ahead, weight double-checked, done. Don't wing it from a forum thread, though. Build a personalized plan for your exact route with Pawgo's plan-builder, and let it flag the fine print for your dog and your ticket before you pay. Buon viaggio, and give your pup a treat from Mochi.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
