Air India Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on Air India: What You Need to Know

I still remember the first time I flew Tafoukt—my 20kg Moroccan rescue—across the Mediterranean. She was terrified, I was nervous, and I'd triple-checked every regulation. That experience taught me that flying with a pet isn't complicated if you understand the rules upfront. Air India does accept dogs and cats, but the details matter. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.

Whether you're relocating a rescue dog from a shelter in South Asia to a new home, or traveling with your beloved companion, Air India offers options depending on your pet's size and your route. The key is planning ahead—at least 48 hours before departure—and getting your paperwork right.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pets: Up to 10kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Cabin fee: USD 350 for international short/medium haul; INR 1,200–5,000 domestic
• Checked baggage: 10–32kg pets
• Cargo: Pets over 32kg
• Cabin carrier dimensions: 46cm L × 28cm W × 28cm H (must fit under seat)
• Minimum age: 8 weeks for cabin; 10 weeks for checked baggage/cargo
• Booking window: 48 hours minimum before departure
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before travel
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) tarmac temperature
• Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) tarmac temperature

Cabin Travel: The Closest Option to Your Pet

If your pet weighs under 10kg (including the carrier), cabin travel is the best choice. Your pet stays with you in the cabin—no cargo hold, no separation anxiety. Air India allows dogs and cats in the cabin, but only in economy class, and only in the last five rows. This is where proximity matters most for your animal's peace of mind.

Cabin carrier requirements: You'll need a soft-sided carrier (hard-sided won't fit under the seat). Maximum dimensions are approximately 46cm long, 28cm wide, and 28cm high. The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Inside, you need an absorbent liner or mat to handle any accidents during the flight—this is non-negotiable, and most airlines enforce it strictly.

The carrier must have adequate ventilation, ideally with mesh panels on multiple sides so your pet can breathe easily and see out. I always choose carriers with good visibility for this reason—it helps calm anxious animals.

Cabin fees: International flights cost USD 350 one-way. Domestic flights within India range from INR 1,200 to INR 5,000. Note that cabin travel is not available on flights to the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom—these routes require cargo or checked baggage.

Important restriction: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are banned from cabin travel due to respiratory risks during flight. This includes Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Persians, and many others. If your breed is on the restricted list, you'll need to use checked baggage or cargo instead.

Checked Baggage: For Medium-Sized Pets (10–32kg)

If your pet weighs between 10 and 32kg, checked baggage is your option. Your pet travels in the hold with your luggage, in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. This is more secure than cabin travel for larger animals, though it means separation during the flight.

Carrier requirements: Hard-sided crates only—soft-sided carriers won't survive the baggage handling. The crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards, which means it needs ventilation openings on at least three sides, an attached water bowl that can be filled from outside, and an absorbent liner inside. You must also display "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate.

Minimum age for checked baggage is 10 weeks, and your pet must be fully weaned. Temperature embargoes apply: Air India won't accept pets if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below −6.7°C (20°F). If you're traveling in summer or winter, check the forecast carefully.

Brachycephalic breeds are restricted from checked baggage as well, for the same respiratory safety reasons.

Cargo: For Large Pets (Over 32kg)

Pets heavier than 32kg travel as cargo. This is a more formal process—your pet is handled by Air India's cargo department, not the passenger baggage system. Cargo offers climate-controlled transport, which is actually beneficial for large animals on long journeys.

Cargo carrier requirements: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates are mandatory. The crate must have ventilation on at least three sides, an attached water bowl, and absorbent lining. "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows are required on all sides.

Minimum age is 10 weeks, and the same temperature embargoes apply: no travel if tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C or fall below −6.7°C. Brachycephalic breeds are completely banned from cargo travel—this is a universal industry standard due to the serious respiratory risks in pressurized cargo holds.

We're still verifying specific cargo fees with Air India—contact them directly for pricing on your route.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you need a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Air India, regardless of cabin, checked baggage, or cargo. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your departure date—get it as close to travel as possible to be safe. Some destinations require it within 7 days, so check your destination's import requirements.

Your vet will confirm your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations (especially rabies), and free from infectious diseases. Bring this certificate to the airport; you'll be asked for it at check-in.

If you're traveling internationally, your destination country may have additional import permits or quarantine requirements. Research your destination's pet import rules well in advance—this varies significantly by country. For example, UK and Australia have strict quarantine protocols, while EU countries have streamlined pet passport systems.

Service animals and emotional support animals follow a separate policy. Documentation is required, and Air India applies different rules than for regular pets. Contact them directly if you're traveling with an assistance animal.

What You Cannot Do

No sedation: IATA regulations prohibit sedating your pet during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Don't do it, even if you think it will help. Your vet should refuse to prescribe it for flight purposes.

No pregnant animals: Air India won't accept visibly pregnant pets due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

No animals in heat: We're still verifying Air India's specific policy on this—contact them directly.

No last-minute bookings: You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential.

How to Book Your Pet on Air India

Booking is phone-only—you cannot add a pet to your reservation online. Call Air India reservations directly and inform them you're traveling with a pet. Have ready:

• Your flight details (date, route, booking reference)
• Your pet's name, species, breed, age, and weight
• Your preferred travel method (cabin, checked baggage, or cargo)
• Any special requirements or health concerns

Confirm the fee, the exact carrier requirements for your route, and any destination-specific import permits you'll need. Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel dates. Get a confirmation number for your pet's booking.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Travel Checklist

• 48+ hours before departure: Call Air India reservations and book your pet. Confirm fees and carrier specifications.
• 10 days before departure: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm your destination's import requirements with your vet.
• 7–10 days before: Obtain your health certificate. Keep it in a safe, accessible place.
• If using cabin: Purchase or confirm you have a soft-sided carrier meeting Air India's dimensions (46cm × 28cm × 28cm). Add an absorbent liner inside.
• If using checked baggage or cargo: Obtain or purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate. Attach a water bowl. Add absorbent lining. Print and attach "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows.
• Research your destination: Confirm import permits, quarantine requirements, and any additional documentation needed.
• Day before travel: Ensure your pet is calm and comfortable. Don't change their diet. Bring familiar toys or bedding in the carrier.
• At the airport: Arrive early. Have your health certificate, booking confirmation, and pet's ID ready. Inform the agent immediately that you're traveling with a pet.

A Perspective on Pet Travel & Rescue

Flying with pets—especially rescues—is about more than logistics. When I brought Tafoukt from Morocco to Paris, I wasn't just moving a dog; I was giving her a second life. The infrastructure that allows pets to fly safely also enables shelters across North Africa, South Asia, and beyond to connect animals with families who can care for them. Every time someone books a rescue pet on an airline, they're supporting a network of animal welfare that transcends borders.

Air India's pet policies, while strict, exist to protect animals. The carrier dimensions, health certificates, temperature embargoes—these aren't bureaucratic obstacles. They're safeguards. Respect them, and your pet will arrive safely.

Whether your pet is a purebred or a shelter rescue, a tiny kitten or a large dog, the rules are the same. That equality matters.

Still Have Questions?

Air India's pet policies can vary by specific route and season. Always confirm directly with their reservations team before booking. If you're relocating a rescue animal internationally, consider working with a pet relocation specialist who understands both Air India's requirements and your destination country's import laws.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you've covered every detail for your pet's journey.

Data last verified: April 11, 2026. This guide is based on Air India's official pet travel policies and IATA Live Animals Regulations. Policies change—always confirm current requirements directly with Air India before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026