Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 4kg) “I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Emma is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Air India Express went into my comparison sheet with two numbers worth circling: a booking deadline and a firm size limit for the cabin. The policy is refreshingly specific once you find it. Luna approves of anything this quantifiable. Sort the reservation timing and the weight rule up front, and the rest of the pet booking is simple arithmetic. Let me show you the figures.
Air India Express'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 Express handles your pet
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
In the cabin✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breedsNot accepted
Cabin policy
Pets accepted✓ Acceptedverified 2026-08-21
Minimum age8 weeksverified 2026-08-18
Advance booking notice48 hoursverified 2026-08-13
Advance booking required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-29
Max pets per passenger1verified 2026-08-16
Max per flight2verified 2026-08-27
Pregnant animals accepted✗ Noverified 2026-08-16
Carrier size46 × 46 cmverified 2026-08-14
Max weight (pet + crate)10 kgverified 2026-08-28
Crate must have/beventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrierverified 2026-08-14
Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate)32 kgverified 2026-08-27
Cargo: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrierverified 2026-08-27
Health & documents
Health certificate required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-16
Health certificate validity7 daysverified 2026-08-21
Health certificate · Validity days7 daysverified 2026-08-21
Other rules
Minimum age8 weeksverified 2026-08-27
An in-cabin pet under 10 kg has to be booked at least 48 hours before departure. Complete that reservation more than 48 hours out, because the standard online seat selection does not add the animal to the flight. Call or use the dedicated pet request, then keep the confirmation to present at check-in.
Snub-nosed, flat-faced breeds — brachycephalic dogs — are not permitted in the cargo compartment on this airline, due to breathing and temperature risk. Check whether the specific breed falls in the brachycephalic group before booking cargo. For an affected breed, the only route is an eligible cabin booking, so confirm the cabin size and weight limits instead.
Air India Express works well for a small pet once the 48-hour booking and the cabin weight rule are handled, and once the breed question is settled. Match those against your destination's entry paperwork and you're set. When you want it all in one place, build your personalized plan with Pawgo. It checks the airline's limits against your route and flags anything that needs a workaround.
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.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: August 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Air India Express?
Yes, Air India Express allows dogs in the cabin. Your pet and carrier combined must weigh under 10 kg. For your specific pet's eligibility, check Pawgo at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Air India Express allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds?
Air India Express bans brachycephalic breeds from cargo. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are affected. Verify your breed at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Air India Express require a health certificate for pets?
Yes, Air India Express requires a health certificate for pets. It must be issued within 7 days of travel. Your destination country may have additional requirements — check www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Can I ship my dog as cargo on Air India Express?
Yes, Air India Express offers cargo pet transport. Confirm the carrier's specific crate and documentation requirements with the airline directly before booking. Get the full details at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
What is the cabin weight limit on Air India Express?
In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg. Heavier pets (up to 32 kg) travel in the hold.Build my pet's travel plan →
Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Air India Express?
Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold.Build my pet's travel plan →
How far in advance must I book my pet on Air India Express?
Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport.Build my pet's travel plan →
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.Build my pet's travel plan →
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.Build my pet's travel plan →
Flying Air India Express?
Get a personalized travel checklist for your pet on Air India Express.
