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
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedWhat are the container requirements for the carriage of pets? Pets 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 2026-08-06 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 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 2026-08-13 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 2026-08-13 Max pets per passenger 1 How many pets can one passenger carry? Each passenger can carry one pet in the cabin and one in the cargo hold as checked baggage. verified 2026-08-16 Max per flight 2 Air India allows only two pets per flight in the cabin. verified 2026-07-22 Sedation allowed ✗ NoRemove the leash before placing your pet in the container and avoid using sedatives or tranquillisers. verified 2026-08-06 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-08-16 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 2026-08-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg …refer to AQCS , US CDC , and IATA Program & Policy Hide View Charges applicable For pets in cabin (Below 10 kg) The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 10 kg / 22 lb to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-22 Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, 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 2026-08-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets of heavier weight will be carried in the aircraft hold. When does my pet need to be transported as checked baggage or cargo? If your pet weighs more than 10 kg / 22 lb, then it must be transported as checked… verified 2026-08-06 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes: 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 2026-08-14 Hold: 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 2026-08-10 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …to purchase a ticket. Reaching out to our customer support . Please ensure you make the booking at least 48 hours before departure and have all the required paperwork with you. verified 2026-08-08 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesWe allow only domesticated cats and dogs on board. Pet 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… verified 2026-08-10 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoRemove the leash before placing your pet in the container and avoid using sedatives or tranquillisers. verified 2026-08-06 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesPregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed. One pet per passenger; soft kennel must fit under the seat. verified 2026-08-10 Hold: Carrier size 46 cm The ma 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 2026-08-10 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg 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… verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Crate must have/be IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier The ma 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 2026-08-10 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedderations, it is not recommended that a passenger requiring wheelchair assistance or travelling with an infant carry a pet in the cabin. However, the pet may be carried in the cargo hold. How many pets are allowed per… verified 2026-08-06 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes: 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 2026-08-14 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 2026-07-24 Cargo: 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 2026-08-13 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesAt the airport for pet travel Report 3 hours before departure with required entry documents; review AQCS , US CDC , and IATA Program & Policy for more details. Share Copy link Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on… verified 2026-08-13 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIt is important to note that sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for flight acceptance, according to IATA standards and regulations verified 2026-08-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-08-03 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg For weight more than 10 kg, and up to 32 kg, pets must be booked separately as baggage or cargo . verified 2026-08-12 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Well-ventilated from at least three sides with majority ventilation on the upper part of the container, and the ventilation holes must not be taped over or blocked in any way for sufficient airflow to circulate thr Pet… verified 2026-08-16 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesWhile carrying a pet in the cabin, can I hold the pet in my hand? No, your pet must always be in the container and placed under the seat in front of you. Under what circumstances can I be refused to travel with my pet?… verified 2026-08-10 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 2026-08-13 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. You must hold entry permits and other… verified 2026-08-10 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 2026-08-06 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 2026-08-13 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 2026-07-22 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-08-06 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 2026-07-22 Service & assistance animals 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 2026-08-08 Recognized ✓ 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 2026-07-25 Max pets per passenger 1 Pregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed. One pet per passenger; soft kennel must fit under the seat. verified 2026-08-10 Advance notice hours 48 hours …to purchase a ti cket. Reaching out to our customer support . Please ensure you make the booking at least 48 hours before departure and have all the required paperwork with you. verified 2026-08-10 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedWhat are the container requirements for the carriage of pets? Pets 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 2026-08-06 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 2026-08-13 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 2026-08-13 Advance booking required ✓ YesWe allow only domesticated cats and dogs on board. Pet 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… verified 2026-08-10 Max pets per passenger 1 Additional travel requirements Pets must be 8+ weeks old. Pregnant or sedated pets aren’t allowed. One pet per passenger; soft kennel must fit under the seat. verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoIt is important to note that sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for flight acceptance, according to IATA standards and regulations verified 2026-08-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-07-24 Carrier size 17 × 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 2026-08-10 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg …refer to AQCS , US CDC , and IATA Program & Policy Hide View Charges applicable For pets in cabin (Below 10 kg) The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 10 kg / 22 lb to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-22 Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, 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 2026-08-10 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets of heavier weight will be carried in the aircraft hold. When does my pet need to be transported as checked baggage or cargo? If your pet weighs more than 10 kg / 22 lb, then it must be transported as checked… verified 2026-08-06 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes: 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 2026-08-14 Hold: 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 We allow passengers to… verified 2026-07-25 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …to purchase a ticket. Reaching out to our customer support . Please ensure you make the booking at least 48 hours before departure and have all the required paperwork with you. verified 2026-08-10 Hold: 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 2026-08-16 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIt is important to note that sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for flight acceptance, according to IATA standards and regulations. verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets are not accepted on Air India flights. verified 2026-08-14 Hold: Carrier size 46 cm The ma 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 2026-08-10 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg 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… verified 2026-08-10 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier The ma 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 2026-08-10 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedderations, it is not recommended that a passenger requiring wheelchair assistance or travelling with an infant carry a pet in the cabin. However, the pet may be carried in the cargo hold. How many pets are allowed per… verified 2026-08-06 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes: 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 2026-08-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks …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 2026-08-10 Cargo: 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 2026-08-14 Cargo: 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 2026-08-10 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIt is important to note that sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for flight acceptance, according to IATA standards and regulations verified 2026-08-15 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 2026-08-08 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Learn More Pets as Checked Baggage Pets weighing between 10 kg - 32 kg must be booked separately as checked baggage or as cargo. verified 2026-08-10 Health & documents 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 2026-08-16 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 2026-08-06 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 2026-07-22 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.
Frequently asked
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. 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. 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. 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 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.
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.
