Flying with Pets on Akasa Air: What You Need to Know
I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that every airline has different rules. Akasa Air (QP) has specific policies for pet travel that you need to understand before booking. This guide breaks down exactly what's allowed, what's required, and how to prepare.
Can You Fly with Pets on Akasa Air?
Yes—but with important limitations. Akasa Air allows pets to travel, but not in the cabin with you. Your pet will travel in cargo or checked baggage instead. This is different from some other airlines that allow small pets in the cabin.
The good news: cargo travel is a legitimate, regulated option. I've shipped Cooper via cargo on international moves, and when done properly, it's safe and reliable. The key is preparation.
Cabin Travel: Not Available on Akasa Air
Akasa Air does not allow pets in the cabin. Even small dogs and cats cannot travel with you in the passenger area. This means you'll need to arrange cargo or checked baggage transport instead.
If cabin travel is important to you: Consider Air France, British Airways, or other carriers that permit small pets in the cabin. However, if you're committed to Akasa Air, cargo is your option.
Cargo & Checked Baggage: Your Pet Travel Options
Akasa Air accepts pets via cargo or checked baggage. Both require:
- Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate (not soft-sided)
- Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
- Absorbent liner inside the crate
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
- Advance booking (required—don't show up at the airport with a pet)
The main difference: cargo offers dedicated climate control and handling; checked baggage travels in the hold with luggage. For longer flights or international travel, I always recommend cargo for peace of mind.
Crate & Carrier Requirements
Hard-Sided Crate (Mandatory)
Your pet must travel in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo or checked baggage on Akasa Air. This is non-negotiable.
Why hard-sided? These crates provide structural protection, proper ventilation, and meet international safety standards. When I shipped Cooper, the hard-sided crate gave me confidence his safety was prioritized.
Crate Dimensions & Weight
We're still verifying specific size limits for Akasa Air—contact the airline directly for your pet's exact crate dimensions. However, industry standards typically require:
- Crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
- Ventilation on at least three sides
- Attached water bowl accessible from outside
Bring your crate dimensions when you call to book.
Absorbent Liner & Water Bowl
Line the crate floor with absorbent material (puppy pads, newspaper, or commercial liners). Include an attached water bowl that airline staff can refill without opening the crate. These aren't optional—they're required by IATA regulations.
Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable
You must have a vet-issued health certificate. This is checked at the airport, and without it, your pet will not be allowed to fly.
Health Certificate Timeline
- Valid for: 10 days from issue date
- Get it: As close to your departure date as possible (within the 10-day window)
- Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
- What it confirms: Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
Don't wait until the last minute. I schedule Cooper's certificate 5-7 days before travel to ensure it's fresh and there's no risk of expiration.
Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned
Akasa Air does not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in cargo or checked baggage. This is an industry-wide safety standard due to respiratory risks during flight.
Restricted breeds include:
- Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
- Pugs (all types)
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Chow Chows
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Shar Pei
- Mastiffs (all types)
- Pit Bulls & related breeds (Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, etc.)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Persian & Exotic Shorthair cats
- Burmese cats
- Himalayan cats
- Scottish Fold cats
- British Shorthair cats
If your breed is on this list: You cannot fly with Akasa Air. Consider alternative carriers or travel methods.
Temperature Restrictions: Seasonal Embargoes
Akasa Air enforces temperature limits for pet cargo travel:
- Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
- Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)
If temperatures at your origin or destination exceed these limits, your pet cannot fly. This is a safety measure—aircraft cargo holds aren't climate-controlled like the cabin.
Workaround: Some airlines allow travel in extreme temperatures with an acclimation certificate from your vet. Contact Akasa Air to ask if this option is available.
Age Requirements
- Cabin travel: Minimum 8 weeks old (not applicable—Akasa Air doesn't allow cabin pets)
- Cargo/checked baggage: Minimum 10 weeks old
Your pet must be fully weaned. Bring proof of age (vaccination records or breeder documentation) when you book.
Sedation: Absolutely Not Allowed
Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Akasa Air.
If your vet suggests sedation, ask about calming supplements or anxiety wraps instead. I've used calming treats with Cooper, and they help without the risks.
Pregnant & Animals in Heat
Akasa Air does not accept visibly pregnant animals or animals in heat. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking. Heat cycles typically last 7-10 days—you may need to reschedule travel.
Booking Your Pet's Flight
Advance Booking Required
You cannot show up at the airport with a pet. Akasa Air requires advance booking because they limit the number of pets per flight. Call the airline at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date to arrange transport.
Booking Steps
- Contact Akasa Air directly (phone or website) to check availability and get a quote
- Provide pet details: Species, breed, age, weight, health status
- Confirm crate specifications and any special requirements
- Schedule your pet's health certificate with your vet (within 10 days of departure)
- Prepare the crate: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant, with water bowl and absorbent liner
- Arrive early at the airport to check in your pet and complete paperwork
- Collect your pet at baggage claim or cargo pickup at your destination
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pets allowed: No
- Cargo/checked baggage pets: Yes
- Minimum age (cargo): 10 weeks
- Health certificate validity: 10 days
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cabin pet fee: Not applicable (no cabin pets)
- Advance booking required: Yes
What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist
- ☐ Call Akasa Air 2-3 weeks before travel to book your pet and confirm availability
- ☐ Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (within 10 days of departure)
- ☐ Purchase or confirm you have a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate with attached water bowl
- ☐ Verify your pet is not a brachycephalic breed (if unsure, ask Akasa Air)
- ☐ Check temperature forecasts for your origin and destination (must be between -6.7°C and 29.4°C)
- ☐ Prepare the crate: Absorbent liner, water bowl, familiar bedding
- ☐ Get the health certificate from your vet (keep a copy for your records)
- ☐ Arrive early at the airport to check in your pet and complete documentation
- ☐ Collect your pet at baggage claim or cargo pickup at your destination
International Travel with Akasa Air
If you're flying internationally, your destination country may have additional import requirements (quarantine, permits, vaccinations). Check the specific country's regulations before booking.
For example, Australia, New Zealand, and United Kingdom have strict import rules. Research early—some countries require permits issued weeks in advance.
Comparing Your Options
If Akasa Air's cargo-only policy doesn't work for you, consider:
- Cabin travel: Air France, British Airways, and others allow small pets in the cabin (with fees)
- Pet-specific airlines: Some carriers specialize in pet transport with dedicated climate control
- Professional pet movers: Companies like PetSmart Charities or local pet relocation services handle all logistics
For more guidance, see our flying with a dog guide and pet travel costs breakdown.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a pet via cargo requires planning, but it's absolutely doable. I've done it three times with Cooper, and each time went smoothly because I prepared thoroughly. The key is booking early, getting the health certificate on time, and using a proper IATA-compliant crate.
Contact Akasa Air directly with any questions—they're your best source for current policies and availability.
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Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official Akasa Air sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026