Traveling with Your Pet: Policies & Guidelines for Air India

Pet Travel Policies for Domestic & International Flights

Planning to travel with your pet? Learn about our comprehensive pet travel policies to ensure a smooth journey.

How to Book a Flight for Your Pet

• Bring your pet to the check-in counter with the required travel case and documents to purchase a ticket.
• Alternatively, contact our Customer Support team to book your pet’s travel.
• Verify your aircraft’s pet policy to confirm eligibility for pet travel in the cargo hold, as regulations may vary.
• Book the flight at least 72 hours before departure for pets traveling in the cabin.
• Multi-city bookings are not permitted when traveling with pets.

Pet Travel Charges

• Standard excess baggage charges apply based on weight or piece, separate from the free baggage allowance.
• Fees are determined by:
  • Pet’s weight
  • Container weight (kennel, cage, or bag)
  • Additional pet belongings (e.g., food, accessories)

Important Pet Travel Guidelines

• We allow domesticated dogs and cats in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage, subject to Air India’s approval.
• Dogs must be muzzled and leashed during the flight.
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for cabin travel and 3 months or older for cargo hold travel.
• Pregnant pets are not permitted for travel. Notify us if your pet has given birth in the last 48 hours.
• Snub-nosed breeds (flat-faced pets) are not allowed in the cargo hold due to health risks. Consult your veterinarian if flying in the cabin.

Pet Travel Weight & Cabin Rules

• Cabin: Pets + container must weigh under 7 kg (15 lb).
• Checked baggage: Pets + container between 7 kg (15 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb).
• Cargo: Pets + container over 32 kg (70 lb) must be transported as cargo.
• Pets must be in a ventilated bag or kennel (Max: 46 cm x 46 cm x 30 cm / 18 in x 18 in x 12 in).
• Per DGCA guidelines, only two pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, each accompanied by a passenger.
• Label pet containers with the pet’s name and use absorbent mats for hygiene.
• Sedation is not allowed, as per IATA regulations, due to potential health risks.
• Food is not permitted inside the pet carrier.
• Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with pets.
• If traveling with an infant or requiring wheelchair assistance, pet travel in the cabin is not recommended.

Required Documents for Pet Travel

• Vaccination & Health Certificates (signed and stamped) issued within 72 hours of travel.
• Rabies inoculation certificate from a registered veterinarian.
• Completed indemnity form (two copies for direct flights).
• Additional documents for international travel:
  • Entry permits & country-specific documents
  • Refer to AQCS, US CDC, and IATA Travel & Policy Center for details.

At the Airport with Your Pet

• Arrive at least 3 hours before departure to complete pet travel formalities.
• Priority check-in and boarding are available for passengers traveling with pets.

Seat Assignments for Pet Travel

• Passengers with pets are assigned seats in the last row of the booked cabin class.
• In single-cabin (economy-only) flights, one passenger with a pet is seated in the last row, while another must sit at least five rows apart.
• Pets cannot occupy a passenger seat.
• Emergency exit row seating is not allowed for passengers with pets.

International Pet Travel Guidelines

• Check country-specific regulations via the IATA Travel Centre.
• Pets may be subject to quarantine upon arrival, based on the destination’s regulations.
• Air India is not responsible if pets are denied entry or transit in any country.
• Restricted Destinations: Pets cannot be transported to/from:
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Australia
• UAE: Pets can travel in-cabin outbound but not inbound to India.
• UK: Pets are transported only in the cargo hold.

Pet Import & Export Regulations for India

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Pre-import Clearance from Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS).
• Pet import/export is allowed only at:
  • Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad
• The pet must depart/arrive at the airport mentioned in the permit.
• Pets require valid health certifications from the country of origin.

Pet Travel in the Middle East & Gulf Countries

• UAE pet travel follows IATA’s Live Animal Regulations (LARS).

Connecting Flights with Pets

• Pets are allowed on direct, transit, and connecting flights between Air India flights only (AI-AI).
• Excess baggage charges apply for each segment.
• Carry four copies of the indemnity form (two per segment).

Pet Travel Checklist

Before your trip, ensure:

• You have checked entry & exit regulations for all countries on your route.
• You have obtained all necessary travel documents & health certificates.
• You booked the pet’s travel at least 72 hours before departure.
• Your vet has advised on any medications for the journey.
• You have a leash, harness, and collar ready.
• You carry dry pet food in a sealed container (for cabin baggage only).
• Your pet is familiar with their travel container.
• Your pet is comfortable and calm before the flight:
  • Acclimate them to their carrier weeks before travel.
  • Place a familiar blanket & absorbent mat in the carrier.
  • Feed them lightly 2 hours before travel.
  • Walk them before arriving at the airport.
  • Remove the leash before placing them in the container.

Service Animals on Flights

• Guide dogs, service animals, and psychiatric service animals can travel free of charge, subject to regulations.
• Air India permits service dogs on direct US flights.
• Service animals must be trained to assist individuals with disabilities.
• US CDC has temporarily suspended dog imports from high-risk countries.

For additional details, contact Air India Customer Support

indemnity-form.pdf