New Delhi: Air India has announced a major update to its pet travel policy, easing long-standing hurdles faced by Indian pet parents. Under the revised
Paws on Board programme, cats and dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including the carrier, can now fly inside the economy cabin on select flights. The change reflects rising demand for companion-friendly travel as families relocate abroad, students move for education, and long-term travel becomes more common across multiple domestic and international sectors in the coming year.
For travellers, the revised rules bring clarity, shorter booking timelines, and defined weight slabs. Small pets can finally stay close to their owners during flights instead of travelling separately. The policy applies to dozens of domestic and international routes, with specific seating, carrier guidelines, and clear fee structures that make planning pet travel simpler and less stressful for Indian families today.
Air India’s updated pet travel rules explained
1. In-cabin travel for pets up to 10 kg
Cats and dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including the carrier, are now eligible to travel inside the economy cabin. This applies to select domestic and international flights, subject to aircraft configuration and destination regulations.
2. Reduced advance booking window
The airline has shortened the advance booking requirement from 72 hours to 48 hours before departure. Pet bookings will still be confirmed after document verification, but the faster timeline supports last-minute travel plans.
3. Routes covered under the policy
The updated rules apply across more than 80 domestic and international routes spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Only two pets are permitted in the cabin per flight to maintain passenger comfort.
4. Seating and supervision arrangements
Pets travelling in-cabin will be seated in the last row aisle seats of the economy cabin. They must remain inside the carrier at all times, placed under the seat in front for easy crew supervision.
5. Carrier specifications to follow
Soft, ventilated, leak-proof carriers are mandatory, with maximum dimensions of 17×10×9 inches. Hard-case crates are not permitted in the cabin, and pets should be accustomed to confined spaces before travel.
6. Rules for heavier pets
Pets weighing 10-32 kg must travel as checked baggage in IATA-approved hard-case crates. Animals above 32 kg are accepted only through Air India Cargo services.
7. Standardised pet travel fees
In-cabin pet travel costs Rs 7,500 for domestic flights, $140 for short-haul international routes, and $160 for medium-haul international routes. Checked baggage pet travel costs Rs 16,000 domestically and $350 internationally. All fees are non-refundable once confirmed.
8. How to book service
Pet parents must request the service through Air India’s booking offices or customer support at least 48 hours before departure, along with vaccination records, a fit-to-fly certificate, and required permits.
With clearer rules, defined fees, and in-cabin access for small pets, Air India’s revised policy marks a meaningful shift in Indian aviation. For pet parents planning travel in 2025-2026, flying with companions now feels far more manageable.
