Air India Pet Policy – Travelling With Pet In Cabin & Cargo

Air India is a pet-friendly airline that has an Air India pet policy which welcomes small domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and birds on most of their domestic and international flights. This means that you no longer have to leave your furry friends behind when traveling with Air India. They understand the significance of keeping your pets close by and offer numerous options for transporting them safely.

If you are planning to travel with your pet on Air India, it’s significant to notice that they accept a vast range of pets onboard, both as carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are some necessities that must be met before bringing your pet along for the travel. Therefore it’s essential always to check with Air India about their specific policies regarding traveling with pets beforehand so as not to run into any last-minute surprises.

Air India Pet Travel Policy

Air India allows pets to travel as carry-on or checked baggage, including cats, dogs, and household birds. Proper crating and documentation are required for all pets.

• If you want to travel with your pet, you need approval from the carrier and must follow their rules.
• Live animals, including service animals, are not allowed on flights to or from the UK and Germany as checked baggage or in the cabin.
• Live animals can only be transported as cargo on flights to the UAE.
• Live birds cannot be brought as carry-on or checked baggage when traveling through the Middle East. Pets may be allowed on flights from India to the Gulf, but only if registered as checked baggage.
• Air India does not allow pets on their non-stop flights between the US and India, except for service dogs which can travel with their owners in the cabin.
• Air India requires pets to have proper documentation, including health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and other country-specific documents. These must be in good order for the pet to fly with the airline.
• Pet owners are responsible for researching and complying with all governmental customs and health requirements, including quarantine procedures upon arrival at the destination. 
• If the animal is quarantined, the owner must cover expenses, as airlines do not influence over quarantine periods established by veterinary authorities. 
• Owners are solely responsible for making necessary quarantine arrangements.
• Air India charges for pets as excess baggage regardless of their size or container, with a limit of two animals per aircraft. 
• Passengers should contact the airline in advance to ensure availability on a specific flight.
• Air India is not liable for any harm, sickness or death of pets during a flight. 
• The passenger must provide the airline with a declaration of indemnity, and Air India will not take responsibility if the pet is denied entry into any territory.

Pet Reservation

To travel with a pet on Air India, you need to inform them beforehand by calling or visiting their country office. Online reservations or cancellation for pets are not available.

Domestic Flights

Air India has a pet policy for flights within India, and the major highlights of pet policy are listed.

• Domestic flights within India allow small Air India pets like cats, dogs, and birds to travel.
• When traveling with a pet in the cabin, the container size must not exceed 45 x 45 x 30cm, and the weight of the pet and container combined cannot be more than 11lb/5kg.
• Pets that are larger or heavier need to be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage.
• According to Air India pet transport rules, The pet container must be soft, ventilated, and labeled with the pet’s name.
• According to Pet Age, puppies and kittens are required to be at least eight weeks old in order to travel.
• Air India pet reservation offers pet reservations for travelers. To book a pet, customers must call ahead and check in at least 3 hours before departure.
• Pet Forms: Valid rabies and vaccination certificates are required. Max 2 pets per flight.
• Passengers traveling with pets will be charged excess baggage fees based on the weight of the pet, container and food.
• Air India pet travel cost domestic: Passengers cannot bring pets as part of their free baggage allowance on flights. However, trained guide dogs can travel for free if they meet specific requirements and have permission from the aircraft commander.

Domestic Flight Pet Restrictions

• Pets that are pregnant will not be allowed.
• The passenger needs to sit in the last row of their cabin class.
• Pet dogs should be muzzled and leashed correctly.
• Pets are not allowed to sit in a passenger seat.

International Pet Travel Policy

Pets such as dogs, cats, and household birds are permitted on international flights but not on nonstop flights to the U.S., U.K., and Germany. Exceptions are made for service dogs. More information can be found on how to carry a pet in Air India.

• When traveling with a pet, the container size can be up to 45 x 45 x 30cm, and the weight limit is 11lb/5kg for in-cabin pets. If the pet exceeds these limits, it must be transported as checked baggage in the hold.
• The pet container needs ventilation, a labeled name tag and a moisture-absorbent mat.
• Cats and Dogs need to be a minimum of 3 months old.
• To reserve a pet on an international Air India flight, contact your country’s office or visit a nearby location. Check-in at least 4 hours before departure.
• Air India requires pet owners to sign a declaration that indemnifies the airline from any liability when transporting pets.
• Pets traveling on a flight must have been vaccinated against rabies at least one month before the flight and less than 12 months before its departure date. 
• The health certificate should also contain records of other necessary vaccinations.
• Pets must be certified as disease-free before being allowed to travel, including being free of infectious and contagious diseases such as rabies, distemper, and leptospirosis.
• Air India flying with pets must follow regulations and obtain clearance from regulatory authorities. More information on the import/export of pets can be found at http://aqcsindia.gov.in.
• Passengers must follow health and customs regulations, including quarantine rules.
• Passengers are allowed to bring up to two pets, including service dogs, on a flight. However, only one guide dog is permitted per flight.
• Passengers will be charged extra for bringing pets on board and this Air India pet travel cost will not be included in their free baggage allowance.
• Air India travel with pet will be charged for excess baggage, which includes the weight of the pet, container, and food.
• Guide dogs can travel for free on airplanes if they are trained, leashed, muzzled, vaccinated and approved by the aircraft commander.

Restrictions

Air India has restrictions on pets traveling on non-stop flights between India and the United States, but service dogs are allowed in the passenger cabin.

• Air India pets policy does not allow pets, including service dogs, in the passenger cabin or as checked or cargo baggage on flights between India and the UK or Germany.
• The UAE only allows pets to be transported as cargo baggage on flights.
• Passengers flying to Sri Lanka are not allowed to bring their pets, such as dogs and cats, in the cabin. Instead, they can travel as cargo baggage.
• Pets are not allowed on Ultra Long Haul flights, except for service dogs.
• Air India does not allow emotional support animals (ESANs) to be carried for free.

How to book a Seat for Pet on Air India?

Below are the significant points on traveling with pets.

• To travel with a pet, complete a checklist with an agent and provide a health certificate. 
• The owner’s name on the certificate should match the ticket details to establish ownership, and the booking reference must indicate that the passenger will be traveling with their pet.
• Pet owners must pay an extra fee to transport their dogs or cats.
• To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to contact Reservations at least 48 hours before your trip and check in at the ticket counter with official orders.
• Arrive at the airport 2-4 hours before your flight to allow for check-in.

Air India Pet Travel Cost in India

Air India requires pet owners to pay an extra fee for transporting their dogs or cats, which is subject to normal excess baggage charges. 

• In-cabin Air India pet fee on international flights can range from USD 100-200 depending on the weight and route of the pet.
• Air India will allow small pets weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg) on their domestic flights for a fee ranging from $100-200.

Traveling to new places is an exciting opportunity, but planning a trip requires preparation. This includes considering the costs and logistics of bringing a pet along, such as following Air India’s Pet Policy for international or domestic flights. Each traveler has unique preferences for their itinerary, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Air India pet policy requires owners to ensure their pets comply with quarantine guidelines, which may involve expenses and varying lengths of time depending on the destination’s veterinary authorities. The policy details can be found on Air India’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Air India Pet Travel Policy