Air India Allows In-Cabin Travel for Pets Under 10kg

Air India has updated its pet travel policy under the “Paws on Board” programme, enabling small dogs or cats, weighing up to 10 kg including carrier, to travel inside the cabin with their owners. The airline also continues to offer options for heavier pets as checked baggage or cargo.

As per the revised norms:

• Pets eligible for in cabin travel must be placed in a soft, ventilated, leak proof carrier that fits under the seat. The airline specifies maximum dimensions for the carrier.
• Pets weighing between 10 kg and 32 kg with carrier must be booked as checked baggage in a hard-case carrier, while pets over 32 kg must travel as cargo.
• The booking for pet travel must be finalised at least 48 hours before departure, and passengers must submit required documents such as a valid health certificate and up to-date rabies vaccination records. Sedated, critically ill, or recently pregnant pets are not permitted to travel under the cabin or baggage options.

For cabin travel, Air India allows a maximum of two pets per flight, subject to seat and weight constraints, and seats will be allocated in the last rows of economy class. For heavier pets, checked-baggage or cargo rules apply depending on their combined weight with the carrier.

With these changes, Air India hopes to make pet travel more accessible and transparent, enabling pet owners to travel with their small companions, while still maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.