April 2025 | 691 words | 3-minute read
There was a time when families with pets had to think twice about flying on vacation. Most airlines didn’t allow pets to fly, unless they were sedated, or it was a short flight. Those unable to fulfil those two conditions had no choice but to leave their pets behind, asking friends or family members to babysit their pets.
Now, Air India is only one of two airlines offering pet carriage in both the passenger cabin and the aircraft hold (cargo compartment), subject to approvals. An additional condition is that the dog or cat, the only pets permitted, have to be thoroughly domesticated. Dogs have to be muzzled and held on a leash.
In 2024, the airline carried 7,000 pets. Each experience of successful pet carriage is adding to Air India’s reputation as a pet-friendly airline. The number rose from 429 in February that year to 861 in December.
What enabled this reputation were well-trained staff, all pet lovers, who went out of their way to ease the concerns of pet parents, and a slew of features to take care of niggling issues. For instance, priority boarding for pets, seating assigned in the last rows and a long list of clearly worded policies that make travelling a smooth and memorable experience not only for the families and the pets but also for other passengers.
First things first
Paperwork is crucial. Prior to flying with pets, flyers must ensure that their pet has been cleared to fly by their veterinarian. That means getting a valid health certificate, and updated rabies inoculation documents.
Flyers need to book spots for their pets at least 72 hours before departure. The size of the pets permitted aboard an aircraft are up to 7 kg, including the carrier, for pets in the cabin, and up to 32 kg for pets going into the cargo hold. The age limit for travel is at least 8 weeks old for cabin passage and 3 months and older for pets in the cargo hold. Incidentally, the pet travel facility is offered only on direct flights and on connecting Air India flights.
All aboard
Some measure of comfort is required to make the pet feel at ease. Air India recommends a travel-friendly carrier, that’s secure and well-ventilated. The carrier should be lined with an absorbent mat, with extra mats packed in for long trips. Food is not permitted, but a little bit of water may be carried.
For best results, passengers with pets are advised to get their pets gradually accustomed to their carriers prior to the travel date. The animal must stay in the carrier throughout the journey; the carrier itself must be placed securely under the seat of the passenger accompanying the pet. Only two pets are permitted to fly per flight.
Pet owners are advised to maintain consistent feeding schedules to enable the pet to adjust to the flight. The airline advisory maintains that sedatives are to be avoided unless medically necessary, as sedation can be potentially harmful to their health, given the differences in cabin pressure. It will also get in the way of assessing whether the pet is fit to travel.
The rules are clear about the kinds of breeds that may travel in the flight and those that must be put into the cargo hold. Additionally, pets that are pregnant or have just given birth are not permitted to fly. Snub-nosed breeds cannot receive a boarding pass to fly as they are vulnerable to heat exhaustion and breathing difficulties, issues which arise during air travel.
Air India’s guidelines, available on their website, are explicit and detailed. Passengers can follow the guidelines to ensure that the experience of flying is stress-free for themselves and their pets.
A pet is an intrinsic part of a pet lover’s family. Thanks to Air India, pet lovers can now ensure that their pets can travel together with them.
—Cynthia Rodrigues
