For years, flying with pets in India felt like navigating a maze of half-answers, outdated blog posts, and contradictory airline replies. One airline said yes, another said cargo only, and ground staff interpretations varied wildly across airports.
That’s finally changing.
As of 2025, India has a clear passenger charter. However, pet policies are published by airlines individually, and hence it is important to select the right carrier if you are flying with your pets. While the system is still stricter than in Europe or the US, pet parents today have real, workable options including in-cabin travel on select airlines.
This is the most updated, end-to-end guide on flying with pets in India, covering:
■ Which airlines allow pets (cabin vs cargo)
■ Exact airline process (step by step)
■ Costs you should realistically expect
■ Airline comparison table
■ Real-world hacks that actually reduce stress
TL;DR – Flying with Pets in India
■ Air India and Akasa Air allow pets in the cabin
■ Akasa Air allows a total of 3 pets per flight (2 cabin + 1 cargo)
■ IndiGo allows pets only via IndiGo CarGo
■ SpiceJet allows pets only in cargo (domestic, limited stations)
■ Airline approval + vet certificates are mandatory
■ Preparation matters more than flight duration
Flying with Indian Airlines That Allow Pets (Cabin & Cargo)
Let’s break this down airline by airline, using current official policies and operational reality.
Air India — The Most Established Pet-Friendly Airline
Air India remains the most experienced airline for pet travel in India, especially for passengers who want their pet with them in the cabin.
What Air India Allows
■ In-cabin pets (small dogs & cats)
■ Cargo-hold pets (larger animals)
■ Trained guide dogs for passengers with disabilities
In-Cabin Rules
■ Combined weight of pet + carrier usually capped around 5 kg
■ Pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight
■ Limited number of pets per aircraft
Air India is currently the most predictable option for pet parents, largely because its ground teams have handled live animals for decades.
Akasa Air — India’s New-Generation Pet-Friendly LCC
Akasa Air has quietly become a game-changer for domestic pet travel.
What Akasa Air Officially Allows
■ In-cabin pets: up to 2 pets per flight
■ Cargo pets: 1 pet per flight
■ Total cap: 3 pets per flight
■ Dogs and cats only
This makes Akasa Air the only Indian low-cost carrier to allow pets inside the passenger cabin.
Key Conditions
■ Advance airline approval mandatory
■ Weight and size limits apply
■ Airline-approved carriers required
■ Pets must remain in carriers at all times
For many routes, Akasa has become the most accessible alternative to Air India—especially where Air India frequencies are limited.
️IndiGo — Cargo-Only via IndiGo CarGo
IndiGo does not allow pets in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage under a passenger PNR.
What IndiGo Allows
■ Pets transported only via IndiGo CarGo
■ Booking handled as manifested cargo
■ Often arranged through cargo agents or pet relocation services
Practical Reality
■ Owner may or may not be on the same flight
■ Best suited for city relocations, not short leisure trips
■ Commonly used for cats and small dogs
IndiGo’s massive domestic network makes it useful—but it is strictly cargo-only.
️SpiceJet — Cargo Only, With Route Restrictions
SpiceJet allows pets only in the cargo hold, subject to availability and station capability.
Key Points
■ No in-cabin pets
■ Domestic routes only
■ Advance approval required
■ IATA-compliant hard crates mandatory
■ Not all airports are equipped to handle live animals
SpiceJet is typically considered a secondary option, used when Air India or Akasa availability is limited.
Airline Comparison Table: Pets on Indian Airlines (2025)
| Airline | In-Cabin Pets | Cargo / Hold Pets | Max Pets Per Flight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Capacity-based | Most experienced pet carrier |
| Akasa Air | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 3 (2 cabin + 1 cargo) | Only LCC with cabin pets |
| IndiGo | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (CarGo) | Cargo capacity-based | Cargo-only model |
| SpiceJet | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Limited | Station-dependent |
The Exact Process: How to Fly With a Pet in India
This is where most trips succeed—or fail.
Step 1: Book Your Own Ticket First
Airlines will not process pet requests without:
■ A confirmed passenger booking
■ Domestic flights (international has additional steps)
■ Preferably non-stop routes
Avoid tight connections and small aircraft types.
Step 2: Apply for Pet Approval Separately
After booking:
■ Contact airline customer support or live animal desk
■ Share Pet type, breed, age, Weight (with carrier), Carrier dimensions
■ Request written confirmation
Please remember that approval is manual and limited per flight.
Step 3: Veterinary Certificates (Within 72 Hours)
You’ll need:
■ Fitness-to-fly certificate
■ Anti-rabies vaccination record
■ Health booklet or vaccination card
Certificates issued too early are often rejected at check-in.
Step 4: Crate & Carrier Rules (Non-Negotiable)
All airlines follow IATA Live Animals Regulations.
Cargo Crates Must:
■ Allow pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably
■ Have ventilation on all four sides
■ Be rigid, leak-proof, and escape-proof
■ Include fixed food & water bowls
Cabin Carriers:
■ Soft-sided
■ Airline size-compliant
■ Fits under the seat
Step 5: Airport Day – What Actually Happens
Please make sure you arrive at least 3 hours early at the airport.
Cabin Pets
Manual check-in at counter. Security screening may require brief pet removal. Carrier placed under seat
Cargo Pets
Hand-over at designated counter. Temperature and pressure checks. Pets loaded last, unloaded first
Real-World Pet Parent Insights
Across dozens of real experiences, clear patterns emerge:
■ Crate-trained pets cope exceptionally well
■ Sedation increases medical risk
■ Early morning or late-night flights are calmer
■ Written approvals prevent denial at check-in
Pets usually handle flights better than humans expect when prepared properly.
Best Hacks for Stress-Free Pet Travel
Avoid Sedation
Most airlines and vets strongly discourage it.
Crate Familiarity Is Important
Let your pet eat and sleep inside the crate days before travel.
Fly During Cooler Hours
Reduces heat stress, especially in Indian summers.
Freeze Water Bowls
Prevents spills while ensuring hydration.
Carry Printed Documents
Indian airports still rely heavily on paperwork.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly With a Pet in India?
Approximate Domestic Costs
■ In-cabin: ₹3,000 – ₹6,00
■ Cargo: ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 (weight & route dependent)
Cargo pricing increases sharply with crate size.
FAQs: Flying With Pets in India
Can pets fly in the cabin in India?
Yes. Currently Air India and Akasa Air allow this.
Are emotional support animals allowed?
India does not formally recognise ESAs. Only trained guide dogs qualify.
Is cargo safe for pets?
Yes. Aircraft cargo holds used for pets are pressurised and temperature-controlled.
Can puppies or kittens fly?
Most airlines require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and vaccinated.
Final Verdict: Is Flying With Pets in India Worth It?
Flying with pets in India isn’t effortless but it’s no longer rare, risky, or unclear.
With Air India and Akasa Air enabling in-cabin travel, and IndiGo and SpiceJet supporting cargo options, Indian pet parents finally have choice.
The deciding factor isn’t the airline, it’s the preparation.
Plan early, follow the process and confirm everything in writing to make sure your pet can fly safely, calmly, and comfortably across India.
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