Traveling with pets just got simpler and more convenient thanks to Air India’s updated “Paws on Board” programme. Previously, flying with cats and dogs often meant long separations, stressful cargo travel, or costly boarding arrangements. The airline’s new rules streamline the process, making it faster, clearer, and more pet-friendly.
In-Cabin Travel for Small Pets
Under the revised policy, cats and dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including their carriers, can now travel inside the economy cabin on selected flights. This applies to both domestic and international routes. Pets must be at least eight weeks old, and restrictions apply for pregnant, sedated, critically ill, or medically unfit animals. Only two in-cabin pets are allowed per flight to ensure comfort and safety.
Faster Booking and Clearer Rules
Booking timelines have been shortened: pet travel requests can now be made at least 48 hours before departure, down from the previous 72 hours. Confirmation follows document checks, including vaccination records and fit-to-fly certificates.
Route Coverage
The policy covers over 80 routes across India and abroad, including destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Some long-haul routes may still restrict in-cabin travel due to aircraft layouts or country-specific regulations.
Seating and Carrier Guidelines
In-cabin pets are seated in the last row, aisle seats of economy class, allowing cabin crew to monitor them. Pets must remain in a soft-sided, leak-proof, ventilated carrier no larger than 17x10x9 inches. Hard-case carriers are not permitted. Emotional support animals are subject to separate regulations depending on the destination.
Options for Larger Pets
Pets weighing between 10 kg and 32 kg, including the carrier, travel as checked baggage in IATA-approved hard-case crates. Animals over 32 kg must be transported via Air India Cargo.
Transparent Fees
Air India has standardised fees under the programme to remove confusion:
In-cabin travel:
- Domestic: Rs 7,500
- Short-haul international: $140 (~Rs 12,500)
- Medium-haul international: $160 (~Rs 14,300)
Checked baggage travel:
- Domestic: Rs 16,000
- International: $350 (~Rs 31,000)
All charges are non-refundable once confirmed.
How to Book
Passengers must contact Air India’s customer support or booking office at least 48 hours before departure with required documentation.
With these updates, Air India’s “Paws on Board” programme makes flying with cats and dogs simpler, safer, and far less stressful, offering small pets the chance to stay close to their owners throughout the journey.
