Published on
December 15, 2025
Air India has introduced a revamped pet travel policy designed to make flying with pets easier and more convenient. With these updates, pet owners can now bring their small pets in-cabin on over 80 domestic and international routes, significantly reducing booking time and introducing clearer guidelines for carrier size, weight limits, and pet eligibility. This change ensures a more seamless and pet-friendly travel experience, allowing owners to travel with their furry companions in a stress-free environment while adhering to streamlined booking procedures.
Air India has introduced a significant update to its pet travel policy, designed to make traveling with furry companions easier, more accessible, and clearer. The new policy, which covers over 80 domestic and international routes, aims to simplify the booking process, clarify carrier and weight guidelines, and reduce the time required for booking pet travel. With these changes, the airline hopes to offer a more comfortable and seamless flying experience for pet owners, making Air India one of the few airlines in India to offer in-cabin pet travel on such a large scale.
Under the updated rules, small pets weighing up to 10 kg (including their carrier) can now travel in the cabin with their owners. This change reflects Air India’s commitment to improving the pet travel experience and catering to the growing demand for pet-friendly services in the airline industry. Previously, the in-cabin travel option was more restrictive, but now, more passengers will be able to bring their pets along, reducing the stress of leaving them behind while traveling.
Pets will be seated in the last-row aisle seats of the economy cabin, and only two pets will be allowed per flight. This ensures that there is enough space and comfort for both the pet and its owner. The carrier for the pet must meet specific requirements: it should be soft, ventilated, leak-proof, and within the airline’s approved dimensions. The dimensions of the carrier are important for ensuring both the comfort of the pet and the safety of the aircraft. In addition, pets must be older than eight weeks to be eligible for travel. However, there are some exceptions—pregnant, critically ill, or sedated animals are not permitted to fly under the new policy.
For pets that weigh between 10 kg and 32 kg (including their carrier), Air India allows them to travel as checked baggage. They must be transported in an IATA-approved hard-case crate, which ensures their safety and comfort during the flight. However, pets weighing over 32 kg will only be accepted as cargo, as they exceed the limits for both in-cabin and checked baggage travel. Certain long-haul and international routes may also have restrictions on in-cabin travel for pets, due to aircraft configurations or regulatory requirements specific to certain countries or routes. Pet owners are encouraged to check these restrictions when booking flights.
A notable feature of the new policy is the reduction in the booking window for pet travel. Pet bookings now need to be confirmed at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure, down from the previous 72-hour requirement. This change is aimed at streamlining the booking process, making it quicker and more efficient for passengers to secure spots for their pets. Although the booking window is shorter, all pet bookings are still subject to document verification, ensuring compliance with both Air India’s internal policies and international regulations.
This reduction in booking time reflects the airline’s efforts to modernize its pet travel services. The new rules are part of Air India’s broader initiative, called “Paws on Board,” which is aimed at providing pet owners with a more convenient, transparent, and predictable travel experience. By introducing these upgrades, Air India is enhancing its pet travel services while providing clear guidelines for pet owners, which helps minimize confusion and uncertainty regarding the travel process.
In addition to the booking changes, Air India has also standardized the fees for pet travel. The charges for in-cabin pet travel on domestic routes are set at ₹7,500, while the fees for international flights range from $140 to $160, depending on the duration of the flight. These fees are calculated to cover the extra space, safety measures, and special services provided to ensure a comfortable journey for pets. For pets traveling as checked baggage, the fees are ₹16,000 for domestic routes and $350 for international flights. All charges related to pet bookings are non-refundable, so passengers should ensure they are committed to their travel plans before finalizing their pet bookings.
With these updates, Air India aims to make traveling with pets more accessible for passengers. The airline recognizes that pets are often considered family members, and many pet owners now expect airlines to provide services that cater to their needs. By simplifying the process and offering clearer guidelines, Air India is positioning itself as a pet-friendly airline, providing services that allow pet owners to travel with peace of mind.
The introduction of the “Paws on Board” program and the changes to the pet travel policy represent a significant step in Air India’s ongoing efforts to improve customer experience. The airline has recognized the growing importance of pet-friendly services in the aviation industry and has responded by creating a policy that is transparent, easy to navigate, and inclusive for pet owners. The updated guidelines not only make it easier for pet owners to book flights for their animals but also ensure that pets are traveling in comfort and safety.
Furthermore, Air India’s new policy is aligned with a growing trend in the airline industry to cater to the needs of pet owners. Many airlines worldwide have started to offer more pet-friendly services, with in-cabin travel being one of the most sought-after options. By providing a clear and detailed pet travel policy, Air India is ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market while meeting the evolving needs of its passengers.
Air India’s revamped pet travel policy is a welcome change for pet owners looking to travel with their pets. With clearer guidelines, reduced booking times, and standardized fees, the airline is making pet travel more convenient and accessible. Whether flying domestically or internationally, Air India’s “Paws on Board” program promises to offer a smoother, more predictable experience for pet parents, making it easier for them to share their journeys with their beloved companions.
