In recent years, the demand for pet-friendly travel options has surged, with airlines stepping up to cater to the growing number of passengers who wish to travel with their furry companions. Akasa Air, India’s fastest growing airline, has redefined this space being only one of the two airlines in India which allow pet travel on board with its innovative ‘Pets on Akasa’ service, promising a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for pets and their owners.
Since its launch in November 2022, the service has flown over 5,000 pets, solidifying its reputation as a trusted choice for safe and comfortable pet travel. But does it live up to the hype? A closer look at the service, along with insights from recent data, reveals a promising offering for pet parents.
A tailored service for pets
Akasa Air’s ‘Pets on Akasa’ service is designed to provide end-to-end support for passengers traveling with pets. From booking to boarding, the airline ensures that both pets and their owners have a stress-free experience. The service is available for cats and small dogs, with a limit of one pets per passenger. Overall, two pets per flight are allowed to travel in cabin as per the current regulations. with Pets can travel in the cabin, provided they are housed in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
The process begins with a straightforward booking system. Pet owners are required to inform the airline at the time of ticket reservation and provide necessary documentation, including health certificates and vaccination records. Akasa Air’s customer service team guides passengers through the requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations.
On-ground assistance: ‘Meet and Assist’ service
One of the standout features of Akasa Air’s pet service is its ‘Meet and Assist’ offering. This service provides dedicated support at every step of the journey, from check-in to boarding and disembarkation. For passengers traveling with pets, this can be a game-changer, as navigating airports with animals can often be challenging.
During a recent flight, the ‘Meet and Assist’ team was on hand to expedite the check-in process, ensuring that the pet carriers were securely tagged and that all necessary paperwork was in order. The team also provided guidance on security procedures, making the experience smooth and efficient. At the boarding gate, the staff ensured that the pets were comfortably settled before the flight took off.
In-flight comfort for pets
Once on board, the airline’s cabin crew demonstrated a high level of awareness and sensitivity toward the pets. The cats, housed in their carriers under the seats, were checked on periodically to ensure they were comfortable. The crew also provided water for the pets upon request, showcasing their commitment to animal welfare.
The cabin environment was calm and quiet, which is crucial for reducing stress in animals during travel. The airline’s policy of limiting the number of pets on each flight ensures that the experience remains manageable for both passengers and crew.
Data highlights growing popularity
Since its launch in November 2022, Akasa Air’s ‘Pets on Akasa’ service has flown over 5,000 pets, reflecting the growing trend of pet parents traveling with their furry companions by air. Of these, 66 per cent were dogs, while 34 per cent were cats, highlighting the service’s appeal to a wide range of pet owners.
Bengaluru has emerged as the leading pet travel hub, contributing 31 per cent of all pets flown, followed by Delhi and Mumbai. The most popular routes for pet travel include Bengaluru-Delhi, Delhi-Bengaluru, and Mumbai-Delhi, underscoring the strong demand for pet-friendly travel in these key sectors.
Akasa Air’s success in this domain stems from its customer-focused approach and adaptability to evolving passenger needs. In May 2024, the airline introduced key policy enhancements to further improve the pet travel experience. These include increasing the permissible weight for pets in the cabin to 10 kg (inclusive of the container) and extending the validity of pet travel certificates to 15 days, adding convenience and flexibility for travelers.
Customers traveling with their pets on Akasa Air also enjoy a range of complimentary value-added services, such as a pre-booked window seat, priority check-in and baggage delivery, and Board First, ensuring an elevated flying experience.
Commitment to pet safety and comfort
Akasa Air has undertaken extensive research and provided specialised training for its customer care center, airport staff, and in-flight teams, highlighting its commitment to delivering the highest standards of care, safety, and comfort throughout the journey. Additionally, the airline has partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation, a Gurugram-based non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals. This collaboration ensures that best practices are implemented across processes and policies, continuously enhancing pet comfort and safety.
Room for improvement?
While Akasa Air’s ‘Pets on Akasa’ service is a commendable initiative, there are areas where improvements could enhance the experience further. For instance, the airline currently does not offer in-cabin pet travel on all routes, which may limit options for some passengers. Additionally, the size restrictions for pet carriers, while standard across the industry, may pose challenges for owners of larger pets.
Another consideration is the cost. While the convenience and support provided by the ‘Meet and Assist’ service are valuable, the additional fees for pet travel can add up, making it a premium offering. For budget-conscious travelers, this could be a deterrent.
A step forward in pet-friendly travel
Overall, Akasa Air’s ‘Pets on Akasa’ service sets a new benchmark for pet-friendly travel in India. The airline’s focus on providing a seamless and supportive experience for pets and their owners is evident at every stage of the journey. From the ease of booking to the attentive in-flight care, the service is designed to prioritise the well-being of furry travellers.
For pet owners who frequently travel with their animals, Akasa Air’s offering is a welcome addition to the market. While there is room for refinement, the airline’s commitment to creating a stress-free experience for pets is a significant step forward in making air travel more inclusive for all members of the family—human and animal alike.
As the demand for pet-friendly travel continues to grow, Akasa Air’s initiative could inspire other airlines to follow suit, paving the way for a more compassionate and accommodating travel industry.
