Air India (AI) pet policy for 2026 — one of the few full-service carriers accepting pets in the cabin and as checked cargo, weight limits, documents and routes. Verify on airindia.com.
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Quick answer: Air India allows domesticated dogs and cats to travel in the cabin or, for heavier animals, in the temperature-controlled hold, subject to booking and health requirements. In-cabin travel needs the combined pet-plus-carrier weight to stay within about 10 kg in an under-seat soft carrier. Pets in cabin are not permitted on flights to the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Reserve in advance and confirm current rules and fees on airindia.com.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · summarised from the official Air India policy and DGCA passenger-rights rules. Fees and rules change — always confirm on airindia.com before booking.
Air India permits small domesticated dogs and cats in the cabin when the combined weight of the pet and its carrier stays within roughly 10 kg. The animal must remain inside a leak-proof, ventilated soft carrier that fits under the seat in front, and stay there throughout the flight. Space is limited per flight and one pet is usually allowed per passenger. In-cabin carriage is not offered on every route, so book early and confirm cabin eligibility on airindia.com.
Pets too heavy for the cabin travel in the aircraft hold as checked animals, in an IATA-compliant rigid kennel that is well ventilated and secured. Above a higher combined weight (around 32 kg with the container) the animal is handled as cargo rather than accompanied baggage. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurised for live animals. Kennel standards, advance arrangement and acceptance conditions apply, so review the hold and cargo requirements on airindia.com before booking.
Air India does not allow pets in the cabin (PETC) on flights to the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, where animals must travel in the hold or as cargo subject to that country's import rules. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs and cats face additional restrictions because of breathing risks in the hold and may not be accepted. Only domesticated dogs and cats are carried. Confirm route-specific and breed restrictions on airindia.com.
Pet carriage is never automatic and must be requested and confirmed ahead of travel, as places per flight are limited. Air India typically asks travellers to arrange pet travel a set number of hours before departure (commonly at least 48 hours) through its call centre or booking channels. It is not bookable as a self-service add-on, so plan early, especially in peak seasons. Check the current notice period and how to request pet travel on airindia.com.
Travelling pets need up-to-date paperwork, including a veterinary health certificate and a valid rabies vaccination record signed by a registered vet, usually issued within a few days of departure. International journeys also require import permits, additional vaccinations or quarantine compliance set by the destination country, and indemnity forms. Requirements differ by route and can be strict, so verify the exact health certificates and permits for your destination on airindia.com well before you fly.
Trained assistance dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities, such as guide dogs for travellers with visual or hearing impairment, are generally carried in the cabin free of charge when they meet Air India's conditions and the destination country's rules. Documentation proving the dog's training and the passenger's need is required, and advance notice helps ensure smooth handling. Pet charges for ordinary animals are separate and vary, so confirm assistance-animal policy and any fees on airindia.com.
Yes, small domesticated dogs and cats can travel in the cabin if the combined pet-and-carrier weight is within about 10 kg and they stay in an under-seat soft carrier. Space is limited, so book in advance and confirm eligibility on airindia.com.
No. Air India does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to the USA, Canada, the UK or Australia. Animals must travel in the hold or as cargo, subject to that country's import rules. Confirm route specifics on airindia.com.
Pet carriage is charged as excess based on the animal and carrier weight and the route, and rates change over time. Trained assistance dogs usually travel free. For current pet charges, check the fee details on airindia.com or contact the airline.
Pet travel must be arranged ahead of departure, commonly at least 48 hours before, because places per flight are limited and it is not a self-service add-on. Request it via Air India's call centre and confirm the notice period on airindia.com.
Your pet needs a recent veterinary health certificate and valid rabies vaccination record from a registered vet, plus any import permits, extra vaccinations or quarantine compliance required by the destination. Verify the exact documents for your route on airindia.com before travel.
Yes. Pets too heavy for the cabin travel in the temperature-controlled hold in an IATA-compliant kennel, and very heavy animals are handled as cargo. Kennel standards and advance arrangement apply; review the hold and cargo requirements on airindia.com.
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