• Air India and Akasa Air allow pets in the cabin up to 10 kg, including the carrier.
• Alliance Air and Fly91 permit small pets up to 7 kg in the cabin.
• SpiceJet currently permits pets only through cargo transport.
• Akasa Air allows only direct flights for pet travel bookings.
• Air India permits a maximum of 2 pets in the economy cabin per flight.
• Pets above airline cabin limits must travel as checked baggage or cargo.
• Brachycephalic breeds may face cargo restrictions on multiple airlines.
• Defence families should plan pet approvals well in advance during posting transfers.
• Mandatory health and vaccination certificates are required across all airlines.
• udChalo assists defence travellers with flight coordination and pet travel consultation support.
• Always confirm LTC travel rules when combining pet travel with official leave.

For many families, pets are no longer just companions — they are family members. With more Indian airlines updating their pet travel policies, travelling with dogs and cats has become significantly easier in 2026.

Whether you are a defence personnel member relocating between postings, travelling home on leave, planning LTC travel, or simply flying with your furry companion, understanding airline pet policies in advance is essential.

Air India, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Fly91, and SpiceJet now offer varying levels of pet travel support, including cabin travel, checked baggage transport, and cargo handling.

This guide explains everything you need to know before flying with pets in India.

As of 2026, the following airlines generally do not permit pets onboard:

• IndiGo
• Air India Express
• Star Air
• Several regional operators depending on aircraft type

Always verify the latest policy directly with the airline before booking.

Air India remains one of the most pet-friendly airlines in India, especially for travellers requiring both cabin and cargo options.

Cabin Travel Rules

• Pets up to 10 kg including carrier are allowed in the cabin.
• Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted.
• Maximum 2 pets allowed in economy cabin per flight.
• Pets are seated in the last-row aisle seats in economy.
• A minimum separation of five rows is maintained between pets.

Checked Baggage & Cargo

• Pets between 10 kg and 32 kg must travel as checked baggage.
• Pets above 32 kg must travel through cargo services.

Important Requirements

• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Sedated or heavily pregnant pets are not allowed.
• Soft kennel dimensions must not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches.
• Passengers must report at least 3 hours before departure.

Charges

• Cabin travel: ₹7,500 + GST per sector
• Checked baggage: ₹16,000 + GST per sector

Restricted Breeds

Snub-nosed and brachycephalic breeds may not be allowed in cargo compartments due to respiratory risks.
For details, refer to Air India Pet Travel Guidelines.

Akasa Air has quickly become popular among pet parents for its structured “Pets on Akasa” service.

Cabin & Cargo Limits

• Pets up to 10 kg, including carrier, can travel in the cabin.
• Pets up to 32 kg may travel as checked baggage.
• Pets above 32 kg must travel via cargo.
• Pets above 100 kg are not permitted.

Booking Process

• Pet bookings must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
• Bookings are handled through:
  • pets@akasaair.com
  • Akasa Care Centre
• Documents are uploaded online for approval before payment.

Important Rules

• Only direct flights are permitted for pet travel.
• Maximum 3 pets allowed per flight.
• Pets must remain inside the carrier throughout the journey.
• Dogs travelling in cabin must be muzzled.

Charges

• Cabin travel: ₹7,500
• Checked baggage: ₹15,000

Container Dimensions

• Cabin carrier: 19” x 12.6” x 10”
• Cargo carrier: 36” x 28” x 28”

Check the official policy: Akasa Air Pets Information.

Alliance Air permits small pets in cabin on select ATR-operated flights.

Key Guidelines

• Maximum weight allowed: 7 kg including cage
• Pets allowed only in cabin
• Cargo transport is not permitted
• Pets must remain muzzled
• Final approval depends on captain clearance

Charges

• ₹1400 per kg including GST

Documents Required

• Vaccination certificate
• Veterinary fitness certificate

Passengers should arrive at least 3 hours before departure.

Fly91 permits only small domestic pets in cabin.

Important Rules

• Dogs and cats only
• Pet + carrier must not exceed 7 kg
• Pets must be at least 3 months old
• Only one pet allowed per flight
• Pet booking cannot be done online through agents

Travel Conditions

• Window seats are assigned for pet travel
• Pets cannot occupy seats
• Carrier must remain under the seat throughout the flight

Charges

• ₹5,000 per sector

Restrictions

Pet travel is not permitted if:

• Travelling with infants
• Passenger requires wheelchair assistance
• Passenger is an unaccompanied minor

SpiceJet currently allows pets only through cargo transportation.

Key Rules

• Only Boeing 737 aircraft support pet transport
• Direct flights only
• Maximum pet weight allowed: 45 kg excluding cage
• IATA-approved fiber cages are mandatory

Required Documents

• Fit-to-fly certificate
• Vaccination records
• Health certificate issued within 48 hours before departure

Restricted Breeds

SpiceJet restricts several brachycephalic and high-risk breeds, including:

• Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
• Persian cats
• Rottweilers
• Pit Bulls

Moving between postings or travelling home on leave can be hectic. These tips make pet travel easier:

1. Book early via trusted channels like udChalo Flights for better route options.
2. Vet check – ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that a fit-to-fly certificate is issued within 72 hours.
3. Choose the right kennel: Airline-approved, ventilated, leak-proof, and large enough for the pet to stand.
4. Hydration and comfort: Avoid feeding 2 hours before flight; offer water before boarding.
5. Label your crate with your name, contact information, and destination clearly.
6. Avoid sedatives unless prescribed by a vet.
7. Travel in cooler hours if possible, especially for short-nosed breeds.
8. Prepare your pet: Familiarise them with their travel crate days in advance.
9. Arrive at the airport early for a smoother screening and documentation process.
10. Stay updated with airline advisories through udChalo Blogs.

Most airlines require the following:

• Government-issued ID proof of owner
• Valid vaccination certificate
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Fit-to-fly certificate from registered veterinarian
• Airline indemnity forms
• Airline-approved crate/carrier
• Health declaration documents

For international travel, additional documents may include:

• Pet passport
• Microchip details
• Import/export permits
• Destination-specific quarantine documents

Certain breeds may face restrictions due to risks of breathing and temperature sensitivity.

These usually include:

• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Boxers
• Persian cats
• Shih Tzus

Safety Tips

• Avoid sedating pets before flights unless prescribed.
• Travel during cooler hours where possible.
• Keep pets hydrated before travel.
• Introduce the crate several days before the journey.
• Avoid feeding pets 2 hours before departure.

If your trip involves LTC or defence leave, verify that pet carriage costs are personal expenses (not claimable). You can still book discounted flights via udChalo and coordinate pet travel directly with the airline.

For longer leave trips, explore pet-friendly holidays through udChalo Holidays or check visa-on-arrival destinations where quarantine rules are lenient:
Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indians 2025.

With Air India’s Paws on Board and Akasa Air’s Pets on Akasa, air travel for pets has become smoother and more structured.
For defence personnel and families, planning through udChalo Flights and udChalo Holidays ensures verified fares, support, and flexibility.

If you’re relocating, going on LTC leave, or returning home — take your furry companion along, stress-free.
Fly safe, fly together, and keep tails wagging all the way!