The skies above India are increasingly accommodating furry passengers as more pet owners choose to travel with their companions. What was once a niche request is rapidly becoming a significant segment in the Indian travel industry, prompting airlines to formalize and expand their pet-friendly services.
Key Airlines for Pet Travel in India
Among major Indian carriers, Air India and Akasa Air stand out as the most practical options for passengers seeking structured services for their pets. These airlines primarily cater to domesticated dogs and cats, with specific rules governing their journey.
- Akasa Air: Since launching "Pets on Akasa" in November 2022, the airline has flown over 10,000 pets, with 93% traveling in the cabin. The festive quarter (October-December) accounts for a significant portion of these journeys.
- Air India: Carried approximately 1,700 pets in the first half of 2026 under its revamped "Paws on Board" program.
Other airlines, like IndiGo, generally do not permit regular pets, making exceptions only for guide dogs accompanying visually impaired passengers.
In-Cabin vs. Cargo: Airline Policies
Both Air India and Akasa Air have distinct policies for pets traveling in the cabin versus the cargo hold, largely based on weight and breed.
Air India's "Paws on Board"
- In-Cabin: Pets (dogs and cats) up to 10 kg (including carrier) are allowed in Economy class. The pet must be at least eight weeks old and travel in a soft-sided, leak-proof, ventilated carrier (max 17x10x9 inches) placed under the seat. Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance, and pets are seated in aisle seats in the last five rows. Price: Rs 7,500 for domestic travel.
- Checked Baggage (Hold): Animals between 10 kg and 32 kg (including crate) travel in an IATA-compliant hard kennel. Price: Rs 16,000 for domestic travel.
- Cargo: Pets exceeding 32 kg are booked as cargo.
- Restrictions: Pregnant, sedated, critically ill, or medically unfit animals are not accepted. Snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus, pugs) are generally not accepted in the hold due to respiratory risks, limiting their travel to in-cabin only if they meet weight requirements.
Akasa Air's Pet Travel Services
- Age Requirement: Cats and dogs must be at least three months old.
- In-Cabin: Pets up to 10 kg (including carrier) are permitted. Published fare: Rs 7,500.
- Hold: Heavier animals can travel in the hold (around Rs 15,000).
- Benefits: Akasa permits up to three pets per flight and offers priority check-in, priority boarding, and a pre-booked window seat for pet travelers.
International Pet Travel Considerations
International travel with pets adds layers of complexity. As pet parent Divya Dugar, who has flown her dogs across continents, advises: "Each country has different rules of importing and exporting a dog."
- Destination Rules First: Always prioritize checking the entry regulations of the destination country. Rabies requirements, booster vaccinations, and other documentation can be time-consuming.
- Airline Policies: After confirming country rules, then select airlines and routes. For instance, the UK does not allow pets in the cabin, posing a challenge for owners of snub-nosed breeds not permitted in the hold.
- Direct Flights: Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to minimize stress on pets.
- Pet Relocation Agencies: Consider using agencies like PetFly for complicated documentation and airport handling, especially for parts of the airport inaccessible to owners.
The "Pawprint Economy" on the Rise
The Amadeus Travel Trends Report 2026 highlights the emerging "Pawprint Economy," forecasting the global pet industry to reach $500 billion by 2030. While hotels and hospitality have been quick to offer pet-friendly options, the aviation sector is rapidly catching up. Beyond commercial airlines, a luxury segment of pet-first aviation is also emerging internationally, with charter operators like BARK Air and K9 Jets offering dedicated flights for pets and their owners.
The trend is clear: for many pet parents, a perfect vacation now includes their beloved animals, and airlines are increasingly rising to meet this demand.