Air India pet policy
Yes. Dogs and cats up to 10 kg with the carrier can fly in the Economy cabin; 10 to 32 kg fly as checked baggage; heavier pets go as cargo.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. Overall status: Verified 20 Oct 2026
| In cabin | Yes, up to 10 kg incl. soft carrier, Economy |
|---|---|
| Cabin fee (domestic) | INR 7,500 per sector |
| Hold / checked | Checked baggage 10 to 32 kg; cargo above 32 kg |
| Hold fee (domestic) | INR 16,000 per sector |
| Species | Dogs and cats |
| Minimum age | 8 weeks |
| Booking | At least 48 hours before departure |
Rules, with sources
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Cabin: up to 10 kg including the carrier
Verified 20 Oct 2026Economy only, aisle seats in the rear rows, maximum 2 pets per Economy cabin per flight, one pet per passenger. Soft, leak-proof kennel up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches, ventilated on three sides, no wheels, fitting under the seat.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Checked baggage 10 to 32 kg; cargo above 32 kg
Verified 20 Oct 2026Hard IATA-compliant kennel. Availability depends on aircraft type.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Fees per sector (plus taxes)
Verified 20 Oct 2026Cabin: INR 7,500 domestic; USD 140 most international routes; USD 160 Israel; USD 225 UAE and Singapore. Checked: INR 16,000 domestic; USD 350 international. Non-refundable.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Snub-nosed breeds not accepted in the hold
Verified 20 Oct 2026Brachycephalic dogs and cats (for example pugs, Shih Tzus, Persians) cannot travel in the cargo compartment. If they fit the cabin limits, consult your vet before flying.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Documents
Verified 20 Oct 2026Vaccination record, health and rabies vaccination certificates signed by a registered vet, a fit-to-fly certificate issued within 7 days of departure, and an indemnity form (2 copies direct, 4 connecting). Originals are checked at check-in.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Routes with restrictions
Verified 20 Oct 2026No cabin or checked pets to the USA, Canada or Australia, or on ultra-long-haul flights. UK: cargo only to Heathrow and Gatwick. No cabin pets on flights from India to the UAE.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Who cannot carry a pet in the cabin
Verified 20 Oct 2026Unaccompanied minors, passengers needing wheelchair assistance and passengers travelling with an infant. Pregnant or sedated pets are refused.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
Confirm before you book
Air India's official site is the final word. Pet bookings usually cannot be made through travel agents or booking sites; contact the airline after booking your own ticket.
Common questions
How much does Air India charge for a pet in the cabin?
INR 7,500 per sector on domestic flights, plus taxes, as of Air India's tariff dated 09 Oct 2026. International cabin fees are USD 140 on most routes, USD 160 to Israel and USD 225 to the UAE and Singapore.
What carrier size does Air India allow in the cabin?
A soft kennel up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches that fits under the seat, with the pet and carrier together weighing no more than 10 kg.