Traveling with pets on airlines has become increasingly complex in 2025, with new IATA regulations and varying airline policies. Understanding current cabin size, weight restrictions, and documentation requirements is essential for successful pet travel. This guide covers Air India’s policies, IATA standards, and booking procedures to help Indian pet owners navigate airline travel confidently.
Airline Pet Weight and Size Limits
Universal Weight Restrictions
Most international airlines enforce an 8kg (17.5 lbs) total weight limit including the carrier. Air India maintains a stricter 7kg limit, while Akasa Air allows up to 10kg maximum. These restrictions ensure passenger safety during turbulence and emergency evacuations.
Standard Carrier Dimensions
Common cabin carrier dimensions are 46x28x24cm (18x11x9 inches), varying by airline and aircraft type. Airlines measure carriers during check-in—even 1cm over the limit results in refused boarding or forced cargo transport.
IATA Pet Carrier Requirements for Traveling with Pets on Airlines
Safety Standards for Pet Carriers
According to IATA standards, pets must stand naturally, turn around completely, and lie down normally within carriers. Carriers must be leak-proof with ventilation panels on at least three sides and secure metal latching mechanisms.
IATA sizing formula: Container length = A (nose to tail) + ½B (height sitting), width = C (shoulder width) x 2, height = D (floor to head standing) plus bedding thickness.
Carrier Type Selection
Soft-sided carriers: Preferred for cabin travel as they compress slightly to fit varying seat dimensions. Must have lockable zippers, mesh ventilation panels, and waterproof bottoms.
Hard-sided carriers: Required for cargo travel with “Live Animal” labeling, proper ventilation patterns, and secure door latching mechanisms.
Pet Travel Documentation Requirements
Essential Health Documentation
Health certificates: Required within 10 days of departure, confirming pets are fit to fly. Must include vaccination history and travel fitness confirmation from licensed veterinarians.
Rabies vaccination: Mandatory for international travel, must be at least 21 days old before travel. Some destinations require additional vaccinations.
Age requirements: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for cabin travel, 3 months for cargo transport.
International Documentation
Microchips: ISO 11784/11785 standard microchips increasingly mandatory. For EU destinations, must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Import permits: Many countries require permits obtained weeks or months before travel, with processing times varying from 2 weeks to 3 months.
India-specific: Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) requires No Objection Certificates with 2-4 weeks processing time.
Also Read : Airplane Travel Safety Tips: Complete 2025 Guide for Indian Travelers
Pet Travel Costs 2025
Airline Fee Structure
Domestic cabin fees: ₹7,000-15,000 ($95-200 USD) for domestic cabin pet travel
International cabin pricing: ₹12,000-25,000 ($150-350 USD)
Air India fees: ₹6,000-12,000 domestic, ₹15,000-30,000 international
Additional Costs
Veterinary expenses: ₹7,500-22,500 ($100-300 USD) for health certificates and examinations
Airport fees: ₹1,500-7,500 per transit for special handling and relief area access
Pet travel insurance: 2-5% of pet value covering emergency veterinary care and delays
Booking Pet Travel on Airlines
Advance Booking Requirements
Most airlines require 48-72 hours advance notice, with Air India requiring 72+ hours for cabin pets. Airlines allow only 2-4 cabin pets per flight, so book early for popular routes.
Booking process: Nearly all airlines require phone booking rather than online systems. Agents verify policies, documentation requirements, and aircraft compatibility.
Documentation Submission
Submit health certificates and vaccination records 24-48 hours before departure. Airlines require reconfirmation 48 hours before travel to verify health status and carrier dimensions.
Airport Check-in
Arrive 2 hours early domestic, 3 hours international. Pet travel requires special services counter check-in. Security screening requires pet removal from carriers during X-ray scanning.
International Pet Health Requirements
Rabies Vaccination by Region
European Union: Vaccination at least 21 days before travel, administered after microchip implantation
United States: Current rabies vaccination and USDA-endorsed health certificates required
Rabies-free countries: Australia, New Zealand require extended quarantine periods
Health Certificate Timing
Most countries require certificates issued within 10 days of departure. US exports need USDA endorsement taking 3-5 business days. Certificates must be issued by internationally accredited veterinarians.
Pet Microchip Requirements
Global Standards
ISO 11784/11785 standard microchips mandatory for most international travel. Ensure registration in international databases accessible from destination countries.
Documentation Integration
All health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits must reference microchip numbers. For EU destinations, microchipping must occur before rabies vaccination for validity.
Air India Pet Policy 2025
Current Restrictions
Air India enforces strict 7kg total weight limit for cabin pets including carriers. Pets restricted on certain routes, particularly non-stop flights to US, UK, and Germany where only service dogs permitted.
Booking Process
Requires phone booking 72+ hours before departure. Health certificates must be emailed 24 hours before departure for review. Pet fees calculated as excess baggage charges.
Age and Health Requirements
Pets must be 8+ weeks for cabin, 3+ months for cargo. Air India requires specific health certificate formats and may have additional vaccination requirements.
Airlines That Allow Pets
Pet-Friendly International Carriers
KLM, Lufthansa, American Airlines, and Delta rank among most accommodating for pet travel. European airlines generally offer more pet-friendly policies than Asian carriers.
Indian Carrier Comparison
Air India: 7kg limit, extensive route network
Akasa Air: 10kg limit, limited routes
Other carriers: IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet generally don’t allow pets except certified service animals
Fee Comparison
International cabin pet fees range $95-350 USD. European carriers often charge less than premium long-haul routes. Consider total costs including documentation and potential routing changes.
Pet Travel Preparation Guide
8-Week Advance Preparation
Research phase:
- Research airline pet policies for all routes
- Verify destination import requirements
- Schedule veterinary consultation
- Begin carrier training (2-4 weeks before travel)
Documentation:
- Apply for import permits
- Schedule veterinary examinations within timing windows
- Ensure current vaccinations
- Research microchip requirements
Final Week Procedures
Documentation review:
- Organize original documents and backup copies
- Confirm documents meet airline requirements
- Reconfirm pet space
- Prepare emergency contacts
Travel day:
- Follow veterinary feeding guidelines
- Pack comfort items and familiar scents
- Arrive early for check-in procedures
- Locate airport pet relief areas
Essential Travel Tips
Pre-Flight Preparation
Start carrier training 2-4 weeks early, making carriers positive spaces with treats and meals. Include absorbent bedding and avoid toys that could become choking hazards.
Feeding Guidelines
Veterinarians recommend light meals 4-6 hours before departure. Provide water access up to 2 hours before departure, then limit to prevent excessive urination.
Anxiety Management
Airlines prohibit sedation due to altitude effects. Discuss natural alternatives like thunder shirts or pheromone sprays with veterinarians.
Successfully traveling with pets on airlines requires careful planning, current regulation knowledge, and proper preparation. Always verify requirements directly with chosen airlines and destination authorities before finalizing travel plans. With proper preparation, you can ensure safe, comfortable journeys for your pet companions.
