Imagine booking a last-minute flight and not having to choose between travelling and staying behind with your pet. For many Indian pet parents, that’s now a genuine possibility. Air India’s newly refreshed pet travel policy, charmingly called Paws on Board, is quietly changing the way people fly with their furry companions, and it’s a welcome relief.
What was once a nerve-racking maze of paperwork, approvals and hefty fees is now far more straightforward. At a time when more Indians are relocating for work, education or long-term travel, the airline’s move feels both timely and thoughtful. It also signals a broader shift in aviation thinking: pets are no longer treated as excess baggage, but as family members who deserve to travel safely and comfortably.
One of the biggest changes is the option for small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on select flights. Pets weighing up to 10kg, carrier included, can now stay close to their owners in economy class. For anyone who’s ever anxiously watched their pet disappear into the cargo hold, this is a huge step forward.
There are, of course, sensible safeguards in place. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and in good health, not pregnant, sedated or unwell animals are allowed. To keep things calm for everyone on board, Air India limits cabin pets to just two per flight, seating them in aisle seats on the last row where the crew can keep an eye on them. Throughout the journey, pets must remain securely inside their carriers under the seat.
The carrier itself has to meet strict requirements: it must be soft-sided, well-ventilated, leak-proof and no larger than 17 by 10 by 9 inches. Hard cases aren’t permitted in the cabin, although they are mandatory for pets travelling as checked baggage.
For students heading overseas or families making permanent moves, this change alone removes one of the biggest emotional hurdles to travelling. Many people previously delayed plans or spent thousands on pet boarding or cargo services, something that’s now far less necessary.
Air India has also made booking significantly easier. The advance notice period has been reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours, making it far more manageable for people dealing with sudden relocations, emergency trips or last-minute university deadlines.
Pet parents still need to contact customer support or a booking office directly, and submit essential paperwork such as vaccination records, a fit-to-fly certificate and any destination-specific permits. Once everything is verified, the booking is confirmed. While it’s still wise to apply early, especially during busy travel seasons, the process is far less stressful than it used to be.
For larger pets, the rules are clearly laid out. Animals weighing 10–32kg travel as checked baggage in IATA-approved hard crates, while anything over 32kg must go via cargo. Some aircraft and long-haul routes have additional restrictions, so checking in advance remains important.
The policy covers over 80 domestic and international destinations, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Whether it’s a short domestic hop or a long-haul journey across continents, many routes now welcome pets, as long as local regulations allow it.
Pricing is refreshingly transparent. For pets travelling in the cabin, fees are INR 7,500 on domestic flights, USD 140 on short-haul international routes, and USD 160 on medium-haul journeys. Checked baggage costs INR 16,000 domestically and USD 350 internationally, regardless of distance. Once booked, fees are non-refundable, but the clarity makes planning far easier than before.
At its heart, Paws on Board feels like more than a rule change. It’s a recognition of the emotional bond people share with their pets, and of the growing community of travellers who want their companions by their side.
As travel continues to rebound through 2026, this move is likely to inspire countless shared journeys: dogs padding through new cities, cats discovering life beyond home, and owners travelling with far less guilt and anxiety. From weekend escapes to Goa to long stays in Paris or Toronto, the skies suddenly feel a lot more welcoming.
For pet lovers with wanderlust, Air India has made the world feel just that little bit closer.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. Are pets allowed in the cabin on Air India flights?
Yes. Small cats and dogs weighing up to 10kg (including the carrier) are permitted in the economy cabin on select routes, subject to availability and conditions.
2. What type of carrier is required for in-cabin pets?
Pets must travel in a soft-sided, leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier that fits under the seat and measures no more than 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Hard carriers are not permitted in the cabin.
3. When should pet travel be booked?
Pet travel must be requested at least 48 hours before departure. As only two pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, early requests are strongly advised.
4. What happens if a pet weighs more than 10kg?
Pets weighing between 10kg and 32kg can travel as checked baggage in an IATA-approved hard crate. Pets over 32kg must be transported via cargo services.
5. What are the charges for travelling with pets on Air India?
In-cabin pet travel costs INR 7,500 on domestic flights, USD 140 on short-haul international routes and USD 160 on medium-haul routes. Checked baggage charges are INR 16,000 domestically and USD 350 internationally.