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A Reddit user recently shared an insightful account of their positive experience travelling with their cat on an Air India flight, highlighting how the airline’s staff played a crucial role in making pet travel smoother and more comfortable for both pets and their owners.
A Reddit post has been making waves among Indian pet parents after a user detailed their seamless journey with their cat, Kitcat, on an Air India flight. The post described not only the process but also the warmth and professionalism shown by Air India staff, underlining how the airline is becoming a preferred choice for pet owners looking to fly within and from India.
Useful information for travelling with a Pet on Air India
- https://www.airindia.com/in/en/frequently-asked-questions/pet-travel.html
- https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/first-time-flyers/carriage-of-pets.html
- https://www.airindia.com/in/en/newsroom/articles/Pet-parents-share-their-experience-of-flying-with-their-furry-friends.html
Key takeaways from the Reddit post
- Book the ticket at least 3 days before travel.
- Call Air India customer care to let them know you travelling with a pet. They ask you details about the pet and make sure you know about their pet policy (documents and such).
- Pet carrier – 18x18x12 inches allowed. Make sure your pet gets used to the bag.
- Documents – fitness certificate from vet within 72 hours before travel. Vaccination certificate and indemnity form (available on their website). You’ll need originals and a Xerox.
- Pet weight – less than 7 kgs with carrier.
- Only two pets are allowed per flight in the cabin, so you need to be 1st or 2nd, otherwise your pet won’t be allowed. Hence, reach the airport early.
- Check in – all documents are verified, a pet is weighed, and additional documents are filled out by the staff. They keep Xerox copies.
- Security check – as usual, put all your stuff for the security check, everything except your pet and the documents. At this point, you have to hold your pet and make sure they don’t run away.
- Before boarding, the pilot approves all pets on board; the pilot has the final call, and they can say no.
🧳 Air India’s Pet Policy: What Passengers Can Expect
Air India’s guidelines welcome domesticated dogs and cats either in the passenger cabin (subject to weight and size limits) or in the cargo hold as checked baggage, with approvals required in each case. The airline allows up to two pets per cabin, each with their own accompanying passenger, and requires advance booking and a host of documents, such as health and vaccination certificates, to ensure a smooth experience. Pets must meet minimum age requirements—eight weeks for cabin travel and three months for cargo.
The airline also stipulates that the combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 7 kg (15 lbs) for cabin travel; heavier pets travel as checked-in baggage or cargo. Pet owners are asked to report at least three hours before departure, with priority check-in and designated seating at the rear of the cabin.
Preparing Your Pet for the Skies
Air India advises pet owners to familiarise their pets with travel crates in the weeks leading up to departure and to prepare all paperwork and essentials well in advance. No food is permitted inside the container, but owners can bring dry pet food in cabin luggage. Pets should never be sedated for travel, as per airline and international safety standards.
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