Fly with Pets onboard Akasa Air - Get details

Introducing Pets on Akasa, a pet-friendly offering that allows customers the option to travel with pets in the cabin and also carry them in the cargo compartment.
This service is in line with Akasa’s vision to create an inclusive and humane travel experience.
Akasa Air’s pet-friendly service is open for bookings now.
Familiarise yourself with our Pets on Akasa service well in advance of your pet's travel. Find out about booking, travel documentation, carriage requirements or any other questions you might have.
FAQs
What is Akasa Air’s Pet Travel Policy?
Akasa Air allows passengers to travel with their pets on board Akasa Air’s domestic flights in the passenger cabin (subject to weight restrictions) as well as in the cargo compartment.
How is a pet defined for Akasa Air’s Pet Travel Policy?
For the purpose of Akasa Air’s Pet Travel Policy, pets are defined as domesticated dogs and cats.
Which domestic pets are allowed to fly on Akasa Air flights?
Currently, only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed to fly on Akasa Air flights.
Which breed of dogs and cats are allowed?
All breeds of dogs and cats are allowed to be carried on Akasa Air flights in the cabin. However, some breeds of dogs, such as brachycephalic dogs (snub-nosed/flat-faced), may be at risk to fly in the cargo compartment, and are therefore not permitted to be carried in the cargo compartment of Akasa Air flights. An indicative list of breeds that are at a risk can be found here click here.
However, if you wish to carry such at-risk breeds of dogs in the cabin, please seek veterinary advise before planning such travel.
As such, all pets must meet all the requirements of carriage as set out by Akasa Air in its Conditions of Carriage.
Are there any travel restrictions for brachycephalic breeds?
It is recommended that due to their compromised respiratory systems, brachycephalic (snub-nosed/flat-faced), passengers should exercise their judgment on whether such dogs can be carried on an Akasa Air flight in the cabin. Akasa Air shall not be liable in this respect.
Is there a prescribed standard for the pet container?
Yes, all pet containers should be as per the size and specifications mentioned by Akasa Air.
Is there a weight limit for my pet to travel?
The weight of the pet, including the weight of the container, should not exceed 7 (seven) kgs for carriage in the cabin. Pets of a heavier weight will be carried in the cargo compartment.
When does my pet need to be transported to the aircraft hold?
If you have a pet exceeding the 7 (seven) kg weight limit (including its container), then it should only be transported in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.
Do my pets require any vaccination certificate or documentation?
Yes, properly validated vaccination and health certificates obtained no more than 72 (seventy two) hours prior to the date of travel, evidencing that the pet is in good health and fit to fly must be furnished on the date of travel. Such certification must state that the pet has been inoculated for rabies. During check-in/on-boarding of the pet, a physical signed and stamped letter from the pet’s veterinarian, advising that the pet is in good health and is adequately vaccinated, will be required. Original physical copies of both these documents along with a photocopy will need to be furnished at the time of check-in at the airport or when dropping off the pet at the cargo terminal.
Is there an age restriction on pets?
Pets must be at least 3 (three) months of age to avail of such travel.
Are pregnant pets allowed to travel?
Pets that are more than 4 (four) weeks pregnant shall not be accepted on Akasa Air flights.
What are the mandatory requirements for pet travel?
Pets traveling with a passenger in the cabin:
Pets whose weight, including the container, does not exceed 7 (seven) kgs can travel in the passenger cabin. The following conditions must also be met for such pets:
- A pet dog must be muzzled (applicable only for pets carried in the passenger cabin).
- The pet must be properly carried in a container, which is compliant with Akasa Air’s container specifications.
- Effective [April 1, 2023], the size of the aforementioned container should not exceed 19” x 12” x 10”.
- A moisture absorbent mat should be placed under the pet.
- Pets are not allowed to occupy a passenger seat, even in case the adjoining seat is unoccupied/empty or blocked by the passenger.
- The container shall at all times be stowed in the space under the window seat in front of the passenger.
- A label must be affixed on the container showing the type of the pet.
- No food items are permitted inside the container.
Pets in cargo compartment with passenger traveling on the same flight:
Pets whose weight, including the weight of the container, exceeds 7 (seven) kgs, can travel in the cargo compartment when accompanied by the passenger traveling on the same flight, subject to a maximum weight limit of 32 (thirty two) kgs. A label must be affixed on the container showing the type of the pet.
Pets in cargo compartment without passenger traveling on the same flight:
Any pet weighing more than 32 (thirty-two) kgs, and up to 100 (one hundred) kgs, including the weight of the container, will have to be booked as per cargo regulations and dropped off at the cargo terminal of the airport.
The following conditions must also be met for pets travelling in the cargo compartment:
- Carriage in the cargo compartment is permitted only in rigid containers with a secure door, which cannot be damaged by the pet. Container size should not exceed 28” x 28” x 36.”
- Each container must be provided with a water container.
- The container must be large enough to permit the pet to stand properly, turn around and lie down.
- A label must be affixed on the container showing the type of the pet.
- No food items are permitted inside the container.
Note: Until further notice, Akasa Air will not be accepting pets above 32 (thirty two) kgs in the cargo compartment (including the weight of the container), on flights departing from Pune, Visakhapatnam and Agartala.
Can I travel with a guide dog?
Passengers with reduced mobility can be accompanied by a guide dog. For detailed terms and conditions pertaining to guide/service dogs, please refer to our Conditions of Carriage published on our website.
Is an emotional support animal allowed to travel with me?
No, only pets referred to in this FAQ and our Conditions of Carriage are permitted on Akasa Air flights.
How do I book my pet to travel? Do I book the pet’s tickets on the Akasa Air website just as I book for myself?
Pets in cabin or pets in the cargo compartment can be booked only through our 24/7 Akasa Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31 or through our Airport Ticketing Office. Unaccompanied pets weighing more than 32 (thirty-two) kgs, and up to 100 (one hundred) kgs, including the weight of the container, will have to be booked through the Akasa Care Centre or Cargo Terminal Office. Bookings cannot be made through the website or through a travel agent.
Are pets allowed on connecting or through flights?
Currently, pets are only allowed on non-stop flights.
Can I make a last-minute decision to book my pet to travel with me?
Passengers must book travel for their pet at least 48 (forty eight) hours prior to flight departure.
Do I need to arrive at the airport early if I am travelling with a pet?
Yes, a passenger travelling with a pet must report at least 2 (two) hours prior to departure.
Can unaccompanied minors travel with pets?
No, unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet
Can people with reduced mobility or passengers requiring wheelchair assistance travel with pets?
Due to safety considerations, it is not recommended that passengers requiring wheelchair assistance travel with pets.
When I want to travel with my pet, should I book my flight or my pet’s flight first?
We suggest that you make the booking for your pet at the same time as your own booking. This should only be done through the Akasa Air Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31 or through our Airport Ticketing Office. Passengers must book travel for their pet at least 48 hours prior to flight departure.
Can I travel with infants and pets together?
Due to safety considerations, in case you are travelling with an infant, you will not be allowed to travel with a pet in the cabin. However, the pet may be carried in the cargo compartment.
How many pets can each passenger carry?
Each passenger can carry 1 (one) pet in the cabin and 1 (one) in the cargo compartment.
Are there any restrictions on the seats that will be allotted to a passenger travelling with a pet?
Yes. Akasa Air does not allow any emergency exit row seats or other premium seats to be allotted to a
passenger travelling with a pet. Only regular economy seats will be allotted to a passenger travelling with a pet.
How many pets are allowed per flight?
We allow a total of 2 (two) pets on a flight. 1 (one) pet can be carried in the cabin, and 1 (one) in the cargo compartment. Pets will be booked on a first come, first-served basis, and should be booked at least 48 (forty eight) hours prior to the flight departure.
Should I sedate or cloak my pet?
No. Please do not sedate your pet as we need to make a health assessment prior to departure to determine if it is sleepy or unwell (as sick pets cannot be accepted for travel).
As for placing a coat on your pet to keep it warm, there is no need. Cargo compartments are regulated to a temperature between 18 and 22°C. Putting a coat on your pet may increase body heat and lead to dehydration.
It is advisable to seek assistance from a veterinarian in these situations rather than administer any remedies yourself.
Can I travel with cremated pet remains?
Yes, you can take cremated pet remains onboard as a carry-on item. Cremated remains must be inspected at the security checkpoint and cannot be accepted as checked-in baggage. We recommend transporting the remains in a plastic or cardboard container typically provided by the crematorium. This is to ensure that the item can be cleared by X-ray screening. If it cannot, it will be opened for physical inspection. If the container cannot be screened, it will not be allowed past the security checkpoint.
Please note that dead, unconscious, or sedated pets will not be accepted on Akasa Air flights.
I have a cat, but it is being used for scientific purposes and is not a pet. Can I travel with it?
Animals intended for laboratory and scientific purposes shall not be allowed to travel in the passenger cabin or in the cargo compartment.
Can my pet travel unaccompanied if being transported in the cargo compartment?
Yes, you can book the carriage of unaccompanied pets through our 24/7 Akasa Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31 or directly at the cargo terminal 48 (forty eight) hours prior to the flight departure. The person sending the pet on an Akasa Air flight should ensure that the pet is handed over at the cargo terminal and collected at the destination (cargo terminal).
In order to ensure the comfort of the pet, the person dropping off the pet is required to remain at the cargo terminal until the flight takes off.
What documents are required for a person dropping off/picking up pets travelling as cargo?
During drop off: A Declaration by the shipper/Govt. approved identification of consignor with full address/ contact no. of consignor and consignee/health certificate of the pet, Import Export license, if applicable.
During pick up at destination: AWB Number of the shipment/Govt. approved identification of consignee with full address / contact no. of consignor and consignee.
Will Akasa Air provide an airport pick-up option for passengers traveling with their pet?
Akasa Air does not offer this service as of now. Passengers will have to make their own arrangements for transporting their pet to and from the airport.
Do I need to sign any indemnity form before I fly my pet?
Yes, it is mandatory for you to sign and submit an indemnity form before your pet is accepted to fly. You can download the form by clicking on this link or request for one at the time of check-in.
Can I hold my pet instead of carrying it in a container?
No, the pet must be carried in a container of the prescribed size and requirements as stated previously and stowed under the seat in the front of your seat.
What type of pet container is required for the cargo compartment hold?
- Containers with dimensions 28” x 28” x 36”.
- Carriage in the cargo compartment is permitted only in rigid containers with a secure door and which cannot be damaged by the pet.
- Each container must have a water container for the pet.
- The container must be large enough to permit the pet to stand properly, turn around and lie down
Will pet containers be counted as carry-on baggage?
No, carry-on baggage cannot be replaced with the carriage of a pet or pet container. Any passenger travelling with a pet will have to pay additional charges for such carriage, irrespective of whether they are carrying any carry-on baggage or not. The passenger may call the Akasa Air Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31.to find out the applicable fee.
Does Akasa Air accept pet containers/strollers (without a pet) as checked-in baggage?
Yes, we accept pet containers/strollers (without a pet) as checked-in baggage. Regular checked-in baggage fares will be applicable to such pet containers/strollers.
What are the fees to carry a pet on board? Where do I pay the pet carriage fees? Are they charged per container or per pet?
Details of pet carriage fees are available at the Akasa Air Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31.
Will the pet carriage fee be refundable if I do not travel?
- Cancellation charges will be applicable as per our cancellation policy. Please contact the Akasa Air Care Centre on +91 9606 11 21 31 for details.
- No refund will be provided in case of no show/gate no show or for passengers who do not avail of this service in spite of purchasing.
What do I do to my pet when I go through security?
You should hold your pet and walk through the screening device while the container is X-rayed. The pet will need to be leashed while going through security. All pet containers are subject to being searched.
Will I get priority check-in because I am travelling with my pet?
Yes, passengers travelling with pets will be allowed to check-in on priority.
Will I get priority boarding because I am travelling with my pet?
Yes, passengers travelling with pets will be allowed to board on priority.
Under what circumstances will a pet be denied boarding?
A pet that shows disruptive behavior may be denied boarding. Examples of disruptive behavior include (but are not limited to):
- Scratching, excessive whining or barking.
- Growling, biting, lunging.
- Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area.
Pets with incomplete/missing vaccination and/or health certificates and/or any other documents as required by Akasa from time to time, may be denied boarding.
Note: Akasa Air reserves the right to deny boarding to any passenger with a pet, or refuse carriage of a pet, for safety reasons.
What happens to my pet being carried in the cargo compartment if the flight is delayed or cancelled?
Your pet will be kept in a comfortable area and regularly supervised. If you are travelling with your pet on the same flight and it is delayed, you can see the pet at the passenger terminal in that airport.
If there are extensive delays, Akasa Air will ensure that the passenger is united with their pet. Akasa Air will also make best efforts to ensure that the pet is rebooked on the next available flight.
If a flight is cancelled, Akasa Air will book your pet for the next available flight that day (subject to availability). If Akasa Air is unable to do so, its team will contact and assist you with reuniting you with your pet at the earliest and re-book you and your pet on the next available flight, should you choose to fly with us.
Where do I sit with my pet on board the aircraft?
Passengers with pets will be assigned a window seat on the aircraft. However, the decision to allot a row or seat will be at the discretion of Akasa Air at all times. No emergency exit row seats or other premium seats will be allotted to passengers with pets. No dedicated seat will be assigned to the pet, irrespective of such passenger having blocked an additional seat. The pet (along with the container) shall be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger.
Can I take my pet out of the container during the flight?
No, pets need to remain inside their container during the entire flight. Dogs must be muzzled during the flight.
What happens if a fellow passenger is not comfortable with my pet?
We will assign a different seat (based on availability) to you along with your pet to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone.
What are you doing to implement best practices for pet travel?
While we have taken all care, including best in-class processes and training, we have also teamed up with Umeed for Animals Foundation for consultation and training on the best practices to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and passengers. You can contact them on umeedforanimals@gmail.com for guidance on travelling with your pet.
Where will my pet travelling in the cargo compartment hold be handed over to me if I am on the same flight?
If you are travelling on the same flight as your pet, the pet being carried in the cargo compartment will be handed over to you at the passenger terminal on arrival.
Where can I collect my pet that was traveling unaccompanied (i.e., without me flying on the same flight) in the cargo compartment?
The pet being carried in the cargo compartment when you are not travelling on the same flight, will have to be collected at the cargo terminal / warehouse at the arrival airport.