Just two months into operations, India’s Akasa Air has opened its doors to pets, putting a smile on many pet owners in the country who do not have many options if they want to fly with their furry companions. Currently, Air India and SpiceExpress are the only carriers that transport animals, but with Akasa jumping into the fray, will others follow suit?

Akasa keen on becoming a pet-friendly airline

Akasa Air has completed two months of operations since its launch on August 7th. Yesterday, the airline looked back at the last 60 days and was satisfied with its progress so far. It also gave a roadmap for the future in terms of fleet expansion and other initiatives. And one of the key announcements was that it will soon start a pets-on-board service.

Akasa’s Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Belson Coutinho, said that passengers flying with the airline will be able to travel with their pets in the cabin soon.

The carrier will allow domesticated dogs and cats onboard, and depending on their size, they can either travel in the cabin or the cargo hold. Due to regulations, Akasa will allow animals up to 7kg (15 pounds) to enter the cabin.

Animals between 7kg to 32kg (15-70 pounds) will need to be checked in at the airport, and heavier animals weighing up to 100 kg (220 pounds) will have to be checked in at the cargo terminal, as passenger terminals do not have the infrastructure to handle such pets.

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The airline has tied up with an NGO - Umeed for Animals Foundation - for expert advice on best practices for accommodating pets on planes. It also mentioned that this is phase 1 of the launch, and the policy will be enhanced progressively. Bookings for pets open on October 15th for flights starting from November 1st.

What about other airlines?

Currently, the options are limited for anyone wanting to fly with their pets in India. Air India is the only passenger airline that allows pets onboard. When it comes to carrying pets, every airline has its own policy, so it’s best to check with the carrier one is planning to fly with.

With Air India, small domestic pets such as dogs, cats, and birds, accompanied by valid health and rabies vaccination certificates, will be accepted on domestic flights in the cabin or the cargo hold.

The pet must be properly carried in soft ventilated bags/kennel in the prescribed size (kennel size not to exceed 18” x 18” x 12” - 46 x 46 x 30 centimeters). The weight of the pet, including the container, should not exceed 5 kg (11 pounds) for carriage in the cabin.

SpiceJet has allowed pets to travel with owners in the past, but it doesn’t anymore. However, dedicated cargo carrier SpiceXpress does transport live animals in compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations and local laws.

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Domestic cats and dogs, sheep, goats, and other animals with suitable sizes that can fit in a 737 freighter are transported wherever the carrier flies to. There are restrictions on certain types of animals or breeds, and customers are advised to check with SpiceXpress at the time of booking.

Have you traveled with your pet on an Indian airline? Are you excited about Akasa Air offering pets-on-board service? Please leave a comment below.