How to Travel with Your Pet on a Flight in India: A Step-by-Step Guide for Flying with Akasa Air
- J'adore
- Nov 22, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Hey there, fellow adventurers! It’s me, J'adore, your favourite little Shih Tzu. I’ve been on plenty of vacations before, but this was my first flight. Not my first road trip, but definitely the first time I was going to soar through the sky. The parents made sure everything was perfect for me, and I’m here to tell you all about it.
Spoiler alert: I totally nailed it... well, mostly! 🐾
1. Akasa Air’s Pet Policy — Or as I Call It: The VIP (Very Important Pup) Rules
So, let’s get this out of the way: Akasa Air is super pet-friendly! They let small dogs like me travel with their humans in the cabin. There are some rules to follow, though (because humans love their rules, don't they?), like making sure we weigh under 10 kgs (carrier included) and have all the right documents.
Eligibility:
Only cats and dogs who are 3 months or older can travel in the cabin.
Must be as fabulous as me (okay, that's not actually a rule, but it should be!)
Travel Options:
In-cabin with passenger: Max weight 10 kgs (including the carrier).
Check-in at the airport: Max weight 32 kgs.
Travel from cargo terminal: Max weight 100 kgs.
For me, it was all about in-cabin travel (which is the most comfortable way to fly). So, I was all set for my flight adventure!
2. Booking My Ticket — The Great Seat Hunt!
I’m not new to traveling, but this was a big one. Parents (Arjun & Parisha) had to book my ticket separately after they secured theirs.
Pro tip: Always book your pet’s ticket on the same day as yours. We had to reschedule once because another pet had already taken my spot! The audacity! 😤
After booking, parents sent an email to pets@akasaair.com with my flight details and all my important info — name, breed, age, vaccination certificate, and the dimensions of my travel case (LxBxH) along with its photo (as shown in the image). Akasa confirmed that I would be the only pet on the flight. That’s what I call VIP treatment!
3. Pre-Flight Preparation — Getting Ready for My First Flight
Humans went full helicopter parent mode (pun intended):
Health Check: I had to visit the vet for a ‘fit to fly’ certificate (As if there was any doubt! 💁♀️). But remember, this needs to be procured no more than 72 (seventy-two) hours before the date of travel. Parents were on top of it!
Vaccination Records: Parisha updated my vaccination records to make sure everything was up to date.
Carrier Training: Even though I’ve travelled in cars before, this was different. So, the parents spent a couple of months training me to get comfortable with the carrier (Check the video below). I’m used to my comfort zone of not being boxed in, so it took some time. But I’m a smartass, and I quickly realized I could get extra treats when I barked and growled. Plus, I sensed that Parisha was anxious, so I decided to keep growling and making sounds throughout our travel to keep her occupied. I wasn’t uncomfortable though — I just like the attention. I did, however, end up adjusting to the carrier and felt perfectly fine during the flight!
She also packed my favourite treats and made sure I was hydrated. I didn’t have a problem on the flight, but it’s always nice to have my stuff with me.
4. At the Airport — Let’s Go!
On the day of the flight, we arrived early at the airport, and thanks to priority check-in, we didn’t need to wait in line. Parents made sure all the paperwork was in order, including the ‘fit to fly’ certificate and vaccination records. The good people at Akasa also gave us the indemnity form to sign, which you don’t necessarily need to carry a printout for, but it didn’t hurt that we were prepared and carried one!
Once checked in, they checked my weight in the carrier and measured its dimensions to make sure it fit comfortably in the cabin. They even placed my carrier in a box frame to check that it fit the leg space properly — all in all, the process was super smooth!
5. Security Check — Smooth Sailing
At security, we had to take me out of my carrier and carry me in Parisha's arms while the carrier was scanned. The security staff were kind and understanding, which made the process so much easier. Once we were through, I got to rest on Parisha’s lap while we waited at the gate. She even took me for a quick washroom visit to see if I needed to relieve myself before the flight — but I wasn’t interested in that. We returned to the gate to board!
6. Main Event: In-Flight Entertainment (Starring Yours Truly)
Once we boarded, I wasn’t too happy about being stowed under the seat, so she kept giving me tiny treats to keep me calm. I wasn’t a fan of being in the carrier, but I managed. Once the seatbelt signs were off, she took me to the washroom to calm me down. It worked! I wasn’t barking as much, and everything was fine.
During my flight to Delhi, I slept a bit, so we only went to the washroom for pets two times for 10-15 minutes each time. But on my return flight from Delhi, I was full of energy, so I spent 1.5 hours of quality time in the washroom! It was so much fun, and I didn’t want to come out of the box — I just wanted some attention. Parisha even took a video of me! (Check it out — I was living my best life in there.)
It wasn’t my favourite experience, but the Akasa staff were super accommodating, and the passengers were incredibly understanding. They didn’t mind my occasional growling—thank you for being so cool!
Meanwhile, June travelled the next day with Arjun. I heard she was like a cool cucumber, just sleeping through the whole flight like she didn’t have a care in the world. Rookie mistake, June — you clearly missed out on all the treats and attention that I got! But that’s okay, I guess we can’t all be as awesome as me!
Important Stuff My Humans Want Me to Include:
Window Seat Allocation: People with pets in cabin will always be allocated a non-emergency exit window seat.
Washroom Visits: Akasa staff are trained to ensure your pet is comfortable, and they encourage you to take your time in the washroom with your dog as needed.
Carrier Placement: Always place the carrier securely under the seat in front of you. You can comfort your dog if needed.
Pro Tip: Sometimes the pet carriers like mine need to be slid inside from the aisle end of the seat towards the window end. They don’t fit if you try to slide them under the front of the window seat directly.
7. Other Tips for a Smooth Journey
Stay Calm: Mom stayed calm (mostly), and that really helped me feel more relaxed too.
Familiar Items: Mom brought along my favourite chew bar, which helped me feel comfortable during the flight. Although the people at Akasa tell parents not to feed us, she did sneak one in.
Research Pet-Friendly Destinations: Dad always looks for places that are pet-friendly, so I knew there would be adventures waiting for me in Delhi and beyond!
Final Thoughts
It may have been my first flight, but it won’t be my last! Thanks to Akasa Air, I had a safe and comfortable journey. It wasn’t my first vacation, but it sure was an adventure I’ll never forget. If you’re planning a flight with your dog, Akasa is a fantastic choice. I’m ready for the next trip—who knows where we’ll go next!
Quick Summary for Pet Parents
Booking: Book your own flight first, then send an email to pets@akasaair.com with your details and pet’s info (name, breed, age, vaccination certificate, and images of the travel case with measurements). Complete the booking at least 48 hours before the flight.
Health Check: Get a ‘fit to fly’ certificate from the vet no more than 72 hours before your flight.
Documentation: Carry your pet’s ‘fit to fly’ certificate, vaccination records, and the indemnity form (provided at check-in).
Pet Check: Your pet’s weight is checked in the carrier, and its dimensions are measured. The carrier is placed in a box frame to ensure it fits comfortably in the cabin.
Security: At security, take your pet out of the carrier and carry them in your arms while the carrier is scanned.
In-Flight: Keep your pet in the carrier under the seat. You can take them to the washroom during the flight for comfort (Akasa staff are supportive and will let you take your time).
Tip: Hard case carriers need to be slid inside from the aisle end of the seat towards the window end.
References:
Woof! This article is based on the latest details I gathered from Akasa Air’s official pet policy when I flew with them. For all the humans out there reading this (hello, Mom and Dad!), make sure to visit Akasa Air’s official website for any updates or changes to their pet travel guidelines. It's always a good idea to double-check, so you don’t get caught off guard — I mean, a flying dog has to know what’s what!
Disclaimer:
Just a heads-up, my story is based on my personal experience with Akasa Air and their pet travel policies at the time of my flight. Things might change, so always confirm with Akasa Air about the latest travel rules before you book your ticket. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when you’re planning to travel the skies, right?
All pets traveling on Akasa Air should be in a proper carrier, and there are weight and size limits for us furry friends. Be sure to follow their guidelines (I mean, I don’t want anyone barking about not fitting under the seat!).
I, J'adore, the very well-travelled dog, am not endorsing or representing Akasa Air. This article is just me sharing my pawsitive experiences with my fellow pet parents so we can all travel in style.
Planning to travel with your pet on Akasa Air? This comprehensive step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about flying with your dog in India. From booking your pet's ticket and understanding Akasa Air's pet policy to preparing for in-cabin travel and managing your pet's comfort, we've got all the tips and insights to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.
Traveling with pets in India | Flying with pets | Pet-friendly flights India | Akasa Air pet policy | Pet travel on Akasa Air | In-cabin pet travel | Travel with your dog on Akasa Air | Pet travel guide India | Flying with small dogs India | Pet-friendly airline India | Akasa Air pet booking | Air travel with pets India | Flying with pets Akasa Air | Akasa Air pet-friendly flights | Akasa Air pet carrier requirements | How to fly with your dog | Akasa Air pet-friendly policy | Pet check-in Akasa Air | Traveling with pets by air | Dog-friendly airlines in India | Akasa Air dog travel | In-cabin pet travel tips | Akasa Air pet booking process | Flying with your dog in the cabin | Flying with pets in India step-by-step | Akasa Air pet travel requirements | Pet carrier for flying with dogs | Flying with pets in cabin Akasa | Akasa Air’s pet travel guidelines | Air travel with dogs tips | Traveling with pets in airplane cabins | How to prepare your pet for air travel | Akasa Air pet-friendly services | Pet travel tips India | Pet-friendly travel in India with Akasa Air | How to travel with your pet on Akasa Air in India | Step-by-step guide to flying with dogs on Akasa Air | What to know before flying with pets on Akasa Air | In-cabin pet travel on Akasa Air: Everything you need to know | How to book a pet ticket for Akasa Air flights | Akasa Air pet check-in process and tips for flying with your dog | Tips for flying with your dog in India on Akasa Air | Flying with small pets on Akasa Air: A comprehensive guide | How to prepare your dog for flying with Akasa Air in India | Akasa Air’s pet policy for in-cabin travel with dogs | How to fly with small dogs in India on Akasa Air | Best tips for flying with pets on Akasa Air’s domestic flights | Akasa Air pet-friendly services for passengers traveling with dogs | What to expect when flying with pets in India on Akasa Air | Booking a dog’s ticket with Akasa Air: A step-by-step guide | Akasa Air pet carrier size and weight restrictions for in-cabin travel | Flying with your dog on Akasa Air: Tips for first-time pet travellers | Akasa Air’s in-cabin pet travel experience: What to expect as a pet parent | How to make your pet comfortable on a flight with Akasa Air | A detailed guide to flying with pets in the cabin on Akasa Air | What are Akasa Air’s pet booking requirements for cabin travel? | Can I bring my dog on a flight with Akasa Air in India? | How to prepare my dog for a flight with Akasa Air in India | What documents are required to travel with my pet on Akasa Air? | How does Akasa Air ensure pet comfort during flights? | What is the pet check-in process for Akasa Air flights? | How to travel with your small dog in the cabin on Akasa Air | How to get a fit-to-fly certificate for your dog when flying with Akasa Air | Akasa Air’s pet-friendly policies: A full overview | Can I travel with my pet in the cabin on Akasa Air?
Comments