Akasa Air Now Lets Flyers Carry Two Pets In The Cabin

In a move likely to appeal to India’s growing community of pet-owners, Akasa Air has upgraded its “Pets on Akasa” programme to allow passengers to fly with up to two pets in the cabin (per passenger) and introduced a suite of supporting benefits and flexibility. The announcement comes as pet travel gains more attention in the domestic aviation sector. Since launching in November 2022, the airline claims to have flown over 8,500 pets under the programme.

What’s New: Key Policy Changes

According to Akasa’s official statement, the enhanced policy includes:

1. Two pets in cabin: Passengers can now carry two cats or dogs in the cabin (versus previously only one).
2. Weight cap: The combined weight of pet + carrier in the cabin is now raised to 10 kg.
3. Reduced lead time: Pet bookings need not be made 48 hours ahead; the window is now shortened to 24 hours before departure.
4. Certificate validity extension: The health certificate for the pet (issued by a veterinarian) is now valid for up to 15 days.
5. Value-added services: Passengers travelling with pets are offered complimentary perks like pre-booked window seats, priority check-in, priority baggage delivery, and early boarding privileges.

All In Support

Actor Raveena Tandon, known for her love of animals, contrasted Akasa’s policy with Air India’s rules, tweeting:

“Take a cue @airindia. Sometimes, you all put pet parents through a lot of inconvenience. Our babies are better behaved than most of some human passengers you get on board.”

Her comment has struck a chord with many pet owners who perceive airlines’ pet policies as often rigid or burdensome.

However, not all feedback is uncritical. Some pet owners raise practical concerns:

1. Carrier constraints and route eligibility: While the policy allows a 10 kg cap, some pets (or larger breeds) may still not qualify for cabin travel.
2. Availability & operational consistency: The cabin spots for pets are likely limited, so early booking might still matter despite the 24-hour window.
3. Security / airport handling: As one pet traveller recounted in a forum, navigating airport security with a cat and carrier can get tricky.

The Other Side

Not everyone is celebrating. Passengers with phobias or allergies worry that a more pet-friendly cabin could create new challenges.

Keerthana Naidu, a frequent flyer from Bengaluru, who has a strong dog phobia, shared her apprehension, “I understand why people want to fly with pets, but for someone like me, being in a closed cabin with two dogs nearby is very stressful. Airlines should also think about people with phobias or allergies, maybe by designating pet-free rows.”

Challenges Ahead

Akasa Air’s new pet policy shows that airlines are starting to notice how many travellers want to fly with their pets. The relaxed rules, like a shorter 24-hour booking window, and perks such as priority check-in and window seats are designed to make the journey smoother for pet parents. For many Indian pet owners, this has made flying with their companions far easier and far less stressful.

The real test, though, will be in how well the policy works in practice. Success will depend on staff being well-trained, smooth handling at airport security, and avoiding last-minute problems like overbooking. Just as important will be finding a balance between pet owners’ needs and those of passengers who are afraid of or allergic to animals.

For now, the change has sparked genuine joy among pet parents across India, many of whom see it as a long-overdue step towards making air travel more inclusive for their four-legged family members.