In line with its commitment to creating inclusive travel, Akasa Air will allow pets on flights from Kolkata, where it recently commenced its daily operations. The airline on May 18 launched its flight services from Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, making it their 17th destination and the second in West Bengal, after Bagdogra. The airline has launched non-stop flights connecting Kolkata with Guwahati and Bengaluru.
In November 2022, the airline announced that it would allow passengers to bring "domesticated dogs and cats." The development also makes it the second airline after Air India to allow both dogs and cats onboard.
All about Akasa Air's pet travel policy
Pets weighing below 7kg can travel in the aircraft cabin, while those weighing 7-32 kg must be checked in at the counter after going through security. While pets weighing over 32kg must be transported through the cargo terminal.
The weight criteria includes the weight of the container housing the animal during the entire flight. Additionally, pet parents must carry valid health certificates, rabies vaccination records, licenses, and other required certificates, as per the regulations.
In its November 2022 notification, the airline had announced that it would allow only two pets per flight &mdash cargo and cabin.
Currently, pets are generally allowed to onboard flights in India, although this policy has multiple exceptions. Along with pets, service animals, agricultural animals, and other species can also be transported. However, snub-nosed breeds are not preferred due to their susceptibility to heat exhaustion and breathing difficulties, which can be worsened during air travel.
Pet policy by other airlines
Air India has a well-established history of accommodating pet onboarding. On each flight, a maximum of two pets are allowed, with the condition that dogs and cats must age at least eight weeks. The airline does not allow pregnant pets for transportation. Reportedly, SpiceJet also permits the transportation of domesticated dogs and cats, but specifically in the cargo hold.