Airlines Approved Pet Carrier: Everything You Need to Know (India 2025)
Flying with pets isn’t just booking a ticket, boarding, and take-off. It takes a lot of planning and pre-planning, involving numerous calls and paperwork, and most importantly, getting the right pet carrier that airlines will allow onboard. Indian airlines have strict regulations regarding pet carriers. If your carrier doesn’t meet the exact specifications, your pet will be denied boarding, regardless of your ticket.
Choosing the right airline-approved pet carrier is essential for a smooth travel experience.
This guide will walk you through:
- The IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
- Airline-specific carrier rules in India.
- Features to look for.
- Approved brands available in India.
What is an “Airlines-Approved Pet Carrier”?
An airlines-approved pet carrier refers to a pet crate or soft bag that complies with:
- IATA Guidelines (global standard for air travel).
- Airline-specific size and weight limits.
- Safety and ventilation requirements.
Indian airlines like Air India and Akasa Air strictly adhere to these regulations. If your carrier doesn’t fit under the seat (for cabin travel) or lacks proper locking mechanisms (for cargo), it will be rejected at the airport.
IATA Guidelines for Pet Carriers (India-Relevant Summary)
- Rigid or Soft-Sided Carrier: Rigid plastic carriers are mandatory for cargo. Soft-sided carriers are allowed in cabins if they’re IATA compliant.
- Escape-Proof Locks: The carrier must have secure locking systems that prevent accidental openings.
- Ventilation: At least three sides must have proper ventilation mesh/panels.
- Size Dimensions: The space should be sufficient for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down with comfort. Airlines may give specific dimension limits (see below).
- Leak-Proof Base: Mandatory to prevent accidents during flight.
- Absorbent Bedding: Newspapers or absorbent mats inside the carrier are required.
- Two attached empty bowls: Accessible through a locked door.
Airline-Specific Carrier Requirements (India)
| Airline | Cabin Carrier Dimensions | Cargo Carrier Type | Key Notes |
| Air India | 18″ x 18″ x 12″ (approx.) | Hard plastic crate (IATA) | Pet + carrier weight under 5 kg (cabin) |
| Akasa Air | 19″ x 16″ x 10″ (approx.) | Hard plastic crate (IATA) | Pet + carrier weight under 7 kg (cabin) |
| SpiceJet | Not Allowed in Cabin | Hard plastic crate (IATA) | Strict cargo SOPs; no soft carriers allowed |
| Vistara | Not Allowed in Cabin | Hard plastic crate (IATA) | Size and weight restrictions vary per flight |
| IndiGo | Not Allowed in Cabin | Cargo via third-party only | No direct policy—depends on cargo agent |
Features You Must Look for in an Airline-Approved Carrier
- Correct Size According to Airline: Measure your pet in standing position (length nose to tail base + height ears included). Add 2-3 inches buffer.
- Solid, Lockable Doors: Snap locks or zip-ties won’t cut it for cargo. Must have metal locking rods or click-locks.
- Proper Handles: For lifting and carrying without shaking the carrier.
- Breathable Mesh (For Cabin Carriers): Ensure your pet has airflow even when under the seat.
- Label Space: For attaching pet information tags (mandatory for cargo).
- Leak-Proof Bottom: Airlines will inspect this. Don’t compromise on quality.
- Soft Cushioning Inside: Not mandatory but advisable for comfort.
Recommended IATA-Approved Carrier Brands in India (2025)
- SkyKennel Petmate (Cargo)
- Heavy-duty plastic.
- Metal bolts and nuts.
- Sizes range up to XXL for larger dogs.
- Price: ₹9000-₹18000.
- Savic Trotter Pet Carrier (Cabin)
- Suitable for small cats/dogs.
- Rigid plastic with side ventilation.
- Price: ₹4000-₹6000.
- Trixie Friends on Tour Bag (Cabin Soft Carrier)
- Soft-sided IATA compliant.
- Fits under most cabin seats (Akasa Air).
- Price: ₹3000-₹5000.
- IRIS USA Airline Carrier
- Budget-friendly rigid crate.
- Suitable for cargo hold.
- Price: ₹5000-₹8000.
- AmazonBasics Two-Door Top Load (Cabin)
- Hard-shell plastic.
- Dual-entry (top and front).
- Price: ₹3500-₹6000.
Common Mistakes That Get Pet Carriers Rejected
- Oversized Carriers: If it doesn’t fit under the cabin seat, you’ll be denied boarding.
- Weak Zippers: Cargo carriers with only zippers (no locks) are automatically rejected.
- Lack of Ventilation: A carrier with only front mesh is insufficient.
- Wrong Bedding: No bedding or improper materials (plastic sheets, synthetic cloth) is not allowed.
- Last-Minute Purchase: Buying a carrier just a day before travel is a disaster. Airlines require pets to be crate-trained in advance.
My Personal Insight (Hard Truths)
I learned this the hard way: the carrier is as important as the ticket.
Once, at Mumbai airport, despite a confirmed Air India booking, I saw a fellow passenger denied boarding because his soft carrier was larger than the allowed height. The staff didn’t offer a solution; he missed his flight. Airlines don’t bend rules for pet carriers, period.
For my Persian cat, I use a Savic Trotter 2 for cabin travel with Akasa Air. It fits perfectly under their cabin seat layout. I avoid cargo entirely. If absolutely necessary, you can use SkyKennel because their locking system is robust, and airline staff recognise it instantly.
I suggest not taking this matter lightly because there is no way you can “adjust” at the airport. You’ll be denied boarding.
Final Checklist Before Buying
- Check exact size limits with your airline before purchase.
- Ensure the carrier has IATA compliance labels.
- Practice acclimatizing your pet inside the carrier weeks before the trip.
- For cargo travel, carry zip ties for extra locking if staff request it.
- Call the airline 48 hours before to re-verify carrier acceptance.
Conclusion
Buying an airline-approved pet carrier is not optional. It’s just as important as booking your ticket.
You’ll find plenty of pretty, fancy pet bags, but only a few meet IATA and airline-specific requirements.
Invest in the right carrier to ensure your pet’s safety and avoid the hassle, and worse, the humiliation, of being turned away at the airport.
When you travel with a pet, the airline will scrutinise the carrier first, then the ticket.
Remember, you cannot talk your way through airport pet carrier rules.
Most importantly, your pet’s comfort depends on choosing the right carrier.
