Flying With Pets From USA To India: Top 5 Airline Options

Introduction: Traveling From the USA to India with Pets

Traveling from the USA to India as a pet owner would require you to adhere to certain pet related protocols. The pet owner should adhere to the flying protocols as described by different airlines.

Things to Know Before Flying with Pets Internationally

• • Your pet should have the most recent health certificates and vaccination
  • Place the identification tag bearing your name and the age of the pet along with the name of the pet and its breed 

• Spend time at the pet relief areas before boarding and after boarding 

• Keep the pet in well-ventilated crate

Top 5 Pet-Friendly Airlines from USA to India

When flying with pets from the USA to India, choosing the right airline ensures a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friends. The top pet-friendly airlines include:

• American Airlines – Offers both in-cabin and cargo options for pets with clear guidelines on weight and breed restrictions.
   

• Delta Airlines – Provides pet travel services including comfort-focused crates and documentation assistance.
   

• United Airlines – Known for extensive international pet travel policies and dedicated cargo handling for animals.
   

• Emirates – Offers reliable long-haul pet services with specialized care for pets during flights.
   

• Air India – Provides pet-friendly international travel options with clear procedures for bringing pets into India.

These airlines ensure your pets travel safely, whether in-cabin or as checked cargo, and provide peace of mind for pet owners planning a trip from the USA to India.

In-Cabin vs. Cargo Travel for Pets

Pets can travel both within the cabin, underneath the seat and also in the cargo hold area. All depends on the size and weight of the pet. 

Pet Travel Documents Required for India

Pet parents when traveling from the USA to India should carry No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS), Health Certification from the licensed Vet, which should be within the timeline of 10 days. The pet also needs to be implanted with a 5-digit, non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, which has been subsequently recorded on the health certificate. Pet owners are also required to provide essential documentation such as visa copies, passports, immigration stamps, or work/residence permits that showcasing the proof of two continuous years outside India. And finally, the pet owners accompanying their pets need to show the travel ticket and proof of the pet that is accompanying them.

Are there breed or size restrictions for pets on international flights?

Yes, most airlines have breed and size restrictions for pets on international flights.

• Size Restrictions: Airlines usually allow smaller pets to travel in-cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier falls within airline limits, often around 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg). Larger pets must travel in the cargo hold in airline-approved crates.
   
• Breed Restrictions: Some airlines restrict certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, due to higher risks of breathing issues during flights.
   
• Crate Requirements: Pets traveling in cargo must be in IATA-approved crates that provide enough space for standing, turning, and lying down comfortably.
   

Always check the specific airline’s pet travel policy before booking to ensure compliance with breed, size, and documentation rules.

Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Pet Journey

• Your pet should have the most recent health certificates and vaccination
• Place the identification tag bearing your name and the age of the pet along with the name of the pet and its breed 
• Spend time at the pet relief areas before boarding and after boarding 
• Keep the pet in well-ventilated crate 
• The size of the crate is 17″ x 11″x 7.5,” for a soft-sided carrier, with size no larger than 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″.
• Ultra-tiny dog species are good to get adjusted in soft cases. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flying With Pets

• Visiting the vets on the last date of travel for vaccination, or anxiety issues
• Pet parents do not use pet safety harness or proper carrier in the car
• Pet owner is not sure whether the destination is pet friendly or not
• Pet owners do not consider the idea of pet-proofing the destination
• The routine of the pet is changed abruptly
• Pet owner ignores the emotional well being
• Pet owner does not have the contact information registered in the microchip registry

Conclusion

Get ready to give your pet a world class travel experience on a flight from the USA to India. With all the nitty gritty things worked out, you and your pet are going to enjoy the time within the airlines. 

Faqs

Q: Which airlines are best for flying with pets from the USA to India?

A: Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Air France, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Emirates and Air India are among the best airlines that offer pet friendly services on USA to India trips.

Q: Can pets travel in the cabin on USA to India flights?
A: In order to have a smooth and pet friendly experience, the pet parents need to adhere to specific guidelines. Pets can travel in cabin spaces only if they are in the well-ventilated and airline approved carriers. Pets below 15 to 20 pounds can go in the cabin. Larger animals are allowed to go in the cargo hold area. In case of the long-haul flights, the pet parent should consult the vet and also get the authorized sedatives and other allowed calming aids. 

Q: Is cargo travel safe for pets on long-haul flights?
A: Carrying the pet in the cargo hold is safe only if the pet parent adheres to the guidelines given by the airlines. Pet parents should carry IATA compliant travel crates, and proper vaccination and well-ventilated crates. It is also important that your pet receives the crate training and he is not sedated. Finally, make the selection of pet friendly airline as it follows strict pet safety protocols.

Q: How much does it cost to fly with a pet from the USA to India?

A: In general, $ 125 is charged for in-cabin on American Airlines and United Airlines. If the pet is flying in the cargo hold, the cost will depend on the weight of the pet, size of the pet and the age of the pet. The precise fee or cost of the pet while flying from the USA to India becomes clear at the time of booking the flight ticket.