Raveena Tandon criticises Air India for being ‘less pet friendly’ — what happened and what pet parents should know

Raveena Tandon has once again put the spotlight on airline pet policies, calling out Air India for becoming “less pet friendly.” Her public remarks sparked a fresh conversation about how Indian carriers treat travellers who fly with cats and dogs — and what pet owners should expect when booking a flight. Below I explain what Raveena Tandon said, how Air India responded, how other airlines are changing rules, and practical tips for anyone planning to fly with a pet.

Why Raveena Tandon called out Air India

Raveena Tandon used her social account to highlight two main complaints: rising charges for travelling with pets and restrictions that prevent in-cabin pets from travelling in business class. She described the shift as disappointing, especially given Air India’s Tata ownership and the Tata family’s public affection for animals. Her post asked the carrier to “take a cue” from airlines that are easing rules for pet parents.

The public reaction and the airline’s reply

The post drew quick attention online. Air India publicly acknowledged the message and said it would review the concerns and connect with her. The exchange underlined how much social media can shape airline practices — especially when a prominent public figure speaks up.

What Air India’s official pet policy says (short summary)

Air India allows domestic cats and dogs to travel either in the passenger cabin or in the aircraft hold depending on size, destination rules and approvals. Key points from Air India’s guidance:

• Pets in cabin: combined pet + carrier weight limits and container size rules apply; advance booking and documentation are needed.
• Pets in cargo: larger animals are carried in the hold under specific conditions and age limits.
• Reservation window: passengers must raise requests or book at least 48–72 hours prior, and documents must be approved by customer support.
• Some international routes have stricter limits or exclusions; service animals are handled differently.

Because these rules include size, weight and route restrictions, many pet parents find the process complex and sometimes costly.

How other airlines are changing the game

Raveena’s comparison referenced other carriers that have relaxed or expanded pet carriage options. In recent months, some airlines have introduced measures such as allowing two small pets in the cabin with one passenger or expanding the number of pets permitted per flight. For example, reports highlighted that private Indian carrier Akasa Air has updated its “Pets on Akasa” program to accommodate more pets in certain cabins, and international carriers have also trialled more flexible in-cabin rules. These policy shifts are what many pet owners say they want Air India to emulate.

Why stricter rules exist (the other side)

Airlines put limits on pets for several operational and safety reasons: cabin space and ventilation, other passengers’ comfort (including allergy concerns), aircraft weight and load planning, and regulatory or destination-specific animal import rules. Some decisions — like restricting pets in certain cabins — are intended to reduce conflicts and manage in-flight safety. That said, critics argue that many modern, well-managed policies could keep pets safe without overly inconveniencing owners.

Practical advice for flying with a pet (actionable checklist)

If you travel with a dog or cat, use this checklist to reduce stress and surprises:

1. Read the airline’s pet page before booking. Check carrier-specific weight, container dimensions and route restrictions. (Start at the airline’s official pet travel page.)
2. Book early — airlines often require pet bookings or approvals 48–72 hours in advance. Slots can fill quickly.
3. Measure and weigh your pet with the carrier. Airlines usually set a combined weight limit (pet + carrier). If your pet exceeds it, they’ll need cargo travel.
4. Carry paperwork: vaccination records, health certificates and identification. International routes require additional permits and import processes.
5. Check cabin class rules — if business or premium cabins disallow pets, you’ll need to factor that into seating choices. Raveena’s complaint specifically mentioned business-class restrictions, so verify before you buy.
6. Ask about fees up front — compare costs across carriers. Fees and surcharges can vary widely.
7. Consider alternatives like choosing a different carrier on busy routes, booking direct flights to avoid transfers, or hiring certified pet transport when necessary.

What pet parents can ask airlines for (reasonable asks)

Raveena Tandon’s public nudge reflects broader owner expectations. If you want airlines to improve pet policies, reasonable requests include:

• Clear, easy-to-find online pet rules and fees.
• Faster online booking for pets (not only airport or manual support).
• More cabin spots for small pets and consistent rules across fare classes.
• Transparent handling of service animals versus companion animals.

Airlines that respond to these practical asks will likely win loyalty from the growing segment of travellers who view pets as family.

Bottom line: a constructive debate, not just criticism

Raveena Tandon’s call to action has two practical results: it highlights an issue many travellers face, and it encourages airlines to reassess policies against changing customer expectations. Air India acknowledged the message and promised to review it, which is a first step in any public dialogue between customers and service providers. For pet owners, the immediate takeaway is to plan carefully, compare carrier policies, and press for clearer rules from airlines.

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