Akasa Air to allow pets on board

Passengers choosing Akasa Air airline will be able to take their pets with them while travelling, as starting next month India’s new scheduled airline will change its onboard pets related policy and will allow domesticated cats and dogs to join owners in their adventures.

 

“Domesticated dogs and cats can travel from November and the bookings in this regard will start from October 15,” stated Belson Coutinho, the company’s co-founder, as well as chief marketing and experience officer.

Nevertheless, there are a few rules to take into account before planning your trip with pets, as Dr Sanjiv Rajadhyaksha, Medical Director at Wiggles.in, also explained:

“Air travel with the canine child can be exciting and fun provided you take into consideration a few points.”

So only small pets (up to seven kilograms) will be allowed t travel inside the cabin, while animals over the aforementioned weight will spend their trip in the dedicated cargo compartment. All animals will have to receive veterinary clearance for air travel in advance of the flight. On the other hand, the airline will be responsible with ensuring proper environmental conditions for the animals, in terms of pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, comfort and more. For pets travelling in the cargo section, space must be twice their body length. Safety and security of the perimeter in the animals area are also important issues to take into consideration by the carrier, so that undesired accidents or escapes can be avoided.

Smaller pets travelling in the cabin might be required to be sedated before boarding, only by a certified veterinarian professional, so that they don’t disturb other passengers.

Owners are advised to feed their pets only light meals before the trip, while water access should be provided at all times, regardless if they travel in the cabin or inside the cargo department.

All pets must be fully vaccinated and presented all necessary certificates, according to the company’s protocols.

Avoid as much as possible air travel for brachycephalic breeds such as pugs or Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian cats, due to the fact that these animals are prone to respiratory difficulties. If you own such a pet, always sign him up for cabin travel, not cargo. Animals suffering from cardiac or severe respiratory conditions should not travel at all.

Always check on your pet before, during and after the trip and immediately provide medical assistance if you notice any illness signs.

Akasa Air is a SNV Aviation Private Limited low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and founded by Vinay Dube. Considered to have great potential to become one of the most dependable carriers in India, Akasa Air remains committed to its unique “The Sky Belongs to Everyone” motto, while providing exclusive domestic flights customer service and reliable operations at affordable fares.

 

Source: indianexpress.com