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IndiGo recently updated their pet policy to allow small dogs in the cabin on certain routes. Our Pomeranian, Cheddar, is 4.2 kg including his carrier, which is just within their weight limit.
I've read the policy page three times but I'm still confused about: which routes actually allow it (is it all domestic routes or selected?), whether there's any issue at check-in if the staff hasn't handled pet passengers before, and what happens if Cheddar makes noise mid-flight.
Has anyone actually flown IndiGo with a small dog in-cabin recently? Looking for a real account of check-in, boarding, what other passengers say, and whether it was worth the stress.
Did this Delhi to Mumbai in January with our toy Spitz (4.8 kg with carrier, they were flexible). Check-in at T1D was smooth — the agent had clearly handled pet passengers before and just weighed the carrier on a hand luggage scale. No separate counter.
Seat wise, book the bulkhead row if possible. More legroom means the carrier fits comfortably under the seat without you contorting yourself. The carrier must remain under the seat the entire flight, no exceptions.
Cheddar will be anxious but probably too overwhelmed to bark. Ours was completely silent — the white noise of the aircraft seems to calm them.
The bulkhead row tip is excellent. We didn't book it in advance and spent the entire flight hunched sideways trying to fit the carrier. Will definitely do this next time.
Cheddar being quiet from the white noise makes total sense — our Pom was the same. I was expecting chaos and he just curled up and slept the whole Mumbai-Delhi flight.
The weight limit is strict and they do weigh it. I've seen people turned away when carrier+dog was 500g over. Get a lightweight mesh carrier like the ones from Pets Planet — saves almost 300g compared to hard carriers.
My experience at Hyderabad airport was less smooth — the check-in agent had no idea about the pet policy and had to call a supervisor. Took 25 minutes. Tip: arrive 2.5 hours before, not the usual 1.5 hours, and print the exact policy page from IndiGo's website to show at the counter if needed.
Also bring a pee pad inside the carrier in case of a long wait at the gate.
The 25-minute check-in delay happened to us at Pune too. I now always carry a printed copy of the policy AND the booking confirmation that shows "pet in cabin" explicitly. Saves the supervisor hunt.
Most IndiGo domestic routes allow cabin pets now but confirm at booking time. Some routes operated by ATR aircraft (short regional hops) may not. Chennai-Bangalore ATR flights are one example where I've heard issues.
For the noise concern: bring a T-shirt or small piece of cloth that smells like you and line the carrier with it. It genuinely reduces anxiety. Our vet also suggested giving adaptil spray on the carrier bedding 20 minutes before boarding — available at most pet pharmacies.
One thing to prepare for: other passengers. Most are fine or even charmed, but occasionally someone will ask to be moved if they're allergic. On our flight the crew handled it very professionally. Don't apologise excessively — you booked correctly and are within policy.
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