It is reported that, similar to Air India, from November 2022, Akasa Air will allow passengers to carry their pet cats and dogs in cages in the airplane’s cabin.
The weight of the pet and cage will be limited to 7 kg. Perhaps this is good news for animal lovers but the airlines need to consider the comforts of the other passengers. Will the cage be kept in the aisle, on lap of the pet parent, in the luggage rack or below the seat? Most importantly, what if some passengers (especially kids or infants) fall sick being allergic to cats and dogs? It is discriminatory to permit only cats and dogs in the cabin, when people may have birds or small animals as pets.
One fails to understand as to why pet parents would be obsessed to have the pets with them by disregarding safety rules and discomfort of their co-travellers.
The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation should forthwith stop the airlines from permitting pets in cabin and mandate them to be kept in the cargo section.
