Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon has once again spoken up for animals and their guardians—this time highlighting how Indian airlines handle pet travel.
Famous for her outspoken nature and deep affection for animals, Raveena called out Air India for making journeys inconvenient for pet parents, while at the same time praising Akasa Air for setting an example with its progressive pet-friendly approach. Her comments have reignited the debate on why Indian carriers need to evolve in line with the growing number of people travelling with pets.
Raveena’s Sharp Message To Air India
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the actress shared an article about Akasa Air’s newly introduced rules that allow two pets inside the cabin on every flight. She tagged Air India and urged the airline to reconsider its outdated system.
“Take a cue @airindia. Sometimes, you all put pet parents through a lot of inconvenience. Our babies are better behaved than most of some human passengers you get on board,” she wrote, striking a chord with many animal lovers online.
Air India’s Existing Pet Policy
Currently, Air India does allow passengers to bring animals—but only under strict restrictions. Dogs, cats and birds are permitted in the cabin if the pet along with its carrier weighs less than 5 kg. Larger pets are required to be placed in the cargo hold, with additional medical certificates and paperwork adding to the hassle.
Like most carriers, the final authority lies with the captain, who makes the call on whether pets can board the flight.
Why Raveena’s Opinion Resonates
Tandon’s remarks carry more weight because of her long-standing commitment to animal welfare. She is a devoted pet parent to several rescues, including her Siberian Husky Alaska and her recently adopted German Shepherd Elsa. In the past, she has also sheltered cats and other abandoned animals. For someone so personally invested in animal welfare, her plea for simpler and kinder pet travel rules feels authentic and urgent.
Her Previous Support For Air India
Interestingly, this is not the first time Raveena has voiced her thoughts about Air India. Earlier this year, when the airline’s London-bound flight AI171 suffered a mishap in Ahmedabad, she wrote a heartfelt message of encouragement on Instagram, lauding the resilience of the crew and offering condolences to affected families.
Akasa Air Wins Hearts With Pet-Friendly Policy
On the other hand, Akasa Air has received widespread appreciation for its inclusive new system. The airline now allows three pets per flight—two in the cabin and one in the cargo section. Travelers must book pet tickets at least 24 hours in advance, ensuring adequate preparation.
This clear and customer-friendly approach has made Akasa a favorite among pet parents, and Raveena’s endorsement has only amplified its popularity.
Also check: Top 10 Best Airlines in India
What’s Next For Raveena
On the work front, Raveena was recently seen in Inn Galiyon Mein. She will soon share the screen with Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, and Paresh Rawal in Welcome 3. Additionally, she leads the cast of Dynasty, a political drama where she portrays the daughter of India’s Prime Minister who steps into power after his sudden demise.
