Bengaluru man recounts 'horrible pet travel' on Akasa Air flight
What's the story
A Bengaluru man has shared his troubling experience during a recent Akasa Air flight from Ahmedabad to the Karnataka capital along with his pet dog.
In a LinkedIn post, Lakshya Pathak wrote, "Horrible experience with Pet Travel in Akasa Air (sic)."
Despite paying Rs. 5,000 for his pet's travel, Pathak faced numerous challenges, including flight delays, uncooperative ground staff, and an uncomfortable experience for the pet.
Pathak was traveling with his wife and pet Shih Tzu on Friday (January 26).
Extended delay
6-hour wait at airport
The flight—initially set to depart at 10:20pm—was delayed by over three hours, leaving Pathak and his family waiting at the airport for over six hours.
During this time, ground staff and Central Industrial Security Force personnel appeared unprepared to handle pet-related concerns, he said.
He added, "Despite the huge delay, the airport staff was adamant on not letting the pet ever out of the container."
Pathak also flagged a lack of facilities at the airport for pets to relieve themselves.
Ordeal continues
In-flight challenges and untrained crew
Onboard the flight, Pathak found the crew to be "untrained" and "unprofessional" with several communication difficulties.
"There is no 'special seat' to accommodate for pet travel, not one even the last seat (sic)," he said.
He added boarding took 40 minutes, during which his pet got heated up. The couple was also sweating because the ACs weren't on.
Pathak said his dog cried for the first 45 minutes of the flight and wasn't allowed to sit in his lap.
Airlines' statement
Akasa Air responds to viral post
Pathak's post gained traction as he tagged Animal Welfare Society India and PETA, calling for accountability and improvements in Akasa Air's pet services.
"If this is the treatment given to dogs in the cabin, I cannot imagine what treatment is given to those traveling in the cargo," Pathak stated.
In response, Akasa Air expressed regret. "Hi, we've taken this up with our team, and they will connect with you soon. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to you," it said.