A LinkedIn user has shared a “horrible” experience he had while travelling with his pet on an Akasa Air flight, saying that what he got did not match what the Rs 5,000 pet ticket had promised. Lakshay Pathak recounted his January 26 journey from Ahmedabad to Bangalore with his wife and beloved Shih Tzu in a post. “The flight that was intended to leave at 10:20pm left at 1:40 AM. It being our first time with pet travel we reached the airport 3 hrs in advance. So a delay of more than 3 hrs and we have already spent over 6 hrs in the airport. The attitude of the Ground staff and CISF could not have been less helpful. Your staff had no clue about how to handle pet related queries,” he wrote. Despite assurances that the pet ticket costing Rs 5,000 would ensure comfortable travel, the reality proved starkly different. He lamented the absence of provisions for pets to relieve themselves on the airport premises, coupled with uncooperative staff. Upon boarding the flight, further disappointments ensued. “In the flight the instructions were very different from what’s advertised, be aware. There is no “special seat” to accommodate for pet travel, not one even the last seat. Boarding took 40 mins during which my pet got heated up, we were also sweating because the ACs were not yet switched on,” he wrote. Allegations of unprofessionalism were also directed towards the flight crew, who were accused of showing no empathy and understanding towards the plight of both the passengers and their pet. Pathak also mentioned the restrictions placed on pets’ movement and the inadequate breathing space. Concerns were also raised regarding the well-being of pets relegated to cargo holds, given the subpar conditions witnessed in the cabin. Pathak’s post garnered attention on social media as he had tagged Animal Welfare Society India and PETA. Calls for accountability and remedial action reverberated across online platforms, urging Akasa Air to address the flaws in its pet travel services and uphold its commitment to passenger satisfaction and animal welfare. In response to the mounting criticism, Akasa Air replied in the comments, “Hi Lakshya, we’ve taken this up with our team, and they will connect with you soon. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to you.” A LinkedIn user wrote, “That’s a long trip. I am sure a chauffeur driven vehicle would have been cheaper and less stressful.” Another said, “Only if they considered your pet as a living being rather than an animal, they would have been treated better but alas, empathy and kindness are not taught in a classroom.” A third user said, “Sad to hear such an instance. My heart goes out to your pet who went through immense torture.:(" Akasa Air addressed concerns surrounding flight QP1332, clarifying that the rescheduled departure time was communicated 12 hours in advance. Despite the passenger arriving early, discomfort during the journey was reported. The airline asserted its pet-friendly policies, citing a weather-related delay for the late take-off. Cabin temperature concerns were promptly addressed by the crew. While a comprehensive pre-departure briefing on pet safety was conducted, a deviation from safety protocols with a pet container was observed after take-off, swiftly rectified by the crew. Akasa Air reiterated its commitment to passenger and pet safety, having transported over 2,500 pets with established safety protocols in collaboration with the Umeed for Animals Foundation. The airline assured that passenger feedback is noted, and any necessary measures will be taken to enhance the travel experience.
