Air France Pet Travel Policy 2026: In-Cabin, Hold, Fees & Booking Guide
The definitive guide to flying with pets on Air France. Understand in-cabin eligibility, traveling in the hold, fees, carrier requirements, EU regulations, and breed restrictions for stress-free international travel.
Quick Summary: Air France Pet Policy
Air France permits small dogs and cats in the cabin if they weigh under 8kg (including their travel bag). Larger pets up to 75kg can travel safely in the ventilated, temperature-controlled cargo hold. Strict EU pet passport regulations apply, and short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds face transport restrictions.
- In-Cabin: Permitted for dogs/cats ≤8kg (17.6 lbs) including bag; max dimensions 46 x 28 x 24 cm.
- In the Hold: Allowed for pets weighing 8kg to 75kg (165 lbs) inside an IATA-approved rigid crate.
- Fees: Vary geographically; roughly €70–€200 for cabin and €100–€400 for the hold.
- Booking: Requires prior approval via Air France Customer Service or during online booking (route permitting).
As the flag carrier of France, Air France is known for its relatively accommodating pet policies, particularly for flights within Europe and across the Atlantic. Whether you’re relocating or going on holiday, Air France allows you to fly with your cat or dog either in the cabin alongside you or safely in the hold.
Navigating international pet travel requires strict adherence to European Union (EU) animal health regulations, specific carrier dimensions, and booking procedures. This guide breaks down Air France’s latest rules, restrictions for snub-nosed breeds, and step-by-step instructions to get your pet on board.
Key Air France Pet Travel Facts:
- In-Cabin Allowed: Yes, dogs and cats up to 8kg (including the bag).
- Carrier Dimensions: Max 46 x 28 x 24 cm (flexible soft bag recommended).
- In the Hold Allowed: Yes, for pets between 8kg and 75kg.
- Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are strictly banned from traveling in the hold but may fly in the cabin if under 8kg.
- Advance Booking: Mandatory to reserve pet space before your flight.
Critical Policy Note
Air France only accepts dogs and cats in the cabin or the hold. Other animals (birds, rodents, reptiles) must travel as freight via Air France Cargo. Service dogs travel free in the cabin but require proper documentation. As of recent EU and US regulations, Air France no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as service animals—they must travel as standard pets subject to weight limits and fees.
✈️ Air France Pet Travel Options
Air France divides pet travel into two primary categories based on weight. Ensure you weigh your pet while they are inside their travel carrier.
Option 1: In the Cabin
Eligibility: Dogs and cats only; combined weight of pet + bag ≤ 8kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Limits: Max dimensions 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Must be a soft, closed, ventilated bag.
Cost: ~€70 (within France) to ~€200 (Intercontinental) each way.
Limit: 1 pet per passenger in the cabin.
Best For: Small breeds, puppies, kittens, and anxious pets traveling internationally.
Option 2: In the Hold
Eligibility: Dogs and cats weighing between 8kg and 75kg (165.3 lbs).
Facility: Heated, pressurized, and ventilated area of the aircraft cargo hold.
Cost: ~€100 (within France) to ~€400 (Intercontinental) each way.
Booking: Maximum 3 animals per passenger in the hold (subject to aircraft type).
Best For: Medium to large dogs that exceed the 8kg cabin limit.
💰 Air France Pet Fees (2026)
Fees are based on your travel zone and whether your pet is in the cabin or the hold. Prices are listed in Euros (€), charged one-way, per pet.
| Route Type | In-Cabin Fee (Est.) | In-Hold Fee (Est.) | Service Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights within Mainland France | €70 | €100 | Free |
| Flights within Europe (incl. North Africa/Israel) | €125 | €200 | Free |
| Flights between Europe and French Overseas Territories | €125 | €200 | Free |
| Intercontinental / Long-Haul (e.g., Paris → New York) |
€200 | €400 | Free |
Important Notes:
- For flights departing from the US or UK, equivalent local currency will apply (e.g., $200 USD).
- Service dogs travel free, but you must notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
- If your trip involves a layover with another airline (e.g., Delta or KLM), you must meet the operating carrier’s rules, and additional fees may apply.
UK & Ireland Entry Warning
Due to local regulations, Air France does not accept pets in the cabin or the hold on flights arriving in the United Kingdom or Ireland. Pets traveling to these destinations must be shipped exclusively as manifested cargo (freight) using an approved pet shipping agency. However, you can fly *out* of the UK/Ireland with a pet in the cabin/hold.
🎒 Carrier & Crate Requirements
Your pet’s carrier must meet precise Air France and IATA standards to be accepted for boarding.
✅ In-Cabin Carrier Specs
📦 In-Hold Crate Specs (IATA)
⚠️ Breed Restrictions & Embargoes
To ensure the safety of your pet, Air France enforces several restrictions based on breed types and age.
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds
Hold Restriction: Air France prohibits snub-nosed animals from traveling in the hold due to the risk of respiratory distress at high altitudes. This includes Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and Burmese cats.
Cabin Exception: Snub-nosed pets are welcome in the cabin if they meet the strict 8kg weight limit and fit in the required soft travel bag. If they exceed 8kg, they must be transported via Air France Cargo.
Dangerous Dogs & Age Limits
Age: Pets must be at least 15 weeks old for most international flights (8 weeks for flights strictly within mainland France).
Dangerous Dogs: Category 1 dogs (e.g., Pitbulls, Mastiffs) are banned on all Air France flights. Category 2 dogs (e.g., purebred Rottweilers) may only travel in the hold or as cargo in a specially reinforced crate.
📋 How to Book Pet Travel on Air France
Always secure your pet’s space as soon as possible, as Air France limits the number of animals per flight.
Step 1: Verify Weight and Requirements
- Determine if your pet belongs in the cabin (≤8kg) or hold (8-75kg).
- Check destination rules (e.g., EU Pet Passports, microchips, rabies vaccinations).
Step 2: Add Pet During or After Booking
- Online: For many flights within Europe, you can add an in-cabin or hold pet directly during checkout on the Air France website.
- Phone: If the option isn’t available online, call Air France Customer Service immediately after booking your human ticket. Do this at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Step 3: Organize Veterinary Documents
- Ensure the microchip was implanted *before* the rabies vaccine.
- For EU travel: Obtain an EU Pet Passport or an EU Animal Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival).
- Download and complete the “Conditions for Transporting a Dog or Cat in the Hold” form if your pet is flying underneath the plane.
Step 4: Check-In at the Airport
- Self-service kiosks cannot be used. You must check in at the counter.
- Arrive 3 hours early for intercontinental flights or 2 hours for domestic/European flights.
- Present the pet, crate/bag, and original documents to the agent. Pay the fee if you haven’t already.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum weight for a dog or cat in the cabin is 8 kg (17.6 lbs). This weight limit includes the animal and their travel bag combined.
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are completely banned from traveling in the Air France hold. However, they can fly in the cabin with you, provided they weigh under 8kg including their carrier bag. If they exceed 8kg, they must go through a specialized pet freight service.
Fees range from €70 to €200 for pets in the cabin, and €100 to €400 for pets in the hold, depending on your geographic travel zone (domestic, European, or intercontinental).
No, you cannot fly into the UK or Ireland with your pet in the cabin or the hold on Air France. Due to local laws, pets entering these countries must be manifested as commercial cargo.
Yes, for many flights, you can add a pet during the online booking process or via the “My Bookings” tab. However, if the option is unavailable, you must call Air France customer service to reserve space manually.
To enter the EU with a pet, you need an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (administered after the microchip), and an official EU Animal Health Certificate (or an EU Pet Passport if issued by an EU vet).
🟢 Verify Air France + EU Entry Requirements
Airline approval is only half the battle. Ensure you meet both Air France policies and European Union customs rules to avoid quarantine or rejection. Generate a route-specific checklist below.
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