Planning to fly with your pet on Air France in 2026? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Air France’s pet travel policy, including cabin and cargo requirements, current fees, carrier specifications, breed restrictions, and essential documentation.
Air France welcomes dogs and cats on most flights, offering three transport options: in the cabin for small pets, in the hold as checked baggage, or via cargo for larger animals and restricted routes.
Air France Pet Policy Quick Reference 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabin Weight Limit | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier |
| Cabin Carrier Size | 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 in) |
| Hold Weight Limit | 8–75 kg (17–165 lbs) including kennel |
| Minimum Pet Age | 15 weeks (8 weeks for some domestic flights) |
| Booking Deadline | 24 hours before departure (48 hours recommended) |
| Pets Per Passenger | 1 in cabin, up to 3 in hold |
Air France In-Cabin Pet Policy
Air France welcomes small cats and dogs in the passenger cabin on most flights. Your pet travels at your feet, stored under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.
Which Pets Can Fly in the Cabin?
Only cats and dogs are permitted in the Air France cabin. Your pet must meet these requirements:
- Maximum weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the carrier
- Minimum age: 15 weeks for international flights; 8 weeks for flights within Metropolitan France, Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion
- Vaccinations: All required vaccines must be up to date
- EU travel: Electronic microchip and European pet passport required
If your pet exceeds the 8 kg cabin weight limit, check out our list of international airlines that allow large dogs in cabin for alternative options.
Important: Pets are not allowed in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights. If you’re seated in Business class on a long-haul flight, your pet must travel in the hold.
Air France Cabin Pet Carrier Requirements
Air France now requires soft-sided carriers only for cabin travel. Rigid crates and wicker baskets are no longer permitted in the cabin.
Your carrier must meet these specifications:
- Maximum dimensions: 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 inches)
- Material: Soft-sided, flexible bag that can slide under the seat
- Ventilation: Well-ventilated with mesh panels
- Space: Large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around
- Security: Must close completely—your pet cannot leave the carrier during the flight
The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier meets Air France’s size requirements and features mesh panels for ventilation. Its soft-sided design ensures easy storage under the seat.
Another excellent option is the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier, which compresses to fit under airline seats and expands for comfort.
You can also purchase approved carriers directly from Air France Shopping and earn Flying Blue Miles with your purchase.
Air France Pet Fees 2026
Air France pet fees vary based on your route and whether your pet travels in the cabin or hold. All fees are per pet, per direction.
In-Cabin Pet Fees
| Route | Fee |
|---|---|
| Flights within Metropolitan France | €70 |
| Within the Caribbean | €125 |
| Europe and Europe–North Africa | €125 |
| Metropolitan France – Overseas Territories | €125 |
| Intercontinental / Long-haul flights | €200 |
Hold (Cargo) Pet Fees
| Route | Fee |
|---|---|
| Flights within Metropolitan France | €100 |
| Within the Caribbean | €200 |
| Europe and Europe–North Africa | €200 |
| Intercontinental / Long-haul flights | €400 |
Late booking surcharge: If you book less than 24 hours before departure, a surcharge applies: 50% extra for domestic/Caribbean flights, 25% extra for international flights.
Pets Traveling in the Hold (Checked Baggage)
Pets weighing more than 8 kg (with carrier) must travel in the aircraft hold. The hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, and the captain is informed when pets are aboard to ensure appropriate conditions throughout the flight.
Hold Travel Requirements
- Weight: 8–75 kg (17–165 lbs) including the kennel
- Pet limit: Up to 3 animals per passenger
- Minimum age: 15 weeks (8 weeks for certain domestic routes)
- Booking: Must be added to your booking at least 24 hours before departure
Hold Pet Kennel Requirements
Unlike cabin travel, hold transport requires a rigid, IATA-approved kennel:
- Material: Hard plastic or fiberglass only—no wheels
- Locking: Two-point locking system required
- Size: At least 5 cm (2 in) clearance above your pet’s head when standing
- Space: Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
- Fasteners: All bolts, screws, and nuts properly positioned
- Lining: Absorbent material (newspaper, cloth) on the bottom
- Accessories: Separate food and water dishes attached inside
The Petmate Sky Kennel and Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel are excellent IATA-approved options that meet Air France requirements.
Both feature sturdy construction, 4-way vault doors, spring-loaded locking mechanisms, and come in various sizes to accommodate different breeds.
Temperature Restrictions
Air France may refuse pet transport in the hold when temperatures at departure, layover, or arrival airports exceed 29°C (84°F) or fall below 0°C (32°F). Always check weather forecasts for all points of your journey before booking.
Pro tip: Check the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival cities before booking. Air France may offer alternative travel options or postpone the journey to keep your pet safe.
Air France Breed Restrictions
Air France has specific restrictions based on French Ministry of Agriculture classifications and health considerations for certain breeds.
Banned Breeds (Category 1 – Not Permitted)
The following breeds cannot travel on Air France in any capacity—cabin, hold, or cargo:
- Staffordshire Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bulls) without pedigree
- Mastiffs without pedigree
- Tosas without pedigree
- Bulldogs (English, French, American)
- Pugs
If you own one of these breeds, here’s a list of European countries that allow pit bulls that may help you find alternative routes.
Cargo-Only Breeds (Category 2)
These breeds can only travel via Air France-KLM Cargo (not in cabin or hold as checked baggage):
- Pedigree Staffordshire Terriers
- Pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers
- Pedigree Tosas
- Dogs with Rottweiler morphology (with or without pedigree)
A certified cage is mandatory for Category 2 breeds. Contact Air France-KLM Cargo customer service to arrange transport.
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds
Due to respiratory risks, snub-nosed breeds have specific restrictions:
Allowed in cabin only (not hold): Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Persian or Burmese cats may travel in the cabin if they meet weight requirements. Consult your vet before booking.
Not permitted in hold: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Chow-Chow, Great Danes, Tibetan/Japanese/English/King Charles Spaniels, Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Exotic Shorthair cats, Himalayan cats.
Not permitted at all: Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers cannot travel by any method.
Service Dogs on Air France
Air France accommodates certified service dogs free of charge in the cabin, regardless of weight. Service dogs must be trained by an organization affiliated with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) or, for UK flights, meet Assistance Dogs International (ADI) criteria.
Requirements for service dogs:
- Must be harnessed and remain under control throughout the flight
- Certification documentation required
- Health documents compliant with destination country requirements
- Advance notice: 48 hours for most flights; 96 hours for flights to/from the UK and UAE
Emotional Support Animals
Air France does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. ESAs must travel as regular pets and follow standard pet travel regulations, including weight limits, carrier requirements, and fees.
How to Book Pet Travel on Air France
Cabin Travel Booking Process
- Book your own flight first
- Contact Air France customer service at least 48 hours before departure to request pet travel
- Receive confirmation of your pet’s reservation
- Pay the pet fee at check-in
Hold Travel Booking Process
- Book your own flight first
- Add your pet to your booking online via “My Bookings” at least 24 hours before departure
- Complete the “Conditions for transporting a dog or cat in the hold” form
- Transport may be refused based on flight availability or if requirements aren’t met
Connecting flights: You cannot check in online for flights with connections. You must check in at the airport counter before each leg, and your pet must pass through security checks before boarding each aircraft.
Required Documents and Health Certificates
EU Travel Requirements
- Electronic microchip: Mandatory identification for all dogs and cats
- European pet passport: Issued by an authorized veterinarian, certifying identity and vaccinations
- Rabies vaccination: Proof required
Additional Requirements by Destination
- UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta: Additional health requirements apply—contact the destination embassy
- United States: Dogs must comply with CDC regulations. DOT forms required 48 hours before departure
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Pets cannot travel in the cabin—must go via cargo
Important: Air France is not responsible for costs incurred if your pet is refused boarding due to non-compliance with regulations, or refused entry at your destination. Always verify requirements with the destination country’s embassy well in advance.
Check-In Process for Pets
Arrive early to allow time for pet-related procedures:
- Long-haul flights: 3 hours before departure
- France/Europe flights: 2.5 hours before departure
At check-in, staff will:
- Verify all documentation (health certificates, vaccination records, pet passport)
- Weigh your pet and carrier together
- Confirm your pet’s age meets requirements
- Collect the pet transport fee
- For hold travel, have you sign a responsibility waiver
Tip: For flights longer than 8 hours, be prepared to handle your dog’s hygienic needs during the journey. Pack essential pet travel supplies including a collapsible water bowl and absorbent pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
For cabin travel, you must contact Air France customer service to request pet transport. For hold travel, you can add your pet to your booking online via “My Bookings” at least 24 hours before departure.
Cabin fees range from €70 (domestic France) to €200 (intercontinental). Hold fees range from €100 (domestic) to €400 (intercontinental). All fees are per pet, per direction.
The combined weight of your pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Pets over this limit must travel in the hold.
On short-haul flights, pets may be allowed in Business class. However, pets are not permitted in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights—they must travel in the hold.
No. Air France does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. ESAs must travel as regular pets, subject to standard weight limits, carrier requirements, and fees.
Yes. Category 1 “attack dogs” (Pit Bulls without pedigree, Mastiffs, Tosas) are banned entirely. Category 2 breeds (pedigree Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweiler-type dogs) can only travel via cargo. Snub-nosed breeds have additional restrictions due to respiratory health concerns.
Arrive 3 hours early for long-haul flights and 2.5 hours early for domestic/European flights. This allows time for documentation verification, weighing, and any additional pet-related procedures.
Pets cannot travel in the cabin on flights to the UK, Ireland, or the UAE. They must travel via Air France-KLM Cargo. Additional health requirements apply for UK entry—contact the UK embassy for current regulations.
Air France’s main hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) has pet relief areas outside terminals. Look for signage directing you to these pet-friendly spaces before and after your flight.
Summary
Air France offers flexible pet travel options for dogs and cats, whether in the cabin for smaller pets or in the hold for larger animals. Success depends on meeting weight requirements, using approved carriers, preparing proper documentation, and booking in advance.
Always verify destination country regulations and consult your veterinarian before travel, especially for snub-nosed breeds or pets with health concerns.
For the most current information and to make reservations, visit the official Air France pet travel page or contact Air France customer service.
Comparing policies? Check out the pet policies of other major airlines like Avianca to find the best option for your journey.
Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current policies directly with Air France before travel, as fees and requirements may change.
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AF does not allow snub nosed dogs or cats in the hold OR cabin. Called and asked.
Thanks Pete, and sorry for the slow reply. We’re re-checking Air France’s breed rules against its own pages for this guide’s refresh later this month, and we’ll correct it if it’s out of date.