Traveling on board Air France with a dog or cat is allowed under certain weight limitations, specific carrier requirements, and strict documentation rules. The mode of transportation of the animal – either in the cabin, in the hold or in the cargo section – will be determined by its weight, breed, and route of travel. This article gives a detailed overview of the Air France pet policy.
Is it Allowed to Travel with a Pet on Air France?
Yes. The transport of cats and dogs in the air with Air France is carried out in three ways: in the cabin, in the hold (as checked baggage, AVIH) and via Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo. The choice of the appropriate type of transport will depend on the weight of the pet together with its carrier.
Air France Pet Policy: In-Cabin Travel
Cats and dogs can fly in the cabin if they comply with the following criteria:
- Maximum weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs), inclusive of the carrier
- Carrier Type: Must be soft – rigid carriers are not allowed in the cabin
- Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 24 cm and should fit under your seat
- Minimum age: 15 weeks old for international flights; 8 weeks old for domestic flights within Metropolitan France, Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion
- Limitation: One pet per carrier, one carrier per person
- Behavioral requirement: Pets must remain in their carrier throughout the entire journey
In-cabin travel is not offered in Business or La Première cabins in intercontinental flights. Pets cannot travel in the cabin on flights to/from the UK, Ireland, UAE, and South Africa. These flights must be made using cargo service only.
Pet Transport Regulations for Air France – Hold (Checked Baggage) Travelling
When your pet exceeds 8 kg of body weight, then he/she will be allowed to travel in a pressurized, climate-controlled hold as checked baggage, subject to:
- Total maximum weight: 75 kg, which includes the weight of the crate
- Type of the crate: Only a hard-sided IATA-approved one, which gives your pet enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down
- Time of booking: It should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure (minimum 24 hours on some routes, though, but it is better to make it earlier)
- Limit per passenger: Three pets per flight in the hold
Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Persians, Burmese cats, etc., belong to brachycephalic breeds, which are not allowed to fly in the hold as they are likely to suffer from breathing problems, especially during the summer season.
Air France Pet Policy: Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo Services
In cases where the pet weighs more than 75 kg, the transport is done via air cargo service offered by Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo. These are services reserved to be used when there is a need for relocation of a pet, or several of them.
Air France Pet Costs (Depending on Route)
Air France offers a fixed cost at the check-in point that is not usually included in the ticket price. The approximate costs one way are:
| Route Type | Cabin Fee | Hold Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Within Metropolitan France | ~€70 | ~€100 |
| Within the Caribbean | ~€125 | ~€200 |
| Europe / Europe–North Africa | ~€125 | ~€150–€200 |
| Intercontinental (e.g., Europe–North America) | ~€200 | ~€200–€300 |
Price depends on the season, aircraft type, and sales channel. Connect flights are usually offered according to the origin and destination of the passenger. It is always best to check pricing directly on Air France when making reservations, as third-party information may be outdated.
Breed Restrictions
There are restrictions in France about dog breeds that might cause danger to people:
- Category 1 (“attack”) dogs include Pit Bull-type Staffordshire and American Staffordshire terriers without pedigree, mastiffs, and tosas. Such dogs are completely prohibited even for transportation in cargo.
- Category 2 dogs include pedigreed Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosas, and Rottweilers. Such dogs may travel only by cargo with a special cage.
Documents Needed
To fly, your pet needs to have:
- a valid EU pet passport or its equivalent (with a recent vaccination)
- a rabies vaccination, which should be administered no less than 21 days before the travel date (for EU entry)
- microchip of the pet (compulsory for EU travel)
- a vet check
Requirements differ depending on your destination country; you need to check the airline’s requirements as well as the destination’s customs regulations.
How to Book Your Pets’ Flights on Air France
Pets traveling in the cabin or as luggage must be booked in advance – ideally at least 48 hours before departure; in some cases earlier. Bookings can be made via the “Manage My Booking” tab on the airline’s website or by contacting Air France customer service directly. Space available for pets in the cabin is very limited (up to several seats per flight), so booking ahead of time is highly recommended.
FAQ’s
Your pet (including the carrier) should weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs) to fly with Air France in the cabin. Also, the carrier itself should have the maximum dimensions 46 x 28 x 24 cm and fit into the legroom of your seat in the aircraft.
Costs vary depending on the route, whether the pet flies in the cabin or as luggage. Costs for domestic flights in France start from €70 for cabin travel. Costs for international flights start from €200 (one way).
Brachycephalic animals, which include Pug, Boxer, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, and Persian/Burmese cats, are not permitted to travel in the hold due to health concerns. They can fly in the cabin if they meet the regular requirements for weight and carrier size.
It is recommended that you make reservations for pet travel 48 hours in advance of the flight. The number of pets travelling in the cabin is strictly regulated for each flight; therefore, advanced booking is recommended.
No. Your pets cannot travel in the cabin of the plane on flights to/from the UK, Ireland, UAE, and South Africa.