Air France Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Planning to travel with your pet on Air France? Whether you’re bringing a small pet in the cabin, checking a pet as baggage, or transporting a larger animal via cargo, it’s essential to understand Air France’s pet policy to ensure a hassle-free journey. This guide covers carry-on pets, checked pet travel, cargo transport, breed restrictions, and international pet travel regulations to help you prepare.

Air France Pet Policy

1. Carry-On Pet Policy (In-Cabin Travel)

Air France allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most flights, provided they meet the airline’s weight and carrier size requirements.

In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules

✔ Allowed Pets: Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin.
✔ Pet Carrier Size: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 18″ x 11″ x 9″ (L x W x H) (46 x 28 x 24 cm).
✔ Pet Weight Limit: The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs).
✔ Pet Fee: Fees vary by destination—€40 to €125 for domestic, European, and intercontinental flights.
✔ Flight Restrictions: Pets are not allowed in the Business Class cabin on intercontinental flights.

How to Book a Carry-On Pet Reservation

✔ Advance Booking: Reservations for in-cabin pets must be made at least 48 hours before departure by calling Air France customer service.
✔ Pet Limit: One pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
✔ Approved Routes: Pets are allowed on most international and domestic flights, but restrictions apply based on the destination.

📌 Tip: Air France requires a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure for in-cabin pets.

2. Checked Pet Travel (As Baggage in the Hold)

For pets that exceed the in-cabin weight limit, Air France allows certain pets to travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold.

Checked Pet Travel Rules

✔ Eligible Pets: Cats and dogs weighing between 8 kg and 75 kg (including the carrier) must travel in the hold.
✔ Kennel Requirements: Pets must be transported in an IATA-approved, hard-sided kennel with proper ventilation.
✔ Temperature Restrictions: Air France may refuse pet transport if extreme temperatures are expected at the departure, layover, or arrival airport.
✔ Booking Requirements: Checked pet travel must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Checked Pet Fees

✔ Flights Within France: €80 per pet.
✔ Flights Within Europe and Between Europe and North Africa: €100 per pet.
✔ Intercontinental Flights: €200 per pet.

📌 Tip: If your pet is traveling in the hold, ensure they are well-hydrated and accustomed to their crate before the flight.

3. Cargo Pet Travel (Air France Cargo)

For larger pets or pets exceeding 75 kg with their crate, Air France offers pet transportation via Air France Cargo.

Air France Cargo Rules

✔ Eligible Pets: Dogs, cats, and certain other animals can be transported as cargo.
✔ Kennel Requirements: Must be an IATA-approved, hard-sided container with adequate ventilation.
✔ Booking Requirements: Cargo pet travel must be booked well in advance through Air France Cargo.

📌 Tip: If your pet must travel as cargo, check with Air France Cargo for specific fees, which vary based on pet size, weight, and destination.

4. Breed Restrictions & Special Considerations

Certain breeds may be restricted due to health or safety concerns, particularly short-nosed breeds that are prone to breathing issues.

Banned & Restricted Breeds

Air France does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog and cat breeds to travel as checked baggage or cargo, including:
✔ Bulldogs (English, French, and American)
✔ Pugs (all types)
✔ Boston Terriers, Boxers
✔ Persian & Himalayan Cats

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

✔ Service Animals: Recognized service dogs can fly for free in the cabin on all Air France flights.
✔ Emotional Support Animals: As of 2021, Air France no longer recognizes ESAs—they must travel as regular carry-on pets or in the hold.

📌 Tip: If traveling with a service dog, ensure you submit the required documents at least 48 hours before departure.

5. International Pet Travel Guidelines

Because Air France operates internationally, travelers must comply with the destination country’s pet import rules, vaccination requirements, and possible quarantine mandates.

Country-Specific Pet Policies

✔ European Union: Pets must have an EU Pet Passport, microchip identification, and proof of rabies vaccination.
✔ United States & Canada: Pets must have a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
✔ United Kingdom & Ireland: Pets cannot fly in-cabin or as checked baggage—they must travel as cargo due to UK import laws.
✔ Australia & New Zealand: Pets are subject to strict quarantine regulations—advance planning is required.

📌 Tip: Always research your destination’s pet import requirements well in advance to avoid travel delays.

6. How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Before Your Flight

✔ Confirm Airline Requirements: Ensure your pet meets size and weight limits for in-cabin or checked baggage travel.
✔ Visit the Veterinarian: Obtain a health certificate and verify all required vaccinations.
✔ Book Early: Air France limits the number of pets per flight, so secure a reservation in advance.

Day of Travel

✔ Arrive Early: Check-in for pets traveling in-cabin should be at least 2 hours before departure, while checked pets should arrive 3 hours before departure.
✔ Exercise Your Pet: Give your pet a chance to walk and relieve themselves before check-in.
✔ Use an Absorbent Liner in the Carrier: Helps keep your pet comfortable during travel.

📌 Tip: Place a favorite blanket or toy in your pet’s carrier to help reduce travel anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Air France’s Pet Policy

Air France provides multiple pet travel options, allowing small pets in the cabin, larger pets as checked baggage, and cargo transport for oversized pets. However, strict weight limits, breed restrictions, and international regulations apply, so proper planning is essential.

Key Takeaways

✔ Small pets (up to 8 kg) can travel in-cabin in an under-seat carrier.
✔ Larger pets (8 kg – 75 kg) must travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage.
✔ Pets over 75 kg must travel via Air France Cargo.
✔ Short-nosed breeds are restricted from checked baggage and cargo travel.
✔ Service dogs fly for free with valid documentation.
✔ International pet travel requires proper documentation and may involve quarantine.

📌 Plan ahead, book early, and ensure your pet meets all airline requirements for a smooth and stress-free journey!