Air France Pet Policy (2025): Everything You Need to Know

Introduction to Air France Pet Travel in 2025

Traveling with a pet adds a layer of joy—and complexity—to any journey. Air France allows cats and dogs on a large number of its routes, but the rules vary dramatically depending on your companion’s size, breed, and destination. A successful trip starts with a clear picture of what the airline permits and what foreign governments require. In this guide we walk through the airline’s 2025 pet policy step by step: which animals can fly, where they can sit, what carriers are acceptable, how much you will pay, and what paperwork you must have in hand before you leave for the airport. You will also find links to official sites so you can cross-check the latest regulations for your specific itinerary.

Air France Pet Policy at a Glance

Air France transports pets in three distinct ways:

In the cabin – for small cats and dogs that remain inside an approved carrier under the seat.
In the aircraft hold as checked baggage – for larger animals inside a hard kennel, loaded into the temperature-controlled cargo compartment.
Via Air France Cargo – the mandatory channel for very heavy animals, snub‑nosed breeds above cabin weight, or pets traveling to countries that require manifested freight.

Regardless of the method, you must reserve a spot at least 48 hours before departure. Demand is high, so booking several weeks ahead is wise, especially during school holidays and summer months. We will examine each option separately, highlighting hidden pitfalls and practical advice.

1. In‑Cabin Pet Travel on Air France

Keeping your pet with you in the passenger cabin is the most reassuring choice for both owner and animal. Air France extends this privilege to domestic cats and dogs only; birds, rodents, rabbits, and reptiles are not accepted in the cabin under any circumstances.

Weight Limit and Carrier Dimensions

The fundamental rule: the combined weight of your pet plus its carrier must stay at or below 8 kg (roughly 17 lb). Equally important is the carrier size. It has to slip completely under the seat ahead of you and must not exceed these measurements:

Length: 46 cm (18 in)
Width: 28 cm (11 in)
Height: 24 cm (9 in)

Soft‑sided carriers with wire‑mesh or mesh ventilation panels are preferred because they can squish slightly to fit the underseat cavity. Hard‑sided carriers are acceptable if they respect the dimensions, but they need ventilation openings on at least three sides. The IATA pet container standards offer general guidance, though Air France’s own cabin‑size limits must be met regardless.

Where Your Pet Can Sit

On long‑haul intercontinental flights, in‑cabin pets are not permitted in Business Class. They are welcome in Economy and Premium Economy cabins. On European short‑ and medium‑haul routes the rule can sometimes be more flexible, but you must always check during reservation. Pets are never allowed at bulkhead seats where no seat‑row exists in front to stow a carrier under.

How to Reserve a Cabin Spot

You cannot add a pet during the online booking flow. Once your own ticket is confirmed, call Air France’s customer service to request a place for your animal. Because only a handful of cabin pets are accepted per flight, make that call as early as you can. If two people travel together, each can bring one pet, but you will need to handle two separate reservations and calls.

Cabin Pet Fees

Fees are charged per one‑way segment and depend on the flight zone. Approximate amounts (subject to change) are:

Domestic flights within France: about €40
European network (including overseas departments) and flights between Europe and North Africa: around €70–€100
Long‑haul intercontinental flights: up to €125, and occasionally higher on certain routes

Always confirm the exact fee when booking.

Health and Documentation for In‑Cabin Pets

Air France demands a veterinary health certificate issued no more than 10 days before departure. The certificate must state the pet is fit to fly and free of contagious diseases. For intra‑EU journeys, an EU Pet Passport with a valid rabies vaccination is required. For journeys to non‑EU countries, additional documents such as an import permit or a bilingual health certificate may be necessary. We cover international rules in depth in section 5.

Sedation is strongly discouraged. Altitude already affects respiration and body‑temperature regulation; sedatives can worsen these risks. Instead, help your pet become comfortable with its carrier over several weeks.

2. Checked Pet Travel (In the Aircraft Hold)

When your pet is too large or heavy for the cabin but still fits within the hold limits, it can travel as checked baggage in the aircraft’s temperature‑controlled cargo compartment. This service requires advance booking and careful preparation.

Eligibility and Weight Range

Only cats and dogs qualify for hold travel. The total weight of the animal plus its kennel must be between 8 kg (17 lb) and 75 kg (165 lb). If the combined weight exceeds 75 kg, the pet must be shipped via Air France Cargo.

Kennel Requirements

The kennel must be a hard‑sided, IATA‑compliant container with strong fasteners, ventilation on all four sides, and a leak‑proof floor covered with absorbent material. The animal has to be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural posture. Air France will reject a crate that appears too small or structurally unsound. Let your pet practice spending time in the crate for several days beforehand.

Booking, Check‑In, and Arrival at the Airport

Reserve your pet’s hold space by phone at least 48 hours before departure. On travel day, check‑in early: three hours before departure for intercontinental flights, two hours for short‑ and medium‑haul. A ground agent will inspect the crate and your documents before the animal is moved to the aircraft.

Temperature Embargoes

To protect animals, Air France may suspend checked‑baggage transport if extreme heat or cold is forecast at departure, transit, or arrival points. If you are traveling during a heat wave or deep freeze, discuss alternatives with the airline or consider traveling in milder seasons.

Checked Pet Fees

Domestic France: roughly €80 per pet
Within Europe and Europe–North Africa: about €100 per pet
Intercontinental: approximately €200 per pet

These are one‑way charges. Round‑trip bookings are priced separately.

3. Air France Cargo Pet Transport

When an animal cannot travel in the cabin or hold, Air France Cargo is the only pathway. This freight service handles oversized pets, animals bound for nations that mandate cargo entry, and, on a case‑by‑case basis, species other than cats and dogs.

Mandatory Cargo Situations

You must use Air France Cargo if:

The combined weight of pet plus kennel is over 75 kg.
The destination country (such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or the United Arab Emirates) legally requires pets to arrive as manifested cargo, not as checked baggage.
You are shipping an exotic animal that Air France does not accept in the cabin or hold (prior approval needed).

How Cargo Booking Works

Contact Air France Cargo directly—this is a separate department from passenger sales. Start the process weeks before your intended flight. The pet travels on a standalone air waybill, and you will need to deliver it to the cargo terminal a few hours ahead of departure. Customs clearance procedures at the destination also require careful planning.

Pricing and Crate Specifications

Costs are not fixed; they fluctuate by route, animal size, crate dimensions, and destination handling fees. Expect a significantly higher expense than checked‑baggage prices. Kennels still need to be IATA‑approved, and for very large animals, metal door locks or wooden crates may be required. The IATA Live Animals Regulations provide the definitive technical standard.

4. Breed Restrictions and Special Cases

Like many carriers, Air France restricts brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds because their shortened airways make them vulnerable to breathing problems under stress and altitude. These restrictions apply to hold and cargo transport, but not to the cabin: a snub‑nosed dog or cat that fits within the 8 kg in‑cabin limit is allowed to travel under the seat.

Breeds Barred from the Hold and Cargo

Dogs: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, Pug (all varieties), Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon, Japanese Chin, Affenpinscher, and others.
Cats: Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair.

If your pet is on this list and exceeds 8 kg with its carrier, Air France will not accept it for travel by air. You may need to explore ground transport or a specialized pet relocation company.

Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

Fully‑trained service dogs that assist a passenger with a disability can fly in the cabin free of charge on all routes, including Business Class, provided you submit the required documentation (recognized service animal identification, proof of rabies vaccination) at least 48 hours in advance. The dog must remain harnessed and under control throughout the flight.

Since 2021, Air France no longer recognizes Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as a distinct category. ESAs are treated as standard pets: they must ride in the cabin only if they meet the size and weight rules (with the usual fee) or travel as checked baggage/cargo.

5. International Pet Travel: Country‑Specific Rules

Air France flies to nearly 200 destinations, and every country sets its own import rules. The following summaries cover common requirements, but you must always consult the official government or embassy website of your destination before flying.

European Union (EU) Countries

Pets need an EU Pet Passport, an ISO‑compliant microchip (11784/11785), and a current rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. A 10‑day health certificate is also recommended. Puppies and kittens under 12 weeks may be refused entry, even with a passport. See the European Commission’s pet travel guidance for the most recent updates.

United States and Canada

For the US, a health certificate within 10 days is standard, but dogs arriving from high‑risk rabies countries must meet CDC requirements, which may include a rabies serology test and an import permit. Canada expects a health certificate, microchip (recommended), and proof of rabies vaccination for animals older than three months. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides detailed instructions.

United Kingdom and Ireland

These countries do not allow pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. Every animal must arrive as manifested cargo via an approved route. Pre‑arrival requirements include a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, a tapeworm treatment for dogs (given 24–120 hours before landing), and sometimes a blood titre test. Start preparations months ahead. The UK government’s bring‑your‑pet‑to‑the‑UK page is the authoritative source.

Australia and New Zealand

These two nations impose some of the world’s strictest rules. Pets enter only as cargo, must undergo a long series of vaccinations and blood work, and will spend a minimum of 10 days in government quarantine. The process can take half a year or more, so working with a specialist pet shipper is strongly recommended.

Other Non‑EU Destinations

Many countries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America demand import permits, additional vaccinations (leptospirosis, kennel cough), and sometimes mandatory quarantine. Always confirm directly with the destination’s embassy or animal health authority. Air France’s website also lists links to country‑specific pages, but the final responsibility to meet entry rules is yours.

6. Pre‑Flight Preparation Checklist

Thorough planning minimizes stress for both you and your animal. Use this timeline to stay on track.

Weeks Before Departure

Confirm eligibility: Weigh your pet in its carrier, verify that its breed is not restricted, and research import rules for your destination.
Book your pet’s travel: Call Air France as soon as your ticket is issued. Popular routes fill up quickly.
Visit your veterinarian: Obtain the required vaccinations, get a microchip if not already implanted, and schedule the health certificate so it is issued within 10 days of departure.
Acclimate to the carrier: Leave the carrier open in your home with treats and bedding. Progress to short car rides so the pet associates it with calm experiences.
Gather paperwork: Keep copies of all records, permits, and certificates in an easily accessible folder.

Day of Travel

Arrive early: Allow at least 2 hours for cabin pets and 3 hours for hold pets. Cargo terminal arrival times may differ—confirm with Air France Cargo.
Exercise and bathroom break: A good walk before heading to the airport helps your pet settle.
Prepare the carrier: Line it with an absorbent pad and a light, familiar blanket. Attach a small, spill‑proof water bowl or freeze water so it thaws slowly during the trip.
Label everything: Write your name, flight number, and contact information on the carrier in permanent marker, and attach a current photo of your pet.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my pet to my booking online?

No. You must speak with Air France reservations by phone. This guarantees that a live agent reviews availability and explains the current rules.

What happens if my itinerary includes another airline?

When an interline or codeshare partner operates a segment, that airline’s pet policy governs the flight. The partner may not accept animals at all, or it may have different size and breed limits. Always ask Air France about the entire journey before finalizing your ticket.

Are weight exceptions ever made for cabin pets?

The 8 kg limit is non‑negotiable. If your loaded carrier is even slightly over, the ground staff will refuse the animal for cabin travel. Weigh your pet in the carrier at home a few days ahead to avoid surprises.

No. Only one animal per carrier is allowed, and only one carrier per passenger.

Does Air France accept birds, rabbits, or other small pets?

In the cabin or hold, only cats and dogs are accepted. Air France Cargo may consider other small animals on a case‑by‑case basis. Reach out to them directly.

What if my pet is rejected at the airport?

If the carrier is unsuitable or paperwork is incomplete, the pet will not be allowed to board. Having a backup plan—such as a friend on standby—is wise. In some cases, a specialized pet handler at the airport can help resolve last‑minute issues, but there is no guarantee.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Air France’s 2025 pet policy hinges on a few clear rules:

Cats and dogs up to 8 kg can join you in the cabin inside an approved carrier.
Animals between 8 kg and 75 kg travel in the hold as checked baggage inside an IATA‑rated hard kennel.
Pets over 75 kg or those destined for countries like the UK must be shipped through Air France Cargo.
Snub‑nosed breeds are banned from the hold and cargo; they may fly in‑cabin only if weight allows.
Service dogs ride free in the cabin; emotional support animals travel under standard pet rules and incur fees.
International journeys demand meticulous research into vaccination, microchip, import permits, and quarantine requirements.

Booking early, preparing your pet physically and emotionally, and verifying every document before you leave home are the three pillars of a smooth trip. Air France provides a structured system that makes travel with a pet possible, but the true peace of mind comes from your own diligent groundwork.

Plan ahead, double‑check all requirements, and enjoy the journey with your four‑footed companion.