Air France Pet TravelAF
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FAQ about Air France pet policy
Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedFee varies by route: EUR/USD/CAD 200 for US/Canada–Europe and select destinations; EUR/USD/CAD 250 for US/Canada–rest of world; EUR 125 for Caribbean, Europe/North Africa, and France–overseas territories; EUR 70 for flights within Metropolitan France; EUR 200 for other flights. Weight limit of 8 kg includes the carrier. Only soft bags accepted in cabin; must fit under the seat in front. One animal per carrier, one carrier per passenger. Pets not allowed in Business cabin on intercontinental flights. Snub-nosed animals may travel in cabin but owner is advised to consult a vet first. Pet must be added to booking at least 48 hours before departure. Passenger must arrive 3 hours before intercontinental flights or 2 hours before intra-France/Europe flights. The 'AIR FRANCE KLM checklist for transporting cats and dogs in the cabin' must be filled out and signed.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedFee varies by route: EUR/USD/CAD 600 for US/Canada–Europe and select destinations (up to 24 hours before departure); EUR/USD/CAD 750 for US/Canada–rest of world; EUR 200 for Caribbean/Europe/North Africa routes; EUR 100 for within Metropolitan France; EUR 400 for other flights. Late surcharges apply: 50% for flights within Metropolitan France and Caribbean, 25% for international flights, if added less than 24 hours before departure. Max weight 75 kg including kennel. Min weight for hold vs cabin: pets over 8 kg must travel in hold. Max 3 animals per passenger in the hold (subject to aircraft type). Only IATA-approved, bolted, rigid plastic or fiberglass kennels accepted. No snub-nosed animals allowed in the hold. Pet cargo (freight) via authorized transporter available for animals not eligible for cabin or hold. Since July 15, 2019, snub-nosed dogs such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are no longer permitted by cargo. Category 2 dogs (per French law) may travel by cargo only. Pet travel by cargo is the only mode authorized to the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Pets cannot travel in the hold from Moscow to Paris. The captain is informed of pets in the hold and ensures appropriate lighting and heating. 'Conditions for transporting a dog or cat in the hold' form must be printed and signed. Notify Air France at booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
Service Animals
AllowedService dogs are exempt from the carrier requirement in lounges but must remain on a leash. Booking request for service dogs should be made 48 hours before departure (96 hours for service dogs traveling from or to the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates).
Species Rules
Cats and dogs may travel together on the same flight. Service dogs are exempt from the carrier requirement in lounges but must be kept on a leash.
Breed Restrictions
- Dogs prohibited from travel (cabin, hold, or cargo) — Category 1 per French Ministry of Agriculture: Staffordshire Terriers (pitbulls), American Staffordshire Terriers (pitbulls), Mastiffs (Boerboels), Tosas (without pedigree/morphologically similar attack dogs)
- Category 2 dogs allowed on Air France cargo flights only: Staffordshire Terriers with pedigree, American Staffordshire Terriers with pedigree, Tosas with pedigree, dogs morphologically similar to Rottweilers (with or without pedigree)
- Snub-nosed dogs not allowed in the hold: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxers (all breeds), Bulldogs (all breeds), Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Pugs (all breeds), Chow-Chow, Great Danes (all breeds), Spaniels (Tibetan, Japanese, King Charles), Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Mastiffs (all breeds), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Small Brabant, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Snub-nosed cats not allowed in the hold: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
- Since July 15, 2019, snub-nosed dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) are no longer permitted by cargo
- Snub-nosed dogs (Boxer, Pekingese, Shih Tzu) and cats (Persian, Birman) that cannot travel cabin or hold may only travel by cargo via authorized transporter
Documentation Required
- Up-to-date vaccination records
- Electronic microchip (required for EU travel)
- European passport for pets (required for EU travel, completed by authorized veterinarian)
- Signed 'AIR FRANCE KLM checklist for transporting cats and dogs in the cabin' (for cabin travel)
- Signed 'Conditions for transporting a dog or cat in the hold' form and liability waiver (for hold travel)
- Any destination-country-specific health certificates or documents as required by local authorities
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Cats and dogs weighing no more than 8 kg (including the carrier) are permitted in the cabin. Snub-nosed animals may travel in the cabin but owners are advised to consult a veterinarian. Pets are not allowed in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier is 8 kg / 17.64 lb.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- The carrier must measure no more than 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9.5 inches). Only soft bags that can be placed under the seat in front are accepted. The carrier must be well-ventilated and large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Yes. Cats and dogs weighing between 8 kg and 75 kg (including the kennel) must travel in the hold. Pets under 8 kg may also travel in the hold. Only IATA-approved, bolted, rigid plastic or fiberglass kennels are accepted. No snub-nosed animals are allowed in the hold. A maximum of 3 animals per passenger is permitted in the hold (subject to aircraft type). The 'Conditions for transporting a dog or cat in the hold' form must be printed and signed. Pets can also travel by cargo via an authorized transporter.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- Fees vary by route: Within Metropolitan France — cabin EUR 70, hold EUR 100; Caribbean — cabin EUR 125, hold EUR 200; Europe/North Africa — cabin EUR 125, hold EUR 200; France–overseas territories (Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Reunion) — cabin EUR 125, hold EUR 200; US/Canada–Europe and select destinations — cabin EUR/USD/CAD 200, hold EUR/USD/CAD 600; US/Canada–rest of world — cabin EUR/USD/CAD 250, hold EUR/USD/CAD 750; Other flights — cabin EUR 200, hold EUR 400. A late surcharge applies if added less than 24 hours before departure (50% for Metropolitan France/Caribbean flights, 25% for international flights).
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- In the cabin: one animal per carrier and one carrier per passenger. In the hold: a maximum of 3 animals per passenger, subject to aircraft type availability.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Yes. Category 1 dogs per French law (attack dogs: pitbulls, Boerboels, Tosas without pedigree) are prohibited from all transport. Category 2 dogs (Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosas with pedigree, and Rottweiler-type dogs) may only travel by cargo. Snub-nosed dogs (e.g., Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Chow-Chow, Great Danes, Lhasa Apso, Mastiffs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, etc.) and snub-nosed cats (Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian) are not permitted in the hold. Since July 15, 2019, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are no longer permitted by cargo either.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- Your animal must have all required vaccines. For EU travel, an electronic microchip and a European pet passport (completed by an authorized veterinarian) are required. For cabin travel, the signed 'AIR FRANCE KLM checklist for transporting cats and dogs in the cabin' is required. For hold travel, the signed 'Conditions for transporting a dog or cat in the hold' and liability waiver are required. Additional documents may be required by destination country authorities.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- For cabin travel, add the Pet Travel Option under 'My Booking' online, at least 48 hours before departure. For hold travel, add your pet to your booking at least 24 hours before departure (48 hours recommended). Booking can also be made at the Air France sales counter. If your flight includes connections, online check-in is not permitted; you must check in at the airport counter for each leg.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes. For EU travel, pets must have a microchip and European pet passport. Some countries (e.g., Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Malta) have additional health requirements. For US travel, CDC regulations apply — dogs that have spent the last 6 months in a high-risk rabies country are not permitted without special authorization. For Canada, dogs from high-risk rabies countries or for commercial purposes are not allowed. Pet travel by cargo is the only mode authorized to the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Passengers should check with the embassies of destination and transit countries for specific regulations.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- Air France advises consulting a veterinarian before travel, especially for snub-nosed animals that may experience breathing difficulties under stress, but no specific sedation policy is stated.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Yes. Air France customer service can be reached at +1 800 237 2747.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗