Air France pet policy for 2026 | Price, booking process and more

All you need to know about Air France pet policy in one place – right here. From Air France pets in cabin to pet carrier requirements and breed restrictions, this guide covers it all as well as helpful tips from the experienced travelers.

Air France – Complete guide to flying with dogs

Air France allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin and also in the hold on most of their flights. Let’s break down their rules, limits, documents, and booking steps. This guide will help you enjoy your upcoming trip with ease and stress-free!

• Summary ›
• Pet in cabin ›
• Pet in hold/cargo ›
• How to book ›
• Required documents ›
• Recommended travel gear ›
• Tips ›
• Pros & Cons ›
• FAQ ›

1. Overview of Air France pet policy

• Accepted Air France pet travel options:
  • ✅ In cabin: Yes, small dogs and cats are allowed if the total weight incl. carrier does not exceed 8 kg. Only soft carriers are permitted in cabin. Some destinations (for example UK, South Africa) do not allow in-cabin pets.
  • ✅ Checked baggage: Yes, pets between 8–75 kg incl. carrier can travel in the hold. Not available on some long-haul routes or connecting flights.
  • ✅ Cargo: Necessary for pets over 75 kg, for unaccompanied transportation, or for destinations with more strict regulations (e.g. UK, South Africa, Hong Kong).
• Cabin weight limit: Max 8 kg incl. soft carrier
• Carrier size (in-cabin):
  • Soft carrier only: max 46 × 28 × 24 cm
• Checked baggage crate size: Must comply with IATA standards (rigid, ventilated, lockable)
• Minimum age: 15 weeks, or 8 weeks for domestic French flights and flights to/from Guadeloupe, Martinique or Réunion
• Main transit hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France
• Booking deadline: At least 48 hours before departure via customer service
• Breed restrictions: Banned breeds (e.g. Pit Bull, Tosa Inu) not accepted at all. Flat-faced breeds (e.g. French Bulldog) allowed in cabin, but not in hold.
• Link to the Air France website

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2. Air France pet in cabin travel

Air France allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin up to 8 kg including the bag. Air France pet carrier also must me soft sided and the allowed maximum size of 46 × 28 × 24 cm.

The Air France pet in cabin price is €70 for domestic French flights, €125 for most European and North African routes, and up to €200 for long-haul trips. There is also a quantity limit: one pet in cabin per passenger. Additionally, the official limit on the total number of animals per flight is unknown, but there is certainly, so it is a good idea to book a place for your dog as early as possible.

There are some cases when cabin travel isn’t available, such as on some long-haul or business class flights. Also, you need to reserve your pet’s spot at least 48 hours before departure via Air France customer service.

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3. Air France dog in hold or cargo

Air France accepts dogs up to 75 kg including crate for transport in the hold on most routes. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled, but the availability always depends on type of aircraft and final destination. For even bigger dogs or on selected long-haul flights, you’ll need to use Air France-KLM Cargo.

Crates must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant — no exceptions and prices for flight ticket range from €75 to €400 depending on the route. Also, you must book your dog’s spot in holdcraft at least 48 hours before departure, but the sooner the better.

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4. Booking process

Booking your pet’s spot with Air France is done after your flight is confirmed and paid. Whether your dog flies in the cabin or in the hold, the process is almost the same. The biggest difference is the deadline of booking which is 48 hours before departure for cabin, 24 hours for hold.

How to do Air France pet booking

1. Book your own flight ticket.
2. Pay it and wait for the confirmation.
3. Go to “My bookings” at Air France website.
4. Select your flight and go to Add baggage or services.
5. Choose Add pet and select either in cabin or in hold.
6. Confirm the request. You’ll receive confirmation later.

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5. Required documents

To fly with your pet on Air France, you’ll need a valid EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate, depending on your departure place. Your dog also must be microchipped and fully vaccinated – the basic requirement is to have a rabies vaccination, other vaccinations depend on your destination. Some countries can also require tapeworm treatment or a rabies antibody titer.

Air France doesn’t officially require a “fit-to-fly” certificate for cabin travel, but when your pets travel in the hold, we always recommend a veterinary health check a few days before — and it is often required at check-in too. You’ll also need to sign a responsibility waiver at the airport if your dog is flying in the hold. For flights to or from the UK, Ireland, or the UAE, pets can’t travel in the cabin and must go via cargo.

🐾 — Brittany Ferries pet policy for smooth sail —

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6. Recommended travel gear

For Air France pet carrier in cabin travel, use a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat and ofc meets Air France’s size limit of 46 × 28 × 28 cm. Make sure it’s well-ventilated, secure, and your dog is used to being inside — familiarity always beats fancy branding.

For the hold, the crate must be rigid, IATA-approved, and large enough for your dog to stand, lie down, and turn around. It needs secure metal bolts, food and water containers, and proper labeling. Don’t skip training — get your dog used to the crate weeks before flying.

It is also good to add a spill-proof water bowl, absorbent pad, and something that smells like home.

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7. Tips from travelers

One thing experienced flyers often do is let the crew know there’s a dog in the hold. It might sound small, but it can make a real difference — the pilot can keep an eye on the temperature and make sure everything stays comfortable down below.

If you have a layover, remember that pets usually need to be rechecked onto the next flight, even with Air France. It’s easy to miss, and it’s caused plenty of last-minute stress. Bring some backup zip ties in case the crate locks get loose, and something soft that smells like home.

And most importantly — don’t just assume your dog is confirmed once you add them to your booking. You need to wait for manual approval from Air France. So it is possible you will have to pick up a phone and call them, if the confirmation time takes long.

🐾 — Your story: From Paris to Venice with Air France —

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8. Pros & Cons of choosing Air France for pet travel

Air France lets you fly with your dog in the cabin on most routes, even medium-haul ones, which isn’t always the case with other airlines. They also accept large dogs in the hold up to 75 kg including the crate. Booking can be quite easily done online and staff are generally good with animals.

The downside? The prices are on the higher end, and while there’s no official cap on pet numbers per flight, space is limited — once the spots are gone, they’re gone. Also, booking is never instant: confirmation takes time and may require some follow-up.

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9. FAQ about Air France pets travel