Air France Pet Policy 2026: In-Cabin Rules, Hold Travel, and What France Requires at the Border
On flights departing from major hubs, check-in agents are equipped with official breed morphology charts to inspect dogs at the gate. If your mixed-breed dog slightly resembles a Pit Bull, Mastiff, or Tosa, you could be denied boarding on the spot under strict French agricultural security laws.
Air France enforces some of the most rigid canine classification regulations of any commercial airline in the world. This is because France categorizes dangerous dogs by law, banning "Category 1" attack dogs from entering French territory entirely—even as cargo or in transit. If you plan to fly with Air France, understanding these hyper-specific, legally-binding requirements is the difference between a successful journey and an expensive, stressful refusal at the boarding gate.
Air France Pet Policy: Key Facts at a Glance
In-Cabin Weight Limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the transport bag.
In-Cabin Fee: €70 to €200 depending on the flight route.
Checked Baggage (Hold) Limit: Dogs and cats from 8 kg to 75 kg (165 lbs) combined with their crate.
Checked Baggage Fee: €100 to €400 per flight depending on the destination.
In-Cabin Carrier Rule: Soft-sided, flexible transport bags only. Hard plastic pet crates are completely banned in the cabin.
Brachycephalic Restrictions: Flat-faced (snub-nosed) dogs and cats are strictly prohibited from traveling in the cargo hold. They may only fly in the cabin if they meet the 8 kg limit.
Dangerous Breed Restrictions: "Category 1" dogs (American Staffordshire/Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Tosas without pedigree) are completely banned from all Air France flights and French territory. "Category 2" dogs must travel via cargo under highly restricted conditions.
Booking Requirement: You must add your pet to your booking at least 24 hours (for hold travel) or 48 hours (recommended for cabin travel) before departure.
In-Cabin Pet Rules: Small Dogs and Cats
Small domesticated dogs and cats can fly directly in the passenger cabin with you on most Air France flights. However, the airline does not permit pets in the Business cabin on intercontinental routes due to seat configuration limitations. If you book a Business class ticket on a long-haul flight, your pet will have to travel in the cargo hold.
Weight and Age Requirements
Your pet and their carrier must weigh no more than 8 kg (17.64 lbs) combined.
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old for all international flights.
For domestic flights within metropolitan France (including Corsica) and between metropolitan France and French overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island), the minimum age limit is 8 weeks.
Carrier Dimensions and Material Laws
Air France enforces a strict soft-bag-only rule for the passenger cabin. Hard-sided plastic or metal pet crates are no longer permitted in the cabin under any circumstances, regardless of their dimensions.
Maximum Dimensions: The carrier bag must not exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).
Material: The bag must be flexible, claw-proof, water-resistant, and fully ventilated on at least two sides.
Comfort: Your dog or cat must be able to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably inside the bag without touching the top.
In-Flight Rule: The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you. Your pet is legally required to remain entirely inside the zipped bag for the entire flight. Taking your pet out of the carrier, even for a moment, violates safety protocols and can lead to formal airline warnings.
In-Cabin Pet Fees
You must pay a flat, one-way fee for your pet at the airport sales counter or online during checkout. These fees are not included in your passenger ticket price:
Flights within Metropolitan France: €70
Flights within Europe or between Europe and North Africa: €125
Flights within the Caribbean: €125
All other flights (including Transatlantic): €200 ($200 USD)
Cargo and Hold Travel: For Larger Animals
If your dog or cat exceeds the 8 kg limit, they must travel in the climate-controlled, pressurized cargo hold. Air France allows passengers to transport a maximum of three animals in the hold per flight. However, this number can be restricted depending on the aircraft type operating your route.
To understand how individual destination countries regulate incoming pets in the cargo hold, utilize the comprehensive resources in the Pet Travel Country Guides | Import & Export Rules by Country | Pet Holiday Club
Weight and Size Allowances
The combined weight of your animal and their rigid transport kennel must be between 8 kg and 75 kg (17.6 lbs to 165 lbs).
If your pet and kennel exceed 75 kg (165 lbs), they cannot travel as checked baggage. They must instead be booked as manifest cargo through the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo service.
Cargo Hold Pet Fees
Hold travel fees are calculated per container on a one-way basis:
Flights within Metropolitan France: €100
Flights within Europe or between Europe and North Africa: €200
Flights within the Caribbean: €200
All other flights (including Transatlantic): €400 ($400 USD)
Note: If your itinerary includes connection flights, the total fee is calculated based on your starting country and final destination.
Strict IATA Cargo Crate Regulations
Air France strictly enforces International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules for checked baggage kennels. If your crate fails any of these criteria at check-in, your pet will be grounded immediately:
Material: The kennel must be made of rigid, high-impact plastic or fiberglass. Wooden, cardboard, or wire-mesh crates are strictly forbidden.
Fasteners: The top and bottom halves of the plastic shell must be secured together with heavy-duty metal bolts. Crates with plastic click-latches, slide-locks, or twist-locks are not accepted unless they have been reinforced with metal hardware through pre-drilled holes.
Wheels: If the kennel has wheels, they must be removed before check-in or taped down securely to prevent rolling.
Locking System: The door must have a centralized locking system that locks at both the top and the bottom of the door frame.
Water and Food Bowls: Two empty, non-spill plastic bowls must be attached to the inside of the wire door and accessible from the outside without opening the kennel.
Sizing: Your pet must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position. There must be at least 5 cm (2 inches) of clearance between the top of your pet’s head (or ears) and the roof of the crate when they are standing.
Breed Restrictions: French Laws and Brachycephalic Prohibitions
France's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry enforces rigid rules regarding specific dog breeds. Air France is legally bound to uphold these laws, meaning they are exceptionally thorough when verifying your dog's lineage at checkout.
1. The French Dangerous Dog Categories
France classifies potentially dangerous dogs into two distinct categories. Understanding these categories is crucial:
Category 1 (Attack Dogs) — ABSOLUTELY BANNED
These are dogs that do not have an officially registered pedigree (pedigree papers recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale or the French Ministry of Agriculture) but are morphologically similar to:
Staffordshire Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers (commonly known as Pit Bulls)
Mastiffs (commonly known as Boerboels)
Tosas
Critical Warning: Category 1 dogs are strictly prohibited from entering French territory. Air France will not transport them in the cabin, in the hold, or even via cargo. Bringing a Category 1 dog into France is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in prison and a €15,000 fine.
Category 2 (Guard and Defense Dogs) — CARGO ONLY
These are purebred, registered pedigree dogs of the following breeds:
American Staffordshire Terriers (with an internationally recognized pedigree)
Tosas (with an internationally recognized pedigree)
Rottweilers (with or without a pedigree)
Category 2 dogs cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage on Air France flights. They are permitted on Air France Cargo flights only. Furthermore, keeping a Category 2 dog in France, even temporarily, requires a French possession permit, civil liability insurance, and behavioral evaluations. Therefore, tourist travel with a Category 2 dog is highly unrealistic.
2. Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breed Restrictions
Because flat-faced animals are highly susceptible to respiratory distress, hyperthermia, and asphyxiation in high-stress environments, Air France banned all brachycephalic dogs and cats from traveling in the cargo hold.
Allowed In-Cabin Only (Under 8 kg)
Brachycephalic pets may travel in the cabin if they meet the standard weight and soft-carrier requirements. Air France highly recommends consulting your vet before booking cabin travel for flat-faced pets.
Banned From the Cargo Hold:
Dog Breeds: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Cane Corso, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.
Cat Breeds: Persian, Burmese, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold.
International Route and Document Requirements
To board any international Air France flight, your pet must possess all valid health, customs, and veterinary documentation required by your origin, transit, and destination countries.
Entering France and the European Union
If you are flying your pet into France or transiting through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY), your dog or cat must meet the following EU border control mandates:
ISO Microchip: Your pet must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit electronic microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
Rabies Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination administered by an authorized veterinarian. If it is your pet's first rabies vaccine, you must wait at least 21 days before entering France.
EU Pet Passport: If traveling from within the European Union, your pet must have an official EU Pet Passport.
EU Health Certificate: If you are entering France from a non-EU country (such as the United States or Canada), you must obtain an official EU Health Certificate signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA-accredited in the US, CFIA-accredited in Canada) within 10 days of your arrival at the EU border.
Rabies Titer Test: If you are arriving from a country classified as a "high-risk rabies country" by the EU, your pet must pass a Rabies Blood Titer Test at least 3 months before travel.
Traveling to the United Kingdom
Air France does not permit pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights heading into the United Kingdom. All pets entering the UK on Air France must be shipped via manifest cargo. If you are flying from the UK to France, pets are permitted in the cabin or hold. UK travelers require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel.
Traveling to the United States
If you are flying a dog into the US, you must comply with the strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dog import rules. This includes submitting the online CDC Dog Import Form and ensuring your dog meets the age, vaccination, and microchip requirements based on whether they have spent time in a high-risk rabies country in the past six months.
How to Book a Pet on Air France: Step-by-Step
Because Air France strictly limits the number of pets allowed on each flight, you should secure your pet's space as early as possible—ideally at the exact moment you purchase your own passenger ticket.
1.Verify Your Pet's Eligibility:Before Booking Your Ticket.
Confirm your pet meets all age, weight, and breed restrictions. If your pet is a snub-nosed breed, ensure they are light enough to fly in-cabin, as they are banned from the hold.
2.Book Your Passenger Flight:6 to 8 Weeks Prior.
Book your flight on the Air France website. Select Economy or Premium Economy if traveling with an in-cabin pet, as pets are banned in long-haul Business class.
3.Register Your Pet and Pay the Fee:At Least 24 to 48 Hours Prior.
Add your pet to your booking. For hold travel, this must be completed at least 24 hours in advance. For cabin travel, register them online or by calling Air France Customer Support.
4.Acquire and Complete the Air France Pet Forms:1 to 2 Weeks Prior.
Download the "Form for transporting an animal in the cabin" or the "Hold Travel Liability Waiver" from the Air France website. Print, complete, and sign two copies.
5.Arrive Early for Check-In:3 Hours Before Departure.
Arrive at the airport sales counter 3 hours prior for international flights. Bring your pet, their carrier, signed forms, and health certificates. Check-in agents will inspect and weigh your pet, and you will pay the flat fee.
Pro-Tips for Flying with Your Pet on Air France
Prep the Check-in Form: Air France requires passenger-signed liability and behavior waivers for both cabin and hold travel. Having these printed and filled out before reaching the check-in desk will save you significant time and stress.
Connection Layover Planning: If you are connecting through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), plan a layover of at least 3 to 4 hours. The security and pet check processes at CDG are extensive, and a short connection window increases the risk of your pet missing the connecting flight.
Invest in a Premium Soft Bag: Because Air France does not allow hard plastic carriers in the cabin, choose a high-quality soft-sided bag with flexible spring-wire frames that can compress slightly under the seat without collapsing on your pet.
Pre-flight Fasting: To prevent nausea and accidents during the flight, feed your pet a light meal no later than six hours before takeoff. Keep them well-hydrated right up until check-in.
Inform the Flight Crew: If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, inform the lead flight attendant upon boarding. Ask them to confirm with the captain that the cargo hold's heating and ventilation systems are active and that the animal has been securely loaded.
Pet Travel Comparison: Air France vs. Competitors
Metric | Air France | Lufthansa | Delta Air Lines |
In-Cabin Weight Limit | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | No strict weight limit (must fit under seat) |
In-Cabin Carrier Rule | Soft-sided bags only | Soft-sided bags preferred | Soft or hard-sided allowed |
Cargo Hold Capacity | Up to 75 kg (165 lbs) | Up to 32 kg standard (over 32 kg is Cargo) | Manifest cargo only (No checked AVIH) |
Brachycephalic Hold Policy | Completely prohibited | Prohibited as checked baggage | Prohibited entirely |
Category 1 Dog Policy | Banned entirely | Banned entirely | Banned entirely |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my pet fly in Business Class on Air France?
No. Air France does not allow pets in the cabin of the Business class cabin on intercontinental flights due to the design and legroom configuration of the lie-flat passenger seats.
Q: What happens if my pet and carrier exceed 8 kg?
Your pet must travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage if they weigh between 8 kg and 75 kg. If they exceed 75 kg, they must travel via Air France Cargo.
Q: Does Air France allow emotional support dogs?
No. Air France only recognizes fully certified, professionally trained service and guide dogs for free in-cabin travel. Emotional support animals must travel as standard pets under standard fees and rules.
Q: Can I take my pet out of their carrier during an Air France flight?
No. For safety and cabin hygiene reasons, your pet must remain completely inside their zipped soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
Q: Are hard-sided plastic crates allowed in the cabin on Air France?
No. Air France strictly prohibits hard-sided plastic or metal carriers in the passenger cabin. Only flexible, soft-sided transport bags are accepted for in-cabin travel.
Q: Are French Bulldogs allowed to travel in the cargo hold on Air France?
No. All snub-nosed and brachycephalic dog and cat breeds are strictly banned from traveling in the cargo hold on Air France flights due to respiratory health risks.
Before flying with your pet on Air France, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Pet Holiday Club covers 190+ countries with government-sourced, vet-verified pet travel checklists at petholidayclub.com — so you arrive prepared, not refused.
