Planning a trip with your four-legged companion can feel like organizing a small military operation. Between the paperwork, the crate requirements, and the fluctuating fees, there is a lot to juggle. If you are eyeing a flight with Air France, the good news is that they are generally considered one of the more "pet-friendly" legacy carriers. However, they have very specific boundaries—literally and figuratively—for where your pet can sit and how they need to be packed.

Whether you have a tiny tabby that fits in a handbag or a Golden Retriever that needs its own sturdy "apartment" in the hold, here is the lowdown on the Air France Pet Policy .

The Big Picture: Three Ways to Fly

Air France divides pet travel into three distinct categories. Which one you fall into depends almost entirely on the combined weight of your pet and their carrier.

1. In the Cabin: For the "lap dogs" and small cats.

2. In the Hold (Checked Baggage): For larger pets who travel in a climate-controlled, pressurized area under the plane.

3. Cargo: For very large animals, unaccompanied pets, or specific breeds that require specialized handling.

1. Taking Your Pet in the Cabin

If you can’t bear the thought of being separated from your pet, the cabin is the way to go—but the space is tight.

Weight and Breed Limits

To qualify for the cabin, your pet and their bag combined must not exceed 8 kg (about 17.6 lbs). This is a hard limit. If the scale at check-in hits 8.1 kg, you might be redirected to the hold.

Currently, only cats and dogs are allowed. Other animals (rabbits, birds, etc.) usually have to go via cargo or the hold depending on the specific route and aircraft.

The Carrier: Soft is Better

Air France is quite particular about the bag. In the cabin, they strongly recommend (and often require) a soft-sided bag. Why? Because it needs to fit under the seat in front of you.

• Maximum Dimensions: 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).

• The Rule of Thumb: Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around. If they look like a sardine in a tin, the gate agent has the right to refuse boarding for the animal's welfare.

Vital Cabin Rules

• One Pet Per Person: You can't bring a whole litter. It is one pet per adult passenger.

• No Business Class on Long-Haul: This is a quirk of Air France. On intercontinental flights (like Paris to New York), pets are often not allowed in the Business cabin because the seat configurations don't allow for floor storage during takeoff and landing. If you are flying Business, your pet might have to head to the hold.

• The "No Exit" Policy: Once you are on the plane, the pet must stay in the bag. No heads popping out for pets, no matter how cute they are.

2. Traveling in the Hold (Checked Baggage)

If your dog is a "medium" build or just a very heavy cat, they will likely be traveling in the hold. Don't worry—this isn't just where the suitcases go. It is a dedicated, pressurized, and temperature-controlled section of the aircraft.

Weight and Capacity

• Weight Limit: 8 kg to 75 kg (165 lbs), including the crate.

• Quantity: You can travel with up to 3 pets in the hold, though this can be limited based on the aircraft type (smaller planes have less room).

The "IATA" Approved Crate

This is where most travelers get tripped up. You cannot just use any plastic box. The crate must be IATA-compliant (International Air Transport Association).

• Material: Hard plastic or fiberglass only. No wooden crates.

• Locking: It must have a central locking system that fastens at the top and bottom.

• Bolts: The two halves of the shell must be joined by metal bolts. If your crate uses plastic clips or "twist-locks," Air France will likely reject it at the counter.

• Wheels: If the crate has wheels, they must be removed or taped down so it doesn't roll around mid-flight.

3. When Cargo is the Only Option

Sometimes, your pet can't fly as "checked baggage." This usually happens if:

• The pet and crate weigh more than 75 kg.

• The pet is traveling to a country that requires all animals to arrive via cargo (like the UK or South Africa).

• The pet is traveling alone.

Cargo is managed by Air France-KLM Cargo. It involves a different drop-off point (usually a cargo terminal away from the main passenger gates) and more paperwork, but it is a highly professional service with specialized staff who handle animal logistics exclusively.

The "Snub-Nosed" (Brachycephalic) Restriction

This is a critical safety rule. Air France does not allow snub-nosed animals in the hold.

Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats have compromised airways. The stress of travel and the air quality in the hold can lead to respiratory failure for these breeds.

• In the Cabin: You can still bring them if they meet the 8 kg limit.

• In the Hold: Absolutely prohibited.

• In Cargo: Occasionally allowed under very strict conditions and temperature monitors, but generally, it's a "no."

Fees: What Will It Cost?

Pet travel isn't included in your baggage allowance. It is always a flat fee per one-way journey. While prices fluctuate slightly based on the season and fuel surcharges, here are the general expectations for 2026:

Note: If you have a connection, you usually pay based on the total journey, not per segment, provided it is all on one ticket.

Age and Health Requirements

You can't fly with a brand-new puppy.

• Minimum Age: 15 weeks for most international flights.

• Domestic Exception: For flights within mainland France, the minimum age is often 8 weeks.

• Vaccinations: Rabies is the big one. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel.

• Microchips: Every pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip. If the chip isn't readable, the pet doesn't fly.

Documentation Checklist

Before you head to the airport, ensure you have these in a folder:

1. European Pet Passport: If you are traveling within the EU.

2. Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel (required for most non-EU destinations).

3. Import Permits: Check the specific rules for your destination (e.g., the CDC for the USA or the APHA for the UK).

4. Air France "Pet in Hold" Form: Available on their website, you’ll need to print and sign this to confirm your crate meets their safety standards.

Booking the Trip

You cannot simply show up with a dog. Space for animals is limited (often only 2 or 3 pets are allowed per cabin).

• The 48-Hour Rule: You must add your pet to your booking at least 48 hours before departure.

• The Phone Call: While some routes allow you to add a pet online via "My Bookings," it is almost always better to call Air France directly. They will confirm if there is actually "pet space" available on your specific aircraft before you pay for your own seat.

Pro-Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Freeze the Water: For pets in the hold, attach a water bowl to the door and fill it with ice. It won't spill during loading, and it will melt slowly so the pet has water throughout the flight.

• Skip the Sedatives: Most vets and airlines advise against sedating pets. It can interfere with their ability to regulate body temperature and breathing.

• The Scent of Home: Put a t-shirt you’ve worn in the crate. Your scent helps keep them calm in the unfamiliar environment of the plane.

• Arrive Early: Check-in for pets takes time. Plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight.

Flying with a pet is stressful, but Air France has a fairly streamlined system. As long as you respect the 8 kg limit for the cabin and the metal-bolt rule for the hold, you and your furry friend should have a smooth journey to Paris and bey