The Air France Pet Policy allows passengers to travel with eligible cats and dogs in the cabin, the aircraft hold, or through cargo services, depending on the pet’s size, weight, breed, and destination. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, understanding Air France’s pet travel rules can help ensure a smooth journey for both you and your companion. The airline has specific requirements for pet carriers, health documentation, booking deadlines, fees, and breed restrictions. Planning ahead, confirming your reservation early, and meeting all travel requirements can help avoid delays or denied boarding for your pet.

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What Is the Air France Pet Policy?

The Air France Pet Policy outlines the conditions under which pets can travel on Air France-operated flights.

Depending on your pet’s size and travel requirements, your pet may travel:

• In the passenger cabin
• In the aircraft hold
• As cargo through Air France Cargo services

Only eligible animals that meet the airline’s safety, health, and documentation requirements are accepted for transport.

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Which Pets Are Allowed on Air France?

Air France primarily accepts:

• Cats
• Dogs

Certified service dogs are also accepted under separate regulations.

Other animals may only be transported through specialized cargo services if permitted by the destination country’s regulations.

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How Does the Air France Pet Policy Work?

Your pet’s travel method depends on several factors, including:

• Combined weight of the pet and carrier
• Breed
• Aircraft type
• Destination regulations
• Cabin availability

Air France determines whether your pet travels in the cabin, the hold, or via cargo based on these conditions.

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Air France Pets in the Cabin

Small cats and dogs may travel in the cabin when:

• The combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
• The pet remains inside an approved soft-sided carrier throughout the flight.
• The carrier fits beneath the seat in front of you.

Only one pet is generally permitted per passenger in the cabin.

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Cabin Carrier Requirements

The carrier should:

• Be soft-sided and well ventilated.
• Allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.
• Fit completely under the seat.

The maximum recommended carrier dimensions are approximately:

• 46 × 28 × 24 cm

Your pet must remain inside the carrier during boarding, the flight, and deplaning.

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Air France Pets in the Hold

Larger cats and dogs must travel in the aircraft hold when:

• The combined weight of the pet and carrier exceeds 8 kg.
• The total weight does not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs).

The cargo hold used for pets is temperature-controlled and pressurized for their safety and comfort.

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Hold Travel Requirements

Pets traveling in the hold must use:

• An IATA-compliant rigid kennel
• Secure locking mechanisms
• Adequate ventilation
• Enough space to stand, turn, and lie naturally

The airline may refuse transportation if the kennel does not meet its safety standards.

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When Must Pets Travel as Cargo?

Some pets must travel through Air France Cargo instead of the passenger cabin or hold.

Cargo transportation may apply when:

• The pet and kennel exceed 75 kg.
• The destination country requires cargo transport.
• The animal type is not accepted as accompanied baggage.
• The pet cannot be transported safely in the cabin or hold.

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How to Add a Pet to an Air France Booking

Passengers should reserve pet transportation as early as possible.

Generally, you should:

1. Book your flight.
2. Contact Air France to add your pet.
3. Provide information about your pet.
4. Confirm travel approval.
5. Pay the applicable pet transportation fee.

Pets traveling in the hold should be added no later than 24 hours before departure, although earlier notification is recommended.

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Pet Booking Deadline

Air France recommends requesting pet transportation:

• At least 48 hours before departure for most pets.
• Earlier whenever possible because space for animals is limited.

Requests made close to departure may be refused or subject to additional charges, particularly for pets traveling in the hold.

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Air France Pet Fees

Pet transportation is not included in the passenger ticket price.

The fee depends on several factors:

• Route
• Destination
• Cabin or hold transport
• Aircraft type

Because fees vary, travelers should review the applicable charges during booking or before departure.

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Health Requirements for Pets

Before travel, pets must satisfy all health requirements applicable to the destination.

These may include:

• Required vaccinations
• Valid health certificates
• Rabies vaccination (where required)
• Electronic microchip for many international destinations

Travelers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all entry requirements.

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Pet Travel Documents

Depending on your destination, you may need:

• Veterinary health certificate
• Vaccination records
• Microchip information
• Pet passport (for eligible travel within Europe)
• Import permits
• Additional government documentation

Requirements vary by country, so check the regulations before departure.

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Breed Restrictions

Air France places restrictions on certain breeds for safety reasons.

Restrictions may apply to:

• Some brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds
• Certain restricted dog breeds
• Animals prohibited under local laws

Some breeds may not be accepted in the aircraft hold, while others may not be accepted for transport at all. Always verify your pet’s eligibility before booking.

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Service Dogs

Certified service dogs generally travel:

• Free of charge
• In the cabin with their handler

Additional documentation or advance notice may be required depending on the destination, especially for travel involving the United Kingdom or the United Arab Emirates.

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Age Requirements for Pets

For most international travel:

• Dogs and cats should generally be at least 15 weeks old.

Some domestic French routes have different minimum age requirements.

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Can You Bring More Than One Pet?

Air France generally allows:

• One pet in the cabin per passenger.
• Up to three pets in the hold per passenger, subject to aircraft capacity and operational restrictions.

Availability may vary depending on the aircraft.

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Traveling with Pets in Business Class

Certain long-haul Business Class cabins do not permit pets traveling in the passenger cabin.

If you’re flying in an affected cabin, your eligible pet may need to travel in the aircraft hold instead.

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Can Pets Visit Air France Lounges?

Yes.

Pets are generally welcome in Air France lounges, provided they:

• Remain inside their carrier.
• Do not roam freely.

Service dogs are permitted outside carriers but should remain under the handler’s control.

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Can You Change or Cancel a Pet Reservation?

If your travel plans change, you should contact Air France as soon as possible.

Changes may include:

• Flight changes
• Pet removal
• Pet addition
• Updated travel information

Any modifications remain subject to availability and applicable fees.

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Reasons Air France May Refuse Pet Transportation

The airline may decline transportation if:

• The carrier does not meet safety requirements.
• Required documents are missing.
• Health requirements are not satisfied.
• The pet exceeds weight limits.
• Aircraft capacity has been reached.
• Destination regulations prohibit entry.

Meeting all requirements before departure reduces the risk of travel disruptions.

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Tips for Flying with Your Pet on Air France

Follow these recommendations for a smoother trip:

Book Early

Reserve your pet’s space as soon as your flight is confirmed.

Choose the Correct Carrier

Make sure the kennel or carrier complies with Air France’s size and safety standards.

Visit Your Veterinarian

Complete vaccinations and obtain any required health certificates before travel.

Confirm Destination Rules

Review import regulations, quarantine requirements, and documentation for your destination country.

Arrive at the Airport Early

Traveling with a pet may require additional check-in time and document verification.

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Important Things to Know Before Traveling

Before flying with your pet, remember:

• Only eligible cats and dogs are accepted as accompanied pets.
• Cabin travel is generally limited to pets weighing 8 kg (17.6 lbs) or less, including the carrier.
• Pets weighing more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg generally travel in the aircraft hold.
• Larger animals or pets subject to destination restrictions may need to travel as cargo.
• Pet transportation requires advance approval and additional fees.
• Health certificates, vaccinations, and import documentation are the traveler’s responsibility.

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Final Thoughts

The Air France Pet Policy provides flexible travel options for passengers flying with their cats or dogs, whether in the cabin, the aircraft hold, or through cargo services. By understanding the airline’s weight limits, carrier requirements, booking deadlines, health documentation, and destination regulations, pet owners can prepare for a safe and comfortable journey. Booking early, using an approved carrier, and ensuring your pet meets all travel requirements will help make your Air France trip as smooth as possible for both you and your furry companion.