Air France Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
Planning to fly with your dog on Air France? Here are the current cabin and hold rules, booking steps, size limits, and key restrictions to know before you travel.
Air France Pet Policy Overview
Air France allows small dogs in the cabin and larger dogs in the hold on many routes, subject to advance approval, space availability, and destination rules.
Air France states that pet acceptance depends on flight availability and compliance with transport conditions. Dogs traveling to the United States must also meet current CDC import requirements. For hold travel, the kennel must meet IATA-style hard-shell requirements, and Air France may require a signed liability waiver at check-in.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Air France
- Book your own ticket first on Air France. 2. Check whether your dog will travel in the cabin or in the hold based on the combined weight of your dog and carrier or kennel: under 8 kg for cabin, over 8 kg and up to 75 kg for hold. 3. Contact Air France as soon as possible after booking to request space for your dog; Air France recommends making the request at least 48 hours before departure. 4. If your dog will travel in the hold, add the pet no later than 24 hours before departure. Air France notes that requests made under 24 hours before departure may be accepted only by airport customer service and may trigger a surcharge. 5. Prepare the correct container: a closed carrier for cabin travel, or an IATA-compliant hard plastic or fiberglass kennel for hold travel. 6. Verify destination and transit-country entry rules, including vaccination, microchip, and any import permits. For travel within the European Union, dogs must be microchipped and have a European pet passport. For travel to the United States, review current CDC dog-entry rules before departure. 7. If your dog is a snub-nosed breed, do not plan on hold transport with Air France, because brachycephalic dogs are not accepted in the hold. 8. Arrive at the airport with all documents, and for hold travel be prepared to present any required waiver and have the kennel inspected. 9. On connecting itineraries, especially through Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly, confirm whether you must collect and re-check your dog for the next flight.
Air France vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Air France | KLM | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Varies by route; surcharge applies | EUR 70-500 each way | $150 USD/CAD on many U.S./Canada routes for tickets issued on/after Apr. 8, 2025; $200 international |
| Cargo Fee | Varies by route; over 75 kg incl. kennel goes as cargo via authorized transporter | EUR 70-500 each way; exact price shown during booking | Pets not accepted as checked baggage on many routes; cargo/other restrictions apply by itinerary |
| Weight Limit | Under 8 kg in cabin; up to 75 kg in hold incl. kennel | Up to 8 kg in cabin; up to 75 kg in hold incl. kennel | No published combined weight limit on overview page; pet must fit in under-seat kennel for cabin travel |
| Carrier Size | Closed carrier required; 46 x 28 x 24 cm reference used for Air France train+air pet bag rule | 46 x 28 x 24 cm max in cabin | Must fit under seat; soft-sided kennel dimensions vary by aircraft |
| Breeds Restricted | French category 1 and 2 dogs banned; snub-nosed dogs not allowed in hold | Many snub-nosed breeds not allowed in hold | Route and breed restrictions apply; international exceptions and embargoes apply |
| Booking Method | Request with Air France after booking; recommended 48h ahead, hold no later than 24h | Reserve via My Trip at least 48h before departure | Contact Delta Reservations after booking; first-come, first-served |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Air France?
Yes, if your dog and its carrier weigh less than 8 kg combined and the dog remains inside a closed carrier that fits under the seat, subject to route rules and available space.
How late can I add my dog to an Air France booking?
Air France recommends requesting pet travel 48 hours before departure. If your dog is traveling in the hold, it must be added no later than 24 hours before departure. Requests under 24 hours may be accepted only at the airport and can cost more.
Does Air France allow large dogs?
Yes, many larger dogs can travel in the hold if the dog and kennel together weigh more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg. Dogs above that limit must travel as cargo through an authorized transporter.
Are snub-nosed dogs allowed on Air France?
Snub-nosed or flat-nosed dogs are not accepted in the hold on Air France flights. Small snub-nosed dogs may still be able to travel in the cabin if they meet the cabin size and weight rules.
What documents does my dog need for Air France?
Your dog must meet the health and entry requirements of every country on the itinerary. Within the EU, dogs must be microchipped and have a European pet passport. Dogs traveling to the United States must also meet current CDC rules.
Can I bring my dog into an Air France lounge?
Yes, but pets must remain in their carrier while in the lounge. Service dogs are exempt from that carrier rule but must stay leashed and close to their handler.
Does Air France publish a fixed pet fee?
Air France identifies pet transport as a surcharge, but the exact amount can vary by route and is typically shown during booking or confirmed by customer service. If a hold pet is accepted less than 24 hours before departure, Air France says a surcharge is added.
Will I need to re-check my dog on a connection?
Possibly. Air France notes that at some airports, especially Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, you may need to collect your pet and check it in again for the next flight.