Air France Pet Policies Explained (2026): Cabin, Hold, Fees, and Rules for Dogs & Cats

Published on January 16, 2026

Last updated: January 20, 2026

 

Please Note: WorldCare Pet does not coordinate or advise on in-cabin pet travel or reservations. Pet parents are responsible for confirming any in-cabin options directly with their airline for their pets. Our services focus on door-to-door international pet transport, including air cargo logistics and handling.

If you’re planning to fly with a dog or cat in 2026, Air France offers three main options: in-cabin, in the hold (checked baggage), or via cargo. The right option depends on your pet’s weight (including the carrier), your route, and a few important safety restrictions (especially for snub-nosed breeds).

2026 Pet Travel Rules: Air France

• Pets in cabin: Cats & dogs allowed if pet plus their soft carrier 8 kg (17.6 lb) or less and carrier fits under the seat (46 × 28 × 24 cm).
• Pets in hold: Cats & dogs must travel in the hold if over 8 kg, up to 75 kg total including their carrier.
• Booking deadlines: Air France says to add your pet at least 24 hours before departure (hold). Late additions may trigger a surcharge.
• Major restrictions: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs/cats are prohibited in the hold. Examples of Snub-nosed dogs/cats include but are not limited to:
  • Pug
  • Bulldog
  • Boxer
  • Shih Tzu dogs
  • Pekingese
  • Persian
  • Burmese
• Service dogs: Allowed in the cabin free of charge (with rules). Requests are recommended 48 hours ahead, or 96 hours for those travelling to and from the UK/UAE.

Not sure if your pet qualifies to fly in the hold (or if Air France is the best option for your route)? Request a quote and let our team help you avoid last-minute travel issues, denied check-ins, or delays.

1) Air France Pets in Cabin Rules (2026)

Air France allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin when they meet strict size and carrier rules.

Cabin weight limit

Your pet can fly in the cabin if the combined weight (pet and carrier) is 8 kg / 17.6 lb or less.

Air France cabin carrier dimensions

Air France’s pet checklist confirms the maximum bag size as: 46 cm (L) × 28 cm (W) × 24 cm (H)

The carrier must be soft-sided (Air France-operated flights)

Air France’s official in-cabin checklist states: only soft-sided transport bags are accepted on Air France-operated flights.

What your pet must be able to do in the bag

Your pet should have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Important cabin rule: your pet must stay inside the carrier

Air France requires pets to stay inside the carrier from boarding through the entire flight.

2) Air France Pets in the Hold (Checked Baggage) Rules (2026)

If your cat or dog weighs more than 8 kg (including the carrier), Air France requires your pet to travel in the hold, up to 75 kg total.

Booking deadline for pets traveling in the hold

Air France states you must add your pet no later than 24 hours before departure (and transport may be refused depending on availability or requirements).

Hold restrictions: snub-nosed pets are not accepted

Air France’s liability waiver/hold conditions document states pets with a brachycephalic (snub-nosed or flat-nosed) morphology are prohibited in the hold.

Hold restrictions: regulated dog categories may be refused

Air France’s hold documents require confirmation that the dog does not fall under specific regulated categories under French regulations (categories 1 and 2).

3) Air France Pet Crate Requirements (Hold): IATA-Style Rules

Air France’s hold conditions document lists several crate requirements aligned with IATA standards.

Allowed crate materials

The crate must be made of fiberglass or hard plastic.

Door and locking requirements

Air France specifies a central locking system that locks in two places (top and bottom of the door).

Bolts (not clips) for crate assembly

Air France requires the two halves of the container to be fastened with bolts.

Water bowl rules

Air France requires an empty, open-topped bowl attached to the door that can be filled from the outside, and notes that water bottles/dispensers are not permitted.

Other comfort and safety rules

Air France’s hold conditions also state:

• No water is provided until arrival. Please be sure that your pet is hydrated before check-in.
  
• Straw is prohibited as bedding. Instead, you can cover the bottom of the carrier with a blanket, news paper, or other absorbent material.
  
• Pets should not be injured, tranquilized, physically weakened, or show any signs of aggressive behavior.

4) Connections & Layovers: What Happens to Your Pet?

If you have a connection, Air France warns that at certain airports (especially Paris CDG and Paris Orly) you may need to:

• collect your pet
  
• then check them in again for the next flight
  

This is a big deal because it can affect:

• connection times
  
• entry/transit requirements
• paperwork you need for the layover country

5) Required Documents for Pet Travel (What Air France Expects)

Air France emphasizes that pets must have required vaccines and destination paperwork.

Air France also notes that for EU travel, dogs and cats must be:

• microchipped
  
• traveling with a European pet passport (issued by an authorized veterinarian)
  

For international travel, Air France recommends checking rules for:

• origin country
  
• destination country
• any transit country (vaccinations, quarantine, etc.)

6) Air France Pet Fees (2026): What to Expect

Air France explains that pricing varies by destination and that pet transport can include surcharges if added late.

Because exact fees can change by route, season, and sales channel, the safest move is to confirm pricing directly during booking or with Air France support.

They report one-way fees in ranges like:

• Cabin: €70–€200
  
• Hold: €100–€400
  

Note: If you have a connection, pricing is typically calculated based on your origin and final destination.

8) Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Pet on Air France

If your pet will travel in the cabin

1. Book your flight first
   
2. Confirm your pet meets 8 kg total and 46×28×24 cm carrier rules
3. Reserve the pet space early (capacity can be limited)

If your pet will travel in the hold

1. Confirm your pet is between 8 kg and under 75 kg total
   
2. Add your pet to the booking at least 24 hours before departure
   
3. Use an IATA-style crate (hard plastic/fiberglass, bolted, locked)
   
4. Arrive early for weighing and document checks

Air France Pet Policy FAQs (2026)

Can my pet fly in the cabin on Air France?

Yes, Air France allows cats and dogs in the cabin as long as the pet and soft carrier weigh no more than 8 kg total, and the carrier fits under the seat (max 46 × 28 × 24 cm). Please note that pets are not accepted in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights, so your cat or dog will need to travel in the hold.

What size pet carrier is allowed on Air France?

For in-cabin cats and dogs, Air France’s checklist lists the maximum carrier size as 46 cm × 28 cm × 24 cm.

Does Air France allow pets in the hold?

Yes. If your cat or dog weighs more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg total (including kennel), they must travel in the hold.

Are snub-nosed dogs or cats allowed in the hold on Air France?

No. Air France documents state that brachycephalic (snub-nosed/flat-nosed) pets are prohibited in the hold.

When do I need to add my pet to my Air France booking?

Air France states you must add a pet traveling in the hold no later than 24 hours before departure, and late additions may come with a surcharge.

Do service dogs fly free on Air France?

Yes. Air France states trained guide/service dogs can travel in the cabin at no charge, as long as you comply with current international regulations and behavior rules.

How early should I request service dog approval for Air France?

Air France recommends submitting requests at least 48 hours before departure, and notes special timing for some destinations (like UK/UAE requirements).

Final Notes

• Measure the carrier before booking
• Weigh pet and carrier together (8 kg total limit for cabin)
• Avoid the hold if your pet is snub-nosed (not accepted)
• Plan extra time for connections, especially through Paris CDG/Orly
• Double-check destination rules (vaccines, microchip, passports, quarantine)

Flying with pets can feel overwhelming, especially when airline rules, crate requirements, and destination regulations all have strict timelines. If you want extra peace of mind, working with a professional pet transport company can help you choose the most pet-friendly flight options and avoid common travel delays. Request a quote today, and our expert Pet Relocation Counselors will guide you through every step of your pet’s move.