Here's what I wish someone had told me before flying Air France with a dog: the cabin is genuinely open to you, and that changes everything about how you plan. Cooper has done this trip three times now, so I know the relief of hearing a airline actually says yes to small pets up front. We've all been there, staring at policies. Air France makes this one easier than most.
Air France's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Air France handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs and cats are welcome on Air France flights, as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier is under 17 lbs (8 kg). verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoTravel in the cabin for snub-nosed animals In stressful situations, snub-nosed animals, such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, or Persian cats, may experience breathing difficulties. Therefore, before… verified 2026-07-07 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Shih Tzu Air France does not allow snub-nosed animals (such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs and Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian and Burmese cats) to travel in the hold for medical reasons. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 15 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 15 weeks of age and fully vaccinated to travel as checked baggage d under the seat. verified 2026-07-27 Advance booking notice 48 hours …possible service at the airport and ensure you can travel with your dog, please make your booking request 48 hours before your departure (96 hours for service dogs traveling from or to the United Kingdom and the… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 3 g), Air France offers transportation in the hold. A maximum of three animals per passenger is permitted on each flight. The fee for this ser verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 1 Only one animal is permitted per carrier. Each passenger may travel with only one animal. verified 2026-05-27 Banned destinations ✗ Yesur dog will not be accepted. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-01 Carrier size 46 × 28 × 24 cm …For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 11" x 9" (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg …help make sure your pets are comfortable and safe on board: In the cabin (cats and dogs weighing less than 8 kg / 17.64 lb., including the carrier) In the hold (cats and dogs weighing less than 75 kg / 165 verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 11" x 9" (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs weighing between 8 kg /17.64 lb. and 75 kg / 165.35 lb. must travel in the hold. verified 2026-05-27 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDogs and cats with a brachycephalic morphology (snub-nosed) unsuitable for travel in the hold are also prohibited on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Shih Tzu Air France does not allow snub-nosed animals (such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs and Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian and Burmese cats) to travel in the hold for medical reasons. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 400 EUR …Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Saint-Denis de la Réunion is 200 EUR; and all other flights is 400 EUR verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel Air France is the flag carrier airline of France. verified 2026-07-27 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours You must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max pets per passenger 3 Each passenger may only travel with a maximum of 3 animals in the hold. verified 2026-05-27 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg If your cat or dog weighs more than 8 kg/17.64 lb. and up to 75 kg/165.35 lb. with its carrier, it must travel in the hold. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Carriers must be made of hard plastic or fiberglass, have no wheels, be able to lock in two places, and have separate food and water dishes. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing between 17-165 lbs (8-75 kg) can be transported as checked baggage on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesAir France does not allow snub-nosed animals (such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs and Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian and Burmese cats) to travel in the hold for medical reasons. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Shih Tzu Air France does not allow snub-nosed animals (such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs and Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian and Burmese cats) to travel in the hold for medical reasons. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel ugs, boxers, bulldogs… verified 2026-07-04 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours You must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 3 Each passenger can transport 3 animals per flight. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg Pets in Cargo Animals and carriers that have a combined weight more than 165 lbs (75 kg) must be transported by freight. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier The container should be made of fiberglass or hard plastic only. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-14 Microchip · Required ✓ YesAll pets flying within the European Union must have an EU Pet Passport with proof of microchip and rabies vaccination available. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesIf your dog is likely to be mistaken by simple resemblance to a dog of category 1 or 2, you must present a veterinary certificate certifying that your dog does not belong to either of these two categories. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesAll pets flying within the European Union must have an EU Pet Passport with proof of microchip and rabies vaccination available. verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 15 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 15 weeks of age and fully vaccinated to travel as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-14 Vaccination required · Vaccination required ✓ YesYour animal must have all required vaccines in order to be permitted on board. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesIf your dog is likely to be mistaken by simple resemblance to a dog of category 1 or 2, you must present a veterinary certificate certifying that your dog does not belong to either of these two categories. verified 2026-06-19 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days ited Arab Emirates as air cargo. Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cat verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel with Air France. verified 2026-07-20 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesCategory 1 dogs as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, namely so-called attack dogs, belonging to no specific breed but similar in morphology to the following breeds of dogs:… verified 2026-05-27 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesCategory 1 dogs as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, namely so-called attack dogs, belonging to no specific breed but similar in morphology to the following breeds of dogs:… verified 2026-05-27 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesAir France will recognize dogs trained by a recognized organization affiliated with the “International Guide Dog Federation” (IGDF) are accepted. verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesAll service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesAll service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ YesAll service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 96 hours …and ensure you can travel with your dog, please make your booking request 48 hours before your departure (96 hours for service dogs traveling from or to the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates) verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ YesYour pet must also have a European passport. verified 2026-07-14 Recognized organizations ADI Service dogs traveling to the United Kingdom must be trained by an organization that meets all of the criteria identified by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs and cats are welcome on Air France flights, as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier is under 17 lbs (8 kg). verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoTravel in the cabin for snub-nosed animals In stressful situations, snub-nosed animals, such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, or Persian cats, may experience breathing difficulties. Therefore, before… verified 2026-07-08 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Burmese There are certain limitations to be mindful of, especially if you have snub-nosed breeds such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Persian or Burmese cats. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel ar to Rottweilers, with or without pedigree. verified 2026-06-27 Advance booking notice 48 hours You must add your pet to your booking no later than 48 hours before your departure. verified 2026-07-28 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 3 g), Air France offers transportation in the hold. A maximum of three animals per passenger is permitted on each flight. The fee for this ser verified 2026-07-20 Booking method counter …to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. They must fly as air cargo (step 3). Check in You will check in at the passenger counter in the terminal as animals are not checked in at curbside. verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-01 Carrier size 46 × 28 × 24 cm …For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 11" x 9" (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg …help make sure your pets are comfortable and safe on board: In the cabin (cats and dogs weighing less than 8 kg / 17.64 lb., including the carrier) In the hold (cats and dogs weighing less than 75 kg / 165 verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …For pets traveling in the cabin, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 11" x 9" (46 cm x 28 cm x 24 verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs weighing between 8 kg /17.64 lb. and 75 kg / 165.35 lb. must travel in the hold. verified 2026-05-27 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDogs and cats with a brachycephalic morphology (snub-nosed) unsuitable for travel in the hold are also prohibited on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Burmese Air France does not allow snub-nosed animals (such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs and Shih Tzu dogs, or Persian and Burmese cats) to travel in the hold for medical reasons. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 400 EUR …Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Saint-Denis de la Réunion is 200 EUR; and all other flights is 400 EUR verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel ugs, boxers, bulldogs… verified 2026-07-03 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours You must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max pets per passenger 3 Each passenger can transport 3 animals per flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg (75 kg) are permitted to travel as checked baggage on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Carriers must be made of hard plastic or fiberglass, have no wheels, be able to lock in two places, and have separate food and water dishes. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing between 17-165 lbs (8-75 kg) can be transported as checked baggage on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDogs and cats with a brachycephalic morphology (snub-nosed) unsuitable for travel in the hold are also prohibited on Air France flights. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Boxer Pekingese Shih Tzu Snub-nosed cats include Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan and Persian. Breeds listed above can fly as air cargo. These breeds can only be transported as air cargo: pedigree Staffordshire Terriers, pedigree American… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 15 weeks of age and fully vaccinated to travel as checked baggage verified 2026-07-04 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours You must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou must add your pet to your booking no later than 24 hours before your departure verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 3 Each passenger can transport 3 animals per flight. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets should not be sedated to fly on Air France verified 2026-07-04 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Carriers must be made of hard plastic or fiberglass, have no wheels, be able to lock in two places, and have separate food and water dishes. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-14 Microchip · Required ✓ YesAny dog or cat traveling within the European Union must be identified with an electronic microchip. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms r verified 2026-07-14 Vaccination required · Vaccination required ✓ YesYour animal must have all required vaccines in order to be permitted on board. verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Minimum age 15 weeks Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and have all required vaccines certified with a European passport to travel with Air France. verified 2026-07-20 Air France requires your pet to be added to the booking no later than 48 hours before departure. Reserve the cabin spot the moment travel dates are fixed. Confirm the pet is attached to the reservation, not just requested. Call Air France directly if the online booking will not accept the addition. Missing the 48-hour window means the cabin slot cannot be guaranteed at the airport.
Air France does not require any special clearance for snub-nosed breeds traveling in the cabin. Pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus can book cabin travel under the standard process. Note that stressful situations raise breathing risks for these breeds. Choose direct routes to shorten cabin time. Keep the carrier ventilated and monitor the dog closely throughout the flight.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Air France? Air France allows 1 in the cabin, up to 3 in the hold, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Air France? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Heavier pets (up to 75 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Air France? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are allowed in the cabin. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Air France? On flights within Metropolitan France, Air France charges from 70 EUR in the cabin, and 400 EUR in the hold, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on Air France? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
Air France charges 70 EUR one way for a dog in the cabin. Budget this fee per direction, so a round trip totals 140 EUR. Pay the fee when adding the pet to the booking. Confirm the amount matches the route before departure. Set aside the 70 EUR separately from the passenger ticket price to avoid a surprise at check-in.
Cooper's first Air France flight felt overwhelming until I broke it into a simple checklist, and yours can too. Every dog, route, and connection is a little different, so the smartest move is building a plan around your exact trip instead of a generic guide. Try Pawgo's plan-builder to get a personalized plan for your dog and your dates. You've got this, and a good plan makes all the difference.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
