Methods of transport in Air France for Pets
- Traveling in the passenger cabin: Your pet stays in its kennel under the seat for the entire flight.
- Checked as baggage: Your pet is placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled area of the aircraft.
Qualifications for Pets to Travel in the Passenger Cabin
With prior approval from Air France‘s telephone sales service, pets that meet the following criteria can travel in the passenger cabin:
- Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted, except Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls), Mastiffs, and Tosas.
- Dogs and cats must weigh less than 6 kg (13.2 lbs), including the transport bag or container.
- Guide dogs are allowed regardless of weight.
- Your pet must be a minimum of 8 weeks old.
- The animal must have all required travel vaccinations.
- The pet must remain in a kennel specifically designed for animal transport and meet the standards outlined below.
Qualifications for Pets to Travel as Checked Baggage on AIR France
Pets that meet the following criteria can travel as checked baggage:
- Dogs and cats weighing between 8 kg (17.6 lbs) and 75 kg (165.3 lbs).
- Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted; Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls), Mastiffs, and Tosas are excluded.
- Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old and fully vaccinated.
- The kennel must meet all specified requirements.
- Your pet must have all necessary health documents required by your destination.
Fees Associated with Pet Transport
The transport of animals is not part of your baggage allowance. A fixed fee, which varies by destination, must be paid:
- Flights within metropolitan France: €20
- Flights between France and Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France, Cayenne, or Saint-Denis de la Réunion: €75
- Flights within Europe or between Europe and North Africa or Israel: €75
- Other flights: €200
Kennel Requirements in Air France
- On-board kennel sizes: 17x12x8 in., 18x11x11 in., 20x12x12 in.
- In-hold kennel sizes: 21x16x15 in., 27x20x19 in., 32x22x23 in.
- Kennels must be leak-proof and escape-proof.
- The animals should have proper ventilation, ensuring that no part of them protrudes outside.
- The kennel must provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
- The kennels must be made of fiberglass or rigid plastic; wooden, metal bar, or welded wire mesh kennels are not allowed.
- The kennel must include absorbent material or litter.
Health Documentation Required
Many countries require specific health documents. Passengers must be informed of all regulations. You should consult your veterinarian and the local embassy to ensure your pet meets all necessary requirements.
Other Restrictions
Air France reserves the right to refuse transport of an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, inadequate kenneling, or extreme temperatures at the origin, transfer, or destination airports.
Also read Air France Business Class
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bring a dog or cat on an Air France aircraft. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo can also transport other animals, including horses, chicks, ornamental fish, pigs, cows, and hatching eggs.
If you’re traveling with a pet in the hold, arrive at the check-in counter about 3 hours before departure. For flights with one or more connections, online check-in is not available. You, your baggage, and your pet must check in at the airport counter at the start of each leg of your journey. Ensure you have all the necessary documents required by local authorities for each country on your route. You’ll also need to complete police formalities before boarding your connecting flight.
