Air France Pet Travel Policy

AF • France • SkyTeam

Complete guide to flying with your pet on Air France. Cabin and cargo rules, crate requirements, breed restrictions, and required documents. Last verified: 2026.

⚠️ Snub-Nosed Breed Restrictions

Air France restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cargo transport. Affected breeds include: Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu and others.

Snub-nosed breeds banned from cargo hold due to respiratory risks. Some may travel in cabin if under weight limit.

✓ Yes
Cabin Pets
✓ Yes
Cargo Pets
8-12%
Est. Rejection Rate
8kg
Cabin Weight Limit

Cabin Travel

Max Weight
8kg (including carrier)
Carrier Dimensions
46 x 28 x 24 cm
Fee
125-200 EUR

Note: Soft or rigid carrier that fits under seat. Pet must remain inside during entire flight.

Cargo / Hold Travel

Max Weight
75kg (including crate)
Minimum Age
10 weeks
Fee
75-400 EUR depending on route

Crate Requirements (IATA Compliant)

material: Rigid plastic, fiberglass, metal, or wood. NO soft-sided carriers for cargo.
ventilation: Ventilation openings on at least 3 sides. Mesh or bars, not solid panels.
door: Metal grid door with secure latch. Must open outward.
bolts: Metal bolts securing top and bottom shell on all 4 corners. Zip ties as backup recommended.
floor: Solid, leak-proof floor with absorbent material (puppy pads, newspaper).
size: Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
labeling: 'Live Animal' stickers on top and sides. 'This Way Up' arrows.

⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons

  • • Crate too small - pet cannot stand upright
  • • Missing corner bolts
  • • Soft-sided carrier used for cargo
  • • Expired health certificate
  • • Brachycephalic breed in cargo

Verify your crate compliance against Air France's requirements before you travel. Our AI check is based on official IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Breed Restrictions

Banned / Restricted Breeds

American Pit Bull TerrierAmerican Staffordshire TerrierStaffordshire Bull TerrierTosaBoerboelMastiff types

French law prohibits transport of Category 1 dangerous dogs

Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds

Snub-nosed breeds banned from cargo hold due to respiratory risks. Some may travel in cabin if under weight limit.

BulldogPugBoston TerrierBoxerShih TzuPekingeseCavalier King Charles

Don't Risk Rejection

Get your crate checked by AI before you get to the airport. Know in minutes if you'll pass Air France's inspection.

Documents Required

  • EU Pet Passport (for EU travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (minimum 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate from veterinarian (within 10 days of travel)
  • Microchip implantation proof
  • Import permit for certain destinations

Official Policy

Always verify with Air France directly before travel.

Air France Pet Policy

Last verified: 2026

Flying with Your Pet on Air France

Air France (AF) is a French carrier and member of the SkyTeam alliance.The airline allows small pets to travel in the cabin under your seat, as well as offering cargo transport for larger animals.

Understanding Air France's Pet Policy

Air France's pet travel policy follows IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animals Regulations, with some airline-specific additions. All crates must be IATA-compliant with rigid construction, adequate ventilation, secure metal door, and proper labeling. Pets must have current health certificates and rabies vaccinations.

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

Like most major airlines, Air France restricts snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds from cargo transport. These breeds have compromised respiratory systems that make them vulnerable to heat stroke and breathing difficulties in the cargo hold environment. Affected breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar flat-faced dogs and cats. If you have a brachycephalic breed, you may only transport them in the cabin (if they meet weight requirements) or consider alternative transport methods.

How to Avoid Rejection at Check-In

The most common reasons for pet crate rejection at Air France check-in include: incorrect crate sizing, plastic clips instead of metal bolts, insufficient ventilation, missing or expired health certificates, and attempting to fly restricted breeds in cargo. Using our AI pre-check service can identify these issues before you arrive at the airport, giving you time to make corrections.

Don't Risk Airport Rejection

Our AI analysis is based on official IATA Live Animal Regulations and airline-published requirements. Get your compliance check in minutes.

Fly-Confident Guarantee — or your money back

If our report misses an official IATA or airline-published requirement and your pet is refused because of it, you get a full refund.