Air France Pet Policy – ‎Travelling With Pet In Cabin & Cargo

Air France understands that pets are an important part of our lives. That’s why they offer a pet policy that ensures your pet(s) can travel safely and comfortably with you. Be it a short domestic or a long-haul international trip, they got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about the Air France pet policy. 

• Canada will now no longer permit the entry of dogs from nations with a higher danger of rabies. They will not be meant for sale, adoption, fostering, breeding, entertainment, study, or any other type of use.
• Animals may only be transported by freight on flights to Dubai.
• Pets are not permitted to travel in the hold on flights from Moscow to Paris.

Those dogs will not be allowed to enter in the US: 

• Who haven’t received a permit from the United States authorities. 
• Also, has spent the previous six months in one or more nations with a high chance of getting rabies. 
• Failing to follow these US health regulations will add expenses for the rerouting, transfer, and care of dogs etc.
• The individual taking the animal on the trip will be financially accountable for the whole price.

General Rules For Air France Pet Transport

To become eligible for Air France travel with pets you need to follow a few general rules and ensure a safe, secure and hassle free journey with your pet. The general rules are mentioned in the section below:

• To get allowed on board, your animal must have received all necessary vaccinations.
• Every dog and cat that travels within the European Union must have an electronic chip to identify them. It must have a passport from an EU member state. The pet passport identifies your pet and attests to its proper vaccination.
• We advise travelers to inquire regarding specific laws with the embassy of the countries you intend to visit. For e.g.., there are extra hygienic requirements for travel to Sweden, Malta, Ireland, or the United Kingdom.
• Be sure to take into account the laws in effect in both the nations. It should be the country you’re staying & the destination while planning a trip outside of the European Union.
• There is a possibility that your animal will get rejected to get transported. The reason behind it is that it did not comply with the rules created by the country of destination.
• You will get disclaims on all liability for any expenses involved (booking modification fees, hotel stay, etc.) by airline.

Dogs Allowed Under Air France Pet Policy

There are the types of dogs that are only allowed to travel with you on a flight. The details of the dogs are mentioned below:

Restrictions For Your Alert Or Guide Dog

Your service dog may be transported at no additional cost (no fees). If you intend to travel with a guide dog or alert dog, kindly let the airline know. Let them know at least 48 hours before your departure.

The following requirements must be met in order for your assistance dog to be accepted and be eligible as Air France pets on board:

• It must meet all hygienic and health regulations in the country of departure, destination, and any connections.
• Its dog tag or collar must make it clear that it serves as a guiding dog.
• Must always be restrained with a leash.
• Cannot hinder the aircraft’s aisles.
• Has to behave properly at all times.
• Prohibited from sitting down and from standing up close to the emergency exits.
• They may need proof that you can take care of your dog’s hygiene needs for travels. Also in flights of more than eight hours (primarily, the natural need to relieve itself).

Rules for Psychological Service Dogs Entering & Leaving US

You must submit a request for a psychiatric service animal at least 48 hours* before departure. This will allow you to bring it in the cabin. A request for the transportation of “service animals” must be made through email and include the following paperwork:

• Download the application form, which must be filled out and signed.
• A replica of the pet’s passport page that includes the breed, height, and weight details.

The following prerequisites must be met in order for your dog to be accepted and transported on board:

• It must meet all hygienic and sanitation regulations in the country of takeoff, destination, and any connections.
• The tag or collar of the dog must make it clear that it serves as a guiding dog.
• Always be restrained with a leash.
• Cannot hinder the aircraft’s aisles
• Behave properly at all times.
• Prohibited from sitting down and from standing up close to the escape exits.
• The officials will need proof that you can take care of your dog’s hygiene needs for journeys more than eight hours.

What Are The Animals Not Allowed in Air France?

They have specific rules and regulations regarding which animals are allowed to travel on their flights. While the airline does allow pets to travel, there are certain animals that are not permitted to travel for various reasons.

Here are some examples of animals that are not permitted to travel on flights:

• Dogs classified as Category 1 by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry are not allowed to be transported. Not to be transported as cabin luggage, cargo, or in the cabin. While not belonging to a specific breed, these “attack dogs” morphologically resemble the breeds. The breeds are called the Staffordshire Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier (pit bulls), Mastiffs, and Tosas.
• Dogs classified as Category 2 are allowed to be transported on cargo flights. These include dog breeds that are highly comparable to some renowned breeds. The name of the breeds are Rottweiler breeds, such as pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers, pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers. More are included such as pedigree Tosas, and pedigree Staffordshire Terriers.
• To transport the category 2 dogs, you have to get in touch with the customer support department for freight. 
• You can check the AIR FRANCE KLM Cargo website’s “Contact” page. Once you are on the website, click on the map to find the information of the nearest canter to you.
• The dogs included in Category 2 are allowed to fly with their owners on request and based on space permitting. Please be aware that a certified cage is required.

Transportation Of Air France Pets On Board

The airline allows pets to be transported in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo. It depends on the size and species of the animal, and the regulations of the destination country. However, it’s important to note that there are some restrictions and limitations for transporting animals on flights.

Transporting Air France Pet In Cabin

Under the Air France in cabin pet policy, only small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in cabin with their owners, as long as they meet certain requirements. Here are the general guidelines for transporting pets in the cabin:

• Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. Other types of pets must be transported in the cargo hold.
• The Air France pet in cabin must be small enough to fit in a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
• The maximum weight of the pet and carrier combined is 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
• Only one pet per passenger is allowed.
• The pet must have all necessary documentation, including a health certificate and any required vaccination records.
• The carrier must meet specifications for Air France pet carrier size, ventilation, and security under . The carrier must also be leak-proof and have a waterproof bottom.
• Your pet must travel in the carrier while on a flight. The pet carrier is safely tucked under your seat (passenger’s seat).

Transporting Pet In Air France Cargo

There are specific guidelines for transporting pets in the hold of their planes. Here are the conditions:

• Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and have all necessary vaccinations and health certificates.
• The Air France pet shipping must be done in an IATA-compliant container. It should be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• The container must be properly ventilated and secure, and must have food and water available for the pet.
• The weight and size of the container may be subject to restrictions depending on the aircraft and destination.
• There may be additional fees for Air France pet travel in the cargo hold.
• Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that all necessary customs and immigration requirements are met for the destination country.
• It’s important to check with the airline well in advance of travel to confirm all requirements and regulations for transporting your pet.
• A maximum of 3 pets can be transported in the same container if they are from the same household and of similar size.
• The pet must not be sedated or tranquillised during the flight.
• The pet must not show any signs of illness or aggression.
• They (airline) may refuse to transport a pet if the temperature at the departure, arrival or transfer airport is too high or too low.

Air France Emotional Support Pet Policy

Emotional support animals are no longer accepted on flights. This policy change is in response to the United States Department of Transportation’s rule. Only service animals like trained dogs are allowed on board with the necessary documentation and compliance with regulations.

• Trained service dogs are only accepted as service animals. 
• Passengers with disabilities who wish to travel with a service dog must provide specific documentation. 
• Travellers with a service dog must provide a complete and signed Service Animal Air Transportation Form (SAAT). It can be found on the website. 
• The SAAT form must be submitted to the medical desk at least 48 hours before the flight’s departure time.

Air France Pet Carrier Dimensions

To travel with your pet, it’s important to know the dimensions of the carrier. To become eligible for a Air France approved pet carrier passenger, you have to follow the dimension rules:

For pets travelling in the cabin, the pet carrier must comply with the following requirements under Pet Policy of Air France:

• The pet carrier must not exceed the dimensions of 46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm (18 in x 11 in x 9 in) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
• The pet and carrier together must not weigh more than 8 kg (17 lbs).
• The pet carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, with a secure locking system.

For pets travelling in the hold, the pet carrier must comply with the following requirements:

• The pet carrier must be made of sturdy materials and be able to withstand rough handling during transportation.
• The pet carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably.
• The pet carrier must have ventilation on at least three sides and a secure locking system.
• The pet carrier must not exceed the dimensions of 118 cm x 81 cm x 58 cm (46 in x 32 in x 23 in) and must not weigh more than 75 kg (165 lbs), including the pet.

Get Your Animal A Travel Container

On their shopping website, you may purchase a travel bag for carrying your pet in the cabin or hold. With every transaction, Flying Blue customers receive Miles. Besides that, you can pay using miles!

The following nations are eligible for delivery of purchased goods: 

• Algeria
• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• The German-speaking portion of- Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Air France Pet Fee

The fees for travelling with pets vary depending on the type of pet, the weight of the animal, and the destination. The Air France pet fee for transporting an animal is not included in the ticket price. At the airport, there is an extra cost. 

• The cost varies based on where you’re going. 
• The charges are estimated for a carrier and based on a departure flight. 
• The cost is determined by the country of departure and final destination if your trip involves one or more connecting flights.
• Fees are displayed in USD for flights leaving from the United States and all other nations. In Euros (€) for flights leaving from Europe, and in Canadian dollars (CAD) for flights leaving from Canada.

Here is the tabular representation of the fees for transportation of pets in cabin and cargo/hold mentioned below:

How to Request Air France Travel With Pets?

Are you planning to travel with your pet on an Air France flight? Then you need to request the airline to do so. There are certain mediums that you can follow to request the service. Let’s  guide you on how to request a travel with pets:

Request Air France Flying With Pets Online

You can request to travel with a pet on flight through their online booking system. Here’s how:

• Go to the website and select the “Book a Flight” option.
• After that, feed details of your travel along with arrival & departure dates, number and cities.
• On the passenger information page, select the option for travelling with a pet.
• Provide information about your pet, including its breed, weight, and size, as well as the type of carrier you will be using.
• Continue with the booking process and complete your payment.
• After you have completed your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with details about your pet’s travel arrangements.

Tips To Remember Before Air France Pet Travel

Travelling with a pet on a flight can be a bit overwhelming. With some careful planning and preparation, you can make the journey comfortable for you and your pet. Here are some general tips to help you travel with your pet on a flight:

1. It’s essential to check their policy beforehand. This will help you determine Air France pet carrier requirements you need, the size restrictions, and any additional Air France pet fee.
2. It’s crucial to book your flight early to ensure that there’s enough space for your pet.
3. Choose a comfortable carrier for your pet that meets the airline’s size requirements. 
4. If your pet is not used to travelling, acclimate them to their carrier a few weeks before the flight. This will help reduce stress and anxiety during the flight.
5. Take essential items for your pet, such as food, water, toys, and a leash. You may also want to pack some treats and familiar items to help your pet feel more comfortable.
6. Let the airline staff know that you’re travelling with a pet, and of any special assistance.
7. Travelling with a pet can be stressful. Try to stay calm and relaxed, as your pet may pick up on your emotions.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a pet-friendly policy that allows pets to travel in the cabin or cargo hold on many of its flights. However, it is important to follow the airline’s guidelines and prepare your pet for the journey to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. In case your pet is not allowed on a flight, you can change your booking or upgrade your AF flight to a higher class. By planning ahead and following the necessary steps, you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Air France Pet Travel – FAQs