🔄 Updated : June 29, 2026

France’s flag carrier and a pillar of the SkyTeam alliance, Air France serves destinations worldwide from its Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly hubs — which makes it a natural pick for dog owners flying to, from or through Europe. Its rules are clear and fairly pet-friendly, but the hold fee on long-haul flights can come as a surprise. Here is everything you need to prepare your companion’s flight.

In the cabin: up to 8 kg (18 lb)

Air France accepts dogs in the cabin if their weight, carrier included, does not exceed 8 kg (18 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you; its maximum dimensions are around 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9.5 in). One pet per passenger, and the dog must stay in its carrier for the entire flight.

The cabin fee ranges from €70 (~$80) on domestic French and European flights to about €200–250 (~$230–290) on long-haul routes. It’s the safest and calmest option: your dog stays with you, away from the stress of the hold.

In the hold: up to 75 kg (165 lb) — but not for everyone

Above 8 kg (18 lb), your dog travels in the hold, in a pressurized, heated compartment, inside an IATA-compliant travel crate. The maximum allowed weight is 75 kg (165 lb), dog and crate combined — beyond that, transport switches to the cargo service.

Two important restrictions apply:

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Warning. Brachycephalic breeds are banned from the hold (French and English bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels…) because of the respiratory risk. If your flat-faced dog weighs more than 8 kg (18 lb), Air France will not be able to transport it in the hold.
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Double-check. During periods of extreme heat, seasonal restrictions may apply on certain flights.

How much does a dog in the hold cost on Air France?

This is the question that comes up most often. Air France applies a fee schedule by geographic zone:

Destination Hold (dog + crate)
Domestic France flights about €100 (~$115)
Europe, North Africa about €200 (~$230)
Rest of the world €400–500 (~$460–575)
United States, Canada about €600–750 (~$690–860)
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Double-check. A surcharge of about 25% applies if the pet is added less than 24 hours before an international flight: book early. These amounts are indicative — confirm with Air France when you book.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

How to book

Pet spots in the cabin and the hold are limited. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Air France customer service to add your dog — the process can’t be completed entirely online.
  2. Prepare the health documents: microchip identification, valid rabies vaccination, an EU pet passport (or the health certificate required from your country of departure), and a rabies titer test for certain destinations. Our guide to international travel with a dog walks through these steps.
  3. Choose a compliant container: a soft carrier for the cabin, a rigid IATA crate for the hold.
  4. Arrive at check-in early on the day of travel.

To prepare your dog for the trip itself, see our advice on dog travel anxiety.

If Air France can’t carry your dog

Is your dog brachycephalic and too heavy for the cabin? Several alternatives exist depending on your destination: Lufthansa, SWISS and KLM apply similar rules (and the same brachycephalic bans in the hold), while the train or the car often remain the better choice within Europe. Compare all your options in our airline pet policy comparison, or see our KLM fact sheet — Air France’s partner within the same group.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare with other airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Air France? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: European Union, Germany, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Tunisia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weight for a dog in the cabin on Air France?
8 kg (18 lb), carrier included. Above that, the dog must travel in the hold (up to 75 kg / 165 lb, dog + crate).
How much does a dog in the hold cost on an Air France Paris–US flight?
Around €600–750 (~$690–860) depending on the current fee schedule, with a possible 25% surcharge if the pet is added less than 24 hours before departure.
Does Air France accept bulldogs?
In the cabin, yes — if they weigh less than 8 kg (18 lb) with their carrier. In the hold, no: brachycephalic breeds are banned for health reasons.
Can you book your dog's spot online?
Not entirely. After buying your ticket, you need to contact Air France customer service to add the pet, because spots are limited.

Sources

Air France — Traveling with your pet (dog, cat), conditions accessed June 2026. Fees and rules change regularly: confirm with Air France before booking.