🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Air Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia) carries dogs in the cabin only: convenient for small dogs, but not an option if yours is too heavy. Here are the exact conditions, the fees and the steps to follow.

In the cabin

Air Tahiti Nui accepts a dog in the cabin if its 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. Expect to pay around €117–201 (~$135–230).

Airline conditions: 8 kg (18 lb) or less; long-haul flights.

In the hold: via the cargo service only

Air Tahiti Nui does not carry dogs as accompanied baggage: hold transport goes through the cargo/freight service, priced by quote and with dedicated logistics.

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds

Like most airlines, Air Tahiti Nui restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, opt for the cabin whenever its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Air Tahiti Nui to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip, rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (cargo). Size it with our IATA crate calculator.

🧰 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 →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our dog flight checker and browse the comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ 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 all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Air Tahiti Nui? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Japan, New Zealand, European Union, United States, Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Does Air Tahiti Nui accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 8 kg (18 lb) including the carrier.
How does a large dog travel on Air Tahiti Nui?
Only through the airline’s cargo/freight service, priced by quote.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Air Tahiti Nui?
As a guide: cabin €117–201 (~$135–230). The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Air Tahiti Nui — transporting pets and animals, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — confirm with Air Tahiti Nui before booking.