Air France Pet Carrier Requirements: How to Travel with Your Pet on Air France

Traveling with Your Pet on Air France – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend on Air France, there are some important things to understand about their pet travel policies and regulations. In this article, I’ll cover everything from booking a pet ticket to what you need to do at the airport to give you peace of mind when traveling with your pet.

Booking a Pet Ticket

When booking your flight on the Air France website or app, you’ll need to select the option to travel with a pet. This allows you to purchase a pet ticket and designate your animal as your travel companion. Air France accepts dogs and cats as carry-on baggage in the cabin or cargo hold, depending on the animal’s size.

From my experience making pet travel arrangements, it’s best to book early. Only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, so secure your spot for your pet before the flight fills up. You’ll pay an extra fee for the pet ticket that varies based on the animal’s size and journey length.

Selecting a Pet Carrier

Air France has specific requirements for pet carriers that will need to be International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant. Carriers must be robust and leak-proof, with proper ventilation. Soft-sided carriers are a no-go.

1. For in-cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
2. For cargo hold travel, the carrier can be larger but still IATA compliant and properly labeled.

I recommend getting a carrier that meets IATA standards rather than trying to modify or reuse an existing one. It’s not worth the risk of delays or denial of boarding if the carrier doesn’t pass muster. Look for options labeled “IATA compliant travel pet carrier.”

Pet Travel Documents

No matter if your pet flies in the cabin or cargo hold, you’ll need to present important documents at check-in and the gate. Failure to have the proper paperwork can result in your pet being denied boarding.

1. Health certificate: Issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed vet, stating your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and fit to fly.
2. Pet passport: If traveling between countries, your pet needs a government-issued ID with a photo.
3. Air France pet reservation: Printing your pet’s ticket reservation is a must-have.

Organizing your pet’s travel documents takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare early to avoid headaches at the airport if anything is missing.

What to Expect at the Airport

When arriving at the airport with your pet, be prepared for extra screening. Staff will check your paperwork and carrier. The process can feel rushed, so keep documents handy. Barking or whining from your nervous pet inside the carrier may attract unwanted attention, so try to calm them before checks.

Once through screening, ask if your pet can fly in-cabin based on size. Small dogs may fly in-cabin for free on Air France. Larger pets or those denied in-cabin travel will fly in the temperature-controlled cargo hold instead.

At your destination, try to be one of the first off the plane to quickly retrieve your pet. The reunion will make all the fuss of pet travel worthwhile! Have your documents and new country’s entry requirements prepared for customs clearance too.

Tips for a Stress-Free Pet Flight

To help keep your pet as calm and comfortable as possible during air travel, here are some tricks I’ve learned:

1. Sedate anxious pets only if instructed by your vet to do so safely.
2. Bring your pet’s favorite toy or blanket with a familiar scent inside their carrier.
3. Give your pet a light meal a few hours before departure to avoid motion sickness.
4. Consider calming supplements from the vet to take the edge off pre-flight nerves.
5. Talk to your pet in a soothing voice to keep them feeling secure.

The key is keeping your furry companion feeling safe, secure and distracted during flights. With the right preparation, your pet can fly with Air France no problem!

I hope this guide helped address any worries or questions you had about traveling with your pet on Air France. Planning ahead and having all the right documents in order will make the airport process as stress-free as possible. Safe travels to you and your pet!

Guidelines for Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin on Air France

Pet Type	Size Limit	Carrier Requirements	Fees
Cats and Dogs	Under 8 lbs	Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat	€55 per pet per flight
Cats and Dogs	8-20 lbs	Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat	€70 per pet per flight
Cats and Dogs	Over 20 lbs	Must travel in the cargo hold	Regular cargo fees apply
Birds	Cage no larger than 7 x 12 x 9 inches	Cage must have secure cover and be leak-proof	€55 per pet per flight
Rabbits and Hedgehogs	Carrier or ventilated bag	Must remain in carrier under the seat at all times	€55 per pet per flight

FAQ

1. Can I bring my pet on Air France?

   Air France allows most dogs and cats to travel as cargo on their flights as long as you follow the required rules. However, some restrictions do apply based on breed and country. Be sure to check Air France’s policy website for more details on allowed pets.

2. What documents do I need for my pet’s flight?

   You’ll need a health certificate from a vet stating that your pet is fit to travel. This certificate cannot be more than 10 days old when your flight departs. Air France also requires a transport box or carrier that is properly sized for your animal. A valid identification microchip or tag is strongly recommended too.

   

3. Is my pet safe flying as cargo?

   While flying as cargo is probably not the number one choice for pets, Air France takes steps to help ensure animals are cared for. Pets will be in a temperature controlled hold and monitored by staff. However, according to some animal experts, the stress of takeoff and landing can be difficult for sensitive pets. So you may want to ask your vet if your pet is suited for cargo travel.

4. What is the cabin size limit for pet carriers?

   Air France allows pet carriers up to a max of 55cm long by 40cm wide by 23cm tall. Nevertheless, be aware that not all flights will have space in the cabin for pets. So it depends on the individual aircraft and how much luggage other passengers bring. On the other hand, as cargo pets have no size constraints and will ride below in the hold.

5. How much does it cost to bring a pet on Air France?

   Pricing varies depending on your pet’s size and destination. But basically, Air France pet cargo fees usually land around $200 to $400 per direction. Prices may be higher for long haul international flights. Kind of steep huh? But I guess if your pet means that much to you it’s worth paying up. Maybe check if any discounts apply based on your frequent flyer status.

6. What if my pet gets lost by the airline?

   Losing a pet shipment would be absolutely awful, but it does happen on rare occasions apparently. Most major airlines like Air France have strong compensation policies for lost cargo. However, it’s always best to insure your pet separately through your own pet insurance provider, if possible. At least then you can get quick cash to help with unexpected expenses. But hopefully your furry friend’s trip goes smoothly without any issues!

7. How early should I check in my pet?

   Air France recommends dropping off your pet at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This gives staff adequate time to process paperwork and ensure your animal is settled in nicely before the flight takes off. Cutting it too close could result in missed connections if anything goes wrong during check-in. Better safe than sorry, right? Plan ahead and show up with plenty of time to spare.