A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Service Dog on Air France
If you rely on your service dog for assistance but have plans to travel internationally by air, understanding the regulations for flying with your canine companion is crucial. As one of Europe’s leading airlines, Air France allows service dogs to accompany their handlers in the cabin. However, there are specific rules and preparations you must follow to ensure a smooth journey. In this in-depth guide, I’ll answer all of your questions about traveling on Air France with a service dog.
Definition of a Service Dog
Air France defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” The animal must be trained to assist with a person’s specific disability, whether physical, medical, or psychological. Emotional support animals or pets are not considered service animals by Air France and different regulations apply.
Advance Notification and Documentation
When booking your Air France flight, you must notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance that you will be traveling with your service dog. You will need to provide veterinary documentation showing the dog is in good health, as well as paperwork from a recognized training program verifying the animal is a fully trained service dog. Keep copies of all records with you during the trip in case they are requested at check-in or the gate.
Service Dog Equipment and Etiquette
Your service dog should be wearing its vest or harness identifying it as a working animal while in airports and on the plane. The dog must remain on the floor at your feet or in your lap—it is not allowed to occupy a seat. Always have your dog leashed or tethered to you and be prepared to show it has good manners and toilet training. Service dogs are expected to behave well around other passengers without disturbance.
Dog Kennels in the Cabin Prohibited
Unlike emotional support animals which must travel in approved kennels under the seat, certified service dogs accompany their handler freely in the main cabin. Under no circumstances is a service animal permitted to be crated or confined during the flight. The dog must remain with its owner at all times.
Size and Breed Restrictions
While Air France accepts most dog breeds as service animals, there are size limits due to space constraints on aircraft. Dogs should not exceed 25kg (55lbs) fully grown. Very large breeds like Great Danes may not be suitable for traveling in standard plane cabins. Aggressive breeds banned from Air France flights include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Bulldogs.
Food and Water for the Flight
Be sure to bring enough food, water, bowls and any medications your service dog will need for the duration of the trip including layovers. Fresh water will not always be available at airport gates or on planes. Consider small sealed packs of food your dog is used to eating to avoid messes or upset stomachs. Always clean up after your dog at the airport and dispose of waste properly.
International Health Certificates and Vaccinations
For travel between countries, your service dog will likely require an international health certificate from a veterinarian. This official document proves the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and treated for internal and external parasites within a specified timeframe. Requirements vary by destination so research in advance if traveling abroad with your dog on Air France.
Preparing Your Service Dog for Flying
Just as dogs may feel anxious in the unfamiliar airport environment, the noises and motion of air travel can cause stress too. Consider practicing soothing activities like deep pressure therapy with your dog and rewarding calm behavior in loud areas beforehand. Expose them gradually to things like wheels on suitcases or recorded plane audio playing low to get more accustomed. Well-trained service dogs accustomed to new situations tend to travel best.
Special Meals and Seat Requests
While service dogs fly free of charge and do not require a seat, Air France may accommodate other needs to ensure a comfortable trip. You can request a bulkhead seat with more foot room for your dog or a special meal exemption if your or your dog’s diet restrictions preclude normal in-flight food. Consult with Air France directly to plan for these types of arrangements.
Handling Layovers and Connecting Flights
Be aware that you and your service dog will not necessarily remain on the same aircraft for multi-leg journeys. You may need to de-plane, clear security screening again with your helper animal, and board a separate connection. Allow extra time for this process at layovers wherever possible. Carefully read your itinerary in advance and have all travel documents easily accessible.
Potential Issues to Consider
While the likelihood is low with a well-trained service dog, understand there is potential for accidents, barking, disturbing other passengers or crew, or your helper becoming stressed by the experience. Have a backup plan if needed like contacting volunteers for assistance animals. Maintain control of your dog and follow crew instructions. Ultimately, Air France reserves removing any service dog deemed a threat to safety. Proper dog training and advanced preparation help avoid such situations.
Service Dogs for Disabled International Travelers
If you rely on your service dog’s assistance and use mobility devices when traveling, Air France has amenities like priority boarding with extra time, accessible washrooms on aircraft, and transfer assistance to make navigating airports easier. Having travel documents translated to French may provide useful in case of questions from staff not fluent in your native language too. With thorough planning, service dogs can enable disabled international travel that may otherwise not be possible.
In conclusion, flying with a service dog is permitted on Air France provided all regulations are strictly followed for your safety and the well-being of other passengers. With proper veterinary health certificates, behavior training, advanced notification, and ensuring your dog is equipped for the journey, Air France aims to accommodate travelers’ rights to fly with certified assistance dogs. Please contact their customer support team directly with any additional questions as an individual’s needs may require special considerations. Safe travels!
Air France Service Dog Information
| Dog Breeds Allowed | Weight Limit | Crate Size | ID & Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Collies | Under 15 kg | Soft-sided under the seat | Vest and government issued ID required |
| Dogs must be at least 6 months old | Crate should allow the dog to stand up and turn around | Crate must fit under the seat in front of you | Proof of vaccinations required |
| Dogs must be well-socialized and well-trained | Handler is responsible for providing food, water, exercise | Crate may be inspected at check-in | Dog should be licensed as a service animal |
| Other breeds considered on a case by case basis | Dog must remain in crate during taxi, takeoff, landing | Handler must take dog and crate off plane quickly | Dog waste must be disposed of properly |
FAQ
- Can I bring my service dog on an Air France flight?
Air France basically allows service dogs to accompany passengers in the aircraft cabin. However, you need to contact Air France in advance to make arrangements and provide documentation that the animal is trained to behave properly. - What paperwork is required for a service dog on an Air France flight?
You’ll need a letter from your doctor or healthcare provider saying you need the animal due to a disability. A certificate of training showing the dog has been trained as a service animal is also sort of required. Air France might possibly ask for additional documents, so be prepared to provide proof the dog is well behaved. - Can an emotional support animal fly with Air France?
At this time, Air France only permits recognized service dogs in the cabin, not emotional support animals. Support animals can perhaps fly in the cargo hold if they meet health and vaccination rules. But is that even fair to the pet? You’ll want to confirm Air France’s policies directly. - Are there any restrictions on service dogs with Air France?
Air France reserves the right to deny boarding if a dog appears ill, isn’t under the handler’s control, or displays aggressive behavior. Dogs must also fit in your footspace without obstructing aisles or exits. I guess those are necessary safety rules, though it’s a bummer if your faithful companion can’t join you on the flight! - What happens if my service dog acts up on the plane?
If the dog barks excessively or doesn’t obey basic commands, Air France crew may ask you to put the animal in a carrier under the seat. However, that seems like it would add more stress! With proper training, most service dogs know how to behave. Perhaps it’s worth practicing polite manners before a big flight. - Are there any fees for traveling with a service dog on Air France?
Luckily, Air France does not charge extra fees for service dogs. You pay the usual ticket price whether you’re bringing a pet or not. That’s fair considering the animal provides needed assistance. Of course, you are responsible for making sure your companion behaves splendidly the entire journey! - Can my service dog sit on my lap on the plane?
In general, service animals must remain on the floor at your feet per Department of Transportation rules. However, on such a long international flight, maybe Air France would make an exception if your dog is tiny and well-trained. Probably best to ask the airline directly rather than wing it and tick off your fellow passengers!
Does this help explain Air France’s policies on service dogs? Let me know if you have any other questions! Traveling with pets poses challenges, but carefully following guidelines can help ensure a pleasant trip for you and your furry friend. Still, plane rides seem dreadful for both pets and people alike. I’m always amazed by anyone’s ability to grin and bear it!