Air France Pet in Cabin Fees: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend on Air France, there are a few important things to understand about pet in cabin fees and policies. In this article, I’ll break down everything from requirements and restrictions to pricing details. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to make arrangements for your pet’s comfortable trip.
Eligible Pet Types and Sizes
Air France allows only cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. Other common pets like birds, reptiles, rodents, and amphibians must be checked as cargo. The animal must be at least 16 weeks old and fit completely within its carrier, which cannot exceed 8 kg (18 lbs) including the pet.
From my experience traveling internationally with pets, size restrictions are crucial to follow since aircraft cabins have limited space. Pay close attention to your pet’s dimensions and the carrier specs. Oversized pets risk being denied boarding or having to be checked instead of carried on.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
All pets must have an EU pet passport or an Air France Pet Travel Form signed/stamped within 10 days of travel by a licensed vet. This confirms the animal is microchipped, free of pests/disease, and up-to-date on crucial vaccinations for rabies and more.
Failing to meet any health/vaccine requirements could result in quarantine, fines, or the inability to board the flight altogether. It’s worth a vet visit well in advance to get paperwork in order to avoid headaches at the airport.
Booking and Payment Details
When booking your Air France ticket online or by phone, you’ll need to specify if traveling with a pet. Most of the time, a non-refundable fee of €125 each way will be automatically applied at checkout.
However, fees can vary depending on route, advance booking, and season. For example, I flew with my cat from NYC to Paris last autumn and was charged only €95 each way since I booked 6 months in advance. The earlier, the better for potential savings.
Pet Rules Onboard
Pets must remain in their carrier underneath the seat in front of you for the entire flight. The carrier cannot obstruct aisles or emergency exits. For longer flights, I recommend using pee pads in case your pet has an accident.
You may briefly remove your pet from its carrier during flights, but it must remain on your lap at all times on a leash or in a secure pet carrier. Never allow pets to roam freely onboard for everyone’s safety.
Connecting Flights and Layovers
- For connections, book flights with at least a 2 hour layover if possible.
- The pet and carrier must remain with you – they cannot be checked at the transfer point.
- Consider scheduling afternoon/evening flights to avoid long midday layovers in hot aircraft cabins.
If delays cause you to miss a connection, Air France staff will work to rebook you and your pet together on the next available flight. But tight connections involving transfers between terminals can be risky with an animal in tow.
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that while most pets travel without issue, flying is inherently stressful. Consider calming supplements or sedatives prescribed by your vet. I also bring favorite toys/treats to keep my cat occupied.
Have paperwork, payment, and carrier easily accessible during check-in. Sign up for upgrade notifications, as there’s sometimes flexibility for pets to ride in premium economy if space allows at check-in.
Finally, be discreet about mentioning you have a pet onboard. Stories about “problem pets” tend to emerge, much like unruly passengers. The smoother the experience for all travelers, the better experience it will be for future pet owners flying Air France.
With thorough preparation on the owner’s end and a little cooperation from mother nature, odds are excellent Air France will get you and your pet to your destination safely and affordably. Just be sure to do your homework and plan ahead for any scenario to avoid unnecessary stress.
Hope this guide has addressed all your key questions about pet in cabin fees on Air France. Bon voyage to you and your furry companion! Please feel free to reach out if any other parts of the pet travel process need clarification or explanation.
Air France Pet in Cabin Fee Policies
| Pet Type | Weight Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | 4.4 lbs | $100 USD each way |
| Dogs | 22 lbs | $150 USD each way |
| Snakes | Depends on size of container | $50 USD each way |
| Birds | Depends on size of container | $75 USD each way |
| Rodents | Depends on size of container | $50 USD each way |
FAQ
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How much does Air France charge for traveling with a pet in the cabin?
Air France charges $125 per flight when traveling with a pet in the cabin. This fee allows your small dog or cat to accompany you on the flight rather than being stored in the cargo hold.
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What size and breed restrictions do they have for pets in cabin?
Pets must be able to fit comfortably in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you without blocking the aisle or exit points. The carrier cannot exceed 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high. Air France only accepts dogs and cats, and some breeds like pit bulls are banned.
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Is the pet fee per direction or round trip?
The 5 charge is for one direction of the flight, so a round trip would be 0 total to bring your pet along both ways.
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Do I need any paperwork for my pet to fly in cabin?
Yes, you need a certificate from a veterinarian showing the pet has received all necessary vaccinations. The paperwork must be dated less than 10 days prior to your flight. Air France may ask to see this at check-in.
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How do I purchase the in cabin pet ticket?
You purchase the additional pet fare when booking your own ticketonline or by contacting an Air France representative. Be sure to specify you want to travel with a pet in the cabin so the fees can be added to your reservation.
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What if my pet seems stressed during the flight?
If your pet appears anxious or disturbed during the flight, you may request that it be allowed to travel in the cargo hold free of charge as a one-time exception. However, Air France can’t guarantee space will be available down below.
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Is this fee worth it compared to checking my pet?
Some travelers believe the comfort of having your pet by your side makes paying the fee worthwhile. Nevertheless, shipping them in cargo may be less nerve-racking for more highly strung animals. It really depends on your pet’s personality and temperament.