What is the maximum weight for a dog in the cabin?

8 kg including the carrier on Air France. Above that, the dog travels in the hold. Each airline sets its own threshold, so check before buying the ticket.

Does a dog need a passport?

Yes to travel within the European Union: a European pet passport, microchip identification and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The destination country may add its own requirements.

When should I book my dog's place?

When you buy the ticket, and at the latest 24 hours before departure for hold transport — after that a surcharge applies.

Do guide dogs fly free?

Yes, in the cabin and at no extra charge, outside the animal quota. Tell the airline when you book: advance notice is generally required.

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Flying with your dog

One number decides everything: the dog's weight with its carrier. Below it, it travels at your feet. Above it, it goes in the hold.

Under 8 kg including the carrier: the dog travels in the cabin, in a closed bag under the seat in front of you.

8 to 75 kg including the carrier: it travels in the hold, in an approved crate, booked at least 24 hours before departure — later, a surcharge applies.

These are Air France's thresholds; every airline sets its own. Always check before buying the ticket.

The paperwork, well ahead of time

This is where trips fall apart, not at the check-in desk. For a flight leaving France:

Microchip identification, mandatory in the European Union.
The European pet passport, issued by a vet.
An up-to-date rabies vaccination. It is not valid immediately: allow a waiting period after the injection.
The destination country's requirements, on top of the above. The United States imposes its own health formalities.

A vet will give you the exact lead times for your destination. Book that appointment weeks before departure, not days.

In the cabin

The dog stays in its bag for the whole flight, under the seat in front of you. It does not come out, sit on your lap, or take a seat. The bag usually counts as your cabin baggage: you cannot bring both.

In the hold

The crate must be approved for air transport, big enough for the dog to stand and turn around. Several airlines refuse flat-faced breeds for respiratory reasons — check airline by airline, and often season by season.

Guide and assistance dogs

They travel in the cabin, free of charge, outside the animal quota and with no weight limit. Airlines generally require advance notice — give it when you book.

And once you land?

The flight is the regulated part. On arrival everything goes vague again: the hotel, the café, the restaurant. Our guides on dogs in hotels and in restaurants cover what comes next.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weight for a dog in the cabin?: 8 kg including the carrier on Air France. Above that, the dog travels in the hold. Each airline sets its own threshold, so check before buying the ticket.
Does a dog need a passport?: Yes to travel within the European Union: a European pet passport, microchip identification and an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The destination country may add its own requirements.
When should I book my dog's place?: When you buy the ticket, and at the latest 24 hours before departure for hold transport — after that a surcharge applies.
Do guide dogs fly free?: Yes, in the cabin and at no extra charge, outside the animal quota. Tell the airline when you book: advance notice is generally required.

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