Important: Airline pet policies change frequently. This guide reflects policies current as of February 2026. Always verify directly with Delta and Air France before booking, as requirements for carrier size, weight limits, fees, and route restrictions can change without notice.
If you're flying from the US to Europe with a connecting flight on Delta and Air France, your pet must meet the requirements of both airlines. The more restrictive airline determines which carrier you can use. For most routes, Air France's requirements are stricter: 8kg maximum combined weight (pet plus carrier), soft-sided carrier only, and maximum dimensions of 46cm x 28cm x 24cm. Here's what applies to each airline.
Delta allows small dogs, cats, and household birds (domestic US flights only) to travel in the cabin if they fit comfortably in a carrier that slides completely under the seat in front of you.
Delta recommends a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11" (45cm x 28cm x 28cm), which fits most Delta aircraft. However, maximum carry-on kennel dimensions vary by aircraft type. You must call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 with your flight details and pet carrier dimensions to confirm your specific aircraft will accommodate your carrier.
The carrier must have ventilation on at least three sides for domestic travel and four sides for international travel. Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier without touching the sides.
Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in the carrier with room to move. While Delta does not publish a specific weight limit, the pet and carrier together must fit under the seat without protruding.
For international travel to the EU (including connections through Paris to Germany), your pet must be at least 15 weeks old. Note: EU import rules impose a separate minimum age threshold. See the full EU import requirements guide for details.
Domestic US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands: $150 each way (tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025; $95 for tickets issued before that date)
International flights: $200 each way
Brazil: $200 each way (tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025)
Fees are collected at check-in and are non-refundable.
Pet space is limited on every flight and confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must call Delta Reservations to add your pet to your booking. Have your pet's carrier dimensions (length, width, height) ready when you call. Do not assume pet space is available just because you have a ticket.
You cannot sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or Delta One/Business/First Class with flat-bed seats if traveling with a pet in the cabin. On international flights, pets are not allowed in Delta One, Business Class, or First Class cabins.
Delta does NOT allow pets in the cabin to or from the following destinations: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Hawaii (except on select Hawaiian Airlines code-share flights), and several other countries. Verify your specific route allows in-cabin pets before booking.
Delta bans all brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cargo travel due to breathing risks, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and many others. These breeds may travel in-cabin if they meet size and weight requirements. Delta Cargo availability for personal pet shipments is limited and typically requires working through an IPATA-accredited agent. Most individual travelers cannot book Delta Cargo directly. If your pet is too large for the cabin, confirm current cargo options with Delta or a relocation specialist before booking.
Air France allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8kg (17.6 lbs).
Air France requires soft-sided carriers ONLY for in-cabin travel. Hard plastic, metal, and wicker carriers are NOT accepted in the cabin on Air France flights, regardless of size.
Maximum carrier dimensions: 46cm x 28cm x 24cm (approximately 18" x 11" x 9")
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. It must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Maximum 8kg (17.6 lbs) combined weight of pet and carrier. This is strictly enforced.
For international flights, pets must be at least 15 weeks old. Note: EU import rules impose a separate minimum age threshold. See the full EU import requirements guide for details. For flights within metropolitan France (including Corsica) and to/from French overseas territories, the minimum age is 8 weeks.
Fees vary by route and are charged per pet, per direction:
Flights within Metropolitan France: €70
Within Caribbean or between Europe and North Africa: €125
Between metropolitan France and overseas departments (Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Saint-Denis de la Réunion): €125
All other international flights: €200
Late booking surcharge: If you add your pet less than 24 hours before departure, Air France charges an additional 50% for domestic/Caribbean flights or 25% for international flights.
You must contact Air France to add your pet to your reservation at least 48 hours before departure. Pet space is limited (maximum 4 pets total in cabin per flight). Do not assume space is available.
Pets are NOT allowed in Business Class on intercontinental flights. If you're flying long-haul in Business Class, your pet must travel in the hold (if weight and breed allow). Pets are permitted in Business Class on intra-European flights.
You cannot sit in exit rows with a pet in the cabin.
Pets cannot travel in-cabin or as checked baggage to/from the United Kingdom or Ireland. These destinations require pets to travel as manifest cargo only due to UK import regulations.
Verify your specific destination allows in-cabin pets before booking.
Air France prohibits brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from traveling in the hold due to health risks, including Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and others. These breeds are typically allowed in the cabin if they meet the 8kg weight limit.
French Category 1 dogs (attack dogs, including American Staffordshire Terriers/Pit Bulls without pedigree, Mastiffs, Tosas) are prohibited from all Air France flights. French Category 2 dogs may travel as cargo only with advance approval.
If you're connecting between Delta and Air France (for example, flying Delta from the US to Paris, then Air France to Germany), you must meet both airlines' requirements.
Delta: No published weight limit (carrier must fit under seat)
Air France: 8kg maximum combined weight (pet + carrier)
Air France's 8kg limit is stricter. Weigh your pet and carrier together before booking. If you're over 8kg, your pet cannot travel in-cabin on Air France.
Delta: Soft-sided recommended (18" x 11" x 11"), but hard-sided carriers up to 17" x 12" x 8" may be accepted on some aircraft
Air France: Soft-sided ONLY (46cm x 28cm x 24cm maximum)
Air France's soft-sided-only requirement is stricter. You must use a soft-sided carrier for the entire trip.
Delta: 18" x 11" x 11" fits most aircraft (45cm x 28cm x 28cm)
Air France: 46cm x 28cm x 24cm maximum (18" x 11" x 9")
Air France's height restriction is stricter. Your carrier cannot exceed 24cm (9") in height.
The carrier that fits: A soft-sided carrier measuring approximately 18" L x 11" W x 9" H (46cm x 28cm x 24cm) or smaller will meet both airlines' requirements.
Carriers that compress to fit Air France's stricter dimensions while providing adequate space include:
Sleepypod Air - Compresses to fit under seats, then expands for pet comfort during flight. Verify current dimensions meet both airlines' requirements before purchasing.
Sherpa Original Deluxe - Soft-sided with mesh panels, widely accepted by airlines. Check current size specifications.
SturdiBag - Flexible design that fits tight spaces. Confirm dimensions before purchase.
Important: Carrier manufacturers occasionally update product dimensions. Always verify the current specifications of any carrier before purchasing and confirm it meets both Delta and Air France requirements for your specific aircraft and route.
Both airlines require health documentation for international pet travel, though the airlines themselves do not issue these documents.
For travel from the US to any EU country (including Germany via Paris):
EU health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS
ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination at least 21 days old (primary vaccination)
Your pet must travel within 5 days before or after you for non-commercial classification
Nineteen EU countries, including Germany and France, require bilingual health certificates. Request bilingual health certificates through the APHIS pet travel website before your vet appointment.
See PetRelocation's guide to France pet import requirements for complete documentation details.
Airlines strictly enforce carrier size, weight, and policy requirements. If your pet or carrier does not comply at check-in:
Delta and Air France may refuse boarding
Fees are non-refundable
You may need to rebook on a different flight (if pet space is available)
You may need to purchase a compliant carrier at the airport (if available)
Your pet may need to be left behind
Do not assume airlines will make exceptions. Verify compliance before you arrive at the airport.
Navigating multi-airline pet travel requires coordinating carrier requirements, booking deadlines, route restrictions, and international documentation. We manage the full process: confirming both airlines accept your pet, sourcing compliant carriers, coordinating USDA health certificate endorsement, and arranging door-to-door transport.
If you're planning international travel with your pet, get a free quote from PetRelocation and a relocation manager will handle the coordination between airlines and ensure all requirements are met.
No. Air France requires soft-sided carriers only for in-cabin travel. Even though Delta accepts some hard-sided carriers, you must use a soft-sided carrier to meet Air France's requirements. If you're only flying Delta (not connecting to Air France), check Delta's specific aircraft requirements.
No. Air France's 8kg combined weight limit is strictly enforced. If you exceed 8kg, your pet must travel in the hold (if breed and route allow) or cannot travel on Air France. Consider whether your pet can travel on Delta alone to a European destination that allows in-cabin pets, or use a professional pet transport service for cargo handling.
No, but you should add your pet as soon as possible after booking your ticket. Both airlines limit the number of pets per flight and space is allocated first-come, first-served. Delta requires calling reservations; Air France requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Do not wait until check-in to add your pet.
Possibly, if the dog meets the weight and size requirements. Both airlines allow brachycephalic breeds in the cabin (though Delta and Air France prohibit them from cargo/hold travel due to health risks). However, you must still meet the 8kg weight limit for Air France and fit within the carrier size restrictions. Many adult Pugs and French Bulldogs exceed these limits.
You must meet both airlines' requirements for the entire journey. Your pet travels under the most restrictive airline's rules. In a Delta-to-Air-France connection, that's typically Air France (8kg limit, soft-sided only, 24cm height limit). Additionally, you must meet Germany's import requirements (EU health certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait).