Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
French Bee keeps it simple: they only accept cats and dogs. If you’re traveling with a parrot or a very cultured hamster, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
1. In the Cabin (PETC): The “Soft-Side” Club
If your pet is a “lap dog” (literally), they might qualify for cabin travel.
- The Rule of 8: Your pet + their carrier must weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
- Soft Carriers Only: Unlike the cargo hold, the cabin is a strict soft-bag zone. Rigid crates are not allowed.
- The Cost: Expect a flat fee of $100 / €100 per flight segment. (Heads up: this is non-refundable, so make sure Fluffy is ready to fly!).
- Space is Limited: Only 4 pets are allowed in the cabin per flight. It’s a first-come, first-served furry fiesta.
Approved Carrier Sizes (Cabin)
- Max Dimensions: 43 x 35 x 20 cm (17 x 14 x 8 inches).
- The “Squish” Factor: The bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Since the height limit is a tiny 20 cm, a flexible soft carrier is your best friend—just make sure your pet can still stand and turn around!
2. In the Hold (AVIH): For the Big Explorers
For the dogs that have been hitting the treats too hard, the climate-controlled baggage hold is their designated travel suite.
- Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and IATA-approved rigid crate up to 32 kg (70 lbs) is standard, but some routes allow up to 75 kg (165 lbs).
- The Cost: Around $195 / €200 per flight segment.
- Crate Specs: Only rigid plastic or fiberglass cages are allowed. No wood, no wire mesh, and definitely no “DIY” boxes. The crate must be secured with bolts (not just plastic clips) and zip ties.
🛑 The “No-Fly” List: Health & Breed Restrictions
Safety is the raison d’être for these rules.
- The Age Rule: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. If you’re flying to the USA, the CDC currently requires dogs to be at least 6 months old.
- Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Ban: French Bee has a strict no-fly policy for snub-nosed breeds in both the cabin and the hold. This includes Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats. Their anatomy makes high-altitude breathing too risky.
- Dangerous Breeds: Category 1 (fighting dogs) are strictly prohibited. Category 2 (guard dogs) have heavy restrictions and cannot be handled by minors.
3. The “Paws-port” Paperwork
French Bee requires you to submit your request at least 48 hours before departure, but we recommend booking as soon as you get your own ticket.
Your Checklist:
- EU Pet Passport: (Or a country-specific equivalent).
- Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before the flight.
- Microchip: Mandatory for identification.
- Fit-to-Fly Certificate: A health certificate from your vet, usually issued within 10 days of travel.
- Papeete Alert: Planning a trip to Tahiti? French Bee does not transport any animals to or from Papeete (PPT). —
💡 Expert Tips for 2026:
No “Head Out” Policy: On French Bee, your pet must stay completely inside the bag for the entire flight. No “peek-a-boo” allowed in the cabin!
The “Maxi Leg” Rule: If you’re traveling with a pet in the cabin, you cannot book a “Maxi Leg” (extra legroom) or exit row seat. Your pet needs a seat in front of them to tuck under!
Check-In Early: You cannot check in online with a pet. Arrive at the airport 3 hours early to have your documents and carrier verified by the ground crew.
You can read about how to safely transport brachycephalic cats and dogs on airplanes here.
Leave a Reply