09 Aug
KLM Airlines Pet Policy
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a pet friendly airline which permits pets to travel on board with passengers, either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are advised to prepare the documentation required for them and their furry friends.
Making a Reservation for Pets
KLM airlines only allows pet dogs and cats to travel on board their flights for safety and comfort reasons and to comply with animal welfare & IATA guidelines. The number of pets allowed per aircraft depends on the model of aircraft, the destination, and the duration of a flight. You should make your reservation 48 hours before your flight at least. Your pet must travel on the same flight as you and must be at least 15 weeks old before travelling.
Pet Travel in the Cabin
You can bring 1 cat or dog with you in the cabin when travelling in Economy Class. Your pet should fit in a closed pet travel bag or pet crate with a maximum of 46 x 28 x 24 cm as they will need to travel underneath the seat in front of you. The travel bag or kennel cannot weigh over 8kg (including your pet), and your pet must stay inside their container during the duration of the flight.
You cannot bring a pet in the cabin if you fly premium comfort class or business class on an intercontinental route, as it is not possible to put a kennel underneath the seat in front of you in these travel classes.
Pet Travel in the Cargo Hold
You can travel with up to 3 pets in the cargo hold. They can travel in the same crate, provided they weigh under 14kg each, and are either 2 adult animals of similar size, or 3 animals up to 6 months old from the same litter.
The combined weight of your pet and kennel should be no more than 75 kg. The kennel itself can be a maximum of 122 x 81 x 89 cm on KLM flights, or maximum 102 x 69 x 76 cm on KLM City hopper flights (operated with Embraer aircraft).
Travelling with Snub Nosed Animals
Your snub-nosed pet may have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. Because your furry friend should travel safely and comfortably, most of these pets cannot be transported in the cargo hold. However, you can take them with you in the cabin or transport them as cargo. Please check the breed of your cat or dog before making a reservation.
Snub Nosed Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian cats are not allowed in the hold.
Snub Nosed Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxers (all breeds), Bulldogs (all breeds), Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Pugs (all breeds), Chow-Chow, Great Dane (all breeds), Certain breeds of Spaniel (Tibetan, Japanese, English, King Charles), Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Mastiffs (all breeds), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Small Brabant, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Charges & Costs
To bring your cat or dog with you, you’ll pay a fee of EUR 75 to EUR 400 per one-way. While you may think this is a large price range, this is because the fee differs depending on your departure airport and destination; you can see the exact price when making a reservation.
Conditions Under Which Pets Cannot be Transported
Unfortunately, KLM Airlines cannot transport your pet if:
- You want to bring an animal other than a dog or a cat.
- Your pet and kennel combined weigh more than 75 kg.
- The kennel is larger than 122 x 81 x 89 cm on KLM flights, or larger than 102 x 69 x 76 cm on KLM Cityhopper flights.
- Your dog or cat is travelling on a different flight from yours.
- Your dog or cat is travelling to a country whose authorities only allow the transportation of pets as cargo.
If your pet falls under any of the aforementioned criteria, it is recommended you contact a specialized shipping agent.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carry My Pet
Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.