Are you planning to travel with your furry friend on KLM Airlines? You’ve come to the right place!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about KLM’s pet policy.
Fromt the size of your pet and carrier allowed by KLM, to the travel documents you need to meet the requirements set by this airline, we’ve got you covered!
Here at the Nomad Paws, our goal is to make flying with your pet as simple as possible. Continue reading to learn the ins and out of the KLM pet policy and get ready to make a reservation for your pet!
Traveling with Pets in the Cabin
For many pet owners, keeping their beloved animal close during a flight is a top priority.
KLM Airlines understands this and offers the option for small pets to travel in the cabin under certain conditions.
Eligibility and Size Restrictions
KLM allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, provided they meet specific size and weight requirements.
Your pet, including its carrier, must not exceed 8 kg (18 lbs) in total weight.
This ensures that your furry friend can comfortably fit under the seat in front of you without causing any inconvenience to other passengers.
It’s important to note that while this weight limit applies to most KLM flights, there may be variations depending on the specific route or aircraft type.
Always double-check with KLM’s customer service when booking your flight to confirm the exact requirements for your journey.
Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel
KLM has strict guidelines for your pet’s travel crate to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
You have two options for in-cabin pet carriers:
- A hard-shelled kennel no taller than 20 cm (7.9 inches)
- A soft-sided, expandable animal travel bag with maximum dimensions of 115 cm (45.3 inches) when adding length, width, and height
Whichever option you choose, make sure your pet can stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier. This not only complies with KLM’s regulations but also ensures your pet’s well-being during the flight.
Remember, your pet must remain in its carrier throughout the entire flight, including during takeoff and landing.
So, it’s a good idea to acclimate your pet to the carrier well before your travel date to reduce stress and anxiety.
Booking Process for Pets in the Cabin
Bringing your pet on board requires some advance planning. Here’s what you need to do:
- Contact KLM’s Telephone Reservations Line: Call the number specific to your country to book your flight and inform them about your pet.
- Provide advance notice: Give KLM at least 48 hours’ notice that you’ll be traveling with a pet in the cabin.
- Confirm details: During the booking process, confirm all requirements and any additional fees associated with pet travel.
Pro tip: Book your flight as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. KLM limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so securing your spot early is crucial.
Route Restrictions for Cabin Pet Travel
While KLM is generally pet-friendly, there are some routes where pets are not allowed in the cabin.
Pets are not permitted to travel inside the cabin via KLM on flights to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Australia.
If you’re traveling to these destinations, you’ll need to explore alternative options, such as cargo hold travel or using a pet relocation service.
One thing I would add is that these restrictions can change, so always verify the most current information when booking your flight.
KLM’s customer service representatives can provide you with up-to-date details on any route-specific pet policies.
Transporting Pets in the Cargo Hold
For larger pets or those that don’t meet the cabin travel requirements, KLM offers the option of transporting your furry friend in the cargo hold.
While this might seem daunting, rest assured that KLM takes great care to ensure the safety and comfort of pets traveling in this manner.
Size and Weight Limitations for Cargo Hold Travel
When it comes to cargo hold travel, KLM can accommodate larger pets than those allowed in the cabin.
The combined weight of your pet and its kennel must not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs). This generous limit allows for a wide range of dog breeds and even some larger cat breeds to travel safely.
However, it’s important to note that this is not just about weight. The size of the kennel also matters, as it needs to fit comfortably in the cargo hold without compromising your pet’s safety or the aircraft’s balance.
IATA-Approved Travel Crates for Pets
For cargo hold travel, KLM requires the use of IATA-approved hard-shelled pet travel crates.
These crates, like the Petmate Sky kennel, are designed to withstand the rigors of air travel and provide a secure environment for your pet.
If you are in the market for a new carrier, here are some key features to look for:
- Sturdy construction with secure fastenings
- Adequate ventilation on all sides
- A waterproof bottom with absorbent material
- A water dish that can be filled from the outside
- Clear labeling with your pet’s details and any special handling instructions
Choosing the right crate is crucial for your pet’s comfort and safety. Make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
If you’re unsure about the correct size or type of crate, consult with your veterinarian or just spend a few minutes reading through our list of the best dog crates for travel where we share all the safest models money can buy.
Booking Your Pet’s Cargo Hold Journey
Booking your pet for cargo hold travel follows a similar process to cabin travel, but with a few additional steps:
- Contact KLM Telephone Reservations: Call to book your flight and inform them that your pet will be traveling in the cargo hold as accompanied luggage.
- Provide advance notice: Give at least 48 hours notice before your flight.
- Confirm requirements: Double-check all necessary documentation, crate specifications, and any additional fees.
- Arrange drop-off and pick-up: Understand the procedures for dropping off your pet before the flight and picking them up at your destination.
Remember: Arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare is crucial when traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. KLM recommends arriving at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time to complete all necessary check-in procedures.
Aircraft and Route Restrictions for Cargo Hold Travel
While cargo hold travel opens up more possibilities for pet transportation, there are still some restrictions to be aware of:
- Aircraft limitations: Pets cannot travel in the hold of KLM flights with Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.
- Route restrictions: Certain routes do not allow pets in the cargo hold, including flights to Alesund, Alicante, Barcelona, Belgrade, Bilbao, Bucharest, Cagliari, Dubrovnik, Florence, Helsinki, Ibiza, Lisbon, Madrid, Malaga, Marseille, Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Porto, Rome, Split, Stockholm, Trondheim, Valencia, Bologna, Budapest, Nice, Venice, Warsaw, and Zagreb.
These restrictions are in place for various reasons, including aircraft configuration and local regulations at certain airports.
Always confirm with KLM whether cargo hold pet travel is available for your specific route when booking your flight.
Unaccompanied Pet Travel with KLM Cargo
Sometimes, you may need to transport your pet separately from your own travel. KLM offers a solution for this through their cargo service.
KLM Cargo is ideal for situations where:
- You’re relocating and can’t travel with your pet
- Your pet is too large for cabin or regular cargo hold travel
- You’re sending a pet to a family member or friend
Booking and Pricing for Unaccompanied Pets
To arrange unaccompanied pet travel:
- Contact KLM Cargo directly
- Provide detailed information about your pet and the journey
- Follow their specific instructions for documentation and crate requirements
Pricing varies based on weight, destination, and specific needs. The best way to know exactly how much this is going to cost you is to get a quote directly from KLM Cargo.
The cost of travelling with a pet change depending on its weight/size and the final destination. Reaching out to KLM is the best way to have an accurate cost estimate.
General Requirements for Pet Travel on KLM
Regardless of how your pet travels, certain general requirements apply.
KLM typically requires pets to be at least 10 weeks old for travel. However, this may vary depending on the destination country’s regulations.
Health Certificates and Vaccinations
All pets traveling on KLM must have:
- A recent health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
- Up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies (for pets over 12 weeks)
- Any additional health documents required by the destination country
Check-In Procedures for Pet Travel
When traveling with a pet:
- Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours before departure)
- Have all pet documentation readily available
- Be prepared to present your pet for inspection if required
KLM strongly advises against sedating pets for travel, as it can be dangerous at high altitudes. Always consult with your veterinarian about safe travel practices to keep your pet calm during a flight.
KLM’s Pet Policy for International Travel
International pet travel requires additional considerations.
Typically, your pets will need:
- Pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate
- Proof of microchip
- Vaccination records
- Import permits (if required)
This said, do check the specific requirements of your destination country. These can vary significantly and may include additional vaccinations, treatments, or quarantine periods.
As you can see on our extensive pet relocation guides, the process of bringing a pet from the US to Australia is different from a pet relocation to Abu Dhabi or even bringing a dog to Barbados.
Some countries, like Australia, have strict quarantine laws. For information on avoiding quarantine in Australia, check out this comprehensive guide: Avoid Pet Quarantine Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, KLM allows pets to travel both in the cabin and in the hold, subject to specific restrictions and requirements.
You’re allowed to bring one pet per person in the cabin.
For in-cabin travel, your pet and its carrier must fit in a closed pet travel bag or kennel with maximum dimensions of 46 x 28 x 24 cm and weigh no more than 8 kg in total.
Yes, certain dog breeds are not allowed in the hold, including Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Pugs, Chow-Chow, Great Dane, and several others.
For in-cabin travel via KLM, the carrier must be waterproof, allow the pet to stand up and turn around, fasten securely, and have adequate ventilation.
For pets in the hold, the kennel must have a fibreglass or rigid plastic shell, a centralized locking system, and adequate ventilation.
Pets can travel in the cabin on KLM flights, but only in Economy Class or Business Class within Europe.
For pets in the hold, the combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 75 kg.
Pets must have necessary vaccinations and health certificates, which vary by destination. Within the EU, pets must be identified by an electronic chip and have a European passport confirming proper vaccination.
Fees range from EUR 75 to EUR 400 per one-way trip, depending on the departure airport and destination.
Yes, KLM provides a pet-friendly service where pets laying over at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for over 2 hours will be cared for at their facility.
