• 20 Jan, 2025
  • Travel tips

Suppose you plan to travel to the desired destination with your furry friend. In that case, you can consider making the reservations with KLM as the airline allows pets, including small cats and dogs, to be on most of their flights, but the traveler needs to bring the essential travel documents. However, KLM enables the transport of pets in the cabin as there is limited space in the cabin, so the total number of pets allowed depends on the type of Aircraft, destination, and operating routes. To ensure that the pet is allowed on the specific route, it is best to familiarize yourself with the KLM Airlines Pet Policy. Thus, to simplify the task, this comprehensive travel guide contains all the essential information you need before flying with a pet on KLM to prevent inconvenience. 

KLM’s Pet Policy: What You Need to Know?

It is crucial to be confident regarding the key points of the KLM pet policy to understand exceptions, how to prepare a pet to travel in the Cabin, and under which circumstances Airlines reserve the right to deny pet boarding. Here, you will discover the essential pointers of the KLM Policy.

  • Passengers can bring one cat or dog in the travel cabin when flying in Economy Class or Business Class within Europe, and the pet should fit in a kennel.
  • KLM travelers aren't permitted to bring pets when flying in Premium Comfort or Business class on an intercontinental route, as it is daunting to put a kennel underneath the seat in these classes.
  • Airlines suggest travelers make the reservation for pets at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure time, not later than this, as space is limited.
  • The pet should be at least 15 weeks old. If it is too big, the Airline will consider transporting it to the hold.
  • As per the KLM Pet travel policy, passengers can bring up to three pets in the hold, two of which can be adults of comparable size and three up to six months old. 
  • Travelers cannot bring their pets in the hold if the transferring time is more than 3 hours.

KLM’s Pet Travel Options: Cabin or Cargo?

KLM Airlines is well known for its pet-friendly policies to specific destinations. Whether in the Cabin or Cargo, their main priority is pet safety. In addition, the Airline ensures a comfortable journey. Thus, to learn more about the KLM Pet travel options in the Cabin or Cargo, look at the information below.

Pet Travel in the Cabin:

  • According to the pet travel policy, KLM allows only tiny cats or dogs in the cabin, and you should make sure that the pet meets the weight limit and other criteria.
  • Select a suitable carrier so the pet can travel in a hard-shelled or soft-sided kennel and is comfortable inside.
  • To book pet travel in the Cabin, passengers should prefer to contact the KLM official reservation desk at least 48 hours before the departure time. 

Pet Travel in Cargo hold:

  • When pets exceed the cabin size and weight restrictions, they can travel in a cargo hold.
  • Make sure that the hard-shelled kennel should be IATA approved. 

What Are KLM’s Guidelines for In-Cabin Pets?

According to the KLM in-cabin pet guidelines, passengers can only bring small cats or dogs into the pet cabins. This applies only to those in Economy Class or Business Class within Europe. Also, the pet should fit in the Kennel because it needs to fly underneath the seat in front of the traveler. You are not supposed to take your pet out of the kennel during the flight, so ensure the pet is small enough to fit in the kennel comfortably. Passengers cannot bring their pets into the cabin if they travel on intercontinental routes. 

Size and Weight Restrictions for Pets in the Cabin:

Here, you will discover pet size and weight restrictions in the Cabin.

  • For Pet travel in a Cabin, the Kennel should not maximize the size 46* 28* 24*; otherwise, the Airline can deny boarding.
  • Passengers should ensure that their pet weighs not more than 8kg. 

What to Expect When Traveling with Pets in KLM’s Cabin?

When traveling with pets in KLM's Cabin, travelers are expected to bring either a small dog or cat that can easily fit in the Kennel, which should not maximize the size of 46*28*24* so that it can easily fit underneath the seat in front of you. Therefore, you need to ensure that the pet's weight is not more than 8kg, or else the Airline will consider transporting your pet in a cargo hold. Thus, to prevent inconvenience, passengers are suggested to make the booking for the pet while booking their flight, and you are not allowed to bring your pet to the cabin on intercontinental flights.

What Are the Rules for Flying with Pets in Cargo?

If your pet is too big and fails to meet the standard size and weight measurement for pet travel in KLM Cabin, the Airline will transport it on Cargo in the hold. As the space is limited, passengers are recommended to make a booking for KLM Cargo pet travel as soon as possible, at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure time. To learn more about the rules for flying with pets in Cargo, take note of the following details.

  • Passengers can bring up to three pets in the hold and share the same Kennel. Two can be adults, and the third should be small, not more than six months old.
  • Per the Pet Travel cargo policy terms and conditions, travelers cannot bring pets on hold if the transfer time is more than 3 hours.
  • KLM won't allow pet travel in a hold on aircraft like Boeing 787-9 and 787-10, even though pet travel in cargo is restricted for flights to/from destinations like Barcelona, Bilbao, Lisbon, Madrid, Rome, and more.

Pet Travel via KLM Cargo: What You Should Know:

For hassle-free travel with your pet, here is everything you should know about KLM pet carrier rules before boarding.

  • Kennel and Pet combined weight should not maximize more than 75kg.
  • The Kennel size for cargo travel should be no more than 122* 81* 89* or no larger than 102* 69* 76 cm.

KLM’s Cargo Pet Carrier Guidelines and Restrictions:

Suppose you are traveling for the first time with KLM and want to become familiar with the guidelines for KLM flying with animals. In that case, you must check the above-given information, as it contains all the essential details, including weight, size, and other restrictions. 

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Flight with KLM?

Thus, to prepare your pet for a flight with KLM, you must ensure that it is familiar with its Kennel and has all the necessary travel documents, including Passports and vaccination certificates. You should avoid feeding your pet a few hours before departure; otherwise, check the kennel and pet's combined weight and size to meet the KLM pet travel requirements.  

How to Ensure a Comfortable Flight for Your Pet on KLM?

To ensure a comfortable Flight for your pet on KLM, you need to keep a few things in mind: consider making the booking using the Pet Travel Assistance KLM phone number at least 48 hours before the flight, choose a comfortable and secured Kennel, bring a healthy medical certificate and other essential travel documents, including a passport, and the combined weight of pet and kennel should not exceed.