KLM Pet Travel Policy 2026: In-Cabin, Hold, Fees & Booking Guide
The definitive guide to flying with pets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Understand in-cabin eligibility, traveling in the hold (AVIH), fees, carrier requirements, strict aircraft restrictions (787/A321neo), and snub-nosed breed embargoes for safe European and intercontinental travel.
Quick Summary: KLM Pet Policy
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allows cats and dogs in the cabin (under 8kg/17.6 lbs total) and in the ventilated cargo hold (up to 75kg/165 lbs combined weight). You must secure your pet’s reservation at least 48 hours before departure. Notably, KLM enforces strict aircraft restrictions—pets cannot travel in the hold on Boeing 787s or Airbus A321neos, nor can they travel in the cabin in Premium Comfort or Intercontinental Business Class.
- In-Cabin: Dogs & cats only. ≤8kg (17.6 lbs) including bag. Max bag dimensions 46 x 28 x 24 cm.
- In the Hold: Pet + IATA crate combined weight ≤ 75 kg. Up to 3 pets per passenger.
- Fees: Range from €70 to €500 each way, depending heavily on departure and destination airports.
- Booking: Mandatory via “My Trip” or phone at least 48 hours before flight. Space is highly limited.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is highly regarded for its pet-friendly attitude, particularly its world-class Animal Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Whether you are flying within Europe or on an intercontinental route, KLM allows your cat or dog to travel in the cabin or securely in the hold.
However, flying with pets on KLM comes with unique logistical hurdles. Unlike many other airlines, KLM restricts pet travel based on the specific aircraft model you fly on, the layout of your cabin class, and the duration of your layover. This guide details exactly what you need to know to prevent rejections at the check-in desk.
Key KLM Pet Travel Facts:
- In-Cabin Allowed: Yes, cats and dogs under 8kg (total).
- Carrier Dimensions: Max 46 x 28 x 24 cm (flexible soft carrier required).
- In the Hold Allowed: Yes, for pets + crates weighing up to 75kg.
- Age Limit: Pets must be at least 15 weeks old for international travel.
- Species Limit: KLM only accepts cats and dogs in the cabin and hold. Birds, rodents, and other species are not permitted on passenger flights and must fly cargo.
Cabin Class & Aircraft Bans
Cabin Class: You cannot bring a pet in the cabin if you fly Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes (there is no under-seat storage space). In-cabin pets are only allowed in Economy (all flights) and Business Class (European routes only).
Aircraft Models: KLM strictly forbids pets in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft due to ventilation setup. Always check your aircraft type before booking!
✈️ KLM Pet Travel Options
Before purchasing an airline ticket, accurately weigh your pet inside its travel carrier to determine your eligibility.
Option 1: Pets in the Cabin (PETC)
Eligibility: Dogs and cats only; combined weight of pet + carrier ≤ 8kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Limits: Max dimensions 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Flexible, soft-sided bag.
Seating: Economy Class (all) or Business Class (European flights only).
Limit: 1 pet per passenger in the cabin.
Best For: Small dogs (Chihuahuas, Dachshunds) and domestic cats.
Option 2: Pets in the Hold (AVIH)
Eligibility: Dogs and cats where combined weight (pet + crate) is up to 75 kg (165 lbs).
Sharing: 2 adult animals (max 14kg each) or 3 puppies/kittens under 6 months from the same litter can share one crate.
Booking Limit: Up to 3 pets per passenger in the hold.
Aircraft Ban: Not allowed on Boeing 787s or Airbus A321neos.
Best For: Medium/large breeds or multi-pet households.
💰 KLM Pet Fees (2026)
KLM does not have a flat-fee structure. Fees vary significantly depending on your departure airport, destination, and transfer routing. Prices are per kennel, one-way.
| Route Type | In-Cabin Fee (Est.) | In-Hold Fee (Est.) | Service Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights within Europe | €70 – €100 | €150 – €250 | Free (with CDC/EU forms) |
| Intercontinental (e.g. AMS to USA/Asia) | €125 – €200 | €300 – €500 | Free (with CDC/EU forms) |
| Transfer Layovers via Schiphol | Standard Route Fee | May include +€150 Animal Hotel Fee (layovers > 2hrs) | Free |
Important Notes:
- To find the exact fee for your specific flight, you must initiate the “Add a pet” process via the “My Trip” portal on KLM.com.
- KLM enforces a rigid transfer rule for pets in the hold: Transfer time at the hub must be less than 3 hours (unless routing via Paris CDG with Air France, which requires ≥4.5 hours).
- If your layover at Amsterdam Schiphol is 2 hours or more, your pet may be taken to the KLM Animal Hotel to be walked, fed, and watered. Additional fees apply.
KLM Cityhopper Warning
If part of your journey involves a KLM Cityhopper flight (Embraer aircraft), pets are not allowed in the hold if the flight duration exceeds 2 hours. This is due to heating limitations in the Cityhopper cargo holds.
🎒 Carrier & Crate Requirements
Using a non-compliant carrier is a primary reason passengers are denied boarding. KLM staff meticulously measure and check carriers against IATA standards.
✅ In-Cabin Carrier Specs
📦 In-Hold Crate Specs (IATA)
⚠️ Breed Restrictions & Embargoes
For health and safety reasons—primarily respiratory distress caused by high altitudes and stress—KLM maintains a strict list of embargoed breeds.
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds
Hold Ban: KLM prohibits snub-nosed animals from traveling in the hold. This includes Boxers, Bulldogs (all breeds), Pugs (all breeds), Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, and Persian/Burmese cats.
Cabin Exception: These breeds may travel in the cabin with you, provided they weigh under 8kg (including their carrier). If they exceed 8kg, they must be transported via a specialized air freight service, not as excess baggage.
USA CDC Restrictions
As of the latest CDC updates for flights entering the United States, all dogs (including service dogs) must be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compliant microchip, and owners must submit a completed CDC Dog Import Form online prior to travel. You must show the receipt at the KLM check-in counter.
📋 How to Book Pet Travel on KLM
Space for live animals is highly restricted per flight. You should complete these steps well ahead of your travel date.
Step 1: Verify Aircraft & Cabin Class Eligibility
- Ensure you are not flying on a Boeing 787 or A321neo (if putting a pet in the hold).
- Ensure you are not booking Premium Comfort or intercontinental Business class (if putting a pet in the cabin).
Step 2: Book Human Flight & Add Pet
- Book your ticket via KLM.com. Immediately navigate to “My Trip.”
- Select the option to add a pet to your booking. You can also call the KLM Customer Contact Centre.
- Deadline: This must be done a minimum of 48 hours before departure.
Step 3: Organize Veterinary Documents
- For EU travel: Obtain an EU Pet Passport, valid rabies vaccine, and microchip.
- For US/Intl travel: Secure CDC forms, country-specific health certificates, and ensure your pet is at least 15 weeks old (6 months for USA).
- Download, print, and fill out the official KLM “Pets in the cabin/hold checklist” from their website. Bring 2 copies for pets in the hold.
Step 4: Check-In at the Airport
- Self-service check-in is not allowed. Proceed to the special assistance or standard check-in counter.
- Arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for intercontinental flights, or 2 hours for European flights.
- DO NOT tranquilize your pet. Sedated pets are prone to hypothermia and respiratory failure and may be denied boarding by KLM staff.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The total weight of your cat or dog, combined with the travel bag, cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). The carrier itself must fit the 46 x 28 x 24 cm dimensions.
KLM forbids pets in the cargo hold of Boeing 787-9, 787-10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft due to the lack of proper ventilation and temperature control capabilities in the specific cargo compartments used for live animals on those models.
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are strictly banned from traveling in the hold due to breathing risks. They are allowed in the cabin only if they weigh under the 8kg limit. Larger pugs or bulldogs must be shipped via professional pet cargo services.
The fee ranges from €70 to €500 per one-way trip depending on the departure airport, destination, and whether the pet is in the cabin or the hold. Exact prices are shown during the booking process in the “My Trip” portal.
Yes. Two adult cats or dogs can share a crate if they are of comparable size and weigh no more than 14kg each. Alternatively, up to three puppies or kittens from the same litter (under 6 months old) can share a crate if they weigh under 14kg each.
Pets are not permitted in the cabin if you are seated in Premium Comfort Class or Intercontinental Business Class. The seat designs in these cabins do not provide safe under-seat storage space for pet carriers.
🟢 Verify KLM + International Entry Requirements
KLM boarding approval doesn’t guarantee customs approval. Ensure you meet both KLM’s strict aircraft policies and the destination country’s health and import rules to avoid quarantine. Generate a route-specific checklist below.
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