KLM Airline
Planning to fly with your dog? While air travel can be a quick way to get dogs or pets from one place to another, you should always plan ahead and make sure you know airlines have different policies about transporting pets. Some allow pets to travel in the aircraft cabin as part of your carry-on luggage allowance, while others will only allow pets to travel in the cargo area, and fees can vary from at all to more than $500. Also, most airlines only allow up to 4 dogs on each flight, so always make sure it is available for your dog BEFORE buying your own ticket. And always notice the airline 48 hours ahead of your trip.
To make your travel easy, please familiarize yourself with current U.S. Travel Regulations or International Pet Travel restrictions before you go. Have a great trip!
Pet Reservation
Prepare your pet for travel:
Allow 5 days before the flight for your pet to get used to its kennel.
Give your pet a light meal and/or water at the latest 2 hours before departure and walk your dog just before. During the flight your pet will not be given any food or water.
Tranquillizing your pet should only be done in consultation with a veterinarian.
The check-in process for pets may take some time. We recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled departure time, and bringin a filled out form for transporting your pet as check-in baggage.
Pet In Cabin Policy
Pets in the cabin
A small cat or dog can be taken into the Economy Class cabin of most KLM flights, and in Business Class on most KLM flights within Europe:
In a suitable pet travel bag with max. dimensions 46 (length) x 28 (width) x 24 (height) cm. Your pet must be able to stand up and lay down comfortably.
Total weight of pet + travel bag or kennel may be max. 8 kg (18 lbs).
The kennel must be put under the seat in front of you (therefore exit rows are excluded). It is not allowed to take your pet out of the travel bag or kennel.
Always make a reservation for your pet by telephone. Please note that we have room for a limited number of kennels in the cabin. Therefore we strongly advise you to make the reservation at the latest within 24 hours after you have booked your ticket, but at least 48 hours before departure. Unfortunately it is also not possible to bring a pet in the cabin in Business Class on intercontinental KLM flights, because there is no space for your pet under the seat in front of you.
Pet Cargo Policy
Pets as check-in baggage
Your cat or dog may travel as check-in baggage in a ventilated part of the aircraft:
In a kennel that complies with IATA rules – for example those of the 'Sky' and 'Vari' brands. See below for precise rules for your pet’s kennel.
Total weight of your pet and kennel combined may be max. 75 kg (165 lbs).
Always make a reservation by telephone or through My Trip at least 48 hours in advance. Please note that each passenger may bring up to 3 pets but that we have room for a limited number of kennels in the hold.
Snub-nosed animals such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Pekinese and Persian cats can have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. To ensure their well-being, most snub-nosed animals may therefore only be transported in the cabin or as cargo. Unfortunately, we do also not transport English and French bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs in the hold or as cargo.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Travel documents and health certificates
To find out which documents are required and which rules apply to transporting your pet, we recommend consulting the embassies of the country of departure and the country of destination.
Find more information on the following websites for travel:
To, from or within the European Union: read the European Commission regulations
To the United Kingdom (only possible via AIR FRANCE-KLM Cargo): visit the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Between other countries: visit www.iata.org
Special rules apply to service animals which have been trained to assist passengers with disabilities, or rescue teams. You can request more information from KLM Cares.
At the airport, we will use a checklist for your pet, travel documents and kennel.
Carrier Guideline
When transporting your pet as check-in baggage, its kennel needs to comply with several rules:
The kennel must have a fiberglass or rigid plastic shell. Wooden, metal bar or welded wire mesh kennels are not allowed.
The wheels must be removed or if retractable they must be taken off or blocked with duct tape.
The door must have a centralized locking system which fastens both locks on top and at the bottom of the door. (A)
The door hinge and locking pins must engage the container by at least 1.6cm (5/8 in.) beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening where the pins are fitted. (B)
The two parts of the kennel must be joined by bolts. Any other locking system is strictly forbidden. (C)
The kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand up without touching the top; to be able to turn around easily and to lie down in a natural position.
Fees
If a pet travels as check-in baggage and the transfer at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol takes longer than 2 hours, an extra fee of EUR 150 (or USD/CAD 200) applies. No pets in Business Class. Whether cabin or checked baggage; fees depend on the traveling zone of destination and range from $20 to $200 each way.
Contact Information
866-434-0320 or 800-618-0104
