KLM Airlines Pet Travel: A Step-By-Step Guide for Booking and Requirements | PetRelocation

Booking Your Pet's Flight on KLM Airlines: Understanding the Process

KLM Airlines is renowned for its pet-friendly approach to air travel. Whether your pet will accompany you in the cabin or safely secured in the cargo hold, KLM provides options to ensure a comfortable journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the essential steps to book a pet flight on KLM Airlines and the key factors to consider for a successful trip.

Accompanied Pets: Traveling in the Cabin

  1. Determine Eligibility: KLM permits small cats and dogs (up to 8 kg or 18 lbs, including carrier) in the cabin. Verify that your pet meets the weight limit and species criteria.

  2. Selecting a Travel Carrier: Your pet must travel in a hard-shelled kennel no taller than 20 cm or a soft-sided, expandable animal travel bag (max. 115 cm L+W+H). Ensure your pet can stand comfortably in the carrier.

  3. Booking Your Flight: Contact KLM's Telephone Reservations Line in your country to book your flight. Provide at least 48 hours advance notice for pets traveling in the cabin. Review international pet travel requirements for your destination if applicable.

Pets in the Cargo Hold: Larger Pets and Other Animals

  1. Pet Eligibility: If your pet exceeds cabin size or weight restrictions, it can travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold as "Accompanied luggage." The combined weight of your pet and kennel must not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs).

  2. Travel Crates: Use an IATA-approved hard-shelled pet travel crate with a water dish. Review guidelines on selecting the right pet travel crate.

  3. Booking Your Flight: Book your flight at KLM Telephone Reservations Line. Notify them of your pet traveling in the cargo hold as accompanied luggage. Provide 48 hours advance notice.

Two Golden retrievers that flew to Thailand on KLM
Zeke and Diego moved to Thailand on KLM.

 

Travel Crates for Pets as Cargo:  Your pet's travel crate must be up to IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.  KLM also requires pet travel crates to be equipped with a water dish.  We recommend attaching your pet's water dish to the inside of the crate door (see: All About Pet Travel Crates).

 

 

Unaccompanied Pets: KLM Cargo Services

 

  1. Eligibility Criteria: Consider KLM Cargo for unaccompanied pets or if your pet and kennel exceed 75 kg or 165 lbs, if the kennel size exceeds limits, or for travel to specific destinations (e.g., Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, UAE, Kenya, South Africa, UK).

  2. Booking and Pricing: For unaccompanied pets via Air France-KLM Cargo, a cargo account is required. Pricing is based on dimensional or volume weight, fuel surcharges, and other fees. Contact PetRelocation for a quote and consultation.

For your pet to travel unaccompanied via Air France-KLM Cargo, a cargo account is required, and pricing is based on a dimensional or volume weight.  If your pet will be traveling unaccompanied, it is best to obtain a quote from a PetRelocation.com Specialist by filling out our online consultation form.

Air France-KLM Pricing Structure for Pets

  • Accompanied:  For pets traveling within Europe on most AF-KL flights, the pricing per pet is EUR 70.  For all other international flights, the price per pet is EUR 200.
  • Unaccompanied/Cargo:  The pricing is based on dimensional weight and varies per pet.  Fuel surcharges and other fees also apply.

Note: Please Check with KLM for the most up-to-date information

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

EU
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