How to Book KLM Pet Travel | PetRelocation

Booking Your Pet’s Flight on KLM: What to Know Before You Book

KLM is still one of the better-known airlines for pet travel, but the rules are more specific than many people expect. The right option depends on your pet’s size, breed, route, aircraft type, and destination-country rules.

For most travelers, the first question is simple: can your pet travel with you in the cabin, or will your pet need to travel in the hold or as cargo?

Pets Traveling in the Cabin

Check basic eligibility. KLM allows small cats and dogs in the cabin if the pet and carrier weigh no more than 8 kg combined.
Use the right carrier. KLM says the pet must fit in a closed travel bag or kennel no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm, because it must stay under the seat in front of you during the flight.
Reserve early. KLM says pet space is limited and you should reserve as soon as possible after booking your flight, and no later than 48 hours before departure.
Know the cabin limits. KLM does not allow pets in the cabin if you are flying Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on an intercontinental route, because there is no under-seat space for the carrier.

Pets Traveling in the Hold

Check the size and weight limits. If your pet is too large for the cabin, KLM may allow your pet in the hold if the combined weight of the pet and kennel stays under 75 kg.
Use an IATA compliant crate. KLM requires a proper hard sided kennel for hold travel. The maximum kennel size on most KLM flights is 122 x 81 x 89 cm, with smaller limits on some European Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft.
Watch for route and aircraft restrictions. KLM says pets cannot travel in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Airbus A321neo, German Airways flights, or KLC flights longer than 2 hours.
Check your connection time. KLM says pets cannot travel in the hold if your transfer is longer than 3 hours. In those cases, cargo may be required instead.

Zeke and Diego moved to Thailand on KLM.

Travel crate note: For pets traveling in the hold, the crate must meet IATA standards and should be set up correctly before travel. A properly attached water bowl matters, and crate fit should be checked early, not the week of departure. You can review more on pet travel crates here.

When Cargo Is Required

Some pets cannot travel with the passenger booking at all. KLM says cargo should be used if:

your pet and kennel together weigh more than 75 kg
the kennel is larger than KLM’s hold limits
your dog or cat is traveling on a different flight from yours
your destination country only allows pets to arrive as cargo
your transfer or aircraft setup does not allow hold travel

In those cases, a specialized shipping agent is usually the practical next step.

One More Thing to Check Before Booking

KLM has a long list of snub nosed breeds that are not accepted in the hold. Some of these pets may still be allowed in the cabin if they meet the size rules, but many larger snub-nosed dogs will need a different plan.

Also, if your pet is traveling to the United Kingdom, KLM says pets cannot travel there as passenger baggage in the cabin or hold on KLM flights. That kind of country specific rule is exactly why it is smart to confirm the route before locking in your ticket.

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