Traveling with your beloved pet can be a rewarding experience, but it requires thorough preparation to ensure a smooth journey. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers comprehensive guidelines for passengers wishing to travel with their pets. Understanding KLM’s pet policy is crucial for pet owners to ensure a hassle-free experience.
KLM Airlines’ General Pet Policy
KLM allows passengers to travel with cats and dogs, either in the cabin or the hold, depending on the pet’s size and weight.Only cats and dogs are permitted; other animals are not accepted. Make pet reservations as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before departure. Pets must travel on the same flight as their owners and be at least 15 weeks old.
Pet Requirements for Cabin Travel
In Economy Class and Business Class within Europe, passengers can bring one cat or dog in the cabin. The pet must fit in a closed travel bag or kennel with maximum dimensions of 46 x 28 x 24 cm and a combined weight (pet and carrier) not exceeding 8 kg. The carrier should be placed under the seat in front of you, and pets are not allowed to be taken out during the flight. It’s not possible to bring a pet in the cabin when flying Premium Comfort Class or Business Class on intercontinental routes due to space constraints.
Pet Requirements for Hold Travel
For pets too large to travel in the cabin, KLM allows up to three pets in the hold. They can share the same kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg and are either two adult animals of comparable size or three animals up to six months old from the same litter. The combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 75 kg, and the kennel dimensions should not surpass 122 x 81 x 89 cm on KLM flights or KLM Ciyhopper can hold 102 x 69 x 76 cm. Reservations for pets traveling in the hold should be made promptly after booking your flight.
Health and Documentation Requirements
Before traveling, ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. A health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure is often required. For international travel, additional planning and healthcare requirements may be necessary. Research the requirements for pets for your destination country as well as for the United States if returning. When bringing your dog back to the United States from abroad, It must meet all U.S. entry requirements.
CDC Regulations for Pet Travel
As of August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new rules for dogs traveling to the United States. Travelers need to consult the CDC’s list of high-risk countries and determine the rabies risk. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries only need a CDC dog import form, which you can fill out before or on the day of travel. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries show only a CDC dog import form, which you can fill out before or on the day of travel. The form is valid for six months and can be used multiple times unless the dog enters a high-risk country during that period. Dogs from high-risk countries show additional documentation based on whether they were vaccinated for rabies within or outside the US
These dogs must also fly into one of six approved US airports and possibly have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility for testing. Rules vary by airline, so travelers should check specific policies before flying. Detailed information on requirements is available on the CDC’s official website.
Pet Fees in KLM Airlines
The fee for bringing a pet ranges from EUR 75 to EUR 400 per one-way trip, depending on the departure airport and destination. The exact price is displayed during the reservation process.
Additional Services and Considerations
KLM is committed to ensuring the well-being of pets during travel. While the airline doesn’t specify services like pet travel kits or special accommodations, it provides clear guidelines to keep pets safe and comfortable. For example, snub-nosed pets, which may struggle with breathing during flights due to high temperatures and stress, cannot travel in the hold but can fly in the cabin or as cargo.This policy aligns with animal welfare guidelines and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
Restrictions and Limitations in KLM Airlines
Certain restrictions apply to pet travel with KLM. Pets cannot travel if the combined weight of the pet and kennel exceeds 75 kg or if the kennel dimensions are too large. Additionally, airlines do not accept pets on flights with certain aircraft types or routes, especially when the transfer time exceeds set limits. Only cats and dogs are allowed; other animals are not permitted.
Benefits of Flying with KLM for Pet Owners
KLM’s clear and structured pet policy offers several advantages for pet owners. The airline’s adherence to international animal welfare guidelines ensures pets’ safety and comfort. The flexibility of allowing pets in both the cabin and hold, depending on size and weight, provides options for travelers. Additionally, KLM’s proactive approach in informing passengers about health and documentation requirements, as well as CDC regulations, demonstrates a commitment to facilitating a seamless travel experience for pet owners.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, traveling with your pet on KLM can be a smooth experience if you carefully follow their pet policy. Whether your pet is flying in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo, it’s essential to review the airline’s requirements, including carrier dimensions, health documentation, and booking procedures. Planning ahead and ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety will help make the journey stress-free for both you and your furry companion. Before your trip, always check KLM’s latest pet travel guidelines to stay informed about any updates or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
No, KLM only transports cats and dogs in the cabin and hold.
The pet must fit in a closed travel bag or kennel with maximum dimensions of 46 x 28 x 24 cm, and
Yes, small pets (dogs, cats, and other small household animals) weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier, can travel in the cabin with you. The pet must remain inside an airline-approved carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
KLM allows:
Dogs
Cats
Small household pets (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, birds)
Exotic animals, reptiles, and rodents are generally not permitted.
Yes, larger pets or those exceeding the in-cabin weight limit must travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold. KLM ensures pets are transported safely and comfortably through its Pet Travel Service.
Pets must:
Be healthy and fit to travel.
Have a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure.
Be up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies.
Required documents include:
A veterinary health certificate.
Proof of rabies vaccination.
An EU Pet Passport (for travel within the European Union).
An import permit (for certain destinations).
Yes, certain dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, may face restrictions due to health risks. Check with KLM before booking.
Fees vary depending on the route and travel option:
In-cabin travel: Typically €75–€200 per pet, each way.
Cargo travel: Fees depend on the size and weight of the pet and the destination.
Contact KLM for specific pricing.
