KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pet travel policy for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) — based at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands.
Policy summary
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines accepts dogs and cats in the cabin on most KLM-operated flights up to a combined pet plus carrier weight of 8 kilograms. The soft-sided carrier may measure no more than 46 by 28 by 24 centimetres (about 18 by 11 by 9.5 inches), and you must add the pet to your booking through the KLM Customer Contact Centre at least 48 hours before departure. The fee is 75–400 EUR depending on routing and pet weight class. Larger animals are accepted as checked baggage in the temperature-controlled hold on most KLM aircraft up to a combined kennel-and-pet weight of 75 kilograms, with the kennel meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations. Pets travelling on KLM intercontinental cargo are handled by Air France KLM Martinair Cargo at the Amsterdam Schiphol Animal Hotel, a dedicated airport facility with veterinary support. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds are excluded from the hold year-round, and KLM enforces destination-specific quarantine requirements for the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
Quick reference
| Cabin pets | Yes — cats & small dogs in approved under-seat carrier |
|---|---|
| Cargo / checked program | Yes — IATA-rated kennel via dedicated cargo division |
| Cabin fee (one-way) | $75 USD (typical, route-dependent) |
| Carrier max dimensions | 18 x 12 x 10 in |
| Weight limit | 17.6 (pet + carrier) |
| Breed restrictions | No snub-nosed in cargo. Cargo via Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. |
| Reservations | +31 20 4747 747 |
| Hub airport | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| Country | Netherlands |
How to book a pet on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Almost every airline requires you to add a pet to your reservation by phone — there is no online self-service for in-cabin or cargo pets at the major carriers, because the airline must confirm there is space on the specific aircraft type and route. Call +31 20 4747 747 within 24 hours of buying your ticket and ask the agent to add the pet to your booking. You will be quoted the fee at the time of booking and pay it at airport check-in. Bring printed proof of vaccinations and a recent veterinary health certificate, especially for international itineraries.
At the airport, plan to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic departure or three hours before an international departure. The airline gate agent will inspect your carrier, attach an in-cabin pet tag, and confirm that your pet meets the under-seat dimension and weight limits. If your animal is travelling in cargo, you will drop them off at the carrier's dedicated cargo-acceptance facility (separate from the passenger terminal) at least four hours before departure for kennel inspection and loading.