KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs
See KLM’s current dog travel rules, fees, carrier limits, breed restrictions, and booking steps before you fly.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pet Policy Overview
KLM allows dogs to travel either in the cabin or in the hold, depending on size, route, aircraft, and cabin class. Space is limited, advance reservation is required, and some snub-nosed breeds are not accepted in the hold.
KLM permits 1 dog in the cabin in Economy Class, or in Business Class within Europe, as long as the dog stays inside a closed carrier under the seat in front of you. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin in Premium Comfort Class or in Business Class on intercontinental routes because there is no under-seat space for the kennel. In the hold, you can bring up to 3 pets if sharing rules are met, but each animal in a shared kennel must weigh no more than 14 kg. Dogs must travel on the same flight as the passenger and be at least 15 weeks old. For dogs traveling to the United States, KLM notes CDC rules apply, including a completed CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, and minimum age of 6 months.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Book your own KLM flight first. KLM limits the number of pets accepted on each aircraft, so availability matters. 2. Check whether your dog qualifies for cabin travel or must travel in the hold. For cabin travel, your dog plus carrier must weigh no more than 8 kg and the carrier must not exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm. 3. Confirm your cabin class and route. Dogs are allowed in the cabin in Economy Class, and in Business Class only within Europe. They are not accepted in the cabin in Premium Comfort Class or in Business Class on intercontinental routes. 4. Reserve your dog as soon as possible after booking, and no later than 48 hours before departure. KLM says you can do this through My Trip for pets traveling in the cabin, or by contacting KLM if needed. 5. If your dog is too large for the cabin, request hold transport early. The combined weight of dog and kennel must stay under 75 kg, and the kennel must meet KLM size rules. 6. Review aircraft and routing restrictions before you finalize plans. KLM does not accept pets in the hold on Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10, Airbus A321neo, German Airways flights, or KLC flights longer than 2 hours. Hold transport is also not available if your transfer time is more than 3 hours. 7. Check destination entry rules. KLM specifically warns customers to verify local authority requirements before travel. If you are flying with a dog to the United States, complete the CDC Dog Import Form, make sure your dog is microchipped, and confirm your dog is at least 6 months old. 8. Arrive at the airport with your dog in the approved carrier or kennel and keep the dog inside during the flight. KLM does not allow pets to be taken out of the kennel on board.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Lufthansa | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | EUR 70-500 one-way depending on route | EUR 35 within Germany, EUR 50 within Europe/third countries, EUR 70 intercontinental | USD/CAD 150 within U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on/after Apr 8, 2025; USD/CAD/EUR 200 international |
| Cargo Fee | Route-specific; if not accepted as passenger baggage, use cargo service | Hold fees vary by kennel size and route: from EUR 70 to EUR 300+ per direction | Standard pet-in-hold service is not generally offered for regular passengers; larger pets travel via Delta Cargo, with limited military exceptions |
| Weight Limit | 8 kg in cabin; 75 kg in hold including kennel | 8 kg in cabin including carrier | No published combined cabin weight cap on overview page; pet must fit comfortably in carrier under seat |
| Carrier Size | 46 x 28 x 24 cm in cabin | Soft carrier; small animal in cabin up to 8 kg, exact fit depends on approved container rules | Delta recommends soft-sided kennel up to 18 x 11 x 11 in, subject to aircraft under-seat space |
| Breeds Restricted | Many snub-nosed breeds banned from hold | Restrictions apply to fighting dog breeds and snub-nosed animals | Destination and cabin restrictions apply; pets not accepted in cabin to/from several countries including the UK, Australia, and UAE |
| Booking Method | Reserve after booking via My Trip or KLM Customer Contact Centre at least 48 hours before departure | Register pet in advance with Lufthansa; fees paid at airport check-in/service counter | Contact Delta Reservations in advance; fee collected at check-in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on KLM?
Yes, if your dog fits in a closed carrier no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm and the combined weight of dog plus carrier is no more than 8 kg. Cabin pets are allowed in Economy Class and in Business Class within Europe.
Does KLM allow dogs in Business Class?
Only on Business Class flights within Europe. KLM does not allow pets in the cabin in Premium Comfort Class or in Business Class on intercontinental routes because the kennel cannot be placed under the seat.
How much does KLM charge for dogs?
KLM says pet fees range from EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight. The exact amount depends on your departure airport and destination and is shown during the reservation process.
What dog breeds are restricted by KLM?
KLM does not accept many snub-nosed dog breeds in the hold, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Cane Corso, Chow-Chow, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, among others.
Can my large dog travel in the hold on KLM?
Usually yes, if your dog and kennel together weigh no more than 75 kg and the kennel meets KLM’s size limits. However, hold travel is not available on some aircraft and routes, including KLM Boeing 787-9, 787-10, Airbus A321neo, German Airways flights, and KLC flights longer than 2 hours.
How far in advance do I need to book my dog on KLM?
KLM says you should reserve your dog as soon as possible after booking your own ticket and no later than 48 hours before departure.
Can I fly with my dog to the UK on KLM?
No, KLM states that pets in cabin and pets in hold are not permitted to travel to the UK as passenger baggage. You would need to review cargo or other compliant options.
What do I need to fly with my dog to the United States on KLM?
KLM says dogs traveling to the United States must follow CDC rules, including a completed CDC Dog Import Form, a microchip, and a minimum age of 6 months. Additional destination paperwork may also apply.