What Is Klm's Policy for Traveling with Pets or Service Animals?

Before 2021, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recognized emotional support animals and allowed them to fly for free. Currently, the only animals that can fly free of charge are trained service animals (SA). All other types of emotional support animals have to travel as pets.

KLM's Service Animal Policy

Only dogs are permitted to fly for free under KLM's Service Animal Policy. To have your service dog fly with you, you'll need to fill out an application form no more than 48 hours prior to your departure.

Service Animal Rules

To have your SA travel with you, there are rules you must follow:

1. Your SA must be well-behaved in public spaces before your flight. If your dog is seen misbehaving, you may be required to provide proof of licensing and training.
2. Psychiatric SAs can only travel free of charge to and from the U.S.
3. SAs cannot occupy a seat and must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, you may have to change seats, wait for a later flight or agree to your dog traveling in the hold.
4. For flights lasting longer than 8 hours, you may be required to show proof that your dog can last the duration of the flight without requiring a bathroom break.

KLM's Pet Travel Policy

The fee for your pet's travel is 75 to 400 euros, depending on the animal and the duration of your flight.

To have your pet travel with you, there are rules you must follow:

1. Only dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin and luggage hold.
2. Your pet must travel on the same flight as you and be at least 10 weeks old.
3. You must make a reservation for your pet no longer than 48 hours prior to your departure.

Pet Cabin Rules

To have your pet fly in the cabin with you, there are additional rules you must follow:

1. Your pet must be in a kennel or closed travel bag.
2. Your kennel or travel bag must be 46 cm by 28 cm by 24 cm, weigh no more than 8 kg, and your pet must be able to move comfortably.
3. You must not take your pet out of the kennel of travel bag for the duration of the flight.
4. Pets are not permitted in the cabin during Business Class flights or intercontinental flights, as there is not enough space.

Pet Hold Rules

Pets too large or too heavy to fit under the seat travel safely in the hold. To have your pet fly in the hold, there are additional rules you must follow:

1. You may have more than one pet in the same crate, as long as it is no larger than 122 cm by 81 cm by 89 cm and the pets weigh less than 14 kg each.
2. Pets as large as 70 kg can travel in the hold with the appropriate documentation, as long as the airline is notified in time.
3. Pets are not allowed in the hold for flights with a transfer of more than 3 hours or on flights in a Boeing 787-9 or 787-10.
4. Pets are not allowed on some KLM CityHopper flights between 1 November and 31 March.
5. Certain breeds of dogs or cats who may experience breathing problems in high-temperature, high-stress environments are not permitted to travel in the hold but may travel in the cabin or cargo area.

For both pets and service dogs, you'll need vaccination documents, travel documents, and health certificates. Your animal also needs an electronic identification chip for EU travel.

For assistance registering your pet for travel, contact KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.