KLM Pet Policy: Cabin, Hold & Crate Rules (2026)

KLM accepts cats and dogs in the cabin or in the hold, and publishes detailed rules for both. These include exact carrier and kennel dimensions, a list of breeds not allowed in the hold, and several aircraft and transfer situations where hold transport isn't offered. This page summarises KLM's official pages as of 14 October 2026.

At a glance

Pets in the cabin

You can bring one cat or dog in the cabin. The pet and its carrier together must weigh no more than 8 kg, and the carrier can be up to 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 in). It must fit under the seat in front of you. KLM asks for a "closed pet travel bag or kennel" and does not say whether it must be soft or rigid. Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old, fly on the same flight as you, and stay in the carrier for the whole flight.

Cabin pets are not accepted in Premium Comfort or Business Class on intercontinental routes. They are accepted in Economy and in Business within Europe.

Pets in the hold and by cargo

Up to three pets can travel in the hold. Each pet and kennel together must weigh under 75 kg. The largest kennel KLM accepts is 122 × 81 × 89 cm (48 × 32 × 35 in). On KLM European flights operated by Boeing 737 or Embraer aircraft, the limit is 102 × 69 × 76 cm (40 × 27 × 30 in). Animals can share a kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg and they are either two adults of comparable size or up to three animals no older than 6 months from the same litter.

KLM does not carry pets in the hold in these cases:

• Transfers of 3 hours or more.
• Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10 or Airbus A321neo aircraft.
• German Airways flights.
• KLC flights longer than 2 hours.

At Paris-CDG or Orly, pets do not continue automatically on connecting flights.

For longer transfer times, pets can go with KLM Cargo. KLM does not carry pets on flights to countries that only allow pets as cargo, and recommends a specialised shipping agent for those routes.

Crate requirements

KLM's hold kennel rules:

• Shell made of fibreglass or rigid plastic.
• Wheels removed or blocked with duct tape.
• Centralised door lock that fastens at the top and bottom; hinge and locking pins extending at least 1.6 cm beyond the extrusions above and below the door.
• Two-part kennels bolted together; no other lateral closures.
• Two empty containers, or one bowl with two compartments, sealed or attached and fillable from outside.
• Absorbent lining such as a blanket or newspaper. No straw.
• Your pet must be able to stand without its head touching the roof, turn around and lie down comfortably.

To size the kennel, IATA's guidance (Edition 52, January 2026) gives the minimum internal dimensions: length = A + ½B, width = C × 2 (× 3 for two animals, × 4 for three), height = D + bedding. A is nose to base of tail, B is ground to elbow, C is width across the shoulders or widest point, and D is standing height to the top of the head or ear tip. Snub-nosed breeds need a container 10% larger. Ventilation must cover at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides, with openings on all four sides. Then check the result against KLM's maximum kennel sizes above.

Breed restrictions

Most snub-nosed animals can't travel in KLM's hold, but they can travel in the cabin or as cargo. KLM lists these breeds:

• Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.
• Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxers (all breeds), Bulldogs (all breeds), Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Pugs (all breeds), Chow-Chow, Great Dane (all breeds), Spaniels (Tibetan, Japanese, English, King Charles), Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Mastiffs (all breeds), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Small Brabant, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Documents

• A microchip with up-to-date contact details.
• The documents your destination requires, such as a health certificate and vaccination record.
• Within the EU: a microchip and a European pet passport.
• Dogs to the USA: a completed CDC Dog Import Form and its receipt. The dog must be at least 6 months old and microchipped.
• KLM's printed checklist, completed and signed. Bring two copies for a pet in the hold.

KLM strongly advises against tranquillising your pet. Talk to your vet if you're considering it.

Common reasons crates get refused

• The kennel is bigger than KLM's maximum for the aircraft type.
• The halves are joined only with clips or side closures instead of bolts.
• Wheels are still working.
• The animal's head touches the roof, or it can't turn around.
• Not enough ventilation under IATA's 16% rule.
• Bowls can't be filled from outside.
• Straw bedding.

FAQ

How big can my cabin carrier be on KLM? Up to 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 in), and 8 kg including your pet.

Can I fly my pet in Business Class? Within Europe, yes. On intercontinental routes, cabin pets are not allowed in Premium Comfort or Business.

How much does it cost? KLM lists EUR 70 to EUR 500 per one-way flight.

Can my French Bulldog fly in the hold? No. Bulldogs (all breeds) are on KLM's list of breeds not allowed in the hold. They can travel in the cabin, within the cabin limits, or as cargo.

How far ahead must I book? At least 48 hours before departure, through My Trip. KLM recommends booking as soon as possible.

Check your crate before the airport

Use our free IATA crate size calculator to find your pet's minimum kennel size, then compare it with KLM's maximums. Our $39 crate check compares your kennel against the IATA container rules and KLM's published requirements.

Sources (verified 14 Oct 2026)

• KLM, Flying with your pet in the cabin or hold: https://www.klm.com/information/pets/reservation
• KLM, Preparing your pet's flight: https://www.klm.com/information/pets/preparation
• KLM, Travelling with your pet: https://www.klm.com/information/pets
• IATA, Pet container requirements (Edition 52, Jan 2026): https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b0016da92c86449f850fe9560827bbea/pet-container-requirements.pdf

PetFlyCheck is independent and not affiliated with KLM or IATA. Always confirm with the airline before booking.