KLM carries one dog or cat in the cabin up to 8 kg including the bag — but not in every cabin class, and currently not as baggage on flights to the United Kingdom.
At a glance
- Cabin. 1 dog or cat, maximum 8 kg with the bag
- Cabin carrier. soft-sided, maximum 46 x 28 x 24 cm
- Cabin classes. Economy, and Business within Europe only
- Hold. up to 75 kg total, kennel max 122 x 81 x 89 cm
- Cost. from €70 to €500 per one-way flight
- When to book. at least 48 hours ahead; minimum age 15 weeks
Your cabin class changes the answer
You can bring one dog or cat in the cabin in Economy, or in Business on European flights. In Premium Comfort and on intercontinental Business the carrier is not allowed, because it cannot be stowed under the seat in front — so paying for a higher class takes your pet out of the cabin.
The carrier must be closed, soft-sided and no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm. The pet cannot be taken out during the flight.
The United Kingdom restriction
Following a UK government embargo, KLM does not carry pets as passenger baggage to the United Kingdom — neither in the cabin nor in the hold. There are no restrictions in the opposite direction, flying from the UK.
This is the detail that derails most bookings: anyone looking for an Amsterdam-London flight with a dog needs cargo or a different option.
Hold travel: aircraft and connections that rule it out
Up to 3 pets can travel in the hold, for a maximum of 75 kg including the kennel (122 x 81 x 89 cm, dropping to 102 x 69 x 76 cm on European Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft).
It is not available on Boeing 787-9, 787-10 and Airbus A321neo, on German Airways flights, or on KLM Cityhopper flights longer than 2 hours.
With a connection of 3 hours or more the hold is not an option and cargo is required. At Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly your pet does not continue automatically — you must collect and re-check it.
Snub-nosed breeds and flights to the US
Snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in the hold; they remain allowed in the cabin or as cargo.
For the United States you need the CDC Dog Import Form, the dog must be at least 6 months old and microchipped. Between 6 and 12 months, the form must be completed at least 15 days before departure.
Frequently asked questions
- Does KLM allow dogs in the cabin?
Yes, one dog or cat up to 8 kg including the bag, when travelling in Economy or in Business within Europe. Pets are not allowed in the cabin in Premium Comfort or intercontinental Business. - How much does a pet cost on KLM?
Between €70 and €500 per one-way flight depending on the route. Confirm the exact amount when booking. - Can I fly with my dog from Amsterdam to London on KLM?
No. Because of a UK government embargo, pets are not accepted as baggage, in cabin or hold, on KLM flights to the United Kingdom. Flying from the UK to Europe there are no restrictions. - How many pets can travel in the hold with KLM?
Up to 3, for a maximum of 75 kg including the kennel. Two adult animals of comparable size, or three animals up to 6 months old from the same litter, can share a kennel if each weighs no more than 14 kg. - What is the minimum age to fly with KLM?
15 weeks. For flights to the United States the dog must be at least 6 months old.
Experiences from people who flew KLM
We have no verified stories for this airline yet. If you have flown with your dog or cat, tell us how it went: we only publish real, moderated experiences, and every story helps someone deciding right now. The others are in our experience archive.
The pet space is separate from your ticket and limited per flight. Check availability, fees and documents on the airline's website before paying: a purchased ticket does not guarantee your pet gets on board.