If you're planning to travel with your pet, it's essential to be aware of the conditions and rules laid down by the airline. At KLMAs one of the world's leading airlines, there are a number of conditions you need to take into account if you want to travel with your four-legged friend. In this article, we'll explain the requirements for traveling with a pet in the cabin or in the hold, as well as the provisions concerning cages.
Cabin travel: KLM requirements and general conditions
First of all, it is essential to determine whether your pet can travel in the cabin. At KLM, only cats and small dogs are allowed in the cabin - subject to certain conditions :
- Animal weight (including cage) must not exceed 8 kg.
- The animal must be at least 10 weeks old.
- The cage must conform to the company's standards - see specific section below for details.
- Only one animal per cage is allowed.
- The number of pets allowed per flight is limited, so be sure to book your pet as early as possible.
- It is imperative that you contact KLM at least 48 hours before departure to inform them that you will be traveling with a pet.
Documents to be supplied
For travel in the cabin, the documents required by the airline and the authorities of the destination country must be presented. mandatory. These documents generally include :
- The animal's European passport (for flights within the European Union).
- A certificate of good health issued by a qualified veterinarian.
- Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination in compliance with international and national regulations.
- Any other specific documents required by the country of destination or transit.
Baggage allowance: KLM conditions
If your pet does not meet the criteria for cabin travel, it may be carried in the hold, subject to certain conditions. At KLM, here are the main provisions concerning the carriage of pets in the hold:
- Advance booking is mandatory to obtain a place for your pet in the hold.
- You must contact KLM to inform them that you wish to transport a pet in the hold, and provide the necessary details about the animal, including its weight and cage size.
- Don't forget to consider country-specific restrictions on import, transit and any documents required for trouble-free carriage in the hold.
Documents to be supplied for carriage in the hold
The documentary requirements for traveling with a pet in the hold are similar to those required for pets in the cabin. You must prepare and present the following documents:
- THE European passport of the animal (for flights within the European Union).
- A certificate of good health issued by a qualified veterinarian and dated less than ten days before the date of departure.
- Proof of rabies vaccination in line with international and national regulations (note that some destinations may require a blood test to check rabies antibody levels).
- Any other specific documents required by the country of destination or transit.
Cage: Conditions and Rules at KLM
Whether your pet travels in the cabin or in the hold, it is imperative that you choose an appropriate cage compliant with airline standards. For KLM, the rules for cage selection are :
- Maximum dimensions for in-cab cages are 46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm (length x width x height). Total dimensions must not exceed 76 cm (length + width + height).
- For animals traveling in the hold, the cage must comply with IATA standards to ensure the animal's comfort and safety during transport.
- Make sure your pet can stand up without touching the top of the cage, can turn around and lie down in the cage.
- The cage should have openings for adequate ventilation, as well as an absorbent mat and a water bowl to hang on the door.
Exception Your pet may be refused a flight in the hold if you have a connecting flight of more than 3 hours, or if you're flying a Boeing 787-9 or 787-10. Most snub-nosed pets are not allowed to travel in the hold, and will have to travel in the cabin or on a cargo flight.
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