KLM CARRY-ON AND BAGGAGE REGULATIONS
With KLM, the flight route, booked travel class, and fare also determine how much baggage is included in the travel price and can be taken without extra costs. AS a KLM frequent flyer, depending on your Flying Blue status, you can check in an additional piece of checked baggage free of charge. This also applies to individual routes in Economy Class.
As of September 20, 2023, Source: klm.com, all information without guarantee
- What is meant by free baggage allowance at KLM?
- What is small carry-on luggage at KLM?
- What is considered carry-on luggage at KLM?
- Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
- What should be considered when traveling with children?
- What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
- Can I take a dog/animal with me on KLM?
- Checked baggage at KLM
- Sports equipment as checked baggage
- Musical instruments as checked baggage
- Saving tips for KLM baggage options
- My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
- My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
- My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
- Information about your stay on board
1. What is meant by free baggage allowance at KLM?
With KLM, the flight route, booked travel class, and fare also determine how much baggage is included in the travel price and can be taken without extra costs. AS a KLM frequent flyer, depending on your Flying Blue status, you can check in an additional piece of checked baggage free of charge. This also applies to individual routes in Economy Class.
| Light Fare | Economy Standard | Premium Comfort Class | Business Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small carry-on/Underseat 40 x 30 x 15 cm |
||||
| Large carry-on 55 x 35 x 25 cm 12 kg |
||||
| Checked baggage Total size up to 158 cm 23 kg |
In Business Class 1 piece, max. 32 kg |
1-2 pieces, max. 23 kg each |
2 pieces, max. 23 kg each |
2 pieces, 32 kg each |
2. What is small carry-on luggage at KLM?
You may take a personal small piece of carry-on luggage such as a handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase (40 x 30 x 15 cm) free of charge in all fare options.
3. What is considered carry-on luggage at KLM?
The complete carry-on luggage (small and large) may weigh a maximum of 12 kg, in Business Class a maximum of 18 kg. At KLM, cabin baggage may be up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm (incl. handles and wheels) in size.
Carry-on Suitcasesorder directly here in our online shop
4. Which items can be taken in carry-on luggage?
In total, a maximum of 1,000 ml of liquids, sprays, gels, creams, and spreads may be taken through security control. Max. 10 containers of 100 ml each (maximum capacity) must be transported in a resealable and transparent bag of 20x20 cm (max. 1 liter).
Liquids purchased from duty-free at the airport or on a flight route outside the EU can be taken in reasonable quantities.
Urgently needed medication should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to observe the import regulations of your destination country. Stricter regulations and approval requirements may apply there.
A maximum of 20 lithium-ion batteries and 15 electronic devices with a capacity below 100 Wh can only be taken in carry-on luggage. They must be individually packed (original or in a plastic bag) to avoid short circuits.
E-cigarettes, a small lighter, or small matches must be carried directly on your person into the cabin. Matches, strike-anywhere matches, blue flame lighters, or cigar lighters are generally prohibited. Cigarettes may be taken in carry-on luggage.
According to EU regulations, scissors and tweezers are only allowed in the cabin with rounded ends and a maximum length of 6 cm. Razor blades must have a plastic frame. Blunt or sharp tools or sharp objects and even mercury thermometers must be placed in checked baggage. Knives may not exceed a maximum blade length of 6 cm. Airports often prohibit all sharp objects in carry-on luggage. Each airport can enforce stricter regulations for itself.
Provided the dimensions fit, you can take musical instruments as carry-on luggage or as checked baggage within the free baggage allowance or as excess baggage. Additionally, there is the option to purchase a separate seat for instruments with a larger dimensional weight than 115 cm (length + width + height) and up to 45 kg. Reserve this at least 48 hours before departure at the KLM customer center.
5. What should be considered when traveling with children?
Regardless of whether they are traveling alone or accompanied by adults (legal guardians or not), special regulations apply to the entry or exit of minor children in some countries.
KLM offers child fares for children aged 2-12 years. The free baggage allowance according to the fare applies to them.
Infants under 2 years may travel on your lap for a small fee. For the baby, you may take an additional piece of checked baggage weighing 10 kg, provided your fare includes checked baggage. However, be careful with carry-on luggage. With a lap child, only one large piece of carry-on luggage is allowed.
Only one child is allowed on your lap. If you are traveling alone with two babies, you must book a seat for one at the child fare and bring an airline-approved child seat. To book an extra seat or to reserve a baby bassinet/carrycot (for babies up to max. 10 kg and no taller than 65 cm) for an intercontinental flight, contact the KLM customer contact center.
Per baby or toddler, additionally:
- a foldable stroller/buggy
- a booster seat, car seat
- flight bed or reclining extension
may be taken free of charge. If the folded stroller is a maximum of 15 x 30 x 100 cm, it may be taken directly into the cabin. With a larger buggy or car seat, contact the crew at check-in to have these items tagged or to clarify if the buggy & co. may need to be checked in. If these can be used up to the aircraft, but there is not enough space on board, the items will be collected and transported in the cargo hold. You will either receive them directly upon disembarking or you can simply pick them up with the rest of your luggage at baggage claim. This depends on the destination airport. For connecting flights, inform the crew that the buggy is needed.
Baby food, sterilized water, and milk are not subject to the 100 ml container restriction. However, a maximum of 1 liter of liquid is still allowed. You may be asked to taste the liquids at the airport for security reasons. Be sure to observe the regulations for importing food into your destination country.
For the youngest travelers, KLM offers the following services (partially only on intercontinental flights):
- Changing facilities in the restrooms.
- Warming of baby food and bottles in the galley.
- Suitable meals for children over 2 years can be ordered when booking the flight.
- Special bassinets/baby carrycots can be booked for babies weighing up to 10 kg. Availability is limited.
- Child-friendly entertainment in the entertainment program and small toys and bags for on-board entertainment.
Every child up to and including 11 years of age will always be seated next to an adult in the group. If you want to be sure that you sit together as a family or group, a seat reservation is recommended.
Only from the age of 15 may a young person fly alone, even if the adult fare has to be paid from the age of 12. Children aged 5-14 years who fly without the accompaniment of an adult (at least 18 years old) or if they fly in a different booking class than their parents, are considered to be traveling alone and must use the corresponding, fee-based service "unaccompanied minor children". Between 15 and 17 years, the service is optional. For every direct flight with KLM, the costs amount to €100 – €150 in addition to the ticket price. For transfers with KLM, Air France, and Delta Air Lines flights, accompanied flying costs between €200 and €300. Each way. The option should be booked at least 24 hours before departure or directly when booking the ticket on the KLM website.
More information about this service and the procedure can be found here.
6. What should be considered when traveling with reduced mobility?
Since space for wheelchairs is limited on every flight, you should register the carriage of such early, but at least 48 hours before departure. Transport is free of charge. While electric wheelchairs can only be transported in the cargo hold, you can take a manual wheelchair into the cabin, provided it meets the carry-on luggage dimensions when folded. If it has to be transported in the cargo hold, you can use it or airport wheelchairs up to the aircraft. All removable parts, such as footrests, cushions, etc., should be removed. You may take them into the cabin in addition to your carry-on luggage. Under certain circumstances, power cables may need to be disconnected from the battery and connections insulated to prevent short circuits.
You can take crutches or walking aids directly into the cabin without registration. A walker (rollator) is transported as checked baggage. If you want to use it up to the aircraft, simply indicate this at check-in.
Further information can be found directly at KLM.
7. Can I take a dog/animal with me on KLM?
KLM allows the carriage of a dog or cat in Economy Class, which is at least 15 weeks old. In Business Class, carriage is only possible on European flights. Other animals are not transported. A reservation at least 48 hours before departure is required for carriage.
For the accompanying animal/transport container as carry-on luggage:
- One transport container per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
- There is a limit of one animal per transport container.
- The maximum size of the container is 118 cm (46 x 28 x 24 cm).
- Maximum total weight of the transport container including animal is 8 kg.
- The container must be escape-proof, waterproof, and bite-proof.
- The animal must be able to stand, lie down, and turn around in its natural position in the closed transport container.
- The inside of the container must be lined with absorbent material. Newspapers, cardboard, or litter are not permitted. Old clothes or a blanket are recommended.
- The animal will be stowed in the transport container under your front seat on board.
- Since the transport of the animal is subject to a fee, the free baggage allowances according to the ticket remain unaffected.
Costs for transporting animals in the cargo hold:
Transport of animals in the cargo hold may be restricted on some routes, especially from November to March. You may take up to three animals in the baggage compartment. They may be in the same transport container if they each weigh a maximum of 14 kg and
- are 3 animals (up to 6 months old) from the same litter or
- are 2 adult animals of comparable size.
The container may not exceed the maximum dimensions of 122 x 81 x 89 cm (102 x 69 x 76 cm on KLM Cityhopper flights) and a maximum total weight of 75 kg. The costs range between €75 and €400, depending on the airport and route.
In general, the following should be noted when traveling with animals:
- Current entry and exit regulations of all countries concerned (ATTENTION: new, long-term US CDC entry ban for dogs (including assistance dogs) from high-risk rabies countries)
- Admissibility and possibility of carriage, especially when traveling with different airlines.
- Necessary official* and veterinary documents.
- Possibly required veterinary examinations or treatments (e.g., vaccinations, microchipping).
Furthermore, for assistance dogs on journeys:
- The carriage of an assistance dog must be requested at least 48 hours before departure. To do this, you must fill out an application form and send it to the email address indicated on the form. Additionally, attach a copy of the pet passport with information on breed, weight, and size.
- Proof of training as an assistance dog from a recognized institution must be presented to KLM upon request.
- For flights lasting 8 hours or more, you must also confirm that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so in a hygienic manner. For this, you must fill out and submit the "DOT Relief Attestation" form.
- For travel to or from the USA, the Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form must also be completed and submitted in advance for review. You can also find the form via the link above for the DOT Relief Attestation.
- The dog wears a (car) harness, which is held by your seat belt. A muzzle must be carried for emergencies and put on at the request of the staff.
*On all flights within the EU/EEA, a valid pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from a third country (as well as the required medical documents) must be carried. If you are unsure whether your dog is eligible to travel, you can contact the destination airport before your trip and have the information in the pet passport confirmed. Information on the pet passport can be found at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
8. Checked baggage at KLM
A maximum of 10 pieces of baggage (23 kg each and dimensional weight up to 158 cm) can be checked in per passenger. In KLM Business Class, 32 kg per piece of baggage (< 158 cm dimensional weight) applies.
Up to 24 hours before departure, each additional piece of baggage booked online costs:
On flights within Europe between €20 and €70
On intercontinental flights between €30 and €240.
Baggage booked later will be charged as excess baggage.
Discounts or free additional baggage are available for Flying Blue members.
Excess and Special Baggage
Items larger than 300 cm and/or heavier than 32 kg can not be checked in and must be transported as cargo.
If your baggage exceeds the total size and/or weight restrictions, excess baggage fees are due:
On flights within Europe between €70 and €200
On intercontinental flights between €75 and €300.
All suitcases in our online shop can be used as checked baggage with KLM. https://hauptstadtkoffer.com/en/shop
suitable suitcasesorder directly here in our online shop
9. Sports equipment as checked baggage
Sports equipment may weigh a maximum of 25 kg and be 300 cm long. The carriage of surfboards and diving tanks must be approved by KLM at least 48 hours before departure.
Golf equipment, diving equipment (without tanks), snowboard or ski equipment, fishing equipment, and even surfboards can be taken as part of the free baggage allowance if you indicate this accordingly when registering the sports equipment. Otherwise, fees of €85 – €100 will apply.
You can take your bicycle with you for about €100. It must be packed in a protective container (cardboard, hard plastic, or similar). To do this, remove the front wheel and handles, attach them and the handlebars placed parallel to the frame. E-bikes may only be transported without a battery. The carriage of the battery is not permitted due to its power of over 160 Wh.
10. Musical instruments as checked baggage
Provided they do not exceed the total dimensions of 300 cm and 32 kg, you can check in musical instruments as checked baggage as part of your free baggage allowance or as an additional piece of baggage. For longer or heavier instruments such as double bass or cello, you need approval, which you must request from the customer center at least 48 hours before departure.
If the dimensional weight exceeds 406 cm or 45 kg, you can only transport your instrument to the destination using the Air France-KLM Cargo freight service. The regulations for excess baggage apply. A well-fitting hard-shell case with sufficient padding is required. Especially when transporting in the cargo hold, you should consider special travel insurance (baggage insurance) for your musical instrument.
11. Saving tips for KLM baggage options
- Booking classes with a larger free baggage allowance may be cheaper than subsequently booked checked baggage.
- Book additional baggage online up to 24 hours before departure, otherwise excess baggage fees will apply.
- You can save the most by limiting your baggage to the essentials.
- Adhere to the carry-on luggage regulations so it doesn't become expensive excess baggage at the airport.
12. My suitcase was damaged - What should I do?
You should report damage directly at the baggage counter before leaving the airport. Although an online report is possible up to 7 days later, you are responsible for proving that the damage occurred while in KLM's custody.
Normal wear and tear (scratches, dents, etc.) are usually not considered damage. If the damage is not due to your own fault through overfilling, fragile or perishable items in the baggage, or weather, you will be asked by the employee or online to fill out a form for damaged baggage.
13. My suitcase is delayed - What should I do?
If you land in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Inverness, Leeds Bradford, London City, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, or Teesside, you must go to an employee at the KLM baggage counter at the airport. They will give you your reference number, which you need to track your baggage.
At other destination airports, you can also report your loss directly at the baggage counter. Or you can report your delayed baggage online within 48 hours.
You can check the status in the baggage tracking system 24 hours after reporting. You only need your last name and reference number for this. Here you can also change the temporary address if you are traveling to other destinations.
Be sure to keep all documents together with all flight documents, especially the boarding pass and baggage receipt.
The Montreal Convention for liability and reimbursement for emergency purchases applies to all international flights. Among other things: Be sure to keep receipts, there is a duty to mitigate damages (meaning that the costs for emergency purchases should be kept as low as possible), but not for loss on the return journey. If you have to make purchases due to the delay, you are entitled to reasonable reimbursement of expenses due to the baggage delay. To file your claim, contact the KLM customer contact center directly. As a guideline, approx. $50/day, for up to 5 days, which will be offset against the final claim.
14. My suitcase was lost - What should I do?
After a delay of 21 days, the suitcase is considered lost according to general air traffic rules. In this case, you are entitled to compensation. Contact the KLM customer contact center to file your claim for damages. For this too, you need the PIR no. as an assignment to the case.
The maximum amount for replacement purchases or the complete loss of baggage is approx. €1,400. The amount of compensation depends on the contents and any purchase receipts for them.
15. Information about your stay on board
In-flight Entertainment
KLM offers free messaging on all flights with Wi-Fi. You can send and receive text-only messages during the flight.
There are also paid Wi-Fi options. From Surf Pass to Streaming Pass, you can choose between different options. Depending on the flight route and option, this costs between €8 and €30. You can buy the Internet Pass in advance or directly on the plane.
Depending on the route, the airline offers an extensive, free entertainment program of music playlists, documentaries and feature films, audiobooks, and podcasts. So you can pass the flight time in an entertaining way. Depending on the travel class, you will receive standard headphones or noise-canceling ones.
Which electronic devices can I use on a KLM aircraft?
In general, there is nothing against the use of portable electronic devices during the flight that have a flight mode. Flight mode must be partially activated on board. According to air traffic safety regulations:
| With flight mode activated | Taxing (to/from runway) |
Take-off | Flight | Landing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
| E-Book Reader (<1kg) | ||||
| Tablet incl. Bluetooth headphones | ||||
| Bluetooth accessories for laptop like headphones, keyboard, etc. |
||||
| Laptop, Ultrabook, Notebook | ||||
| DVD-Player | ||||
| Large music players | ||||
| Larger electronic games (<1kg) |
In-flight Catering
On short-haul flights, snacks and drinks are served. On longer flights within Europe, a fresh, vegetarian sandwich is also available. On long-haul flights, in addition to a bottle of water, you can expect a menu with a choice of warm dish, a large salad, and a dessert. If the flight lasts longer than 10 hours, the sandwich also comes to the aircraft table here. Soft drinks, juices, wine, and beer are served with meals. Refills, coffee, or tea are available at any time.
Would you like an à la carte menu? On flights with KLM from Amsterdam-Schiphol, you can order your desired menu at least 24 hours before departure. Special meals (Hindu, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, vegetarian…) desired? At KLM, these can be ordered on intercontinental flights at least 24 hours in advance. Simply log in to "My Trip" and follow the instructions.
Important: Inquire about the food import regulations at your destination if you are bringing your own food from home. The import of certain foods, especially outside the EU, is often not permitted. If not everything is eaten during the flight and the import of this food is not permitted, you must dispose of the rest before entry.
The Hauptstadtkoffer team wishes you a pleasant journey
IMPORTANT! We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, despite the utmost care. In any case, we recommend that you inform yourself about the current regulations directly from KLM before departure.
If you have found an error, please let us know. Contact us.
Click here for the KLM Baggage Regulations
Calculate your free baggage allowance for your flight with the KLM baggage calculator.
As of September 20, 2023, Source: klm.com, all information without guarantee
