Economy Class (Basic Ticket): One personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag), max 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in), to fit under the seat. Hand baggage can be purchased separately.
Economy Class (Light, Standard, Flex Tickets): One hand baggage, max 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in, including handles/wheels), plus one personal item, max 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Combined weight up to 12 kg (26 lbs).
Premium Comfort/Business Class: Two hand baggage items, each max 55 x 35 x 25 cm, plus one personal item, max 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Combined weight up to 18 kg (40 lbs).
Infants (under 2 years, lap): One hand baggage, max 55 x 35 x 25 cm, up to 12 kg (26 lbs), plus one stroller/car seat free.
Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs): Containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag (total volume ≤ 1 liter).
Notes: Strict size checks at Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), and U.S. airports. Oversized/overweight bags checked at gate for ~EUR 75–$100 USD. On full flights, hand baggage may be gate-checked free, but pack essentials in personal item. KLM’s Messenger plug-in uses AR to measure luggage size. Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage during takeoff/landing.
Checked Baggage
Max Limits: Each bag up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs), max 158 cm (62 in, length + width + height, including handles/wheels). Bags over 32 kg or 300 cm (118 in) must be shipped as cargo.
Economy Class:
Basic/Light Tickets: No free checked baggage; can purchase (e.g., EUR 25 online, EUR 75 at airport for Europe routes).
Standard/Flex Tickets: 1 piece, 23 kg (50 lbs). Select routes (Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South America, Africa, French Polynesia) allow 2 pieces, 23 kg each.
Premium Comfort Class (Standard/Flex): 2 pieces, 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
Business Class: 2 pieces, 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each.
Children (2+ years): Same allowance as adults.
Infants (under 2 years, lap): 10 kg (22 lbs) if ticket includes checked baggage, plus one stroller/car seat free.
Flying Blue/SkyTeam Benefits:
Silver/Gold/Platinum, SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus: +1 piece (23 kg Economy, 32 kg Premium/Business).
Explorer: 10% discount on first extra bag if purchased >24 hours before departure.
Notes: Max 10 bags per passenger (3+ requires KLM Customer Contact Centre approval). Ball-shaped or clingfilm-wrapped (food-grade) baggage refused. Pooling not allowed; each bag must meet weight limits.
Excess Baggage Fees (One-Way)
Extra Bag:
Europe: EUR 25–240 online (>24h before), EUR 75–240 at airport.
Intercontinental: EUR 30–240 online, EUR 100–240 at airport.
Prepaid Baggage: Up to 20% discount if purchased >24 hours before departure.
Notes: Max 9 extra bags per passenger. Fees vary by route; use KLM baggage calculator. Heavy/oversized fees cumulative.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards): Counts as one checked bag (max 23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business/Premium). Bicycles require reservation >48 hours before, fees ~EUR 30–100. Max 300 cm. Electric bike batteries not allowed.
Musical Instruments: Within carry-on limits (55 x 35 x 25 cm) or checked (max 23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business, hard case). Larger instruments require extra seat or cargo.
Pets: Small dogs/cats (max 8 kg with carrier, 46 x 28 x 24 cm) in cabin, ~EUR 75–200. Larger pets in hold or cargo, ~EUR 200–400. Advance booking required. Assistance dogs free.
Wheelchairs/Mobility Devices: Free, no weight limit, with advance notice. Battery-powered devices require protected terminals.
Strollers/Car Seats: Free for infants/children, not counted in allowance.
Notes: Reserve special baggage >48 hours before via KLM Customer Contact. No liability for fragile items in hold.
Prohibited Items
Checked Baggage: Explosives, flammable/toxic liquids, e-cigarettes, lithium batteries >160 Wh, hoverboards, animal products from hunting, pagers/walkie-talkies (Dubai). Firearms/ammunition allowed with permits, max 5 kg, ~EUR 50 fee (Johannesburg/Cape Town).
Carry-On Baggage: Sharp objects, firearms, liquids >100 ml, disabling sprays (e.g., mace, pepper spray). One lighter/safety matches allowed on person only.
Notes: Plastic bags banned in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda. Jewelry/ammunition-based items banned in Philippines. Check destination-specific rules.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
Reporting: File Property Irregularity Report (PIR) within 7 days (damage/loss) or 21 days (delay) at airport.
Liability: Max 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (~$1,800 USD) unless higher value declared. No liability for fragile, valuable, or perishable items.
