KLM Airlines Baggage Allowance: A Comprehensive Guide

When you fly with KLM, you must know what you can take. They have rules about how much baggage you can bring. Baggage means the bags, suitcases, or things you carry on the plane. These rules tell you how big your bag can be and how many you can bring. Knowing these rules before you pack is good, so you don’t get surprised at the airport.

This guide will help you understand precisely what KLM allows for your baggage.

Hand Baggage Allowance

When you fly with KLM, you can bring a small bag on the plane. This small bag is called hand baggage or carry-on luggage. It means the bag stays with you on the plane, not in the big suitcase section below.

Economy Class

If you’re flying in Economy Class (this is the basic seat), you can bring:

1 small suitcase that’s not bigger than 55cm high, 35cm wide, and 25cm deep (this includes the wheels and the handles).
1 little item, like a small purse or laptop bag. It must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Together, both bags can’t weigh more than 12 kilograms. You’ll have to lift this yourself. The people who work on the plane won’t lift it for you unless you need help.

Premium Comfort Class

If you bought a Premium Comfort Class ticket (this is better than Economy), you can take more bags with you.

Here’s what you can bring:

There must be two small suitcases, each the same size as the one above (55cm x 35cm x 25cm).
1 little extra bag, like a laptop or small handbag (same small size limit as before).

All these bags must weigh 12 kg or less when you put them together.

Business Class

If you’re flying Business Class (fancier seats with more comfort), you get the most space for bags.

You’re allowed:

2 hand bags just like Premium Comfort Class (same size, 55cm x 35cm x 25cm).
1 little extra bag, like a laptop or purse.

But here’s the difference: all your hand baggage can weigh 18 kg instead of 12 kg. That’s 6 kg more than other classes. But still, you must carry your bags.

Travelling with a Baby?

If you’re flying with a baby who sits on your lap (not in their seat), you can bring one extra small bag for baby things.

This baby bag must be:

No bigger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm.
Not heavier than 12 kg.

If your child has their own seat, they get the same baggage as adults, depending on their flying class.

What Happens If There’s No Space for Bags in the Plane?

Sometimes, the plane gets full, and there is not enough space in the overhead bins (the space above your seat).

If you bought a Light ticket (a cheap one), KLM might tell you before your flight to check in your carry-on bag at the desk. This means they’ll put your bag in the plane’s luggage hold (the bottom part of the plane), and that would be free. If they didn’t tell you beforehand, but there’s still no space during boarding, they might ask you at the gate to give your bag to be checked in. That’s also free.

Pro tip: Keep your most important things, like medicine, phone, or passport, in your smaller bag so you can easily access them.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage means the big bags or suitcases that go under the plane, not with you in the seat. You give them to the airline before the flight, and they put them in the belly of the plane. You can’t grab these bags during the flight. They’re not with you, and you only get them back when you land.

How Many Bags Can I Take?

The number of big bags you can bring depends on your ticket type and destination.

Light Ticket (Economy): No big bag. Just your small one with you.
Standard or Flex (Economy): You get one big bag, weighing up to 23 kg. It’s like a medium-sized suitcase.
Light Ticket(Premium Comfort Class): No big bag is included.
Standard or Flex Ticket (Premium Comfort Class): You can take two big bags weighing up to 23 kg.
Standard or Flex Ticket(Business Class): You get two big bags, and each one can weigh up to 32 kg.
Light Ticket (Business Class): You get one big bag that weighs 32 kg.

Each bag can be 158 cm, and remember that handles and wheels are added to these dimensions.

What About Kids and Babies?

Got a kid with a seat of their own? Whatever the ticket says, they get the same bag rules. Now, you can bring one extra small bag for those who don’t have a seat. It can weigh up to 10 kg.

Packing Tips: Don’t bring round bags like balls. They can get stuck. Don’t use kitchen cling film (that stretchy plastic wrap) to cover your bags. Use professional sealing.

Special Baggage

When you fly with KLM, you can bring unusual things like your bicycle, sports gear, musical instruments, extra stuff for kids, or even your wedding dress.

Bicycle

If you want to bring a bicycle, you can! It’s also imperative to book it in advance, no later than 48 hours before your flight. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting space for your bike. To safely pack your bike, it needs to go into a special bike box or another type of packaging made for bikes. When you pack it, ensure the handlebars are turned sideways and remove the pedals.

If you’re bringing an electric bike, remember to remove the battery. The battery can’t be transported in the cabin or hold, so be careful.

Other Equipment

You can also bring equipment for other sports, like golf, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, diving, and fishing. Just check the rules and make sure you’re ready. Items like buggies, strollers, car seats, and more can be included.

Musical Instruments

Depending on its size and weight, you can bring it as hand luggage, checked baggage, or even buy an extra seat.

Instruments as Hand Luggage

If your instrument is small enough, you can bring it into the cabin as hand luggage. It should be no bigger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm and weigh up to 12 kg in Economy Class or 18 kg in Business Class. Just make sure it fits in the overhead bin. It must go in the hold or on an extra seat if it’s bigger than that.

You can buy an extra seat if your instrument weighs up to 45 kg. It must be less than 140 cm tall or 122 cm for European flights with Embraer aircraft. Cellos can be a little bigger.

Instruments as Checked Baggage

If your instrument is too big or heavy, you can check it like regular luggage. However, you’ll need to book in advance if it’s heavier than 32 kg or bigger than 300 cm (length + width + height). Be sure to do this at least 48 hours before your flight.

Instruments as Cargo

Unfortunately, if your musical instrument weighs more than 45 kg, KLM can’t take it. You will need to arrange transportation with a shipping company.

Wedding Dress

First, congratulations! If you’re flying with your wedding dress, you can bring it as checked baggage. If you’re flying internationally and there’s space, you can even get it on board. It must fit in the overhead compartment and follow the regular hand luggage rules.

Urn or Coffin

You can bring an urn in your hand or checked baggage as long as it’s not made of metal. It must be sealed and wrapped carefully. During security, you’ll need to show a cremation certificate. This applies whether the urn is in your hand luggage or checked baggage.

If you need to transport a coffin, contact a funeral director or cargo agent. They can help with all the arrangements and let KLM know you’re travelling with one.

Restricted Items

Some things can’t go with you.

Liquids

You can take liquids in small bottles, up to 100 ml each. All the bottles must fit in one clear plastic bag, which can hold up to 1 litre. You can’t take any water or drinks through security in bottles. Remember, baby food, medicines, and special diet foods for the flight are okay.

Electronics And Lithium Batteries

You can bring up to 15 devices with lithium batteries and 20 spare batteries or power banks. But there’s a catch! You must ask for permission if you want a battery over 100 Wh (watt-hours) but less than 160 Wh. Batteries over 160 Wh? Nope, not allowed. Make sure the batteries or devices are not broken or recalled.

Firearms

If you’re travelling for shooting or hunting, you can bring firearms and ammunition in your checked baggage. But there are rules. You need special permits and licenses. You also need to reserve a spot to carry it. Contact the KLM Customer Service Centre 48 hours before your flight to arrange everything.

Electronic cigarettes

You can bring an e-cigarette, but you must keep it with you. It can’t go in your hand baggage. And remember, you can’t use or charge your e-cigarette during the flight.

Powders to or from the US

Powders are allowed but must be in containers of 350 ml or less. If you bring more, pack it in your checked baggage. If the powder is open and looks like it’s been tampered with, you can’t bring it. Pack all powders in your checked bag to make security easier if you don’t need them during the flight.

Prohibited items

Here are some things you can’t take in your hand baggage:

Self-balancing devices
Firearms or weapons
Pointed or sharp objects
Work tools used as weapons
Explosives, flammable, or dangerous chemicals

Delayed Baggage

It’s not fun when you land and your bag isn’t there. We know how annoying it is.

Report Delayed Baggage

You must report your bag if you don’t find it after arriving. Customers should do this online within 48 hours of their arrival. You can also go to the baggage desk at the airport before you leave. After reporting, you will get something called a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report will have a file reference number that helps you track the status of your bag.

The delivery service will call you when your bag arrives at the airport. They will arrange a time to bring your bag to you. Once you confirm the time, your bag will be delivered to you.

Tracking Delayed Baggage

If you’ve already reported your missing bag, you can check the status after 24 hours. Use your last name and the file reference number in the baggage tracking system. Are you travelling to more than one place? No problem! You can update your temporary address so KLM knows where to send your bag.

If they still haven’t found your bag after 21 days, please contact the KLM Customer Contact Centre. They will discuss what to do next, such as how to file a claim.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, knowing KLM’s baggage rules helps you avoid problems at the airport. Following the rules, you can pack your things and get on your flight easily. So, check the rules, pack smart, and enjoy your trip! If you travel with other airlines, you must also know the baggage allowances of carriers like Turkish Airways, Gulf Airways, or Cathay Pacific baggage allowance, as each has its own policies.

FAQs

How Do I Measure My Bag?

Use a measuring tape. Start from the bottom of the wheels to the top, including the handles. The same goes for width and depth. Don’t forget the side pockets because everything counts.

Does the Weight Include My Handbag or Laptop Bag?

Yes. If the total weight limit is 12 kg or 18 kg, it includes everything you’re carrying on board, even your handbag or laptop.

Can I Bring Tax-Free Shopping Bags from the Airport?

Yes, but if you’re changing planes, keeping your items sealed is safer. Some airports might take your items away if they’re open, even if they were bought legally.