KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of Europe’s largest carriers, flying from multiple UK airports to Amsterdam Schiphol and connecting to destinations worldwide. The KLM baggage allowance varies significantly by fare type, from the restricted Economy Light (no cabin bag in overhead) to the generous Business Class.
I have flown KLM many times from UK regional airports connecting through Amsterdam. The Amsterdam hub is efficient, and the baggage allowance on Standard fares is reasonable for a full-service airline.
KLM Baggage Allowance Summary
| Fare Type | Cabin Bag | Small Bag | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | Not included | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Not included |
| Economy Standard | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 1 x 23kg |
| Economy Flex | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 1 x 23kg |
| Premium Comfort | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 2 x 23kg |
| Business | 2 x 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 2 x 32kg |
Important: Economy Light fares only include a small under-seat bag. No overhead cabin bag is included.
Cabin Baggage
Economy Light
The most restricted fare:
Small bag only:
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
- Must fit under the seat in front
- No overhead cabin bag included
This is similar to Ryanair and Wizz Air basic fares. A laptop bag or small backpack fits, but no standard cabin suitcase.
Economy Standard and Flex
Standard and Flex fares include:
Cabin bag:
- Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Goes in overhead locker
Small bag:
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
- Fits under seat
Combined weight: 12kg maximum for both bags together.
The 12kg combined limit is stricter than some airlines. If your cabin bag weighs 10kg, your small bag must be under 2kg.
Premium Comfort
Premium Comfort passengers receive the same cabin allowance as Economy Standard/Flex:
- Cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
- Small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- 12kg combined weight
Business Class
Business passengers receive enhanced cabin allowance:
- 2 cabin bags (each 55 x 35 x 25 cm)
- Small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- 18kg combined weight
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits within KLM’s 55 x 35 x 25 cm cabin bag allowance. At just 0.5kg, it helps maximise your usable weight from the 12kg combined limit. Opens flat like a suitcase, with a padded laptop compartment. A lightweight choice for KLM flights.
Checked Baggage by Fare Type
Short-haul (Europe)
| Fare | Checked Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | Not included | — |
| Economy Standard | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Economy Flex | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Premium Comfort | 2 bags | 23kg each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32kg each |
Long-haul (Intercontinental)
| Fare | Checked Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Economy Standard | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Economy Flex | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Premium Comfort | 2 bags | 23kg each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32kg each |
Note: Long-haul Economy Light includes a checked bag; short-haul Economy Light does not.
Checked bag dimensions: Maximum 158cm total (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
Maximum single bag weight: 32kg. Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted.
Adding Extra Baggage
If you need more than your fare includes:
| Bag Size | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| 23kg bag (Europe) | €30-60 | €75-100 |
| 23kg bag (Intercontinental) | €100-150 | €175-250 |
Always add bags online through Manage My Booking. Airport prices are significantly higher. You can add baggage up to 24 hours before departure online.
Economy Light Cabin Bag Add-on
If you book Economy Light and want an overhead cabin bag, you can add it:
| Add-on | Price (online) |
|---|---|
| Cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) | €15-35 |
Compare this against booking Economy Standard. Often Standard is better value if you need a cabin bag.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (per kg) | €12-15 |
| Extra bag at airport (Europe) | €75-100 |
| Extra bag at airport (Intercontinental) | €175-250 |
| Oversized bag | Contact KLM |
Maximum dimensions: 300cm total. Bags larger than this may not be accepted.
KLM Fare Types Explained
Economy Light
The cheapest fare:
- Small under-seat bag only (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- No overhead cabin bag (can add for fee)
- No checked bag on short-haul (included on long-haul)
- No seat selection
- No changes or refunds
Good for day trips or light packers on short routes.
Economy Standard
The most popular fare:
- Cabin bag + small bag (12kg combined)
- 23kg checked bag included
- Seat selection available
- Limited flexibility
Best for most travellers.
Economy Flex
For flexible travellers:
- Same baggage as Standard
- Free seat selection
- Free changes and rebooking
- Partial refund on cancellation
Good if your plans might change.
Premium Comfort
Extra comfort on long-haul:
- Same cabin baggage as Economy
- 2 x 23kg checked bags
- Extra legroom seat
- Priority boarding
- Enhanced meal service
Available on intercontinental routes only.
Business Class
Full premium service:
- 2 cabin bags (18kg combined)
- 2 x 32kg checked bags
- Lie-flat seats on long-haul
- Lounge access
- Priority everything
Flying Blue Benefits
KLM’s Flying Blue programme (shared with Air France) offers baggage benefits:
Silver Members
- +1 extra checked bag (short-haul and long-haul)
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Lounge access (long-haul)
Gold Members
- +1 extra checked bag (short-haul and long-haul)
- Priority everything
- Lounge access (all flights)
Platinum Members
- +2 extra checked bags
- Chauffeur service (selected routes)
- Lounge access for companions
Benefits extend to companions when travelling together on the same booking.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Included in allowance (max 23kg) |
| Skis/snowboard | Included in allowance (max 23kg) |
| Bicycle | €75-150 depending on route |
| Surfboard | Included in allowance (max 190cm) |
| Musical instrument (cabin) | As cabin bag or extra seat |
Most sports equipment counts against your checked allowance. Bicycles require advance booking and an additional fee.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free, in addition to normal allowance.
KLM Routes from UK
KLM flies from multiple UK airports to Amsterdam Schiphol:
London Heathrow:
- Multiple daily flights
- All connection options
London City:
- Frequent daily flights
- Convenient for central London
Manchester:
- Multiple daily flights
- Good for Northern England
Birmingham:
- Daily flights
Edinburgh:
- Daily flights
Newcastle:
- Daily flights
Bristol:
- Daily flights
Cardiff:
- Daily flights
Glasgow:
- Daily flights
Aberdeen:
- Daily flights
- Good for North Sea connections
Leeds Bradford:
- Daily flights
Norwich:
- Daily flights
Amsterdam Hub Connections
From Amsterdam, KLM flies to:
- Americas: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, São Paulo, Buenos Aires
- Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Jakarta
- Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos
- Middle East: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Minimum connection time at Amsterdam is 50 minutes for KLM-to-KLM flights.
KLM vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Economy Cabin Bag | Weight | Economy Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLM (Standard) | 55 x 35 x 25 cm + small bag | 12kg combined | 23kg |
| KLM (Light) | Small bag only | N/A | Varies |
| British Airways | 56 x 45 x 25 cm + personal item | 23kg combined | Depends on fare |
| Air France | 55 x 35 x 25 cm + personal item | 12kg | Depends on fare |
| Lufthansa | 55 x 40 x 23 cm + personal item | 8kg | Depends on fare |
KLM’s Standard fare is competitive with other full-service European airlines. Economy Light is cheaper but more restricted.
Tips for Flying KLM
1. Avoid Economy Light if you need luggage. Standard is usually better value when bags are included.
2. Weigh both bags together. The 12kg limit is combined. Staff may weigh bags at check-in.
3. Book bags online. Airport prices are much higher.
4. Join Flying Blue before booking. Miles accumulate across Air France and KLM.
5. Use Amsterdam efficiently. Connection time is 50 minutes minimum. Allow more for passport control on non-Schengen connections.
6. Consider Premium Comfort for long-haul. The extra checked bag and legroom may be worth the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cabin bag size for KLM Economy?
Economy Standard and Flex allow 55 x 35 x 25 cm in the overhead plus a small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) under the seat, with 12kg combined weight. Economy Light only allows the small under-seat bag.
Does KLM Economy Light include a cabin bag?
No overhead cabin bag is included with Economy Light. You only get a small under-seat bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm). You can add an overhead cabin bag for a fee.
How much checked baggage does KLM include?
Economy Standard and Flex include 23kg. Premium Comfort includes 2 x 23kg. Business includes 2 x 32kg. Economy Light includes no checked bag on short-haul, but 23kg on long-haul.
Does KLM weigh cabin bags?
Sometimes. The 12kg combined limit is enforced. Staff may weigh bags at check-in or boarding gates.
What is the maximum bag weight on KLM?
32kg per bag. Bags over 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked.
Can I combine baggage allowance with other passengers?
Yes, if travelling on the same booking. The total checked allowance can be distributed across bags as needed.
Related
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Emirates Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
