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.
KLM Baggage Policy Summary
The KLM baggage policy can be summarised as:
- All fares include a small under-seat bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- Economy Standard/Flex adds an overhead cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) + 23kg checked
- Economy Light has no cabin bag and no checked bag on Europe routes
- Premium Comfort includes 2 x 23kg checked bags on long-haul
- Combined weight limit of 12kg for cabin bags (Economy) or 18kg (Business)
- Maximum checked bag is 32kg per bag, 158cm total dimensions
KLM Hand Luggage Size
The KLM hand luggage size depends on your fare type. Here are all KLM bag sizes:
KLM Carry On Bag Size
| Bag Type | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin bag (overhead) | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12kg combined* |
| Small bag (underseat) | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 12kg combined* |
| Business cabin bag | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (x2) | 18kg combined |
*Combined weight for cabin bag + small bag together.
KLM Hand Baggage Dimensions
| Measurement | Cabin Bag | Small Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 55 cm (21.7 inches) | 40 cm (15.7 inches) |
| Width | 35 cm (13.8 inches) | 30 cm (11.8 inches) |
| Depth | 25 cm (9.8 inches) | 15 cm (5.9 inches) |
| Volume | ~48 litres | ~18 litres |
Cabin Baggage by Fare
KLM Light 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.
KLM Check-In Baggage
KLM checked baggage allowance varies by fare type and route (Europe vs international).
KLM Europe Economy Checked Baggage Allowance
| 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 |
KLM Baggage Allowance International Flights
| 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 |
Key difference: Economy Light includes a 23kg checked bag on international (long-haul) flights, but not on Europe (short-haul) flights.
Size of Checked Baggage KLM
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum total dimensions | 158 cm (L + W + H) |
| Maximum weight per bag | 32kg |
| Typical large suitcase | 75 x 50 x 30 cm = 155cm ✓ |
Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked into multiple bags.
KLM Premium Economy Baggage Allowance
Premium Comfort (KLM’s premium economy) includes:
- Cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) + small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
- 12kg combined cabin weight
- 2 x 23kg checked bags (46kg total)
- Available on intercontinental routes only
KLM Extra Baggage Cost
If you need more than your fare includes, here are the KLM baggage fees:
KLM Checked Baggage Fee
| Route Type | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (short-haul) | €30-60 | €75-100 |
| Intercontinental (long-haul) | €100-150 | €175-250 |
| Second extra bag | €50-100 (Europe) | €100-150 |
| Second extra bag | €150-200 (Intercontinental) | €200-300 |
KLM Extra Baggage Fees International Flights Economy
For Economy passengers on international (long-haul) routes:
| Extra Bag | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st extra 23kg bag | €100-150 | €175-250 |
| 2nd extra 23kg bag | €150-200 | €200-300 |
| Overweight (per kg) | €12-15 | €15-20 |
Always add bags online through Manage My Booking. Airport prices are significantly higher. You can add baggage up to 24 hours before departure online.
KLM 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 |
| Checked bag (Europe) | €30-60 |
Compare this against booking Economy Standard. Often Standard is better value if you need both a cabin bag and checked 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.
KLM Check-In
KLM offers several check-in options:
Online Check-In
- Opens 30 hours before departure
- Available via klm.com or KLM app
- Add baggage, select seats, download boarding pass
- Check in baggage at bag drop desk at airport
Airport Check-In
- Standard check-in desks available
- Bag drop for online check-in passengers
- Self-service kiosks at major airports
KLM Check-In Baggage Tips
- Check in online to save time at the airport
- Add extra bags online before check-in closes (24 hours before)
- Weigh bags at home — the 23kg/32kg limits are enforced
- Arrive early for intercontinental flights with connections
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 KLM baggage allowance?
The KLM baggage allowance depends on fare type. Economy Standard/Flex includes a cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm), small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm), and 23kg checked bag. Economy Light only includes a small under-seat bag.
What is the KLM hand luggage size?
The KLM hand luggage size is 55 x 35 x 25 cm for the cabin bag (overhead) and 40 x 30 x 15 cm for the small bag (underseat). Combined weight limit is 12kg for Economy, 18kg for Business.
What is the KLM bag size?
KLM cabin bag size is 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Small bag size is 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Checked bag maximum is 158cm total dimensions (length + width + height).
What is the KLM carry on baggage allowance?
KLM carry on allowance for Economy Standard/Flex is one cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus one small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm), with 12kg combined weight. Economy Light only gets the small bag.
What is the KLM extra baggage cost?
KLM extra baggage costs €30-60 for a 23kg bag on Europe routes, or €100-150 for intercontinental routes when booked online. Airport prices are roughly double.
What are the KLM baggage fees?
KLM baggage fees include: cabin bag add-on €15-35, checked bag (Europe) €30-60, checked bag (intercontinental) €100-150, overweight fee €12-15 per kg.
What is the KLM luggage allowance for international flights?
On international (long-haul) flights, Economy Light includes 1 x 23kg, Economy Standard/Flex includes 1 x 23kg, Premium Comfort includes 2 x 23kg, and Business includes 2 x 32kg.
What is the KLM Europe Economy checked baggage allowance?
On Europe (short-haul) routes, Economy Light has no checked bag included. Economy Standard and Flex include 1 x 23kg. Premium Comfort and Business include 2 bags.
What is the KLM Light baggage allowance?
KLM Economy Light includes only a small under-seat bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm). No overhead cabin bag and no checked bag on Europe routes. International flights include 1 x 23kg checked.
What is the KLM Premium Economy baggage allowance?
KLM Premium Comfort (premium economy) includes cabin bag + small bag (12kg combined) and 2 x 23kg checked bags on intercontinental routes.
What is the KLM checked baggage fee?
The KLM checked baggage fee is €30-60 for Europe routes or €100-150 for intercontinental routes when booked online. Airport prices are €75-250 depending on route.
What is the baggage weight limit on KLM?
The KLM baggage weight limit is 23kg per checked bag for Economy fares, 32kg for Business. Cabin bags have a combined limit of 12kg (Economy) or 18kg (Business). No single bag over 32kg is accepted.
Can I check in baggage with KLM Economy Light and SkyTeam Silver status?
Yes. Flying Blue Silver members get +1 extra checked bag on all fares, including Economy Light. Your Silver status adds a 23kg checked bag to your Light fare allowance.
Are you allowed to bring a pillow on KLM?
Yes. A small travel pillow can be carried in addition to your baggage allowance. It does not count as a separate bag.
Does KLM weigh cabin bags?
Sometimes. The 12kg combined limit is enforced. Staff may weigh bags at check-in or boarding gates, especially if bags look heavy.
Can I combine baggage allowance with other passengers on KLM?
Yes, if travelling on the same booking. The total checked allowance can be distributed across bags as needed, as long as no single bag exceeds 32kg.
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