KLM Baggage Allowance and Fees 2025: The Simplified Traveler’s Guide
Making sense of KLM baggage policies is challenging to say the least. Fees and allowances vary depending on your route and ticket type, and this can make it difficult to plan. Even worse, overweight or excess baggage fees can add up fast and lead to a lot of extra expense. The only way to plan ahead and save money is to have a solid understanding of KLM’s baggage allowance, which is exactly what we’re going to unpack in this guide.
KLM Baggage Policy Overview
Airlines around the globe have long since unbundled their fees, and KLM is no exception. Because of this, cabin and checked baggage allowances are based on the dimensions, weight, ticket class, and route.
Fortunately, KLM’s baggage policies are much easier to understand than those of other airlines. You can see what you’re allowed to bring by using the baggage calculator on the airline’s website, but if you haven’t purchased a ticket, navigating the rules can be a little tricky. Let’s look.
KLM Cabin Baggage Allowance
How much hand baggage you can bring with you is determined by your destination and fare or ticket type: Economy Class, Premium Economy Comfort, and Business Class.
Children and Infants
Children who have their own purchased seat will have the same allowance as an adult for that ticket type, while lap babies will be allowed 1 additional item that is not more than 12 kg and 55 x 35 x 25 cm.
The following table will give you a better idea of how much you can carry onboard.
Remember that the maximum sizes include suitcase handles and wheels, and the maximum weight allowance includes your carry-on baggage PLUS your purse or handbag.
Seating Class | Cabin Baggage Allowance |
Economy Class | 1 item, maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm 1 personal item, maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm Total weight up to 12 kg |
Premium Economy Comfort | 2 items, each with a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm 1 personal item, maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm Total weight up to 12 kg |
Business Class | 2 items, each with a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm 1 personal item, maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm Total weight up to 18 kg |
Economy Light Ticket Holders
If you have a Light ticket, you will only be allowed to bring carry-on baggage. If your flight hasn’t enough bin space for your belongings, then KLM will contact you about checking your carry-on bag.
You might also be asked to do this at boarding, but don’t worry - you will not be charged in either situation.
KLM Checked Baggage Allowance
As with cabin baggage, checked baggage amounts are determined by your seating class. You can see more specifics in the table below. Be aware that on certain routes, you’ll be allowed 1 extra checked bag. You can find this information in the MY TRIP tab on KLM’s official site.
Checked Baggage for Children
If your child has their own seat, then they will have the same baggage allowance as an adult for that seating class.
All baggage maximum dimensions are based on total dimensions, which is the sum of the length, height, and width including wheels and handles.
Seating Class | KLM Checked Baggage Allowance |
Economy Light | No checked baggage allowance |
Economy Standard (Flex) | 1 checked baggage item Size: up to 158 cm per item Max weight = 23 kg per item |
Premium Comfort Light | No checked baggage allowance |
Premium Comfort Standard (Flex) | 2 checked bags max 158 cm per item Max weight = 23 kg per item |
Business Class Light | 1 checked bag Max 158 cm per item Max weight 32 kg per item |
Business Class Standard (Flex) | 2 checked bags Max 158 cm per item Max weight 32 kg per item |
Disrupted KLM flight? You might have a right to compensation - up to €600.Check Your Flight
Buying Extra KLM Baggage Allowance
If the baggage allowance for your seating class doesn’t meet your needs, you can buy extra, but it will cost you. KLM does not allow more than 10 checked bags per passenger, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Also, if you make your extra baggage purchase online, 24 hours before departure or earlier, you’ll have the lowest fees. You can also buy more allowance closer to your departure time, but you’ll end up paying even more for it.
The following table shows the fees for each extra bag ABOVE what is allowed for your fare class.
Basic Fees for Extra Checked Bags
1st extra bag | €85 ($100 USD) |
2nd extra bag | €100 ($110 USD) |
3rd extra bag | €200 ($220 USD) |
KLM Extra Baggage for Specific Routes
Flights between the USA or Canada to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
1st extra bag | €50 ($60 USD, $75 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €85 ($100 USD, $120 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
Flights between the USA, Canada, Mexico to Europe
1st extra bag | €60 ($75 USD, $90 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €85 ($100 USD, $120 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
Flights between the USA and anywhere else in the world
1st extra bag | €110 ($120 USD, $160 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €110 ($120 USD, $160 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
Free & Discounted Extra Baggage
- Flying Blue Explorer members get 10% off the first additional checked bag.
- Flying Blue Ultimate, Gold, Platinum, and Silver members get one additional bag for free when Air France or KLM operate your flight.
When You Exceed KLM’s Allowable Baggage Limits
It’s always a good idea to buy a portable luggage scale so you can weigh your belongings before you go to the airport. If you get to the check-in counter and your bags exceed the limits, you’ll be charged an overage fee which can be very expensive.
So, if your bags are bigger than 32 kg and 300 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height), you will be charged an additional fee.
Flights between the USA or Canada to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
1st extra bag | €50 ($60 USD, $75 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €85 ($100 USD, $120 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
Flights between the USA, Canada, Mexico to Europe
1st extra bag | €60 ($75 USD, $90 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €85 ($100 USD, $120 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
Flights between the USA and anywhere else in the world
1st extra bag | €110 ($120 USD, $160 CAD) |
2nd extra bag | €110 ($120 USD, $160 CAD) |
3rd extra bag | €240 ($285 USD, $330 CAD) |
KLM Baggage for Children and Infants
In the earlier sections, we provided the allowable carry-on and checked items for kids and babies. In addition to your baggage allowance, you can also bring a stroller, buggy, or car seat per child without paying extra.
If you have a pram or a larger baby carriage, you’ll have to check it as hold luggage but you can get a tag for it, use it to get to the gate, and then, before boarding, a KLM agent will check it in the cargo hold.
If you have a collapsible carriage or carrier that is smaller than 15 x 30 x 100 cm, then you can bring it into the cabin, provided there’s room for it.
Flying KLM with Musical Instruments
You can travel with musical instruments in the cabin if they fit within your allowable sizes:
- Maximum 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Maximum 2 kg in Economy Class and Premium Comfort Class
- Maximum 18 kg in Business Class
Larger instruments will either have to have a seat of their own (if they are up to 45 kg) or be checked into the cargo hold. KLM’s maximum height for instruments is 140 cm.
Another option is to use your checked baggage allowance for the instrument, but of course, if you go over the allowable limits, you’ll be charged the same excess fees cited in the previous section. Instruments that weigh more than45 kg will have to be shipped by a third party service as KLM will not be able to accommodate it.
Travelling with Your Pet on KLM
KLM only allows cats and dogs aboard the cabin, but you can also check them to the hold. It’s important to be aware of the fact that shipping animals in the aircraft hold is stressful for them, and some breeds are especially vulnerable to breathing issues like pugs, bulldogs, and other flat-faced breeds.
If you must transport your pet with KLM, make a reservation immediately after booking so you can be sure there is space available. Also, you must make this reservation 48 hours or more before your flight.
Dogs and Cats in the Cabin
Each passenger is allowed to bring 1 cat or 1 dog with them if they are in Economy Class or if you’re flying Business Class within the confines of Europe.
The animal must fit comfortably with plenty of room for shifting in a carrier no bigger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm that fits under the seat in front of you and weighs no more than 8 kg.
Pets are not allowed in the cabin for passengers travelling:
- Premium comfort class
- Business Class
- On an international flight
Animals as Checked Baggage
You can bring as many as 3 pets as checked luggage. If your animals weigh less than 14 kg each, they can go in the same carrier as long as they are both adults of equal size. You can send 3 animals in the same carrier if they are less than 6 months old and littermates.
- The maximum combined weight of the animal and the kennel is 75 kg.
- The maximum dimensions of the kennel are 122 x 81 x 89 cm.
Fees for transporting your pets in the hold can be anywhere from 75-400 EUR each one-way depending on your route.
KLM Policy on Sports Equipment
You can bring sporting equipment with you on a KLM flight as cabin or checked luggage as long as it fits within the allowable limits for your seating class and route.
Larger items like bicycles, golf clubs, ski, and scuba equipment can also fly with you but you’ll have to make a reservation with the airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
Sports equipment that exceeds 300 cm in length or weighs more than 32 kg will not be able to be transported.
KLM Restricted Baggage
Like all airlines, KLM must adhere to the rules of the IATA, TSA, and EASA for restricted items. That said, you will not be able to bring certain quantities of liquids, gels, and powders in your cabin baggage. Firearms, sharp items, and anything that could be used as a weapon like a ball bat or throwing stars are also restricted from carry-on bags.
Similarly, KLM will not allow you to transport explosives or flammable substances in cabin or checked baggage.
Claim with AirAdvisor and get up to €600 compensationFind out how much you’re owed today.Check Your Flight
Tips to Avoid Baggage Problems
- Weigh the items you plan to check before going to the airport. The best way to do this is to buy a portable scale for this purpose.
- Put current contact info on and inside your baggage in case it gets lost or damaged.
- Photograph both the contents and the outside of your suitcase as you pack. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have photos to prove what was in your suitcase and what your belongings looked like prior to your trip. This will help you get the right amount of compensation.
Had an Issue with KLM?
Did you miss your {airline] flight because of baggage issues?
Check if you qualify for reimbursement in just 3 minutes.