Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Just how strict are KLM with hand luggage size and weight?
It’s a question we’re often asked by our members, and here’s the latest.
Before we dive in however, let’s start by looking at what’s included as standard with KLM’s hand luggage allowance.
We’ll then cover some frequently asked questions along with our own experience, and also recommend a Maximum Allowance suitcase which is the perfect fit and great value for money on Amazon.
KLM’s main hand luggage allowance is as follows:
55 x 35 x 25cm (including wheels and handles)
If you’re travelling in Economy Class on European and intercontinental flights, you’ll be limited to the one main hand luggage bag.
The weight of this bag should not exceed 12kg.
Business class ticket holders are allowed to take 2 items of main hand luggage with the same dimensions as above.
The weight of each bag should not exceed 18kg.
Whilst you don’t get much in terms of main hand luggage, it’s a big bonus when airlines allow a smaller bag as well.
This bag must fit under the seat in front of you, and examples on their website include handbag or laptop for instance.
The official dimensions stated are as follows: 40 x 30 x 15cm.
From our experience however, as long as it’s clearly small enough to fit under the seat in front of you then you shouldn’t have any issues here.
For example, we often use a small backpack or holdall which gives us a bit more space to squeeze in any more essentials which you might have otherwise packed in your main bag.
As noted earlier, if you’re travelling in economy class your main hand luggage bag should not exceed 12kg, and if you’re travelling in business class you can have two bags which should not weight any more than 18kg.
What we can say from experience, however, is that it’s rare for airlines to examine the weight of your hand luggage.
Even still, it’s worth checking as you might just get unlucky.
Where possible however, you should stick within the limits, but don’t worry too much if it’s slightly over.
Just be prepared to wear some of your heavy clothing to make up for it – think coat with deep pockets if you’re really looking to get your money’s worth!
Like most airlines, KLM allow liquids in small amounts not exceeding 100 ml per container.
You must place these in one transparent, resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.
This is probably the most common question we hear when it comes to KLM’s hand luggage policy.
And there’s only one simple answer.
Rules are rules and if you fail to comply you will run the risk of having to pay extras.
Money that could have been invested in a decent bag for years to come, like this one on Amazon which fits perfectly within the limits and is great value for money.
That said, if you have a soft-edged bag which is only slightly oversized (like a backpack), you have a better chance of being able to squeeze your luggage into the sizer, if required to.
If you’ve got a hard case and that’s oversized, there’s no way you’ll be able to squeeze it through the dreaded cage – and so you won’t get away with it.
Whilst it’s rare for airlines to investigate the weight of your hand luggage, it’s worth checking your main bag just in case – as you should stick within the limits if possible.
But don’t worry too much if it’s slightly over – just be prepared to stick on some of your bulky clothing to bring the weight down in the unlikely event you’re checked and over the limit!
Absolutely – by checking-in online you’re more likely to breeze through the gate.
By not checking-in online, you give yourself a better chance of being asked questions at the KLM desk!
Besides, you should always check-in online if you plan on taking hand luggage only.
This way, you’ll have more time to get through security and relax before your flight.
If you decide to take the risk and get caught out, the penalties are fairly substantial.
In fact, you could buy yourself a KLM compliant bag for less!
Penalties vary depending on your route, but let’s say you’re travelling inside Europe the fees equate to around £40 for your first piece of luggage which is overweight.
You can find out more details on KLM’s website here.
KLM now state that if you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you’ll be allowed to take one main bag on board as well as a smaller personal item. According to them, your main bag must in the sizer and so be easily stored in the overhead compartment. Your smaller item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
And it’s hard to say just how strict they are going to be on the day you travel.
Besides, airlines operations are changing all of the time, and they will be looking to make up for a bad period for the industry.
Your best bet is to invest in a great value bag which is fully compliant, and you’ll be able to use this same bag on the vast majority of other airlines too.
But if you are to risk it with KLM and hope they’re not checking on the day you travel, make sure to use a soft-edged bag which gives you more room for negotiation with the sizer at the gate.
If after reading this you think you may need to purchase hold luggage, you can find all the details about this on KLM’s website here.
On most routes, the light ticket option does not include check-in baggage.
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