KLM Baggage Policy

The KLM baggage policy for carry-on and checked bags is quite straightforward.

1. The sum of the length, width, and height of a checked bag must not be more than 158cm/62in.
2. The total weight of a bag should not be more than:
   1. Business Class—70lb/32kg 
   2. Economy Class—50lb/23kg 
3. You will need to ship your baggage as cargo if:

1. Your checked bag exceeds 70lb/32kg in weight.
   (unless you repack it to reduce the weight to 70lb/32kg)
2. You’re carrying more than 10 checked bags. 
3. The combined dimensions of your special baggage (L + W + H) exceed 300cm/118in. 
4. You’re carrying unusual, odd-sized, or fragile items in your baggage. 
5. The carry-on and checked baggage allowance per the KLM baggage policy are for the most part:

• Economy Class
  • Light Fares—Nil.
  • Standard and Flex Fares—1 checked bag up to 50lb/23kg*.
• Business Class—2 bags not exceeding 70lb/32kg each.

The details are explained in the table below.

Note

• If you purchase your minimum at least 24 hours in advance, you can get a discount.
• For more details, check KLM’s country-specific regulations.
• The KLM baggage policy allows all passengers to carry the following items in addition to their free baggage allowance:

• Walking stick, umbrella, etc. 
• Mobility or assistive devices incl. wheelchair for passengers with a disability.
• Coats, overcoats, and similar wearables. 
• Food for the trip (only in disposable packs).

Children’s Baggage Allowance 

A child travelling on his/her own ticket, under KLM’s baggage policy, is entitled to: 

• The same baggage allowance as the accompanying adult, plus
• A collapsible buggy and a child car seat 

Lap Infant Baggage Allowance 

The lap infant baggage allowance for children under 24 months old who are not travelling on a paid ticket is:

• 1 handbag
  • Max. Weight 26lb/12kg 
  • Max. Size 55 x 35 x 25cm/22 x 14 x 10in 
• 1 child car seat 
• 1 collapsible buggy 

KLM Baggage Fees—Excess and Overweight Bags

KLM charges the following fees for excess and overweight bags (under the current KLM baggage policy):

• Fees for Excess Baggage
  Depending on your route, you will have to pay an excess baggage fees as shown below:

• First bag USD 30–60/EUR 25–50 per bag.
• Additional bags USD 54–USD 230/EUR 45–192 per bag.

• KLM Overweight Baggage Fees
  Per the KLM baggage policy, the overweight baggage fees are as follows:

• 50lb/23kg–70lb/32kg USD 84–143/EUR 70–120 per bag.

Note

• A single piece of extra baggage must not:
  • Weigh more than 50lb/23kg per bag. 
  • Measure more than 158cm/62in. 
• You may not be able to pay for extra baggage online if:
  • The departure airport does not allow it. 
  • If a part of your journey: 

• Is operated by a non-KLM airline.
• Is by bus or train.

Purchasing (Excess) Baggage Online

How can I purchase extra baggage for my KLM flight? 

KLM allows you to purchase extra baggage online:

• When you book your flight
• After you book your flight
  (through My Trip)
• When you check in 

Note

The KLM baggage policy states that you may not be able to book additional baggage online if:

• You’re taking off from airports that don’t have this facility
• Any part of your trip is operated by a different airline
• Any part of your trip is bus or rail 

In such cases, you can buy extra baggage at the airport desk (per applicable fees).

When to Transport Baggage as Cargo on KLM

Per the KLM baggage policy, you will need to contact a local shipping agent if you’re planning to:

• Check in baggage weighing more than 70lb/32kg
• Carry more than 10 pieces of checked baggage per passenger
• Carry sports equipment exceeding 300cm/118in in length
• Carry unusual or fragile baggage 

KLM Sports Baggage Policy

The KLM baggage policy for sports equipment allows you to carry certain types of sporting equipment free of charge if it is within your standard baggage allowance. Other items such as bicycles, scuba diving tanks, etc. must be reserved in advance and paid for.

1. You can carry the following sporting equipment as part of your free baggage allowance and check in the items as normal baggage without advance reservation. You will, however, be charged an additional fee if you exceed your free baggage allowance:

• Golf bags
• Diving equipment (except scuba tanks)
• Hockey gear
• Ski and fishing equipment up to 300cm
• Surfboards
  • Not exceeding 107cm on flights to/from the US, Canada, and Mexico 
  • Not exceeding 300cm on all other flights

The size and weight restrictions are as follows: 

• Max. Linear Size (L + W + H) 300cm/118in
• Max Weight 50lb/23kg (Economy Class)
  70lb/32kg (Business Class)

2. You must make advance reservation (48 hours) for the following sporting equipment and pay a special item fee: 

• Bicycles
• Scuba diving tank
• Surfboards exceeding 107cm on flights to/from the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Unusually sized sporting equipment 

The sports equipment fee typically charged for the above-mentioned items is as follows:

• Within Europe—EUR 55/~USD 54.
• Between Europe and the United States/Canada—EUR 125/~USD 150/~CAD 175.
• Between Europe and Mexico/Middle East—EUR 100/~USD 120.

Note. Heavier or larger sports items must be reserved (as checked baggage) at least 48 hours before departure. Also be sure to pack your sports equipment in a hard-sided case to prevent damage. 

Approved Sports Items
Per the KLM baggage policy, you can carry the following sports items on your KLM reservations, subject to weight, size, and other restrictions:

• Bicycles and tandems (specialty item, per applicable fees)
  • Includes foldable bicycles and non-electric tandems.
  • Max. weight must not exceed 50lb/23kg (incl. packaging). 
  • Max. box dimensions must not exceed 176.5 x 23.0 x 101.5cm/69 x 9 x 40in.
  • Must be suitably packed for the journey, preferably in hardcover casing. If using softcover casing, be sure to include protective packaging material inside.
  • Handlebars should be removed and placed along the frame, protruding items such as pedals must be removed, and tire pressure must be reduced.
  • You can buy appropriately sized KLM bike boxes for EUR 20 at Schiphol airport, Amsterdam. Each box weighs 10lb/4.5kg.
  • Electric bicycles/bikes are not allowed.
  • Must be reserved at least 48 hours before departure online (via ‘My Trip’) or by phone through KLM’s Customer Contact Centre. 
  • You must provide the weight and size of your bike box and bike when reserving. 
• Golf bag
  • Includes 1 golf bag containing clubs, balls, and 1 pair of golf shoes.
  • Allowed as checked baggage.
  • Notify online via ‘My Trip’ to ensure you can bring.
  • Flying Blue Golf members can travel with 1 golf bag not exceeding 50lb/23kg free of charge on top their standard KLM baggage allowance, but must carry a Flying Blue Golf voucher.
• Skis and snowboards
  • Includes 1 board (not longer than 300cm/118in) and 1 pair of snowboard boots.
  • 1 pair of water skis, 2 ski poles, 1 pair of ski boots.
  • Can bring as checked baggage, or instead of extra checked baggage bought in advance.
• Surfing equipment 
  • Surf equipment can include a surfboard (kite, wind, wave, boogie or body), and it should be packed properly in a surfboard bag to prevent damage.
  • Windsurfing equipment can include a windsurf board, sail, mast, and boom, and it must be in a single package, preferably a quiver bag.
  • Kitesurf equipment can include a kitesurf board and bag, and it must be in a single package, preferably a kite bag.
  • You’re allowed to carry any one of the sets above in place of a suitcase on KLM, Hop! or Air France operated flights (bearing a KL, AF, or A5 flight number). 
  • An additional fee may apply if travelling from/to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. 
  • If the equipment’s size exceeds 107cm/42in, it will be treated as a specialty item, and you will have to reserve in advance—and pay a special fee. 
• Diving equipment
  • Can include 1 wetsuit, socks, mask, shoes, flippers, vest, regulator, and knife. 
  • Dive lamps must be taken as hand baggage after removing the batteries and bulb.
  • Empty the scuba tanks (air cylinders) and remove the valve or keep it open. 
  • Air cylinders must be reserved for transportation—and for a special fee. 
  • Can bring as checked baggage, or instead of extra checked baggage bought in advance.
  • Be sure to make advance reservation. 
• Fishing equipment
  • Includes not more than 1 package containing 1 reel, fishing rods, landing net, 1 fishing tackle box, and 1 pair of fishing boots.
  • Can bring as checked baggage, or instead of extra checked baggage bought in advance.
  • Advance reservation not required.
• Weapons for hunting sports and shooting
  • Must be transported as checked baggage only.
  • You must have an appropriate firearm license, import/export license for the countries, and a signed and completed declaration form for transporting arms and ammunitions.
  • The following additional items are also allowed:
    • Weapon case
    • 11lb/5kg of hunting/shooting ammunition
    • 1 shooting mat
    • Hearing protector
    • Small tools
  • You must reserve in advance. 

Other Sports Equipment 

KLM’s baggage policy allows passengers to carry other sports equipment not mentioned in the list above—subject to the following size and weight restrictions:

• Max. Length 300cm/118in
• Max Weight 50lb/23kg (Economy Class)
  70lb/32kg (Business Class)

If you want to carry larger or heavier sports equipment, you will need to:

• Pay a fee
• Reserve a minimum of 48 hours in advance via the KLM Customer Contact Center

Special Baggage Items

Per the KLM baggage policy, if you want to carry special baggage items that exceed the maximum permissible size and/or weight, you will have to transport your baggage as cargo. In such a scenario, you should contact a local shipping agent/freight forwarder. 

Special baggage items can include:

• Wedding dress
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment 
• Mobility devices
• Weapons for hunting sports and shooting 
• Audio/visual equipment

Booking Special Baggage Items at KLM

Special baggage items must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance, as explained below. 

• To book a special baggage item online:
  • Visit KLM.com 
  • Hit the My Trip tab
  • Enter your trip details and click on the Search button
    (your trip details will appear)
  • Go to the Passenger details tab and scroll down to Baggage
  • Book your special baggage item by following the prompts
    
• To book a special baggage item on phone:
  Call a KLM Customer Contact Center in your area

You can also book your special baggage item by logging into your account. 

• After you log in, all your upcoming trips will show up.

• Select the trip in question.
• Go to the Passenger details tab and scroll down to Baggage.
• Book your special baggage item by following the prompts.

Medical Devices Like Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

If you’re bringing medical devices such as Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) for use onboard the aircraft, it is important to know that:

• Only battery-operated POCs are allowed. 
• You will have to contact KLM Cares 2 days (i.e., 48 hours) in advance. 
• You must bring an adequate supply of batteries to ensure your POC runs for 1.5 times the  flight duration.

How to Pay KLM Baggage Fees
You can pay you KLM baggage fees: 

• When booking your flight (online or by phone)
• Later by phone or online via My Trip
• At the time of checking in 

You can also pay your baggage fees with the mobile app. 

To pay your KLM baggage fees online: 

A screenshot showing how to pay KLM baggage fees

1. Go to KLM.com 
2. Access your flight as follows:
   • Click on My Trip 
   • Enter your booking code and last name in the boxes
   • Hit the button marked Search 
3. Your flight booking page will show up 
4. Select the flight and pay your baggage fee 

You can also pay your KLM baggage fees through the mobile app.

KLM Musical Instruments Policy

The KLM baggage policy allows passengers to carry their musical instruments in checked baggage, as hand baggage, or on a paid seat in the passenger cabin. 

1. Musical Instruments in Checked Baggage
   Small musical instruments can be packed in your checked bags provided they do not exceed your free baggage allowance.

• Economy Class
  • Max. Weight 50.5lb/23kg
  • Max. Dimensions 158cm/62in (L + W + H)
• Business Class
  • Max. Weight 70.5lb/32kg
  • Max. Dimensions 300cm/118in (L + W + H)

If your baggage exceeds the permissible weight or size, you will need to: 

• Make a reservation by contacting KLM’s Customer Contact Center
• Book at least 48 hours in advance
• Pay an additional fee
  

2. Musical Instruments as Hand Baggage Items
   Small musical instruments can be carried free of charge as hand baggage items, provided they are within your baggage allowance limits by weight and size.
   
3. Musical Instruments on Paid Seats

Larger musical instruments which are heavy, large, or delicate can be carried in the passenger cabin by purchasing an additional seat. You must book in advance through the KLM Customer Contact Center, and ensure that they your musical instrument does not exceed the maximum permissible weight and size mentioned below:

• Max. weight 100lb/45kg
• Max. dimensions 140cm/55in

Delayed, Lost and Damaged Baggage Items

If you lose a checked bag, or it doesn’t arrive, or it arrives damaged, you will need to either report it at the airport to the Baggage Service Office or online to KLM. After filing a report, you will be given a Property Irregularity Report and a reference number that you must keep safely with you to track and claim your baggage.  

Make sure you save the baggage claim tags that you received before departure, as you will need to produce them when you receive your baggage.

What to Do If Something is Missing from Your Bag

If any items are missing from your bag, you must:

• Report in person the missing items to the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport. 
• Report via e-mail form the missing items within 7 days of arrival.

How to Contact KLM for Delayed Baggage 

When you report your missing baggage, you’ll be given a phone number. Alternatively, you can reach KLM to know the current status (only private messages are recommended) via: 

• Facebook
• Twitter

What should I do if my baggage is still missing after 3 days on KLM?

If your bag has still not arrived after 3 days, you should:

• Fill out a Baggage Inventory and Claim Form online.
• Log in after 3 days:
  • Enter your last name and file reference number
  • Fill out the required information 

If KLM is unable to trace your baggage within 21 days, your form will be sent to the KLM Customer Contact Center for a speedy resolution.

KLM Baggage Tracking 

You can use KLM’s baggage tracking tool, known as World Tracer, to trace your baggage online.

Seeking Reimbursement for a Missing Bag 

If your luggage was damaged or lost, or something was missing from it, you must contact the KLM Customer Contact Center to seek reimbursement of expenses and/or compensation. 

• If you want your expenses reimbursed as a result of the delay, you must report within 21 days after receiving your delayed baggage. 
• If your delayed baggage arrives damaged, you must report no later than 7 days after receiving the bag. 

As with any airline, minor damages such as scratches, punctures, stains, etc. will not be covered b KLM, nor will damage to an article contained in an overstuffed bag.

Lost and Damaged Bags Liability 

The maximum you can expect to receive for a lost, damaged, or delayed bag at KLM per passenger is SDR 1,288, which is approximately USD 1,780. However, this does not apply to mobility aids and assistive devices incl. wheelchairs, or if you paid extra to insure your baggage with KLM. In case of the latter, you will receive the (higher) insured amount in case of loss or damage. 

Baggage Items Prohibited on KLM

The items listed below are not allowed to be carried on the KLM aircraft for safety reasons:

• Firearms are prohibited, except for hunting and shooting purposes, and include.
  • All types of firearms, such as shotguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers, etc.
  • Air guns, air pistols, pellet guns, ball-bearing guns, etc.
  • Starting/signal flare pistols
  • Harpoon and spear guns
• Stunning devices are prohibited in hand baggage. These include:
  • Tasers, stun guns, stun batons, cattle prods, etc.
  • Animal stunning devices or killers
• Pointed or edged objects, such as:
  • Axes and chopping devices
  • Knives or scissors with blades exceeding 6cm/2.35in
  • Sabers, sword sticks, swords, etc.
  • Ice picks and axes
  • Box cutters, razor blades, needles, crochet hooks, etc.
• Workmen’s tools that can be used as weapons, such as:
  • Blade/shaft tools where the blade or shaft exceeds 6cm/2.35in
  • Saws, incl. cordless portable power saws
  • Drills and drill bits, incl. cordless portable power drills
  • Crowbars
  • Bolt guns, industrial staple guns, and nail guns
  • Blowtorches
• Blunt instruments in hand baggage that can cause injury, such as: 
  • Skateboards and longboards
  • Martial arts equipment like knuckledusters
  • Kayak/canoe paddles
  • Golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and cricket bats
  • Fishing rods
  • Clubs and buttons, such as billy clubs, blackjacks, and nightsticks
  • Billiard, snooker, and pool cues
  • Baseball and softball bats
• Explosives and flammable material are prohibited in both hand baggage and checked baggage. Items include but are not limited to:
  • Smoke-generating cartridges/canisters
  • Mines, grenades, and other explosive military devices
  • Gas and gas bottles
  • Flammable solids and liquids
  • All types of fireworks and flares, incl. Christmas crackers and toy caps
  • Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives
  • Detonators and fuses
  • Alcoholic beverages exceeding 70% by volume
  • Aerosol paint cans, turpentine, and paint thinner
• Chemicals and toxic substances
  • Caustic materials, such as alkalis, acids, wet cell batteries
  • Fire extinguishers, poisons, radioactive material, etc.
  • Disabling sprays, such as pepper spray, mace spray, tear gas, etc.
• Biologically hazardous material, such as bacteria, blood, viruses, etc.

Restricted Items on KLM

The following items can only be carried if they comply with certain conditions: 

• Electronic batteries and lithium batteries 
• Smart baggage 
• Self-balancing devices 
• E-cigarettes 
• Portable electronic devices using lithium-ion batteries
• Portable oxygen concentrators 
• Lighters and safety matches and lighters 
• Lithium batteries and recalled devices 
• Alcohol (<70% by volume)

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Frequently Asked Questions on KLM Baggage Policy

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