A Detailed Guide to KLM’s Checked and Carry-On Baggage Allowances, Fees and Restrictions

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines grants passengers a specified complimentary checked and cabin baggage allowance based on the booked cabin class and destination. However, exceeding the permitted baggage dimensions or weights results in excess luggage fees.
• This extensive article elucidates KLM’s free baggage allowances, size restrictions, applicable excess baggage penalties and other policies in detail across travel classes, routes and fare types. Understanding KLM’s baggage allowances intricacies is key for travelers to pack judiciously and avoid surprise charges.

KLM’s Free Checked Baggage Allowance by Cabin Class

• KLM offers the following free checked baggage allowance based on the passenger’s cabin class of travel:

• Economy Class

• 1 checked bag up to 23 kg on intercontinental flights

• 1 checked bag up to 20 kg on European/Domestic flights

• Economy Comfort

• 1 checked bag up to 23 kg on intercontinental flights

• 1 checked bag up to 20 kg on European/Domestic flights

• Business Class

• 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each on intercontinental flights

• 1 checked bag up to 30 kg on European/Domestic flights

• The above allowances are per traveler on the ticket. Overweight or extra bags beyond the free limits are charged excess baggage fees.

Size Restrictions and Weight Limits on Checked Bags

• Apart from the number of complimentary checked bags and their weight allowance, all suitcases and luggage must comply with KLM’s strict size criteria:

• The maximum dimensions of bags should not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height combined)

• No individual side of a bag should exceed 70 inches in length for ease of handling

• The maximum weight per checked item is 32 kg for Business Class and 23 kg for Economy Class

• Overweight or oversized luggage is refused at check-in and heavy penalties apply. Travelers must verify route-specific size and weight restrictions.

KLM’s Permitted Carry-On Baggage Dimensions

• Economy class travelers can carry 1 cabin bag up to 55x35x25 cm in size and 1 accessory like handbag or laptop bag.

• Business class passengers can carry 2 cabin bags up to 55x35x25 cm each plus 1 accessory bag.

• Additional items like coats, umbrellas, baby carrier etc. do not count as cabin baggage.

• The maximum combined weight across all carry-on pieces should not exceed 12 kg total.

• Exceeding the standard cabin baggage dimensions or weights incurs gate check-in penalties before boarding the aircraft. Personal items must fit under seats.

Excess Fees for Overweight/Oversized Checked Bags

• Travelers crossing KLM’s permitted checked baggage weight limits at airport check-in are charged:

• Overweight bags: €75 for 23-32 kg, €200 for bags over 32 kg

• Oversized bags: €150 per oversized checked item

• Extra bags beyond free allowance: €75 (Europe/North Africa), €200 (Intercontinental)

• Excess carry-on bags: €75 per extra bag gate checked

• Pre-weighing luggage at home and removing heavy items helps avoid huge airport excess baggage costs. Pack conservatively as per the free allowances.

Special Baggage Allowances for Sports Equipment

• Golf bags can be carried within free baggage limits. Extra golf item fees apply.

• Surfboards and kiteboards up to 300 cm are charged €100 one-way as checked bags.

• Bicycles incur a €70 one-way checked fee but bike boxes are provided free.

• Ski/snowboard gear bags up to 20 kg are accepted as part of free allowance. Overweight charges apply.

• Fishing rods, diving gear, etc. follow standard checked dimensions and weights.

• Pre-booking excess luggage is mandated for large sports items to avoid surprise oversize and overweight penalties. Boxing is compulsory.

Baggage Allowances for Infants and Children

• Infants under 2 years not occupying a seat get 10 kg checked allowance plus 1 pram/buggy.

• For international long haul flights, lap infants also receive 1 extra 23 kg checked bag.

• Children above 2 years are allotted the same baggage allowance as adults per cabin class.

• So make use of KLM’s generous international infant check allowance when required. For older kids, adhere to the regular adult cabin baggage sizes and weights.

Top KLM Baggage Tips and Pointers

• Beyond the fundamental baggage allowances, following additional tips ensures smooth KLM travel:

• Fragile/valuable items should be in carry-on bags, not checked luggage due to liability rules.

• Pre-purchase discounted excess luggage online rather than heavy airport walk-in rates.

• Weigh check-in bags at home beforehand and remove overweight items.

• Affix all baggage tags tightly and include ID details inside/outside checked bags.

• Take photos of luggage before handing over as proof for potential claims.

• Immediately report missing/damaged bags on arrival and complete paperwork.

• Check route-specific baggage policies in advance for restrictions.

• Understanding KLM’s generous baggage allowances and abiding by size/weight limits as per cabin class enables smart packing and avoids penalty shocks.

Frequently Asked Questions on KLM Baggage Policies

• Q: How many checked bags are included free in KLM economy class?

•     KLM economy tickets include 1 checked bag up to 20 kg free for European routes and 23 kg for intercontinental routes. Additional/oversized bags incur fees.

• Q: What are KLM's carry-on baggage size restrictions?

•     KLM cabin bags can be max 55x35x25 cm. Personal items like handbags or laptop bags also have defined size limits. Combined weight of both is 12 kg.

• Q: Can I combine my family's checked bags in one large suitcase on KLM?

•     No. KLM's checked baggage allowance is per passenger as per the ticket booked. It cannot be shared or pooled even within a family.

• Q: Does KLM charge for strollers for infants?

•     No, one collapsible stroller or baby buggy can be checked or carried for free on international KLM flights for infants under 2 years old.

• Q: What should I do if my luggage gets damaged on a KLM flight?

•     File a damage report at the destination airport before leaving. Take date-stamped photos of damage. Retain your copy of the claim report.

• Q: How can I avoid excess baggage fees when traveling KLM?

•     Weigh all bags at home and remove heavy items. Pre-book extra checked luggage online at lower rates well in advance for excess requirements.

• Q: Is there a fee for transporting golf clubs on KLM flights?

•     No. Regular golf bags can be checked within the standard KLM free baggage allowance limits of 1 or 2 bags depending on class. Additional golf items may have fees.

• Q: Can I carry my bicycle onboard a KLM flight?

•     No. Bicycles need to be sent as checked baggage for a €70 one-way fee. KLM provides bike boxes for transport. They cannot be carried into the plane cabin due to size.

• Q: What's the best way to secure fragile baggage when flying KLM?

•     Pack any fragile items like electronics into your single permitted carry-on bag instead of checking it in hold to minimize mishandling risk.

• By gaining clarity on KLM's baggage size, weight and fees nuances based on class of travel and destination, flyers can pack prudently and have a smooth flying experience.

Conclusion

• This guide has elucidated KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' generous checked and cabin baggage allowances across the different cabin classes. Additionally, the size restrictions, weight thresholds, infant policies, sports gear rules and applicable excess luggage penalties were covered to make customers aware of potential fees.

• When flying KLM, proactively weighing suitcases, adhering to carry-on dimensions, pre-booking excess luggage timely and reading up on baggage specifics for the booked cabin class helps avoid surprises and ensures seamless journeys.

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