KLM Baggage Rules: Carry-On, Personal Item and Checked Bag Fees

Where these numbers come from

KLM sells Economy in four ticket types, and the ticket decides almost everything about your bags. Every passenger gets a small bag that fits under the seat, at 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Light, Standard and Flex add a hand bag of 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Basic leaves the hand bag out, although KLM says it can be added for a fee. The page does not list that fee, so it is left blank in the bag cost calculator.

The weight limit is shared. Your small bag and hand bag together may not exceed 12 kg, which is about 26 pounds. That is tighter than the 10 kg a Virgin or Aer Lingus cabin bag gets on its own, but it covers two pieces. Sizes include handles and wheels, so a bag that measures 55 cm on the tape but 58 cm with its wheels is over the line. Departing the US, KLM notes that the airport security rules limit Premium Comfort and Business to one hand bag plus the small bag.

Checked bags are where fares split. Basic and Light include none. Standard and Flex include one bag up to 23 kg. KLM prices extra bags in a three-step ladder for US and Canada to Europe flights: $75 for the first, $100 for the second and $285 for the third, valid from July 1, 2026. On a Light ticket, the first bag you add is the $75 one.

Worked example, round trip on Light with two bags each way. Each direction costs $75 plus $100, which is $175. Round trip that is $350. Now take a Standard ticket with one included bag that weighs 26 kg. KLM charges $285 for a bag between 23 and 32 kg, so two directions cost $570. Repacking into two lighter bags costs only the $75 extra-bag fee each way, or $150 round trip. Use the overweight and oversize fee calculator to test your own weights.

One caution on sources. KLM's general fees page lists higher standard extra-bag amounts of $100 and $110, but it carves out US and Canada to Europe as an exception with the lower $75 and $100 prices above. The extra-baggage page states the exception plainly, so the table follows it. KLM also says extra bags are often cheaper online than at the airport, and the fees listed can be paid at the desk. Compare other carriers on the same route in the British Airways and Air France guides, or price your whole trip with the total bag cost calculator.

Sources

• KLM hand baggage allowance
• KLM checked baggage allowance
• KLM extra, oversized and overweight baggage (US prices)
• KLM ticket options
• KLM fees and paid options

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.