KLM Carry-On Rules (Size, Weight, Pets and Liquids)

KLM’s carry-on rules are easy to follow once you focus on three things: the hand baggage size, the small bag size, and the combined weight limit. The one fare detail to watch is Basic—because on Basic, KLM is clear that you only get a small bag unless you pay to add hand baggage.

For quick comparisons across airlines, you can also reference my airline carry-on luggage rules guide.

KLM carry-on rules at a glance

• Hand baggage (overhead carry-on) size: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (about 21.7″ × 13.8″ × 9.8″), including wheels/handles
• Small bag (personal item) size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (about 15.7″ × 11.8″ × 5.9″)
• Combined carry-on weight limit:
  • Economy / Premium Comfort: 12 kg (26.5 lb) total for hand baggage + small bag
  • Business: 18 kg (39.7 lb) total for hand baggage + small bag
• Economy ticket types:
  • Basic: 1 small bag only (hand baggage not included; can be added for a fee)
  • Light / Standard / Flex: 1 small bag + 1 hand baggage
• Premium Comfort / Business: 1 small bag + 2 hand baggage (note: see U.S. departure caveat below)
• U.S. departure note: KLM states that when departing the U.S., cabin baggage is limited to 1 hand baggage + 1 small bag regardless of travel class
• Liquids: most airports use the “100 ml in a 1-liter bag” standard (details below)

KLM carry-on size limit (hand baggage)

KLM’s maximum dimensions for hand baggage are:

• 55 × 35 × 25 cm (including wheels, handles, and exterior pockets)

If you’re close to the limit, measure your bag fully packed. It’s usually overstuffed exterior pockets (or expansion zippers) that push a bag out of compliance.

KLM personal item size (small bag)

KLM allows one small bag for essentials, with a published maximum size of:

• 40 × 30 × 15 cm

This bag needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Simple rule of thumb: if it feels like a “second carry-on,” it’s probably too big.

KLM carry-on weight limit

KLM’s weight rule is a combined limit (your hand baggage + small bag together):

• Economy / Premium Comfort: 12 kg (26.5 lb) total
• Business: 18 kg (39.7 lb) total

This is where KLM differs from many U.S. airlines: the weight limit is published, and you should assume it can be enforced.

Does KLM Basic include a carry-on?

This is the section that saves people money.

• If you have a Basic ticket, KLM says you can bring 1 small bag only.
• Hand baggage is not included, but you can purchase 1 piece of hand baggage via My Trip up to 4 hours before departure.

If you have a Light, Standard, or Flex ticket, KLM allows 1 small bag + 1 piece of hand baggage.

Premium Comfort and Business: how many cabin bags can you bring?

KLM’s published allowances are:

• Premium Comfort: 1 small bag + 2 hand baggage items (combined weight 12 kg)
• Business: 1 small bag + 2 hand baggage items (combined weight 18 kg)

Important U.S. departure note: KLM also states that when departing from the United States, hand baggage is limited to 1 piece of hand baggage + 1 small bag per passenger, regardless of travel class. (If your trip starts in the U.S., plan around that.)

Recommended Carry-On Bag When Flying KLM

If you want a wheeled carry-on that’s designed for international travel, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″) is a strong default pick because it’s compact, lightweight, and built around the “international-style” carry-on footprint.

Manufacturer dimensions (overall, including wheels and carry handles):

• 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D (about 55 × 40 × 20 cm)

The honest KLM fit note (important)

KLM’s hand baggage limit is 55 × 35 × 25 cm—and the Maxlite 5 International is about 40 cm wide, which is wider than KLM’s 35 cm maximum.

If you want the lowest-stress approach on KLM:

• For strict compliance, use a wheeled carry-on that’s 55 × 35 × 25 cm (or smaller) overall.
• If you use this Travelpro anyway, keep it unexpanded, avoid overstuffing the exterior, and assume there’s some risk of being asked to check it if a sizer is enforced closely—especially on busy flights.

KLM Carry-on Liquid Allowance

Liquids are governed by the airport security rules where you depart (not KLM specifically). The standard rule at many airports is:

• Liquids/gels/aerosols in containers ≤ 100 ml (3.4 oz)
• Packed in one clear, resealable 1-liter bag
• One bag per traveler, with exceptions for medication and baby food

If you’re departing the U.S., TSA screening rules apply. For a plain-English walkthrough with examples and edge cases, see my TSA liquids rule guide.

Carry-On Pet Policy

KLM allows your to bring a carry-on pet with you for domestic fligths. The price depends upon the route and is charged once per flight direction.

Transport rules
Your dog or cat must travel in a special closed travel bag that does not exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm / 18 x 11 x 9 in. For your comfort on board, KLM recommends that you use a flexible bag.

• The bag must be well-ventilated and big enough for your animal to stand up and turn around.
• The bag must fit in the area underneath the seat in front of you.
• Under no circumstances may your animal leave its travel bag during the flight.
• Only 1 animal is permitted per container.
• Each passenger may travel with only 1 animal.
• Your pet’s travel container is considered an additional baggage item and will incur a fee.

Business cabin on intercontinental flights:
KLM does not accept pets in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights. For its own safety, your dog or cat must travel in the hold.

Checked Baggage Policy

If you end up having to check one or more bags with KLM, the number of bags you can check (without a fee) depends on multiple variables, including your destination and fare class.

• Economy class: 1 piece not exceeding 50.5 lbs/23 kg and 62in/158 cm (length + width + height)
• Business class: 2 pieces not exceeding 70.5 lbs/32 kg and 62in/158 cm (length + width + height) each
• Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members; SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members: one extra piece based on their travel class with corresponding weight and size restrictions

Economy class passengers may bring 2 pieces of check-in baggage when traveling to the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South America (Ecuador and Brazil), Africa, or French Polynesia.

Click here for specific information about your flight with the KLM Baggage Calculator.

Prohibited Items

A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website. These include items such as: hoverboard, knifes and sharp objects, blunt instruments, explosives, etc..

One more way to find them is with the KLM summary of restricted items.

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