KLM Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to fly with just a carry-on bag, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and can’t “carry-on” to the plane.   Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.

If you are going to be flying KLM Royal Dutch Airlines , then here are the carry-on rules you need to be aware of:

KLM Carry-On Rules and Bag Guidelines

KLM allows one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, at no charge, for economy class and they allow two carry-on bags plus a personal item for those flying in the business class cabins (This is similar to their alliance partner Air France).

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

KLM Personal Item Size and Fees

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag or a similar sized item.

The following items may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit.

• Jacket, coat or other clothes you are wearing,
• Umbrella,
• Duty-free items purchased on your flight or at the airport,
• an approved car safety seat,
• a small bag of food and nappies,
• an umbrella type collapsible stroller,
• Baby buggies must be checked in as hold baggage.

KLM Carry-On Size Limits

KLM size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 55 x 35 x 25 cm

If you aren’t sure what size your carry on is, KLM normally provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and departure gates.  But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

KLM Carry-On Weight Limits

KLM requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 12 kg (26 lbs.). However, they don’t weight your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to checked baggage more than carry-on bags, since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for you flight.

Business Class passengers have a higher weight limit of up to 18 kg between the two bags they can carry on.

Carry-On Size Rules for Small Regional Aircraft

If you are flying one of KLM’s regional planes, it may not be possible to carry your hand baggage on board, even if it has the correct dimensions and weight. If this is the case, KLM will check it in and carry it in the hold, free of charge.

If you want to make sure you have a bag that will fit, check out this article on the best carry-on bags for regional jets.

Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material.  Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights.  These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.

The list includes items such as aerosols, fireworks, matches, etc…  A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

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

Carry-On Liquids: KLM Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US, and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  KLM doesn’t have their own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity 1 litre). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security check point.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food / child nourishment.

Carry-On Food

There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

1. Food you bring with you to the airport, and
2. Food you buy at the airport, after you have gone through security.

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.  

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”. This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

KLM Carry-On Pet Policy

KLM may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet. 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 be 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.

KLM Carry-On Fees

KLM does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and doesn’t meet KLM’s carry on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.

Here is a link to KLM Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up to date information.