Like most major carriers in Europe, KLM has pretty straightforward carry-on rules: passengers are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage and an accessory. However, it has a much lower weight allowance than most US carriers: just 26 lbs. Here’s what else to know about KLM carry-on size to make your trip smoother.
KLM carry-on size: The basics
Like its partner airline, Air France, KLM refers to carry-on bags as hand baggage. A personal item, meanwhile, is called an accessory, while checked bags are called hold luggage. All Economy passengers are allowed one piece of hand baggage and one personal item.
Passengers traveling in Premium and Business cabins are allowed two hand baggage items and one accessory. The combined weight of hand baggage and an accessory is just 26.4 lbs (12 kg). This is significantly lower than most limits for major airlines in the US, and it can come as a surprise to passengers who don’t fly often on KLM.
What is KLM carry-on size in inches?
KLM carry-on size and rules for traveling with infants
Fortunately, KLM has fairly generous carry-on policies for parents or caregivers traveling with little ones. But it’s still helpful to familiarize yourself with the rules ahead of time.
For children sitting on your lap without their own seat (which is allowed until they are two years old), you may bring one piece of hand baggage. That item must have a maximum weight of 26 lbs and measure no more than 22 x 14 x 10 in. A stroller will count toward this allowance; see below for more info.
However, you can also check a stroller and a car seat as hold luggage for no extra charge. This is a nice offering for parents who want to use these items during their trip but don’t need them during transit.
If your child has their own seat, they have the same carry-on allowances as adult passengers, depending on the ticket fare category.
Are strollers allowed as carry-on bags on KLM?
Strollers – which KLM refers to as buggies – are accepted as carry-on bags and may be allowed depending on space availability and the aircraft. However, strollers must be collapsable and dimensions cannot exceed 6 x 12 x 39 in (15 x 30 x 100 cm).
If the stroller will not fit under the seat or in the overhead baggage compartment, you can check it in at no extra charge. Depending on the airport, you can also use the stroller all the way to the departure gate, at which point you can gate check it.
If you’re traveling on a KLM partner from the US (such as Delta) and connecting to an KLM flight elsewhere (Europe, for example), the carriers’ differing carry-on policies can be confusing. Delta does not specify a weight limit for carry-on luggage, while KLM does (and, again, it’s only 26 pounds). This means that your carry-on baggage might be fine for the Delta leg, but overweight for the KLM one. It may not be an issue, but this rule offers an incentive to pack light.
What extra items can you bring on board KLM flights?
KLM allows passengers to bring extra items on board that do not count toward the hand bag allowance. The following items are neither considered a personal item nor hand baggage:
- A jacket, coat, or other clothing item you may be wearing
- Neck pillows
- Duty-free items purchased at the airport
- Children’s items such as strollers
However, it’s important to not abuse those allowances. Passengers carrying all of the above in addition to their two allowed items will likely be required to consolidate – and may even be required to gate check a bag.
Carry-on rules for musical instruments on KLM
Musical instruments smaller than 45 in (115 cm) in total dimensions are considered a standard hand baggage item and are included in your baggage allowance. However, keep in mind that your only other allowed item will be a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
Instruments larger than the above dimensions require approval from KLM at least 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure. In this case, instruments will be placed not in overhead bins but on one or more additional seats (the fare for which the passenger is required to pay).
If you’re traveling with an instrument larger than those dimensions as hand luggage, it’s highly recommended to contact KLM’s customer service center in advance of your flight to make sure you follow the rules.
KLM carry-on FAQs
Still have questions about KLM carry-on bag size or other concerns? Find all the answers you need below.
It depends on several factors: how full the flight is; the discretion of gate agents; and a passenger’s status with the airline. Some passengers have experienced their carry-on bags being weighed, while others have never had an issue. As a result, it’s highly recommended for passengers to be familiar with the rules – and understand the risks (a fee to check an oversized or overweight bag) if you’re tempted to bring on more than the allowance.
Yes, assuming that both fall within KLM carry-on size dimensions.
Top three KLM carry-on luggage tips
Tip #1: KLM may require you to check your carry-on
I’m based in Amsterdam, and I fly KLM fairly regularly. I’ve never been asked to weigh my carry-on luggage. However, I was required to check in my carry-on suitcase – even with an Economy Comfort seat – before I could receive my boarding pass. Even more frustrating: When I boarded, all of the bin space in my row was empty. The bottom line: Despite your best efforts to avoid checking a bag, the airline might have other ideas.
Tip #2: Economy Light passengers may have to check their carry-on
Tip #2: Anyone ticketed on KLM’s lowest fare category – Economy Light – is allowed two carry-on items. However, if the flight is full, these passengers’ hand bags will be the first in line to be checked as hold luggage. For this reason, KLM asks Economy Light passengers to keep an eye on their mobile phones, in case the carrier sends them a text message with this update.
Tip #3: KLM’s carry-on weight limit is lower than Delta’s
Tip #3: Delta Air Lines, a KLM partner airline, has a higher weight allowance for carry-ons than KLM. So for international connections this difference can be tricky to navigate. If possible I recommend sticking to the lower KLM allowance (26 lbs for both carry-on items), to avoid any issues during your trip.
Still have questions about KLM carry-on size?
Luggage policies can be confusing. For an easy way to compare carry-on rules across airlines, check out our carry-on luggage guide. Need help deciding between a carry-on or checked bag? Or perhaps you’re stuck on what to pack? We have plenty of handy tips for that, too. Finally, don’t forget to check what’s allowed in a carry-on before you head to the airport.
⏰ Last update: February 28, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
