KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesKL

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands and the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. Founded on October 7, 1919, KLM celebrated its centennial in 2019, having flown continuously for over 100 years. Headquartered in Amstelveen with its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM operates a fleet of approximately 165 aircraft serving 156 destinations worldwide.

Since 2004, KLM has been part of the Air France-KLM Group, creating one of the world's largest airline groups. As a founding member of SkyTeam (established June 22, 2000), KLM offers global connectivity through 18 partner airlines. The dual-hub system with Air France at Paris Charles de Gaulle and KLM at Amsterdam Schiphol provides extensive European and intercontinental connectivity.

KLM is known for its distinctive blue livery, Dutch hospitality, and the iconic Delft Blue houses filled with gin that are gifted to World Business Class passengers. The airline pioneered the first-ever open skies agreement between the Netherlands and the United States in 1991, enabling its historic partnership with Northwest Airlines (now Delta Air Lines).

Carry-On Allowance

IMPORTANT: KLM enforces combined weight limits: 12 kg (26 lbs) for Economy and Premium Comfort, 18 kg (40 lbs) for Business Class.

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
• Must fit under seat

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in)

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Total Weight
Economy Light	✓	✗ Not included	12 kg
Economy Standard/Flex	✓	✓ 1 bag	12 kg combined
Premium Comfort	✓	✓ 2 bags	12 kg combined
Business	✓	✓ 2 bags	18 kg combined

Checked Baggage

European/Short-Haul Flights:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight
Economy Light	0	EUR 25-240 (~$27-264) to purchase
Economy Standard	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Intercontinental/Long-Haul:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight
Economy Light	0	EUR 30-240 (~$33-264) to purchase
Economy Standard	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Comfort	2	23 kg each
Business Light	1	32 kg (70 lbs)
Business Standard/Flex	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions per bag (length + width + height including handles and wheels)

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
Overweight (24-32 kg / 51-70 lbs)	EUR 75-300 (~$82-330)
Oversized (159-203 cm)	EUR 150 (~$165)

Maximum: 32 kg per bag; heavier items cannot be transported as checked baggage

Purchase Tips

• Online (via My Trip): Save by booking more than 24 hours before departure
• At airport: Higher fees apply
• Pre-purchase: Available during booking or in "My Trip" section

Elite Status Benefits

Flying Blue Status	Benefit
Silver	1 extra checked bag free
Gold	1 extra checked bag free
Platinum	2 extra checked bags free
Ultimate	2 extra checked bags free + priority handling

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 bag, max 23 kg
Skis/snowboard	Standard bag fee	Oversize fee waived
Bicycle	EUR 60 (~$66)	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller/pram	Free	Gate-check available
CPAP	Free	Doesn't count as carry-on

Infants: Children under 2 not occupying a seat receive 10 kg checked allowance plus 1 free pram/buggy. On intercontinental flights, lap infants also receive 1 extra 23 kg checked bag.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at klm.com/baggage.

World Business Class

New Seats (Boeing 777 and 787 fleet):

• Configuration: Reverse herringbone, 1-2-1 layout (all direct aisle access)
• Seat: 20-21 inches wide
• Bed: 78 inches (198 cm) fully flat
• Privacy: Sliding door for each seat
• Features:
  • Adjustable lower-back support
  • Subtle back-massage feature
  • Lockable storage compartment with built-in mirror
  • Recessed bottle holder
• Screen: 18.5-inch HD touchscreen
• Power: AC outlet, USB-A/C, wireless charging
• Sustainability: Seats are 10-15% lighter than competitors

Older Configuration (A330-200/A330-300):

• 2-2-2 layout with lie-flat seats
• A330-200: 18 lie-flat seats
• A330-300: 30 lie-flat seats

Business Class Amenities:

• Delft Blue house (filled with Bols genever) - collectible gift
• Full-size pillow and duvet
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Multi-course dining with champagne
• Premium bar service

Premium Comfort Class

• Pitch: 38-39 inches (97-99 cm) - up to 18 cm more than Economy
• Width: 18.5 inches
• Recline: 8 inches (20 cm) with integrated legrest
• Configuration: 2-3-2 on Boeing 787
• Cabin size: 21-28 seats, fully separated from other classes
• Screen: 13.3-inch HD touchscreen
• Power: USB-A + 110V AC outlet
• Amenity kit: Toothbrush, sleep mask, ear plugs
• Bedding: Business class pillow and blanket set
• Meals: Choice of 3 meals with selected wines and liqueurs
• Headphones: Noise-canceling provided
• Airport: Dedicated check-in, priority baggage drop-off, priority security

Economy Class

• Pitch: 31 inches (79 cm) standard; Economy Comfort up to 35 inches
• Screen: 11-inch HD touchscreen
• Power: USB-A connection, 110V AC outlets between seats
• WiFi: Available on most intercontinental flights (messaging often free)
• Entertainment: Extensive library of movies, TV shows, music
• Headphone note: Use wired headphones; Bluetooth requires adapter

Meals:

• Complimentary snack, sandwich, or warm meal depending on flight length
• Free drinks: juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea
• Menu rotation for variety

Economy Comfort:

• Front of Economy cabin
• Extra legroom (up to 4 additional inches)
• Extra recline
• First to disembark after premium cabins

Booking:

• Economy Light has no cabin bag and no checked bag - factor into total cost
• Book Standard fare for long-haul to include checked bag
• Compare total price including bags against Light + bag purchase
• Flying Blue Promo Rewards offers significant discounts monthly

At the Airport:

• Amsterdam Schiphol uses a single terminal - connections are straightforward
• Crown Lounges at Schiphol offer excellent facilities for Business/Gold+ passengers
• Allow extra time during peak morning hours (6-9 AM)
• Self-connection at Schiphol requires re-check-in and re-screening

Maximizing Value:

• Delft Blue houses given to World Business Class passengers are collectible (new design each year)
• Flying Blue miles transfer 1:1 from major credit card programs
• Use miles for KLM, Air France, or any SkyTeam partner
• Silver status gets you one free extra checked bag on every KLM flight

Premium Comfort:

• Best value upgrade for long-haul flights
• Separate cabin, significantly more legroom
• Business class bedding and dedicated meal service
• Often bookable as paid upgrade 24-48 hours before departure

Business Class:

• New reverse herringbone seats on 777/787 are significantly better than A330 configuration
• Request a window seat for maximum privacy with sliding door
• Ask for the Delft Blue house if not offered - it's a beloved tradition

Common Issues:

• Economy Light is very restrictive - no cabin bag, no changes, no refunds
• Weight limits are enforced - 12 kg combined for Economy carry-on
• Schiphol can be congested during summer - arrive with time to spare
• Not all aircraft have the new Business Class seats - check aircraft type when booking

Upcoming Changes:

• From 2027: Fleet reconfiguration with more Premium Comfort seats
• Onboard service optimization for faster meal service and more crew interaction