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KLM Airlines Checked Baggage Fees and Policy Guide
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a reliable global carrier, has its baggage fees based on your travel class, ticket type, and destination. Know your checked baggage allowance
on KLM for 2026 and avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
First Checked Bag
KLM Economy Standard or Flex tickets usually include one checked bag for free. That bag must weigh no more than 23 kg (50.7 lbs). If you purchased a cheaper (‘Light’) ticket, however, the KLM checked bag price is not included. You will need to buy this first bag separately. Pre-paid fees start lower, often ranging from about €20 to €70 for European flights. KLM checked bag dimensions are always important: the total size must be under 158 cm (L+W+H).
Second Checked Bag
If you need to take a second piece of luggage, expect to pay an extra fee. The cost for a second bag can vary widely based on your specific itinerary. Fees for an extra 23 kg piece can range from roughly €30 to over €100 for various international routes. This is an official KLM extra baggage cost. You must purchase this fee before arriving at the airport for the best rate.
Third Checked Bag
Planning to travel with multiple items? Adding a third bag significantly increases your total travel expenses. This is considered excess KLM luggage allowance. For many long-haul flights, the third checked bag fee typically starts around €200 or $220. KLM generally allows up to ten pieces of checked baggage per passenger, depending on the route and aircraft. However, you should contact the airline if you plan to travel with more than three bags.
Note: Always verify fees for your specific route in the ‘My Trip’ section of KLM’s official website, as prices can vary by destination and ticket type.
Exceptions to KLM Airlines’ Checked Baggage Fees
KLM has specific baggage rules that allow certain travelers to carry extra checked bags at no additional charge. These exceptions are based on your fare class or your status within their loyalty program, Flying Blue.
| Category | Standard Allowance | Additional Checked Baggage |
| Business Class | 2 bags (max 32 kg/70 lbs each) | All Standard and Flex tickets include two heavy bags (32kg each). |
| Flying Blue Elite Status | 1 or 2 bags (based on ticket) | Flying Blue members receive extra checked baggage on KLM flights: Silver, Gold, and Platinum members get 1 extra piece of luggage free, regardless of their fare class (up to 23 kg or 32 kg). |
| Premium Comfort Class | 2 bags (max 23 kg/50 lbs each) | Standard and Flex tickets automatically include two checked bags. |
| Special Equipment | Varies | Items like golf bags or skis may be accepted as part of or in addition to what is the standard KLM checked baggage allowance. |
Tips to Reduce KLM Baggage Fees
Pay Early: Use the KLM pre-paid baggage discount. You should buy your extra baggage online through KLM’s “My Trip” page (at least 24 hours before your flight).
Mind the Weight: Strictly adhere to the KLM checked bag weight limit of 23 kg (50.7 lbs) for Economy and 32 kg (70.5 lbs) for Business. Overweight bags incur high fees. Overweight baggage fees often start at around €75 on European routes. A cheap luggage scale is a great investment for this!
Join Flying Blue: Sign up for KLM’s frequent flyer program, Flying Blue. Achieving Silver status or higher here gives you one extra checked bag for free on every KLM flight you take. This benefit applies as long as your Flying Blue status remains active.
Choose the Right Fare: When booking, compare the cost of a ‘Light’ ticket plus a purchased bag versus a ‘Standard’ ticket that includes a bag. Sometimes, the Standard ticket is a better overall deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a checked bag cost on KLM if I bought a Light ticket?
If your KLM Light ticket checked bag is not included, you must purchase it. The cost varies a lot based on your route and time of purchase. For European flights, it can start around €20 to €70 if you buy it online beforehand. For intercontinental flights, the cost is typically higher and starts around €30 to €90 when pre-paid.
What is the KLM checked bag weight limit for Economy Class travelers?
The standard limit is 23 kg (50.7 lbs) per bag. If you are flying Business Class, it is certainly higher at 32 kg (70.5 lbs) per bag. Going over these limits will result in an overweight fee.
Do I get a KLM pre-paid baggage discount if I arrange it online?
Yes, absolutely! KLM strongly encourages travelers to purchase extra baggage in advance online. You can arrange extra baggage via the ‘My Trip’ section on KLM’s website. If you do this more than 24 hours before departure, it will certainly save you some money. This fee is much lower than paying at the airport check-in counter.
What are the maximum KLM checked bag dimensions (L+W+H)?
The maximum size is 158 cm (62 inches). This includes all handles and wheels. Bags larger than this limit in KLM are considered oversized and you will be asked to pay an oversized baggage fee.
MyBaggageInfo is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
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