KLM hand luggage: size, weight and rules 2026
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 7 min read
Flying with KLM? In Economy, you may take one piece of hand luggage measuring no more than 55 x 35 x 25 cm into the cabin, plus one small bag measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Together, the two items may not weigh more than 12 kg. If you book the cheapest Basic ticket, the larger piece of hand luggage is not included, leaving you with only the small bag. These dimensions are slightly different from those of most low-cost airlines, and that exact difference can cause surprises at the gate.
Go straight to the collection: Hand Luggage 55x35x25
KLM hand luggage dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm and a small bag
KLM's larger piece of hand luggage is narrower and deeper than the 55 x 40 x 20 cm size you may know from Ryanair: five centimetres less wide and five centimetres deeper. A suitcase you once bought for Ryanair can therefore quickly be too wide for KLM. The other way around, a 55 x 35 x 25 suitcase does fit Transavia, which uses the same size. If you are buying a new cabin suitcase for flights within Europe, 55 x 35 x 25 cm is the size that works for the two largest Dutch airlines.
KLM measures including wheels, handles and side pockets. A suitcase listed as 55 cm high on the packaging often measures 57 cm with the wheels. Always measure your own suitcase on the outside, with everything attached.
The small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm goes under the seat in front of you. Think of a handbag, laptop bag or compact backpack. A depth of fifteen centimetres is the strict side of the market: a packed weekend bag will not meet this limit, but a flat laptop bag will.
Per ticket: Basic, Light, Standard, Flex and Business
What you may bring on board with KLM depends on your ticket and travel class. Here is how it works:
- Economy Basic: only the small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm. You must purchase larger hand luggage and checked baggage separately.
- Economy Light, Standard and Flex: one piece of hand luggage measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm plus the small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 12 kg.
- Premium Comfort: two pieces of hand luggage measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm plus the small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 12 kg.
- Business Class: two pieces of hand luggage measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm plus the small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 18 kg.
Check which fare you are choosing when booking. The price difference between Basic and Light is sometimes small, but it determines whether you may take a suitcase into the cabin.
The small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm
The small bag is more important with KLM than it may seem. With a Basic ticket, it is your only piece of baggage on board, and even with a more flexible ticket, it is the bag you keep with you during the flight. A bag made to exactly these dimensions prevents discussions when boarding.
That is why we offer the expandable hand luggage travel bag measuring 40x30x15. When closed, it measures exactly 40 x 30 x 15 cm and slides under the seat in front of you. If you fly next time with an airline that allows 40 x 30 x 20 cm, such as Ryanair or Vueling, simply open the zip and the same bag expands with you.
Weight: 12 kilos in total
With KLM, the larger piece of hand luggage and the small bag count together. Twelve kilos sounds generous, but a hard-shell suitcase already weighs 2.5 to 3 kg when empty, while a laptop with charger adds another 2 kg. That leaves around 7 kg for clothing. If you choose a lightweight soft case or a travel bag weighing around 700 grams, you have two extra kilos for your belongings.
Weigh your luggage at home. Using bathroom scales while holding the suitcase, first without it and then with it, gives you a reliable estimate. At the gate, the combined weight is checked more often than you might think, especially on busy flights.
Liquids and items that belong in your hand luggage
The familiar rule applies to liquids: containers of no more than 100 ml, all in one transparent, resealable 1-litre bag. Some airports with new scanners have relaxed the rule, but do not rely on that if you are also flying back from another airport.
Power banks and loose lithium batteries must always go in your hand luggage, never in the hold. If KLM still asks you to check in your suitcase at the gate, first remove your power bank, laptop and medication.
Avoid problems at the gate
KLM uses a baggage sizer when boarding, especially on full flights. If your suitcase does not fit, it will go in the hold. Three things can help prevent this:
- Measure it with everything attached. Wheels, the telescopic handle and a protruding front pocket all count. A suitcase listed by the manufacturer as 55 x 35 x 25 cm is usually measured without these extras.
- Pay attention to the width. With KLM, 35 cm is the limit, not 40 cm. That is where suitcases made for other airlines fall short.
- Keep the expander closed. An expandable suitcase that is 28 cm deep when open will be refused. If you travel with the zip closed, it stays within the 25 cm limit.
If the cabin is full, KLM may ask you to hand in your hand luggage at the gate. This will not cost you anything, but you will have to wait by the baggage carousel at your destination. If you want to board with your suitcase first, check in early and choose a seat near the front.
Would you like to know exactly which size is allowed by each airline? Read our complete guide to hand luggage dimensions by airline.
Frequently asked questions
How large can hand luggage be with KLM?
The maximum size is 55 x 35 x 25 cm for the larger piece of hand luggage and 40 x 30 x 15 cm for the small bag, including wheels and handles. In Economy, their combined weight may not exceed 12 kg.
Can I take a 55 x 40 x 20 cm suitcase with KLM?
Officially, no: 40 cm is five centimetres wider than KLM allows. In practice, such a suitcase will not fit in the baggage sizer. Choose a suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm for KLM.
What can I take with a KLM Basic ticket?
Only one small bag measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm that fits under the seat. You must add a suitcase or larger bag as checked baggage.
How many kilos of hand luggage can I take with KLM?
In Economy and Premium Comfort, the larger piece of hand luggage and the small bag may weigh 12 kg together. In Business Class, the limit is 18 kg.
Which bag fits under the seat with KLM?
A bag measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Our expandable hand luggage travel bag measuring 40x30x15 is made to these dimensions and expands to 40 x 30 x 20 cm when you open the zip, for airlines that allow more.
The right bag for KLM
Are you looking for a suitcase or bag that is guaranteed to stay within 55 x 35 x 25 cm? Explore our collection of 55x35x25 hand luggage, including the ByMetz backpack measuring 55 x 35 x 25, made exactly to KLM's size requirements, as well as lightweight hand luggage suitcases from Samsonite and Beagles. For the small bag under the seat, the expandable hand luggage travel bag measuring 40x30x15 is the safest choice. If you want to explore more options, you will find all models in our hand luggage suitcases and hand luggage backpacks. With 50 years of experience in bags and suitcases, ByMetz knows which models can handle baggage sizers. As an official dealer, we offer full warranty and a 30-day return period.
-
30 days to change your mindOrder before 3 pm on weekdays for insured same-day dispatchFree shipping to every EU country above a set amount (the Netherlands: €39)