Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Baggage rules change regularly. We update this article on an ongoing basis – for binding figures, please check klm.de before booking.
KLM has a hand luggage quirk that surprises many travellers: the large cabin bag may only measure 55 × 35 × 25 cm – noticeably narrower than the usual 55 × 40 cm. In our guide you'll find all the current KLM hand luggage rules 2026 – the dimensions, the total weight allowance per fare class, the new Basic fare, and what to look out for when choosing your suitcase.
KLM hand luggage 2026 – the rules at a glance
KLM flies from several German airports via its hub in Amsterdam-Schiphol to destinations worldwide. With KLM, what counts for hand luggage isn't the weight of each individual item, but a combined total weight of the large and small items together.
1. The large cabin bag
- Dimensions: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (including wheels and handles) – KLM-specific, narrower than usual
- Stowage: in the overhead locker above the seat
- Included: from Economy Light / Standard upwards (not included in Economy Basic)
- Suitable options: narrow cabin trolleys – pay attention to the 35 cm width – or cabin backpacks
2. The personal item (small hand luggage)
- Dimensions: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- Free of charge in every fare – even in Economy Basic
- Stowage: under the seat in front of you
- Suitable options: underseater bags, small shoulder bags or compact backpacks
Watch out for suitcase width: Many common hand luggage suitcases are 40 cm wide – but KLM only allows 35 cm. A standard 55 × 40 trolley therefore often won't fit. If you want to be on the safe side, travel with a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm: this is free on every KLM fare and is guaranteed to fit under the seat in front of you.
- personal item only
- 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- large bag: + surcharge
- Hand luggage 55 × 35 × 25
- + personal item
- 12 kg total
- 2× hand luggage
- + personal item
- 18 kg total
- 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- under the seat in front of you
Overview: KLM hand luggage per class
| Class / fare | Large hand luggage | Personal item | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | not included – can be added | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | – |
| Economy (from Light) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 12 kg |
| Business | 2 × 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 18 kg |
Finding the right KLM suitcase: For KLM you need a narrow model (max. 55 × 35 × 25 cm) – or a compact boarding bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm, which travels free on every fare.
View suitable boarding bags »The KLM Basic fare – without large hand luggage
With KLM's Economy Basic fare, only the personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm) is free. You can add the large cabin bag for a fee via "My Trip" up to 4 hours before departure.
Tip: Check carefully which fare is shown when booking. If you need the trolley, compare the price of the Light fare (which includes large hand luggage) with Basic plus the add-on fee. If you're only travelling with a boarding bag, Basic is the most economical choice.
Power banks and lithium batteries with KLM
- Hand luggage only – never in checked baggage
- Maximum 2 power banks per person, up to 100 Wh each; 100–160 Wh only with approval, over 160 Wh prohibited
- Using and charging on board is prohibited – keep within reach under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead locker
Since 27 March 2026, ICAO has also imposed a worldwide limit of two power banks per person and banned charging them on board. For more background and the mAh-to-Wh conversion, see our guide Power bank in hand luggage.
Gate fee & checked baggage
If your hand luggage is too large or too heavy, it must be checked at the gate – a fee applies for this. On very full flights, KLM sometimes offers to check the large item free of charge already at check-in. The cost of additional checked baggage depends on the route – KLM will show you the price when booking.
Liquids in KLM hand luggage
The EU-wide liquid rules apply: individual containers of a maximum of 100 ml, all together in a transparent 1-litre bag. More on this in our guide Liquids in hand luggage – we also offer the right flight bags.
5 tips for your KLM hand luggage
- Watch the 35 cm width: A standard 55 × 40 trolley is too wide for KLM – choose a narrow model instead.
- Travel with a boarding bag: The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item is free on every fare – ideal for the Basic fare.
- Keep an eye on total weight: In Economy, the large and small items together count towards a 12 kg limit.
- Choose your fare wisely: If you need the trolley, compare Light with Basic plus add-on fee.
- Choose a lightweight suitcase: Every kilo of empty weight eats into your 12 kg allowance.
KLM vs. Lufthansa, Condor & Ryanair
| Airline | Large hand luggage | Small item |
|---|---|---|
| KLM | 55 × 35 × 25 cm (12 kg total) | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Lufthansa | 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg (from Economy Light) | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Condor | 55 × 40 × 23 cm (from Economy Classic, already included in Light on short-haul City routes) | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Ryanair | 55 × 40 × 20 cm only with Priority, Regular or Flexi Plus | 40 × 30 × 20 cm |
You'll find the details on other airlines here: Lufthansa hand luggage 2026, Condor hand luggage 2026 and Eurowings hand luggage 2026.
Frequently asked questions about KLM hand luggage
How big is hand luggage allowed to be with KLM?
The large cabin bag can be a maximum of 55 × 35 × 25 cm (KLM-specific, narrower than usual), plus a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Together, both items may weigh a maximum of 12 kg in Economy.
Will a standard hand luggage suitcase fit with KLM?
Not necessarily – many models are 40 cm wide, but KLM only allows 35 cm. Look for a narrow model, or travel with a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
Is hand luggage included in the Economy Basic fare?
Only the personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm). You can add the large cabin bag for a fee via "My Trip" up to 4 hours before departure.
How much is hand luggage allowed to weigh?
In Economy, 12 kg combined; in Business, 18 kg.
Am I allowed to bring a power bank with KLM?
Yes, but only in hand luggage (never in checked baggage). A maximum of 2 power banks up to 100 Wh each; charging on board is not allowed.
What kind of suitcase do I need for KLM?
A narrow cabin trolley up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm, or a boarding bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
Other airlines – hand luggage rules
Travelling with a different airline? Here you'll find the current dimension & weight rules:
- Hand luggage suitcases 2026 – all airlines compared
- Lufthansa hand luggage dimensions
- Condor hand luggage dimensions
- Eurowings hand luggage dimensions
- Ryanair hand luggage dimensions
Coming soon: easyJet, TUI fly, Turkish Airlines & Austrian Airlines. All information as of 2026, without guarantee.
