As of: 20 June 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 people: the large cabin bag may only measure 55 × 35 × 25 cm – noticeably narrower than the usual 55 × 40 cm. In our guide you will find all the current KLM hand luggage rules 2026 – the dimensions, the total weight per class, the new Basic fare and what to look out for in your suitcase.
KLM hand luggage 2026 – the rules at a glance
KLM flies from several German airports via its Amsterdam-Schiphol hub to destinations all over the world. For hand luggage, KLM does not count the weight of the individual item but a total weight of the large and the small piece combined.
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 (not in Economy Basic)
- Suitable for this: slim cabin trolleys – pay attention to the 35 cm width – or cabin backpacks
2. The personal item (small hand luggage)
- Dimensions: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- In every fare free of charge – including Economy Basic
- Stowage: under the seat in front
- Suitable for this: under-seat bags, small shoulder bags or compact backpacks
Watch the suitcase width: Many common hand luggage suitcases are 40 cm wide – but KLM only allows 35 cm. A standard 55 × 40 trolley therefore often does not fit. If you want to be on the safe side, travel with a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm: it is free in every KLM fare and is guaranteed to fit under the seat in front.
- personal item only
- 40 × 30 × 15 cm
- large: + 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
Overview: KLM hand luggage by class
| Class / fare | Large hand luggage | Personal item | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | not incl. – from 15 € | 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 |
Find the right KLM suitcase: For KLM you need a slim model (max. 55 × 35 × 25 cm) – or a compact board case up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm that travels free in every fare.
View suitable under-seat bags »The KLM Basic fare – without large hand luggage
Since 2025, KLM has introduced an Economy Basic fare in which only the personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm) is free. Here, the large cabin bag costs from around 15 € per flight segment. As of 30 June 2026, this fare was extended to the entire European short-haul network.
Tip: Check carefully at booking which fare is shown. If you need the trolley, the Light fare (with large hand luggage) is often cheaper than Basic + add-on. If you travel with an under-seat bag only, 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
- Charging on board prohibited – keep within reach under the seat in front, not in the overhead locker
These rules have applied industry-wide since 2026 under ICAO regulations. You will find more background and the mAh-to-Wh conversion in our guide Power bank in hand luggage.
Gate fee & checked baggage
If your hand luggage is too big or too heavy, it has to be checked in at the gate – and a fee applies for this. On very full flights, KLM sometimes offers to take the large piece free of charge already at check-in. Additional checked baggage costs around 20–70 € depending on the route (Europe) or more on long-haul flights.
Liquids in KLM hand luggage
The EU-wide liquid rules apply: individual containers of no more than 100 ml, all together in a transparent 1-litre bag. More on this in our guide Liquids in hand luggage – and the matching travel pouch is available from us.
5 tips for your KLM hand luggage
- Mind the 35 cm width: A standard 55 × 40 trolley is too wide for KLM – choose a slim model.
- Travel with an under-seat bag: The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item is free in every fare – ideal for the Basic fare.
- Keep an eye on the total weight: In Economy the large + small piece together count as 12 kg.
- Choose your fare cleverly: If you need the trolley, Light is often cheaper than Basic + add-on.
- Choose a lightweight suitcase: Every kilo of empty weight is taken off the 12 kg limit.
KLM vs. Lufthansa, Condor & Ryanair
| Airline | Large hand luggage | Small piece |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Ryanair | 55 × 40 × 20 cm only with Priority | 40 × 30 × 20 cm |
You can find the details for the 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 can hand luggage be with KLM?
The large cabin bag max. 55 × 35 × 25 cm (KLM-specific, narrower than usual), plus one personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Both together in Economy max. 12 kg.
Does a normal hand luggage suitcase fit with KLM?
Not necessarily – many models are 40 cm wide, KLM only allows 35 cm. Pay attention to a slim 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). The large cabin bag costs from around 15 € per segment. The fare was extended to the entire short-haul network as of 30 June 2026.
How much may the hand luggage weigh?
In Economy 12 kg together, in Business 18 kg.
May I bring a power bank with KLM?
Yes, only in hand luggage (never in checked baggage). Maximum 2 power banks up to 100 Wh each; do not charge on board.
Which suitcase do I need for KLM?
A slim cabin trolley up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm or a board case up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
Other airlines – hand luggage rules
Are you travelling with a different airline? Here you will find the current dimensions & 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 details as of 2026, without guarantee.
