Your hand baggage
You will be much more relaxed boarding your flight if you know beforehand what you can take with you. If you are travelling with hand baggage only, check in online and save time at the airport!
On this page:
Dimensions, number of bags and weight
All baggage you do not check in but take with you in the cabin is called hand baggage. You can stow this baggage in the overhead baggage compartment or under the seat.
Flights operated by KLM Cityhopper have limited storage space in the cabin, and so we may ask you to put your hand baggage in the hold. However, if you are a Flying Blue Elite member you may always carry one item of hand baggage.
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Travel class | Number & dimensions | Weight restriction | Permitted accessories |
Economy Class | 1 bag measuring 55 x 25 x 35 cm (21.5 x 10 x 13.5 inch) (l x w x h)* | Your hand baggage, including accessories, may not exceed 12 kg (26 lbs). | Handbag, briefcase, camera, walking stick, umbrella, small laptop |
World Business Class/Europe Select | 1 bag measuring 55 x 25 x 35 cm (21.5 x 10 x 13.5 inch) (l x w x h)* and one bag smaller than 45 x 20 x 35 cm (18 x 8 x 13.5 inch) (l x w x h)** | Your hand baggage, including accessories, may not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs). | Handbag, briefcase, camera, walking stick, umbrella, small laptop |
* The sum of the dimensions may not be greater than 115 cm (45 inches), including wheels and handles.
** Exception for World Business Class passengers: on flights from India you may only carry one item of hand baggage. You may check in a second hand bag free of charge.
Special rules for liquids
Special rules apply for liquids, creams and aerosol cans.
You may only carry these in your hand baggage in small amounts not exceeding 100 ml ( 3.4 oz) per article. They must be placed in a transparent and sealable plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. The bag must be closed and the articles must fit inside it easily.
One transparent plastic bag may be taken per person. When your hand baggage is inspected you will be asked to present the plastic bag for liquids separately.
These rules do not apply to the following:
• Baby food to be consumed during the flight
• Medicines to be taken during the flight, provided you have a prescription or attending physician's statement
• Special diet foods to be consumed during the flight
Tax-free articles
If you want to take on board articles you have bought tax-free in the airport, it is important to know that:
- At European airports, you can still purchase liquids such as liquor and perfume after passing through ticket and passport control. You can also shop as usual on flights operated by European airlines. Liquids will be packed and sealed for you. The seal is valid for one day. If you transfer to your next flight, you may not break the seal until you have reached your final destination.
- If you purchase liquid tax-free goods at an airport outside the European Union, we advise you to check these in with your check-in baggage. If you carry them in your hand baggage, the liquids will be confiscated at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport even if they are still sealed.
- If you are transferring flights in the United States or Canada, we advise you to pack any tax-free liquids purchased earlier after passing through Customs in your check-in baggage.
Restricted articles
According to European Union rules, the following articles may not be carried in hand baggage in the cabin of a passenger aircraft:
- Liquids, unless in small quantities and packed separately according to the official rules
- Products of animal origin
- Firearms
- Blunt and edged items
- Explosives, flammable, chemical and toxic substances
Loose lithium batteries, such as rechargeable lithium batteries and AA lithium batteries for laptops and DVD players, may only be carried in hand baggage. Each spare battery must be packed in the original packaging. If you no longer have this packaging, you must cover the battery contact points with tape to insulate them and pack each battery in a separate plastic bag.
View the list of restricted articles
Read more about restricted articles of animal origin
For more information, please contact your travel agent or Telephone Reservations
Hand baggage for children under 2 years
You may take one item of hand baggage for a child younger than 1 year2 years who does not have a booked seat. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.5 x 13.5 x 10 inches) and the baggage must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). If there is room under the seat or in the overhead lockers you may take a small, collapsible stroller as hand baggage, otherwise you may check it in free of charge as check-in baggage.
Read more about travelling with children
Our partners’ baggage policy
Some of our partner airlines have different baggage rules. For more information, please contact your travel agent or the airline concerned.