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New baggage rules
If you travel in Economy Class between Europe (including Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) and the United States or Canada, you may bring only 1 piece of check-in luggage, of max. 23 kg (50.5 lbs). This applies to all tickets bought per November 2009.
You can arrange for a second piece for a fee of EUR 55 when departing from Europe. When checking in online via KLM.com, you pay 20% less! All you need is a credit card.If you depart from Canada or the United States, extra baggage can then only be arranged for at the airport. For a second piece, you pay USD 55, or CAD 55 when leaving Canada. This means that the discount does not apply.
As a Flying Blue Silver, Gold or Platinum member you may bring 2 pieces free of charge.
Due to the need to inspect baggage for explosives, you are not permitted to lock your hold baggage.
When booking your flight
The ‘Secure Flight policy’ of the United States government requires airlines to register some personal data at the moment of booking your flight. This ‘Secure Flight data’ includes your gender, date of birth and your first and family name exactly as stated in your passport. If you book your flight via a travel agent, be sure to provide this information.
You may also need to request electronic travel authorisation (ESTA), and you will have to supply Advance Passenger Information (API). Please find out more below.
ESTA travel authorisation
Under the Visa Waiver Programme, residents of certain countries may travel to the United States without having to request a visa. However, travellers from these countries will need to apply for a supplementary travel authorisation (ESTA). Without ESTA travel authorisation, these travellers will not be allowed to board their flight to the United States.
Read more about ESTA and Visa Waiver Programme countries
Faster border passage (FLUX)
If you travel between the Netherlands and the United States, you can now save substantial time at the airport. By applying for the new programme known as FLUX, you can eliminate standing in line for passport control and filling in immigration and customs forms.
FLUX is an arrangement between governments that simplifies border passage. The Dutch and American governments were the first to enter into a FLUX agreement. You can apply for FLUX if you are a Dutch or American citizen. Until 8 October 2010, KLM Flying Blue members get a discount on FLUX membership.
Read more about faster border passage with FLUX
Sign up for FLUX at a discount
Passport
All travellers to the United States must have an e-passport that can be read by a machine (also known as an MRP or machine-readable passport). Such a passport has a digital photo and a built-in chip. Even babies and older children have to have their own passports; they may not travel on the passport of one of their parents.
If you have a temporary or emergency passport that is not an e-passport, you can no longer travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. You must then apply for a visa for your trip to the United States.
Advance Passenger Information
If you travel to the United States, we are required to collect various personal data. We recommend you provide this Advance Passenger Information (API) to your travel agent or during online check-in (from 24 hours up to 1 hour before departure).
If checking in online is not possible, you can also enter the necessary data at a self-service check-in machine at the airport. If you depart from an airport where you can only check in at the desk, our staff will register the data on your passport. You may also download the API form before you travel.
The API data includes:
- Family name and first name
- Date of birth and gender
- Passport number
- Country that issued the passport
- Passport expiration date
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Temporary address where you will be staying. This address must include the house number, street, city/town, abbreviation used for the state, and the zip code.
You do not have to provide the temporary address information if:
- You officially reside in the United States.
- During your inward journey, you will transfer in the United States to a destination outside the United States and this transfer is within 8 hours. When filling in your address, please enter ‘Transit to Non-US country’, and the flight number of the final part of your journey.
- You will go on a cruise. When filling in your address please enter: ‘Transit to Cruise Line’, adding the name of the ship and the city and state where your cruise will start.
- You will travel through the United States in a motor home. If possible, please give an indication of your planned location.
Download the Advance Passenger Information form(PDF, 54KB)
View a list of airports with self-service check-in facilities
