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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

The Dutch flag carrier, flying since 1919 from Amsterdam Schiphol

  • NetherlandsCountry
  • KLIATA Code
  • KLMICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands and a founding member of SkyTeam, connecting Amsterdam Schiphol with around 160 destinations. Most fares include a 12 kg cabin allowance, but the new Economy Basic fare on some European routes includes only a personal item. This guide covers every fare’s baggage, the narrow cabin bag size, Schiphol connections, power banks, Flying Blue and how KLM compares with Air France and Lufthansa.

KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 and is the oldest airline still flying under its original name. It has been part of Air France–KLM since 2004, and its low-cost sister Transavia flies holiday routes from the Netherlands.

KLM flights to Amsterdam
Photo: Matheo JBT / Unsplash

Check-In and Connecting at Schiphol

Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure on the website and app, and Schiphol has self-service bag drop machines.

Schiphol works as one terminal, which makes it one of Europe’s easiest hubs. Allow time for passport control between Schengen and non-Schengen flights, as queues can be long in summer.

Power Banks on KLM

New international (ICAO) rules for 2026 apply to KLM flights:

  • A maximum of two power banks per person, of up to 100 Wh each without approval, carried in the cabin only.
  • Power banks cannot be charged on board, and you should not use them to charge your phone during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks or spare batteries in checked bags.

Families, Special Assistance and Pets

Families can choose seats together, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, with bassinets on long-haul flights.

Special assistance should be requested in advance. Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin on many flights when booked ahead.

How to Find Cheap KLM Flights

Cheap KLM flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Price in the cabin bag: Basic plus a cabin bag can cost more than Light.
  • Check Air France too: the same trip via Paris can be cheaper than via Amsterdam.
  • Use Promo Rewards: monthly Flying Blue deals cut award prices.
  • Try Transavia: for holiday routes from the Netherlands, it is often cheaper.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see KLM next to Air France, Lufthansa and others.

KLM vs Air France vs Lufthansa

All three are big European network airlines with a Basic fare that leaves out the cabin bag on some routes.

KLMAir FranceLufthansa
HubAmsterdam SchipholParis CDGFrankfurt and Munich
AllianceSkyTeamSkyTeamStar Alliance
LoyaltyFlying BlueFlying BlueMiles & More
Economy cabin allowance12 kg (not on Basic)12 kg (not on Basic)8 kg (not on Basic)
Best forEasy connections, Africa and the AmericasFrance and AfricaCentral Europe, Star Alliance

See our Air France guide and Lufthansa guide to compare.

Arriving in Amsterdam

Schiphol has its own railway station, with trains to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 minutes and direct links to other Dutch cities.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is KLM a Good Airline?

Yes. KLM combines a huge network with one of Europe’s easiest hubs, reliable service and Flying Blue. Check the narrow cabin bag size and whether you are buying Basic before you book.

For more options, see our Transavia guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against published Air France–KLM fare and baggage rules, reporting on the Basic fare launch and the UK CAA power bank guidance. Rules change, so check the official KLM website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

KLM is a founding member of SkyTeam (2000). You can connect in Amsterdam onto partners such as Air France, Delta, Korean Air and Kenya Airways on one ticket and earn Flying Blue miles across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

KLM and Air France run a transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic, and KLM codeshares widely with SkyTeam and other partners worldwide.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is KLM's only hub. Almost all of its flights start or end there, with short connections in one terminal.

Popular KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Routes

KLM's busiest routes link Amsterdam with London, Barcelona, Rome and Copenhagen, and long-haul with New York, Los Angeles, Singapore and Mumbai. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

KLM sells Economy as Basic (on a growing number of European routes since September 2025), Light, Standard and Flex, with Premium Comfort and Business on long-haul routes. Basic includes only a personal item; Light adds a cabin bag; Standard adds a 23 kg checked bag; and Flex adds free changes and a refundable ticket.

Whenever you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee on the cheaper fares. Before you book Basic, check the price of Light: once a cabin bag is added, Light can work out cheaper.

  • Economy Basic (some European routes) Personal item only; a cabin bag can be added from about €15 per flight up to four hours before departure.
  • Economy Light Cabin bag included; no checked bag; change fee applies; non-refundable.
  • Economy Standard One 23 kg checked bag; change fee applies.
  • Economy Flex Free changes (fare difference applies) and refundable.
  • Premium Comfort and Business More flexible long-haul fares.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • EU passenger rights Regulation 261/2004 may entitle you to compensation for long delays, cancellations or denied boarding.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking or at check-in; on Light fares, advance seat selection usually costs extra. Extra Comfort seats with more legroom can be bought on many flights, and online check-in opens 30 hours before departure.

On long-haul flights, KLM offers Premium Comfort (premium economy) and World Business Class with lie-flat seats.

  • Economy Light Advance seat selection for a fee.
  • Extra Comfort Seats with extra legroom available to buy.
  • Online check-in Opens 30 hours before departure.
  • Premium Comfort Premium economy on long-haul flights.
  • World Business Class Lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft, and passengers receive a Delft Blue miniature house.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Baggage Allowance

Every KLM fare except Economy Basic includes a cabin bag of up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm and a personal item of up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm, with a combined weight of up to 12 kg in Economy. Basic, sold on some European routes, includes only the personal item. Premium Comfort and Business passengers can bring two cabin bags and a personal item, up to 18 kg in total.

Basic and Light don't include a checked bag. Standard and Flex include one 23 kg bag, Premium Comfort two 23 kg bags and Business two 32 kg bags. KLM's 55 × 35 cm cabin limit is narrower than many trolleys, so measure yours.

  • Economy Basic (some European routes) Personal item only (40 × 30 × 15 cm); cabin bag from about €15 per flight.
  • Cabin baggage (Economy Light and up) 1 bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm plus a personal item, 12 kg combined.
  • Cabin baggage (Premium Comfort and Business) 2 bags plus a personal item, 18 kg combined.
  • Economy Basic and Light No checked bag.
  • Economy Standard and Flex 1 bag of 23 kg.
  • Premium Comfort 2 bags of 23 kg each.
  • Business 2 bags of 32 kg each.
  • Flying Blue Silver and above Free cabin bag even on Basic.
  • Maximum bag size 158 cm total.

Flying Blue: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Loyalty Programme

Flying Blue is the free loyalty programme of KLM, Air France and their partners. You earn miles and Experience Points (XP) on KLM, Air France, SkyTeam and partner flights, and redeem miles for award flights, upgrades and more. Miles stay valid as long as you fly with an eligible airline at least once every 24 months.

XP determine your level: Explorer, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with Ultimate by invitation.

  • Explorer Free entry level for all members.
  • Silver Priority services and SkyTeam Elite status.
  • Gold Lounge access, extra baggage and SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
  • Platinum More benefits and the highest priority.
  • Ultimate Invitation-only level above Platinum.
  • Miles validity Kept active by flying at least once every 24 months.
Join or log in on the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines website

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is KL. It appears in flight numbers (for example KL 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is KLM, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines part of?

It is a member of SkyTeam. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

04When was KLM Royal Dutch Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1919.

05What are KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Amsterdam (AMS) – Main Hub.

06What is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Flying Blue. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Does KLM Basic include a cabin bag?

No. Economy Basic, sold on some European routes, includes only a personal item of up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. A full cabin bag can be added from about €15 per flight, and Flying Blue Silver and above still get one free.

08Does KLM Economy Light include a checked bag?

No. Light includes a cabin bag and personal item only (12 kg combined). Standard and Flex include one 23 kg checked bag.

09What is KLM's cabin baggage limit?

In Economy, one cabin bag of up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm plus a personal item, 12 kg combined. Premium Comfort and Business allow 18 kg in total.

10When does KLM online check-in open?

Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure on klm.com and in the KLM app.

11Is KLM part of Air France?

KLM and Air France are separate airlines owned by the same group, Air France–KLM. They share the Flying Blue programme and work closely on schedules and connections.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.