What is the size limit of the accessory bag on KLM flights?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 8 Aug, 2023
- |
Weird, the weights and dimensions are clearly stated on their website when you check your flight details.
Just go to the add cabin luggage option and you’ll see clearly the rules stipulated.
It’s strange that the KLM customer service agent says it’s not there, it wouldn’t make sense since they need to adhere to certain weights for safe flights:
Baggage rules*
Accessories and hand luggage
max. weight Economy Class: 12 kg
max. weight Business Class: 18 kg
Hand luggage dimensions
(including handles and wheels)
55x35x25cm
Accessory dimensions
40x30x15cm
Large bags that meet cabin baggage requirements may still be able to be checked in at the gate if space is limited in the onboard overhead bins.
Checked baggage
max. weight Economy Class: 23 kg per item
max. weight Business Class: 32 kg per item
Dimensions
Length + width + height = 158 cm
As of 2017, their website has actual figures on it:
1 accessory, e.g. a handbag, briefcase or laptop, max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inch)
This is 18L, so a 35L rucksack unless very empty is unlikely to fit.
I’ve received an official reply from the KLM twitter:
Q: @KLM what is the size limit of the accessory bag on long-distance flights? Can I take a light-weight 35L backpack as an accessory bag?
A: An accessory is a small handbag or laptop sleeve for instance. A backpack unfortunately isn’t.
Q: @KLM is there a precise definition of what the maximum accessory bag dimensions are?
A: There is not. As said before the accessory can be a briefcase, laptop or camera sleeve.
So the answer is: as long as it looks like a briefcase or laptop sleeve, it’s okay. There is no precise guideline or definition, unlike Ryanair’s or Wizzair’s policies. And no, you cannot take a 35L backpack as an ‘accessory bag’.
The official KLM baggage page which you found says:
1 accessory, e.g. a handbag or a laptop
Which isn’t that handy, but there’s an official answer on the KLM Facebook page that expands this:
The accessory can be a handbag, briefcase, camera, small laptop, or another item of similar or smaller size.
There is no definitive rule for actual size that I can find (even from partner airlines), but basically a suitcase is a good measure. If your ‘accessory’ could reasonably be molded into a suitcase sized space you’ll be OK.
As mentioned in the comments on busy flights they’ll ask you to put the smaller bag under the seat in front of you. So it’ll have to fit under there, and leave you enough room for your feet! In my experience a suitcase or similar size laptop bag fits under nicely in an upright position and leaves a fair amount of space (although some KLM planes have restricted space under the seats as the unit driving the entertainment system is there for some seats).
Trying to take two obviously large, full, bags will likely not be allowed. They often do a quick check at check-in (not so much at Amsterdam which is automated but at other airports) or you’ll be stopped at the gate and asked to check one. If you’re stopped at check-in you’ll have to pay, at the gate it’s up to the staff there.
From experience on similar routes (been a long time since I did that one), they’re generally quite relaxed about the interpretation of accessory as long as you’re not being ridiculous. Large bags can go in if they’re empty and go be packed down. However it does depend how busy the flight is, and it makes life easier for everyone if you don’t overdo it.
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