Royal Dutch Airlines, better known by its acronym KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij) began in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. It is currently part of the AIR France-KLM group, and is headquartered in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. It employs around 33,000 people and services around 138 destinations worldwide.

What are the KLM check-in options?

Mobile boarding passes & priority boarding
KLM flying with children
Seating for babies and children
Unaccompanied children
Flying while pregnant
KLM Senior fares
Group bookings
Disabled access & medical equipment
Pets

Mobile boarding passes & priority boarding

Details regarding check in can be found here. You can check-in online using this portal by entering your booking details ahead of your flight. You can choose to receive your boarding pass via SMS, Email, Passbook (where applicable), or print it ready to hand in at the check-in counter.

Flying with Children

A discount fee is applied on international flights for children aged less than 2 who can fly on their parent’s lap. Contact KLM directly for the price. Please note the following:

• Babies and toddlers must be held on the lap during taking off and landing.
• Newborns are not permitted to travel.

Seating for Babies and Children

You can reserve your seats on the seat map when booking, in My Trip, or when checking in online at KLM.com. If you are travelling with a baby on your lap (max. 2 years on the return flight) you can reserve seats for yourself and everyone in your booking for a fee. If you do not reserve seats yourself, KLM will assign suitable regular seats to your family, seated together, up to 4 days before departure free of charge. Note that if you are travelling with children (between 2 and 11 years) you can reserve seats for your family at a fee up until check-in begins. Selecting and changing regular seats is free during check-in.

For intercontinental KLM flights, on board carrycots can be reserved via My Trip or by contacting the airline. These are suitable for babies that are no longer than 65 cm and weigh no more than 10 kg on the day of the trip.

It is also possible to bring one car/child seat free of charge on KLM flights if you booked a seat for your child. Note the following, however:

• The car/child seat must be able to fit between the armrests of the aircraft seat, which is 42 cm wide.
• Your child and the child seat need to be secured according to the seat manufacturer’s instructions.
• A child seat may show no defects and must be approved and visibly certified for air transport.
• You need to reserve for the use of a car/child seat in advance.

Unaccompanied Children

Reserving the Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 5 up to and including 14 who are travelling alone or who are travelling in a different travel class than their accompanying adult. For children aged 15 up to and including 17 years, the service is optional.

Regardless of the age of the child, the cost for the Unaccompanied Minor service is the price of an adult’s ticket, plus a service surcharge of EUR 50 for flights within Europe or EUR 75 for intercontinental flights. The surcharge is doubled for return tickets.

The supplement is automatically added to the total price of the ticket during the booking of the flight.

Service surcharge Unaccompanied Minor Service

*This applies only to 15 to 17 year olds. For unaccompanied children aged between 5 and 14 years the ‘non-stop’ surcharge applies.

Please note that the above prices will be converted to local currency and that in some countries a local tax may be added.

Flying while pregnant

KLM has a policy specifying the latest stage that pregnant woman can take flights:

• Expectant mothers need a medical certificate issued by their doctor stating the number of weeks of pregnancy and estimated date of delivery if they wish to fly after the 28th week of pregnancy. The medical certificate issued by the doctor must be issued no later than 10 days prior to departure. This must be carried with the expectant mother when boarding the flight.
• Travel is permitted up to the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy for uncomplicated multiple pregnancies.
• Travel is permitted up to the end of the 36th week of pregnancy for uncomplicated single pregnancies.
• Expectant mothers whose pregnancy has entered beyond the 36th week of pregnancy are not permitted to travel.

Note that certain countries, such as Malaysia, have restrictions regarding expectant mothers of other nationalities from entering.

Senior fares

KLM does not currently offer senior citizen discounts.

Group bookings

If you are planning to fly with a group of ten people or more, and wish to be seated together, you can do so by requesting a quote through KLM’s online form. In your request, you will need to give the following information:

• Name of the person to be contacted
• A daytime telephone number
• Number of passengers (including children)
• Flight dates
• Destination

KLM will then reply with a non-obligation quote.

Disabled access & medical equipment

If you are bringing your own wheelchair, you will need to contact KLM at least 48 hours before your departure. Your wheelchair needs to be transported as check-in baggage in the upright position to avoid damage. Note the maximum size and weight of wheelchairs per aircraft type.

KLM also has a service designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility.Contact KLM CARES if you wish to:

• Arrange assistance at the airport during boarding, disembarking and/or transferring.
• Bring your own (electric) wheelchair (scooter), walker or crutches or use a cabin wheelchair.
• Bring special medical equipment.
• Bring your service animal into the cabin.
• Use an extended leg rest for a leg that needs to stay in a horizontal position (in a cast).

Note that on KLM flights within Europe, 2 extra seats need to be booked in Economy Class. On intercontinental KLM flights, you need to travel in Business Class.How to request special assistanceLog in to My Trip to view your local KLM CARES telephone number or send an email to KLMCARES@klm.nl or call + 800 55622737 (charges may apply). This also applies if you plan to bring your guide dog into the cabin.

Pets

A small cat or dog can be taken into the Economy Class cabin of most KLM flights, and in Business Class on most KLM flights within Europe. Note that the following applies:

• The pet must fly in a suitable pet travel case with max. dimensions 46 (length) x 28 (width) x 24 (height) cm, or in a hard kennel with max. dimensions 46 (length) x 28 (width) x 20 (height) cm. Your pet must be able to stand up and lay down comfortably.
• Total weight of pet + travel case or kennel cannot exceed 8 kg.
• The kennel is to be stored under the seat in front of you, where the pet is to remain for the full course of the flight.

Pets must be placed in a rigid plastic or fibre glass carry cage approved by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) if they are to travel in the hold.

The costs depend on the destination and can be determined by contacting KLM customer service. Also, if your pet is travelling as check-in baggage and the transfer at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport lasts 2 hours or longer, you will have to pay an additional EUR 150 (or USD/CAD 200) to cover the animal’s care during the transfer.

What are the KLM baggage allowance limits and fees?

KLM hand luggage size
KLM checked luggage size
Baggage charges
Musical and sport equipment

KLM hand luggage size

In addition to the checked baggage allowance, each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of hand baggage with a maximum size of:

• L55 cm x W25 cm x H35 cm

The maximum weight allowance for the item is 12kg. Business class passengers can bring a second piece into the cabin with a maximum size of:

• L45 x W20 x H35 cm, with a maximum combined weight of 18 kg

Note that this specifications can vary if you are a member of the Flying Blue program (see table below).

Also note that if you plan to bring any liquids into the cabin, you can do so as long as they are stored in containers no bigger than 100ml and are carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bags with maximum dimensions of 20 x 20cm. Each passenger can carry a maximum of 1000ml (e.g. 10 x 100ml).

KLM checked luggage size

The amount of items and their respective weight allowance differs slightly depending on your international fare type, and whether you are a member of the Flying Blue frequent flyer program (and its respective tier). Any baggage that weighs more than 32kg or measures more than 158 cm in total dimension must be repacked into units within these limits. Your bag’s total dimension is the sum of its width, height and length.

Note that children and babies travelling in their own booked seat may bring the same amount of hand baggage and check-in baggage as an adult.

For a child younger than 2 years who will be travelling on your lap, you may bring:

• 1 piece of hand baggage with baby care items: max. 12 kg and max. 55 x 35 x 25 cm
• 1 piece of check-in baggage: max 10 kg

Baggage charges

Overweight items must be repacked into lighter units during check-in otherwise they will not be accepted for carriage. This does not apply to sporting equipment, musical instruments, pets as baggage, mobility aids, medical equipment and diplomatic baggage.

Charges for baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance are calculated per kilogram on a zone basis starting at €20 within Europe (€30 at the airport) for a suitcase up to 23 kg.

Again, Flying Blue members pay less (Ivory members are charged €10 or €15 at the airport).To arrange extra baggage reservations prior to your flight, you will need to log into your My Trip section and follow the instructions. It is also possible to pay with Miles.

Musical and sport equipment

You can take some types of sports equipment and other items instead of a suitcase, or instead of an extra suitcase if bought on KLM.com. You do not need to reserve its transportation in advance. Note that other types of sports equipment and other items can only be taken after organising their transportation in advance by calling KLM Telephone Reservations and paying a fee based on destination and departure point.

The following items each can count as one suitcase if max. 23 kg:

• Dive equipment (except air cylinders)
• Fishing equipment
• Golf bag
• (Water) ski or snowboard equipment
• Musical instrument of max. 158 cm (l + w + h)
• Wedding dress
• Other items of max. 158 cm (l + w + h)

You can calculate the cost of transporting your sports equipment based on departure and arrival points via a the online tool here.

Musical equipment

You can bring your musical instrument in one of 3 ways:

1. Instead of a suitcase or instead of an extra suitcase.Your musical instrument may weigh a maximum of 23 kg and must be packed in a hard case. If your instrument weighs more than 32 kg or measures more than 300 cm (l + h + w), you will need to reserve its transportation via KLM Telephone Reservations, and receive confirmation at least 48 hours before departure.
2. As hand baggage. A smaller musical instrument, such as a violin or smaller instrument, can be brought as a piece of hand baggage. It must be able to fit in the overhead baggage compartment.
3. On an extra seat.Larger instruments that do not fit in the overhead baggage compartment or under the seat can be taken into the cabin to be transported on a seat. This seat needs to be booked in advance.

What additional fees does KLM charge?

Booking fees
Flight change fees
Flight cancellation policy
Travel insurance

Booking fees

Some fees are not included in the ticket price and will be added during booking:

Flight change fees

You can change your travel dates, times and/or destination with any kind of changeable ticket type – or if you purchased KLM’s Flexibility option. The Flexibility option cost €14 when booking intra-European flights on KLM.com allows you 3 changes at no change. The change conditions and for your ticket type can be found in My Trip and in your booking confirmation e-mail. To change an Award ticket, you will need to contact the Flying Blue Service Centre. You can change your flight online, via telephone or social media for a fee stipulated in your booking details.

Flight cancellation policy

In your booking confirmation e-mail, you will find the conditions for cancelling your ticket, including any applicable administration fees. To cancel flights booked directly with KLM, you can request a refund online. Please note that all flights in your booking will be cancelled.

Travel insurance

KLM offers a range of travel insurance products via Allianz Insurance, including cover for:

• Tickets and Baggage
• Domestic flights
• International Flights
• Multi Trip
• Unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation
• Broad medical expense reimbursement cover etc.

To book insurance, click here.

Which routes does KLM fly?

• Flights from London to Amsterdam
• Flights from London to Geneva
• Flights from London to Prague
• Flights to Australia from the UK
• Flights to Rome from London

What amenities does KLM offer?

In-flight entertainment
Food
Seating
Frequent Flyers
Lounges

In-flight entertainment

KLM offers inflight entertainment on short-haul and long-haul international flights.

Food

Complimentary in-flight meals and drinks are available.

Seating

Seat upgrades are available on most KLM flights. You can reserve an Economy Comfort seat, which allows an extra 10 cm in legroom, for €10 to €160 (or 1,500 to 25,000 Flying Blue Miles). The earlier you reserve, the lower the price.

Depending on the aircraft type, seats with extra legroom are also bookable:

• On European KLM flights, up to 97 cm of legroom
• On intercontinental KLM flights, at least 140 cm of legroom

You can buy a seat with extra legroom for €20 to €90 (or 5,000 to 18,000 Flying Blue Miles) per one way KLM flight. On most intercontinental KLM flights, you can reserve preferred seats – favourite regular seats – in Economy Class:

• Seats in the first rows just behind the Economy Comfort zone.
• Seats in a row of 2 seats, which can be bought separately. Please note that some of these seats cannot fully recline.

You can reserve a preferred seat for €30 (or 7,500 Flying Blue Miles) per one way KLM flight.

Note that discounts apply for Flying Blue program members, and further details can be found here.

Frequent flyers

KLM’s Flying Blue frequent flyer program offers members a number of benefits, ranging from advance seat reservation, extra legroom, lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage redemption and allowances, and more. For details, click here.

Lounges

If you are a member of the Flying Blue frequent flyer scheme, and depending on your tier level, you will be able to access lounges at various ports around the world, which you can choose from here. Lounges offer a la carte dining, wifi, computers and printing, massage services and a check in facility for transit passengers.

How do I contact British Airways customer service?

Contact
Delayed, missing or damaged luggage
Compensation for baggage
Compensation for flights

Contact

For your local KLM office, click here.

Delayed, missing or damaged luggage

Missing luggage should be reported at the Baggage Service Office in the customs hall at your airport. Your baggage claim will be registered and then you will receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a personal reference number. You need this number to check the status of your delayed baggage. Once your baggage has been found, KLM will contact you to arrange delivery. You should have received a baggage claim tag for every bag that you checked in before departure. Make sure to save these tags until you have received all of your baggage.

You can also report your delayed baggage online (within 2 days), for flights operated by KLM or AIR FRANCE, in the following cases:

1. Your KLM flight departing from one of selected destinations was cancelled after you dropped off your bag(s), but your bag(s) were not returned to you, or:
2. You arrived at one of selected destinations but your baggage did not arrive with you.

If your baggage is not found within 3 days, you can use the World Tracer tool to fill out a Baggage Inventory and Claim Form (BICF) online. In the event that KLM are not able to trace baggage after 21 days, the BICF will be sent to KLM Customer Care. They will then contact you for settlement of your Baggage Claim.

Damaged baggage

KLM is not liable for scratches, marks and dents on your luggage or other minor damage. However, if you discover more significant kinds of damage to your baggage, you can report this on arrival or send a written claim to Customer Care within 7 days after arrival.

KLM flight compensation

KLM follows the Montreal Convention in regards to compensation for damaged baggage. This states:

The Carrier’s liability in the event of destruction or loss of or damage to Baggage shall be limited to 1,131 SDR (approximately €1,400 at present) per passenger. If a higher value was declared in accordance with Article 10.2.3(a) the Carrier’s liability shall be limited to the value declared, unless the Carrier can provide proof that said value is higher than the Passenger’s genuine interest at the time of delivery.

For Unchecked Baggage allowed on board, the Carrier can only be held liable in the event of a proven fault by the Carrier, its servants or agents.