Flying with KLM: Everything You Need to Know

Avião da KLM no Aeroporto de Amesterdão Schiphol. KLM plane at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
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2025-02-11

If you’re looking for information about flying with KLM, you’re in the right place. I travel regularly with the airline and, so far, everything has been fine.

KLM is the national airline of the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world.

It was founded in 1919, meaning that KLM has a long history full of important milestones in aviation.

Over the years, KLM has become a respected name for its innovation and quality of service. The company has been a pioneer in several areas, such as the use of jet aircraft and the introduction of an intercontinental flight network.

In 2004, KLM formed a strategic alliance with Air France, creating the Air France-KLM group, one of the largest airlines in the world.

KLM is also known for its strong international presence and its dedication to sustainability, with various projects to reduce its carbon footprint and promote greener practices.

In this post, I’m going to share my experience, addressing several issues that may be useful for those planning to travel with KLM.

I’ll talk about online check-in, free meals and snacks on board, baggage policies and, of course, the destinations KLM flies to.

So stick around to find out more!

On board the KLM flight.
Flying with KLM: on board the KLM flight.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

My experience traveling with KLM

I travel regularly with KLM and I can say that it is always a pleasant experience flying with KLM.

The airline provides quality service from the moment you check in until you arrive at your destination.

The service is always very friendly, and the KLM team is always on hand to make sure your trip goes smoothly. I particularly like the meal options, which are tasty, especially on long-haul flights, and the variety of entertainment available during the flight.

Another positive point is KLM’s reliability. I’ve never had any problems with delays and my luggage always arrives on time.

In addition, the possibility of earning miles with the Flying Blue program makes travel even more advantageous.

KLM airplane at Porto Airport, Portugal.
KLM airplane at Porto Airport, Portugal.

Everything you need to know before flying with KLM

When can you check in online?

For most flights, online check-in with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is available from 30 hours before departure.

However, for flights to or from the United States, online check-in is only available from 24 hours before departure.

Delta / KLM flight boarding gate.
Delta / KLM flight boarding gate.

Do they serve free meals/snacks on KLM?

Yes, KLM offers free meals and snacks on board, but the service varies according to the length of the flight and the class of travel.

For example, on short-haul flights (Europe), in Economy Class: free snacks and drinks such as coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks are served.

In addition, depending on the length of the flight, you may be offered a small snack, such as sandwiches or cookies.

If you’re flying Business Class, you can expect light meals and premium drinks.

On long-haul flights, Economy Class includes a free hot meal with drinks and a snack during the flight. On some flights, it includes a second meal or snack before landing.

Passengers traveling in Business Class receive a gourmet meal with various options, accompanied by premium drinks and snacks available throughout the flight.

KLM also has special meal options for dietary requirements, provided you request them in advance.

Coffee and cake on board a KLM economy class flight.
Coffee and cake on board a KLM economy class flight.
Snacks and drinks offered on board KLM.
Snacks and drinks offered on board KLM.

What are KLM’s baggage policies?

KLM’s baggage policy varies according to the class of travel and the type of ticket.

With regard to hand luggage, it is important to note the following:

  • Economy Class: includes one piece of hand luggage and one personal accessory, with a maximum total weight of 12 kg.
  • Business Class: allows two pieces of hand luggage and one personal accessory, with a maximum total weight of 18 kg.

The dimensions must respect the limits set by the airline.

On the other hand, with regard to checked baggage, take note:

  • Tickets in the most economical fare (Light) do not normally include checked baggage.
  • Standard and Flex fares in Economy Class usually include one bag weighing up to 23 kg.
  • In Business Class, two suitcases of up to 32 kg each are usually allowed.

In any case, I recommend that you check the specific rules at the time of booking, as they may be updated.

Luggage allowed on KLM.
Luggage allowed on KLM.
Flying KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Flying KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Where does KLM fly to?

KLM serves 167 destinations across 64 countries, including one domestic and 166 international routes.

Operating from its hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, the airline connects passengers to Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Through codeshare agreements, KLM extends its reach to a total of 826 destinations worldwide.

From the United Kingdom, the airline offers flights from cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle, and Exeter.

In the United States, KLM connects major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, and San Diego to its global network via Amsterdam.

KLM airplane at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
KLM airplane at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

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