KLM flights and airline information

About

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national carrier of the Netherlands, holding a leading position in the global air transport market. The main hub for the carrier's route network is the Amsterdam airport, which operates flights to hundreds of cities worldwide. As part of the Air France–KLM aviation group and an active member of the SkyTeam alliance, the company offers its passengers an unprecedented level of connectivity and travel convenience.

This airline is rightfully considered one of the most reliable in the industry, annually confirming its high status through prestigious awards and safety ratings. KLM is famous for its attention to detail, high-quality service, and commitment to the principles of sustainable development in civil aviation. Passengers choose this company for its punctuality, modern fleet, and signature Dutch hospitality.

IATA codeKL
Fleet size112
Passenger traffic30,300,000
Destinations348
HubAmsterdam

One of the company's main features is its unique status: it is the oldest airline in the world that still operates under its original name. Since its founding in 1919, KLM has grown from its first mail flights to using ultra-modern airliners like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330.

The airline actively implements innovative digital solutions, facilitating the booking and check-in process, which makes flights as comfortable as possible for tourists and business travelers. Thanks to a wide network of partners, customers can plan complex itineraries with minimal connection times at the world's largest airports.

Contacts

You can contact the airline representatives through several official communication channels:

  • Official website — www.klm.com
  • Customer support phone number — +31 20 649 9123 (international number in the Netherlands; local numbers by country are available in the contacts section on the website)
  • Email for media — mediarelations@klm.com
  • Social media — official KLM accounts on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
  • Mobile app — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is available for download on the App Store and Google Play
  • Emergency support — online chat in the mobile app and on the website, as well as service desks at the Schiphol home airport

For prompt assistance and booking management, we recommend using the mobile app. Please check the current contact information on the airline's official website before making a call or sending a request.

Baggage

Baggage rules at KLM depend on the selected fare and class of service. In Economy Class on most flights, passengers can take 1 item of carry-on baggage (55×35×25 cm) and one small personal item (handbag or backpack) with a total weight of up to 12 kg. For Business Class, the allowance is increased to 2 carry-on items and one personal item with a total weight of up to 18 kg.

Checked baggage allowances depend on the ticket purchased. The standard weight for one piece is 23 kg in Economy Class and up to 32 kg in Business Class, while the sum of the three dimensions must not exceed 158 cm. It is worth noting that budget fares in the Light group on European flights may not include free baggage, so it is more cost-effective to pay for it in advance through online services.

Fees for overweight or additional baggage items are charged at fixed rates depending on the destination. KLM also accepts special baggage: sports equipment, musical instruments, and strollers. The transportation of wheelchairs and some medical equipment is usually free of charge but requires prior coordination with the airline.

For safety reasons, explosives, flammable liquids, and other dangerous items are prohibited from transport. We recommend weighing your baggage at home and using special tags for quick suitcase identification. The most up-to-date information for your flight can always be checked in the "Manage Booking" section on the carrier's website.

Pet Rules

Pets in the Cabin

Small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin of KLM flights. The main requirements are:

  • The animal must be in a soft travel bag or kennel not exceeding 46×28×24 cm.
  • The total weight of the pet including the container must not exceed 8 kg.
  • The carrier must fit easily under the seat in front of the passenger.

Transportation in the Baggage Hold

Larger animals are transported in a specially equipped compartment. The container must comply with strict IATA standards: it must be sturdy, provide ventilation, and allow enough freedom of movement for the pet.

Required Documents

  • A valid veterinary passport with microchip records.
  • Vaccination certificates (rabies is mandatory) and veterinary certificates.
  • Compliance with specific quarantine requirements of the destination and transit countries.

Cost and Restrictions

Pet transportation is always a paid service, with costs ranging from 75 to 400 EUR (approximately $80 to $435) depending on the route and weight. The airline does not accept brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces, such as pugs or Persian cats) for transport in the baggage hold due to physiological risks during the flight. Be sure to contact the airline to confirm a space for your pet before purchasing a ticket.

Loyalty Program

Flying Blue Loyalty Program

Flying Blue is the joint bonus program of KLM and Air France, allowing travelers to benefit from every flight. Membership is free and provides access to exclusive services within the SkyTeam alliance.

Membership Levels and Privileges

  • Explorer — the basic status, offering discounts on additional baggage and paid seats.
  • Silver — provides priority check-in, boarding, and free selection of standard seats.
  • Gold — opens access to business lounges worldwide and provides priority baggage handling.
  • Platinum — the highest level with personal service and maximum privileges at all stages of the journey.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

Members earn miles for flights with KLM and SkyTeam alliance partners, as well as for using the services of hotels, car rental companies, and bank cards. Accumulated points can be exchanged for reward tickets, cabin upgrades to Business Class, or payment for additional services on board. You can register for the program on the official website, gaining access to a personal account to track your balance.

Services

KLM offers three main classes of service focused on maximum passenger comfort. Economy Class provides ergonomic seats and quality service on all routes. Premium Comfort Class is available on some long-haul flights and offers increased legroom, an enhanced menu, and priority services at the airport. Business Class on intercontinental routes features fully lie-flat seats and an exclusive Dutch menu.

Onboard amenities include a modern multimedia system with a wide selection of movies and music on personal screens. In-flight Wi-Fi with various data plans for communication or work is available on most Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Meals and drinks are provided free of charge on all international flights, with the selection of dishes depending on the flight duration and the chosen class.

For passengers with special needs, KLM offers a wide range of special services. Families with children can count on children's menus, infant bassinets, and entertainment kits. More than 15 special meal options (vegetarian, halal, kosher, etc.) are available to travelers and must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure. The airline also provides professional accompaniment for minors and assistance for people with reduced mobility.

Destinations

The geography of KLM flights covers almost all continents, offering convenient connections through its main hub in Amsterdam. Thanks to strategic partnerships with global carriers and participation in the SkyTeam alliance, hundreds of destinations across the planet are open to passengers.

In Europe, the airline operates frequent flights to major metropolises such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona. The route network also includes Scandinavian capitals — Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo. For fans of Central European architecture, regular flights to Prague are available, while the Swiss Alps become closer thanks to flights to Zurich and Geneva. Flights are also operated to Billund, Denmark.

Booking Tips

To purchase KLM tickets at the most favorable fares, we recommend starting your search 3-4 months before your planned departure date. The best price offers are often found for mid-week flights. Using the flexible dates calendar on the official website allows you to compare flight costs on adjacent days and choose the most economical option.

Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure (except for flights to the USA, where access opens 24 hours before). Early check-in via the website or mobile app is not only a way to avoid airport queues but also an excellent opportunity to choose your preferred seat in the cabin for free, if provided by your fare.

When choosing a seat, pay attention to the Economy Comfort options, which offer more legroom and an increased seat recline. The airline's mobile app allows you to store boarding passes electronically and receive real-time notifications about your flight status. Also, don't forget to check if baggage is included in your fare plan — if necessary, it is always cheaper to add it online before arriving at the airport.

History

The history of KLM began in 1919 when the Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Aviation Company) was founded in the Netherlands. This makes it the oldest airline in the world that has continued to operate under its original name for more than a hundred years. The carrier performed its first regular passenger flight in 1920 on the London–Amsterdam route.

In the mid-20th century, the airline actively developed as a national symbol, introducing jet aircraft and expanding its network to a global scale. The evolution of the fleet went through iconic aircraft models, gradually turning KLM into one of the most technologically advanced and reliable carriers in Europe. An important milestone was the opening of regular flights to the Far East and the Americas, which strengthened Amsterdam's status as a world aviation center.

Significant changes occurred in 2004 when KLM merged with the French carrier Air France, forming the powerful Air France–KLM group. Despite the merger, both companies retained their unique brands and operational independence. Joining the global SkyTeam alliance allowed the airline to offer passengers even more opportunities for worldwide travel.

Today, KLM is a leader in environmental innovation, actively developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) programs. Staying true to its traditions and century of experience, the airline continues to set high standards for service, safety, and hospitality in civil aviation, connecting people and continents.

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