Connecting flights can be confusing, especially when it comes to baggage. With KLM, whether your bags are checked through or not depends on how your trip is booked. This guide explains how KLM baggage on connecting flights works — when your luggage is automatically transferred, when you’ll need to recheck it, and what to expect if your journey includes partner airlines or self-transfers.
Check your compensation online.
KLM Baggage on Connecting Flights
With KLM baggage on connecting flights, your luggage is usually checked through to your final destination when all flights are booked under one ticket.
KLM Connecting Flights on One Booking
If your KLM itinerary is booked under one ticket (one booking reference), your baggage is checked through to your final destination.
You won’t need to collect it or check in again during your connection — even if you change planes or airlines within the Air France–KLM Group or SkyTeam partners. KLM baggage connecting flights policy ensures that your luggage is usually transferred automatically when all flights are on one booking.
The only exceptions are:
- You’re flying with different airlines that don’t have a baggage transfer agreement.
- Your itinerary includes a stop in a country such as the United States and Canada, where you must clear customs and recheck your luggage. If you have a connecting flight with Delta, this might happen during your trip.
- Your connecting flights are at different airports, your baggage will not be checked through — you’ll need to collect and recheck it at the next departure airport.
In most cases, though, your baggage will automatically transfer between flights.
Some airlines inform passengers when their baggage will be checked through to the final destination — you can usually find this information in your booking confirmation email or e-ticket details.
Self-Transfers (Separate Tickets)
If you booked separate tickets — for example, a KLM flight and then a low-cost airline — you are responsible for collecting and re-checking your baggage between flights.
KLM will only transfer bags if all flights are on the same booking.
What if you have two separately booked KLM flights? In that case, you’ll need to collect and recheck your baggage, even though you’re flying with the same airline. Why? Because you’ve booked two separate tickets with different booking numbers. This is considered a self-transfer, not a connection arranged by the airline. Just like when you book flights with different carriers, KLM isn’t responsible for your checked luggage between these separate bookings.
Make sure you allow enough time between flights for baggage collection, security, and check-in again.
Read more:
- KLM Self-Transfer Flight Compensation
- KLM — Ryanair Self-Transfer Flight: Who Is Going to Pay Compensation?
Check your compensation online.
With KLM luggage on connecting flights, your luggage is usually checked through to your final destination when all flights are booked under one ticket.
KLM Delayed Baggage
If your bag doesn’t show up, report it before leaving the baggage hall at the Baggage Service Office.
Show your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag, and you’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number to track your bag online via WorldTracer.
If your baggage isn’t found within 3 days, fill out the online Baggage Inventory and Claim Form.
Keep receipts for essentials you buy while waiting — KLM can reimburse these expenses.
If your bag is still missing after 21 days, it’s officially considered lost, and you may claim KLM lost baggage compensation of up to €1,300 under the Montreal Convention.
KLM Damaged Baggage
If your luggage is damaged, report it immediately at the Baggage Service Office before leaving the baggage hall. Show your passport, boarding pass, and the damaged bag to file a report — KLM will usually repair or replace it free of charge.
If you discover the damage later, you can submit a KLM damaged baggage claim online within 7 days of arrival.
KLM may offer damaged baggage compensation of up to €1,300, depending on the bag’s value, but not for minor scratches, dents, or normal wear.
Remember, KLM baggage compensation — whether for lost or damaged luggage — must be paid directly to your bank account. You’re not required to accept KLM vouchers or miles instead.
Understanding KLM baggage on connecting flights helps you avoid confusion and delays during your trip. Whether your flights are on one booking or self-transfers, knowing the rules ensures your luggage arrives with you.
Featured photo by Nicolás Rueda from Pexels