Flying with a Baby on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of the top airlines to fly with a baby or pet. Truly, they will take care of you and your little companions whether you’re in business or economy class.
After living in the Netherlands for a few years and then living in Salt Lake City, KLM along with Delta were the main hubs for flying in between these two spots. We took KLM also when we were moving back from Europe to the US with our son when he was 9 months old.
KLM Flying with Infant
When flying with an infant, KLM offers two options, you can either have your infant travel on your lap if they are under 2 years old, or book them their own seat and bring along an approved car seat or child restraint device.
As with most airlines, only one lap infant is allowed per adult so if you’re traveling alone with more than one infant under two years of age, you’ll need to purchase a seat for each additional baby.
Infant Food on KLM
KLM offers sterilized meals for infants on all their flights and you don’t need to pre-order these however, it’s generally recommended to bring your own if you can.
You can bring baby food in your carry-on when flying with a baby however it must fit within the regulations for no more than 100ml per item and be packed in a clear, labeled bag. If you ask nicely, the airline staff will happily heat your formula too. It was not a problem when we had to ask.
KLM Lap Infant
You’ll be charged a discounted fare for having an infant in arms on KLM, even though they won’t occupy a separate seat so you’ll need to add them to your booking.
If you’ve already booked your tickets and need to add a new baby, it’s best to give the ticketing office a call so they can make sure it’s all done correctly.
Unlike on most American airlines, you’ll be given an additional seatbelt for your baby that connects to your own to keep them safe.
Baby Facilities on KLM
Depending on what type of plane you are flying on, you’ll find different facilities but most KLM flights have changing tables in the bathrooms.
You can check the details of your specific plane when making your booking online or by calling customer service.
Additionally, while you’re technically allowed to breastfeed in your seat, KLM’s policies also heavily “encourage” you to take other people’s comforts into mind. That being said, there have been some situations over the years where mothers were asked not to breastfeed because of someone else on the plane. Even though you would be fully within your rights to do so, it’s something to consider if important to you.
KLM Car Seat Policy
If you’ve purchased a seat for your child on KLM, you’re allowed to bring your own car seat as long as it fits within the plane seat dimensions (16.5 inches/42 cm between the armrests) and meets the European Union or other official government safety standards.
You can use both forward and backward-facing car seats, but note that if you have a backward-facing car seat, you will have to swap it to be forward-facing when the plane is cruising.
This is because backward-facing seats often restrict the ability of the seat in front of you to recline – the same policy applies to Air France. So if you have a particularly large car seat, this is something to keep in mind as they can ask you not to use it if it impacts someone else.
Accepted Car Seats on KLM
Your car seat needs to have a visible quality seal from the European Union or other official agencies, including:
- UN Standards ECE R44-03 and 44-04
- US FMVSS No. 213
- Canadian CMVSS 213/213.1
- German TUV/958-01/2001
- Transport Canada-approved types
- FAA approved types
- JAA approved types
You can also use the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) on board.
Baggage Allowance for Babies and Kids on KLM
The KLM baby policy allows you to bring one carry-on bag up to 26 lb/12 kg per lap baby – which is generous and slightly more than’s allowed on most other airlines.
Additionally, you can bring a small, collapsible stroller as carry-on baggage, provided it fits under the seat or in the overhead bin.
If you have booked your child their seat, they are entitled to the same amount of checked and carry-on baggage as an adult.
Bassinet on KLM
Airplane bassinets are called carrycots on KLM and are offered only on intercontinental flights.
To be eligible for a carrycot babies need to be smaller than 26 inches (65 cm) and weigh no more than 22 lb (10 kg) on the day of travel.
These can be reserved in advance with availability in both economy and business classes, but it’s worth noting that bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to book these as soon as possible.
How to Reserve a Bassinet/Carrycot on KLM
To reserve a bassinet on KLM you’ll need to log into the website via “My Trip” and make a special request or contact reservations by phone in advance.
Keep in mind that you cannot use a bassinet and car seat together, as car seats aren’t typically allowed in bulkhead rows where bassinets are generally located. So if you have two youngsters you should plan accordingly based on whether you prioritize the use of a bassinet or a car seat for your little ones
That being said, parents have reported that when they were placed in a row with a bassinet they were given an extra seat along with the bassinet so regardless of whether or not you use the carrycot much during the flight, you should still have extra room for your kids to spread out.
KLM Stroller Policy
KLM’s stroller policy is quite flexible and allows you to bring one small, collapsible stroller per child as part of your carry-on, as long as it fits under the seat or in the overhead bin (maximum. 15 x 30 x 100 cm / 6 x 12 x 39 in).
If it doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, you can still bring it for free however you will need to check it at the gate or counter.
Gate Checking Baby Items
Alongside your stroller, you are also allowed to bring a car seat onto the plane for free, regardless of whether or not you plan on using it in flight.
If you don’t want to carry both your stroller and car seat on board or if one (or both) are too big to fit in the overhead bins, you can choose to check them free of charge at either the ticket counter or gate.
My best tip: avoid gate-checking items if you’re connected at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Many smaller planes (to/from European destinations) are always taking a bus, in which case many times the strollers won’t arrive until the luggage belt. If you’re coming on a bigger plane, every time the minimum wait for gate checked item was at least 25 minutes, which makes it frustrating and stressful if you have a connection to catch. This is why we always bring a tiny stroller that fits in the overhead on KLM.
Flying with a Toddler on KLM (Over 2 Years Old)
When it comes to toddlers over 2 years old, KLM requires them to have their own ticket and seat but this also means they are allotted the same amount of luggage as adults in addition to a stroller and car seat if required.
On intercontinental flights, you’ll also be given a “Bluey” play set and eye mask. Bluey is the airline’s mascot that is featured in several shows and games on the inflight entertainment system throughout your child’s journey. This can make traveling with kids much easier!
You can use an inflight airplane bed or leg rest extension on KLM flights as long as it doesn’t attach directly to the seat. This means that Fly LegsUp or FlyeBaby are not permitted but Wick, BedBox, Fly Tot, 1st Class Kid Travel Pillow, and Plane Pal are okay.
Inside Europe, all kids are gifted a passport holder and activity book to keep them entertained for the flight.
Kid’s Meal Options on KLM
KLM offers kids meals on all their flights that are easy to eat, nutritional, and child-friendly. Although they are free, make sure to book your child’s meal in advance online or by contacting customer service.
