If you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a while, you’ve probably noticed airlines have a very specific relationship with transparency, especially when it comes to hand luggage fees.
Recent reports have revealed that British airports are now paying staff bonuses to catch passengers with oversized hand luggage — £1.20 per bag to be exact. 🧐
While this hasn’t been confirmed at Dutch airports, it shows just how creative (or downright sneaky) airlines are getting with extra charges.
Know your hand luggage rights in the Netherlands
Flying from Amsterdam Schiphol, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven? Here’s what you’re up against with the major airlines operating from Dutch airports. 👇
KLM and the myth of generosity
KLM’s hand luggage policy appears straightforward, but it hides some hidden gotchas.
You get one small bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) that must fit under the seat, plus one larger piece (55 x 35 x 25 cm) for overhead storage — combined weight limit? Just 12 kg in Economy — significantly lower than most US carriers.
Here’s the kicker: if you book a Basic ticket (KLM’s most affordable option), you are only allowed to take a small under-seat bag.
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Want that overhead space? You’ll need to upgrade your ticket or pay extra at the airport.
Transavia turns packing into a headache
Transavia takes the budget approach to new extremes. Everyone receives one small bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) for free, but anything larger requires payment upfront or a €70 gate fee if you arrive unprepared.
The airline uses a colour-coded sticker system: green stickers for compliant bags, and red for those that might need to be checked in the hold if space runs out.
It’s like a lottery where you might lose your carry-on privileges through no fault of your own. 🙄
Easyjet takes low-cost to new highs
EasyJet’s approach is deceptively simple: one “small cabin bag” (45 x 36 x 20 cm) fits under the seat for free.
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Want overhead space? That’s an additional charge starting from €6, but if you arrive at the gate without pre-booking, the fee will be €48.
Now here’s where it gets a little murky. At some UK airports, ground staff are reportedly getting bonuses for catching oversized bags.
That kind of incentive doesn’t exactly scream fairness. It’s more like a game where the rules are designed to catch you out. 👀
Ryanair wins the fee Olympics
Ryanair’s baggage policy is so restrictive that it makes other budget airlines look generous. 😬
Your free allowance? One personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm) that fits under the seat. Everything else costs extra, including the “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” option, which allows you to bring two standard carry-on bags.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it does. Starting November 2025, gate fees for oversized bags will jump from €60 to €70.
Priority Boarding will also become mandatory if you wish to carry a second cabin bag. So yes, Ryanair said pay more or pack less.
When cheap fares turn into expensive surprises
Airlines love to brag about their low fares until it’s time to board. That €29 Amsterdam–Berlin flight often jumps to €80 once you add a carry-on, seat, and other “extras.”
The measurement game is especially annoying. Airlines claim their size limits are “standard,” but KLM’s 35 cm width limit is tighter than the 40 cm allowance of many other carriers.
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So your bag might pass on Delta but fail the KLM sizer, even though they’re partner airlines. Not exactly a smooth experience.
Weight rules only make it worse. KLM restricts combined cabin baggage to 12kg, while many U.S. carriers don’t have weight limits. Your bag might be fine on one flight, but not the next. 🙃
The enforcement lottery is real
The most frustrating part? The same bag flies one day and gets flagged the next. Gate agents have a lot of discretion, and full flights usually mean stricter checks.
Suddenly, it feels more like an online casino than a holiday. Not the stress-free start you booked.
Some UK airports even pay staff bonuses to catch oversized bags. With money in the mix, “rules” start looking like revenue strategies.
The EU is fighting back (sort of)
The good news? EU lawmakers are pushing back.
A proposal backed by the European Parliament would let passengers bring one personal item and hand luggage up to 7 kg and 100 cm combined, all for free.
But it’s still just a proposal. It needs approval from 55 per cent of EU member states to become law. If passed, it could take effect by July 2025 and force budget airlines to rethink their fee-heavy models.
Still, airlines are pros at bending the rules, so don’t expect them to give up the extra cash without a fight. 💸
So after it’s all packed and boarded…
Airlines have turned hand luggage into a profit machine using confusing rules, inconsistent enforcement, and clever tricks for things that used to be free.
Dutch airports aren’t paying staff to catch oversized bags like in the UK, but the fee-focused trend is clearly spreading.
Your best move? Know the rules, measure at home, and always book carry-on in advance. 😎
What have your experiences been lately when boarding a plane to or from the Netherlands with hand luggage? Share your nightmarish anecdotes in the comments!
