What is KLM's carry-on weight limit?

KLM allows one cabin bag of up to 12 kg with dimensions of 55 × 35 × 25 cm. This is one of the most generous carry-on allowances of any European airline and makes KLM an excellent choice for carry-on only travel. You may also bring one small personal item such as a laptop bag or handbag within those combined limits.

Are liquid restrictions being relaxed at Schiphol Airport?

Schiphol Airport (AMS) has been upgrading security lanes with CT (computed tomography) 3D scanning technology. In lanes equipped with CT scanners, passengers do not need to remove liquids from their bags or place them in a separate tray. However, the rollout is not yet complete across all lanes and checkpoints. Until Schiphol confirms full CT scanner deployment, follow the standard EU 100 ml liquids rule to avoid delays.

Does Schiphol have free water refill stations?

Yes. Schiphol Airport has free water refill stations available after security. Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it airside. This is useful for long transits and avoids the cost of buying bottled water at airport prices. The stations are marked on the airport's digital maps.

What footwear should I pack for Amsterdam?

Amsterdam's streets are heavily cobblestoned, particularly in the Jordaan, De Pijp, and the historic canal ring. Fashion sneakers and thin-soled shoes become genuinely uncomfortable after a few hours on cobblestones. Pack well-cushioned walking shoes or trainers with proper arch support. The same shoes should also handle occasional wet cobblestones, as Amsterdam receives regular light rain.

Can I store my carry-on at Amsterdam Centraal for a day trip?

Yes. Amsterdam Centraal Station has luggage storage lockers (NS Left Luggage) available seven days a week. The cost is around €6 to €9 per item depending on locker size. This allows you to store your carry-on and explore Amsterdam — or take a day trip to Haarlem, Delft, or Utrecht — with only a small daypack. NS Left Luggage facilities are located near the main station hall.

Carry-On Only for Amsterdam: Airlines, Schiphol, and Packing Tips

Amsterdam is an excellent carry-on only destination. KLM's 12 kg allowance removes most weight anxiety from the equation, Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's best-designed hubs, and the city's compact canal ring is easily walkable with a small bag. The main packing adjustments are footwear for cobblestones and a compact umbrella for variable Dutch weather.

KLM: One of Europe's Best Carry-On Allowances

KLM's 12 kg cabin bag allowance (55 × 35 × 25 cm) stands out in the European airline landscape. Most comparable European carriers allow 8–10 kg. The extra 2–4 kg makes a real difference on longer trips or during seasons when clothing is heavier. If you are flying to Amsterdam with any flexibility in carrier choice, KLM's allowance is a genuine advantage.

KLM is based at Schiphol and most of its European network feeds through Amsterdam. Its SkyTeam partnership means connecting flights on Air France, Delta, and other alliance partners often operate under compatible bag policies.

Transavia: Budget Option With Solid Allowance

Transavia is the low-cost subsidiary of the Air France-KLM group and operates many European routes from Schiphol. Its carry-on allowance is 10 kg (55 × 35 × 25 cm), slightly below KLM but still competitive. Transavia covers routes to southern Europe, North Africa, and Turkey that KLM does not always serve at budget prices.

Budget for the 10 kg limit if you fly Transavia and you will have no surprises. The airline has a reputation for enforcing limits at busy summer routes from Schiphol.

Other Carriers at Schiphol

EasyJet operates from Schiphol on European routes — the same cabin bag add-on rules apply as at other airports. Vueling and other European carriers serve Amsterdam with their standard policies. Check CarrySizer for the specific rules before booking if you are flying on a carrier not listed here.

Schiphol Airport (AMS): A Well-Designed Hub

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is widely considered one of Europe's best airports to transit through. Key practical details:

Single terminal, multiple piers: Schiphol operates from one terminal building with multiple departure piers (B through H for Schengen, E and F for non-Schengen). Security and passport control are centralized, which means less complexity than airports with multiple separate terminals.

CT scanners rolling out: Schiphol is upgrading security lanes with CT 3D scanning technology. Fully equipped lanes will eventually not require liquids to be removed from bags. As of mid-2026 this rollout is partial — some lanes have CT scanners and some do not. Follow the standard 100 ml/1-litre bag rule when packing to avoid being directed to a standard lane.

Free water refill stations: Schiphol has free water refill stations after security. Bring an empty bottle through, fill it airside, and avoid paying airport prices for bottled water throughout your transit.

Transit quality: Schiphol has a small on-site museum (Rijksmuseum has a permanent display in the airport), good food options, and a library. For long layovers, it is one of the better airports in Europe to wait in.

Packing for Amsterdam

Compact umbrella: Amsterdam's weather is variable in every season. The city sits in a flat coastal plain that channels North Sea weather systems unpredictably. A compact folding umbrella weighs around 200–250 g and fits in a side pocket of any carry-on bag. This is better than a rain jacket for Amsterdam's style of rainfall — short, light showers that pass quickly — because you can open and close an umbrella without stopping.

Cushioned walking shoes: Amsterdam's canal ring and most of its historic neighbourhoods are heavily cobblestoned. Spend a few hours walking the Jordaan, the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), or the areas around the Rijksmuseum and you will understand why this matters. Pack shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support. Flat-soled fashion trainers cause foot pain within an afternoon.

Bike-friendly clothing: Amsterdam is the world's most bike-friendly city and renting a bike is one of the best ways to see it. If you plan to cycle, avoid very wide-leg trousers that can catch in chain guards. Light, moveable clothing that does not restrict pedalling is practical. Helmets are not commonly worn by Dutch cyclists but rental shops often offer them.

Light layers: Amsterdam's temperatures are moderate year-round but the wind off the North Sea can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. A merino wool mid-layer handles the temperature variation better than a single heavier jacket.

Day Trips With Luggage Storage

Amsterdam's central location in the Netherlands makes it easy to take day trips to Haarlem (20 minutes by train), Delft (60 minutes), Utrecht (30 minutes), and Keukenhof gardens in tulip season (April–May). If your accommodation does not offer early check-in or luggage storage, Amsterdam Centraal Station has NS Left Luggage lockers available daily from around 7:00 to 23:00. Store your carry-on there and take a daypack for the day trip.

The storage facility is located inside the main station hall near the east entrance. Costs run around €6–€9 per item depending on locker size. This is one of the most practical carry-on strategies for Amsterdam visitors who arrive early or want to extend their last day before departing from Schiphol.

Getting to Schiphol

Schiphol is directly connected to Amsterdam Centraal Station by train. The journey takes around 15 minutes and trains run multiple times per hour. Tickets are purchased from NS machines in the station or via the NS app. The airport has its own dedicated train station beneath the terminal. No bus connection is needed.