With effect from 22nd April 2013, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be separating checked baggage from the ticket price and will charge passengers in Economy Class €15 for one piece of hold baggage per flight to destinations within Europe.
Some reports say that the charge will be €15 when paid in advance or €30 when paid at the airport – but the KLM announcement refers only to €15.
Also with effect from 22nd April, KLM will be lowering its fare to €99 for 11 European destinations – thus then offering flights from Amsterdam to more than 30 European destinations at this fare.
Customers who are – or become – members of the Flying Blue Frequent Flyer loyalty programme will be exempt from the new baggage charge. This also applies to contracted corporate clients, BlueBiz members and passengers in possession of a fully flexible ticket (Y and B classes).
The airline said: “KLM is launching this renewed business model within Europe in response to changing customer behaviour: many existing passengers already travel without hold baggage in Europe. What’s more, passengers increasingly want to ‘customise’ their journeys. This can be achieved through paid options including seat choice, more legroom (Economy Comfort) and, in time, paid lounge access. Customers are free to choose.”
