Restricted items in checked baggage

Specific rules apply to what you can and cannot bring in your checked baggage. Make sure to check the limitations when packing your bags.

Electronics and lithium batteries

You’re allowed to bring 15 electronic devices with a lithium battery up to 100 Wh with you in your checked baggage. These devices need to be completely switched off. If you want to bring a device with a lithium battery up to 160 Wh, you need to request permission. Devices with batteries larger than 160 Wh are never allowed. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are only allowed in your hand baggage.

On flights from or via Dubai, it is forbidden to bring pagers and walkie talkies. They will be confiscated at Dubai airport.

Make sure to pack the devices correctly to protect them from damage. Packed devices may never be damaged, defective, or recalled.

Electronic cigarettes

You’re never allowed to pack an electronic cigarette in your checked luggage.

Smart baggage

You can bring a smart bag equipped with a lithium battery other than a button cell if you remove this battery. Can’t remove it? Then it’s not allowed to bring the bag with you, neither on board nor in the hold.

Firearms

You’re allowed to bring firearms and ammunition for shooting and hunting purposes in your checked baggage. You need to have the required permits and licenses and make a reservation for transportation.

Read more about bringing a firearm

Bringing a firearm to or from South Africa

If you are travelling to or from Johannesburg or Cape Town, a safety fee of EUR 50 per weapon applies. To make sure it’s all arranged, please contact the KLM Customer Contact Centre at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight.

Irregular sized or packed baggage

Note that we’ll unfortunately have to refuse your baggage if the packing or shape can cause damage or block the baggage handling system. This includes ball-shaped baggage and baggage packaged with clingfilm that’s meant for food packaging. Professional sealing is allowed if it doesn’t result in unmanageable baggage.

Prohibited items

You are not allowed to bring the following items in your checked baggage:

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You cannot bring any self-balancing or personal movement devices that operate on a lithium battery, even if the battery is disconnected or removed. This includes:

  • Hoverboards
  • Airboards
  • Oxboards
  • E-skates
  • Waveboards
  • U-runners
  • Electric motorised baggage

Do you have reduced mobility?

You can bring a self-balancing device if you need to use it because of your reduced mobility. You do need to request permission at least 48 hours before departure.

Request permission

You can never bring any explosive or flammable substances and devices that may pose a risk to the health or property of passengers and crew. This includes:

  • Ammunition
  • Blasting caps
  • Detonators and fuses
  • Explosives, explosive devices, explosive materials, replica or imitation explosives
  • Mines, grenades, and other explosive military devices
  • Fireworks or flares in any form (including firecrackers and toy caps)
  • Smoke-generating canisters or cartridges
  • Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives
  • Flammable solids and liquids, such as petrol, diesel, lighter fluid, alcohol, and ethanol
  • Aerosol paint cans, turpentine, and paint thinner
  • Alcoholic beverages exceeding 70% by volume
  • Gas and gas bottles, such as butane, propane, and acetylene
  • Oxygen gas in large volumes

Small cigarette lighters and safety matches may only be taken on one’s person, not packed as hand baggage.

You can never bring any chemical or toxic substances that may pose a risk to the health or property of passengers and crew. This includes:

  • Disabling or incapacitating sprays, such as mace, pepper spray, and tear gas
  • Acids and alkalis, such as spillable ‘wet’ batteries
  • Corrosive or bleaching substances, such as mercury and chlorine
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Infectious or biologically hazardous material, such as infected blood, bacteria, and viruses
  • Material capable of spontaneous ignition or combustion
  • Poisons
  • Radioactive material, such as medicinal or commercial isotopes
  • Printers or toner cartridges

You cannot bring any products of animal origin that are the result of hunting, including (parts of) animals.

If you’re flying to the Philippines, you’re not allowed to bring jewellery or amulets made out of living bullets or empty bullet shells.

If you're travelling to Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda, you’re not allowed to have any plastic bags with you when entering the country. Do you want to buy tax-free items? We advise you to remove the plastic bag before boarding your flight.

Frequently asked questions

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Some restrictions apply to checked baggage. For instance, there is a limit to the number and size of batteries you can bring with you. You can check in your laptop, but it’s probably better if you keep it in your hand luggage. Larger amounts of liquids are allowed in your checked baggage. You can find the full overview on our page ofrestricted items in checked baggage.

Yes, that’s fine! But please note, you have to keep them in your hand baggage.

There are many types of liquids you can bring with you in your checked baggage. Exceptions are explosive, flammable, chemical or toxic liquids. You can find the full overview on our page onrestricted items in checked baggage.

Need help?

Although we’ve included most restricted or banned items, different local rules may apply. Please check the local airport and airline restrictions as well.

Is your item not mentioned on this page or do you have any questions about your checked luggage? Please contact your travel agency or the KLM Customer Contact Centre.