The extra surcharge for suitcases applies to medium and long haul flights, excluding passengers traveling to the United States, Canada and Mexico. KLM does point out that passengers can also book at a different rate, which does include hold luggage. According to KLM, these are airline tickets booked shortly before departure for a trip during the peak period.

KLM and partner Air France are temporarily increasing the surcharge for the 1st piece of checked baggage. This applies from 16 December to 6 January 2020 for passengers with a Light ticket on both European and intercontinental flights. However, flights between Europe and the US, Canada and Mexico are again excluded. The increase is €5 each way. The prices in Flying Blue miles are also increasing. Flying Blue Explorer members still retain a €10 discount on the bag allowance and elite members of Flying Blue and SkyTeam receive the first piece of checked baggage free of charge.

It is not the first time that Air France-KLM has temporarily increased the surcharge for hold baggage. This also happened last summer. Both changes seem to happen during peak periods. Perhaps the companies want to generate more turnover in this way. But this can have the opposite effect if passengers prefer to take (too) large hand luggage instead of paying, which can cause delays.

The Consumers' Association is surprised.

“I'm afraid there's not much you can do about it. Question of supply and demand. The high season is more expensive, but the fact that you suddenly have to pay more for your suitcases can be sour,” says a spokeswoman.

The Flying Dutchboy has been writing about aviation and loyalty since 2013. Via the front page, he keeps Dutch (frequent) travelers informed of the latest news about airlines, aviation, frequent flyer programs and promotions from the travel world.

Also read: Passenger bridge worldwide first for Schiphol and KLM