We are going to Europe for 10 days and are concerned regarding our carry on luggage. We are planning to take a roller board that fits in overhead bins and a backpack. KLM said 2nd item can be purse, laptop or briefcase.
Can anyone tell me if the backpack (normal size) will be okay or will we be forced to check?
KLM says you can bring on one full-size item and something smaller like a laptop, etc.
So isn't your question really "Does KLM enforce its rules, or can we bring on 2 full-size items?"
Is that a roll-aboard and a backpack between you, or a roll-aboard and a backpack each?
What's a "normal sized" backpack?
I've seen high school kids with backpacks that wouldn't qualify as a carryon.
For flights to the Europe from the USA KLM's carry-on allowance per person is for a bag measuring 46 linear inches (h+w+d) or 22"x14"x10". The type of luggage does not matter so long as it meets these specs. In addition each person is allowed a personal item like purse, shoulder bag, computer bag, photo bag, etc. It must fit under the seat and linear dimensions cannot exceed 36 linear inches. I've carried either a backpack or a roller-bag without any problems.
We each carried a Rick Steves' Roll Aboard and each had a (medium size approximately 22 inches) day back pack. No problems. Of course we were very careful not to over the weight limit.
I may add that neither of us had a purse. Inside the day back packs we had our fanny packs and pulled them out as soon as we were on the plane.
One suit case and a basic back pack each person...you'll be fine. And no KLM really doesn't seem strict on those rules. But out of kindness to other travelers you should put your backpacks under your seat so others can use the space in the overhead bins.
I don't remember being checked on KLM ever Karen - but they do tend to CRAM every flight overly full, and people tend to the lack of carry on enforcement - so overhead room can be tight or tough to find.
