KLM carry on restrictions
 

I found out that KLM has restrictions of 25 lbs TOTAL carry on baggage from Amsterdam to Budapest. How closely do they monitor this? It is next to impossible to limit combined carry on to that amount.

I have not had KLM weigh my carry-on on any intra-EU flights.
On full flights, the first priority seems to be size of carry on (or what people think is carry on) bags.
But that is no guarantee that they won't weigh yours.
Or put your bag in the aircraft's belly when the flight is packed and no more space available in the cabin.

25lbs or 12kgs (or less) is a pretty common limit for carry-on baggage in Europe.

>>25lbs or 12kgs (or less) is a pretty common limit for carry-on baggage in Europe.<<

That is IME as well. A few do have lower weight limits but 12kg is typical.

>>It is next to impossible to limit combined carry on to that amount.<<

Not really. I travel almost exclusively carry-on only, and seldom if ever have as much as 25 lbs.

I agree it's fairly easy to keep carry-ons to under 25 pounds - I do it frequently.

Regardless, all responders here can give you is anecdotal answers (to your question) such as "I flew KLM last week and no one checked the weight of my carry-on" or "When I flew the gate agents weighed everybody's bag". Since the experiences vary those answers won't help you. Even if the predominate responses say most overweight carry-ons are allowed on board it doesn't mean you won't be challenged by the ticket/gate agent or the Flight Attendant the day you fly and if your bag is overweight telling them the responders on Fodors Airline Forum said it would be OK won't amount to a hill of beans. You still check the bag.

We're flying Alitalia in Nov. for a 19 day cruise. Their weight limit for carry-on is 8 kg, about 17 lbs. We are carry-on only these days. I did a practice pack, and mine weighed 16 lbs, husband's weighed 10. I'll do some shuffling. I think 25 lbs. is going to be easier for you than you think. Good luck and safe travels.

The main thing to lighten your carry on is to start w/ a <i>light bag</i>. Some 'lightweight' carry ons weigh 6 or 7+ pounds empty. That is crazy. I use a 21 inch rollaboard that weight 3.7 lbs, and backpacks can be lighter than that.

Janisj - great advice. My husband has switched from a rolling duffle to a backpack.

Agree about starting with a light bag, and I too carry on and am able to go light unless I am buying glass mosaic tile in Italy (typically 7-8 kilos).

Also -- consider a Scottevest type garment if you want to stash heavy but small or flat items in your coat or vest. Until they start weighing everyone!

<i>It is next to impossible to limit combined carry on to that amount.</i>

What do you carry as hand luggage - gold bricks or kitchen sinks?

12kg is a very generous hand baggage allowance, many are far lower than that.

You need to have a serious look at what your hand luggage comprises as most people flying would love to have as much as 12kg hand luggage