Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, KLM or Virgin Atlantic?

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). KLM allows the larger bag.

Where do KLM and Virgin Atlantic fly from?

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). Virgin Atlantic's are London (LHR). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are KLM and Virgin Atlantic partners?

Yes. Both belong to SkyTeam, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

KL vs VS · 2026 comparison

KLM vs Virgin Atlantic

Q: Do KLM and Virgin Atlantic include a carry-on on basic economy?

KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. Virgin Atlantic: Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

KLM wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

KLM

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Virgin Atlantic

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

Quick verdict

KLM wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Virgin Atlantic wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Virgin Atlantic: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: KLM: Not on some basic fares · Virgin Atlantic: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): KLM: 1 free bag · Virgin Atlantic: 1 free bag

Side by side

	KLM	Virgin Atlantic
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	10 kg (22 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	Flying Club
Main hubs	AMS	LHR

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

KLM allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and Virgin Atlantic up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so KLM's is roomier.

KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while Virgin Atlantic includes it on every fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM, 10 kg (22 lb) on Virgin Atlantic.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Virgin Atlantic.

KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and Virgin Atlantic includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and the UK.

Basic economy

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Virgin Atlantic (Economy Light): Economy Light includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are SkyTeam members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (KLM) and Flying Club (Virgin Atlantic).

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). Virgin Atlantic's are London (LHR). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose KLM if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

Choose Virgin Atlantic if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from LHR

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.