RichMSN

I'm leaving on a trip today that includes MSN-AMS-LHR-MSN (with some connections). The AMS-LHR step is on KL and is 10 days from now (with the return from LHR five days after that).

I am going to a baseball tournament and have 2 checked bags, each of which will be close to 50 pounds. I also have a small briefcase and a CPAP machine.

My understanding of the baggage rules has always been that as long as a US city is part of the itinerary (and this was all purchased as a single itinerary / PNR from NW), the more generous US baggage rules apply.

My concern is only with KL in AMS when I have my flight AMS-LHR in 10 days -- I'm hoping they don't try to charge for baggage there -- I am on a 15 day trip and I've cut back as much as I can to make this as easy as I can to move from place to place, but since I am a baseball umpire I have lots of clothing and gear related only to that as well as work clothes for my week in the UK, etc.

Anyone have any experience with this?

fti

I assume it is all one ticket. I haven't had experience with KL/NW but have with other airlines (specifically BA and OS and a long time ago with NG for nostalgia buffs). Each time when they mentioned the baggage issue, I mentioned that I originated in the US and then it was OK. With OS, even before I mentioned that, they said they would not charge me.

But honestly you are at the mercy of the check in agent.

RichMSN

I showed up at AMS Monday and the check-in agent seemed almost disappointed when she saw on her screen I was entitled to 2 bags (and I think 70 pounds each, too). She was all ready to charge me.

No problems getting to LHR. Flight home on Saturday.

GRR_Lar

I've found KLM not as sympathetic on baggage as NWA is, I've had to pay on return, even when my origination was in the US.

I have to wonder at the longevity of this tieup

OP: glad things worked out.

aSiAnRiCk

I had this issue when I flew the YYZ-OTP mistake fare.

I flew KL YYZ-AMS-OTP-AMS-BCN-AMS-YYZ with 3 days in AMS, 10 days in OTP (side trips to VIE & BTS) and 4 days in BCN.

KL agents in AMS and OTP insisted to charge me the excess baggage fee (200+ euros) but luckily I had called KL's customer service in Holland prior to the trip and had them noted the reservation that I'm allowed 2 x 50lbs the whole way.

I'm glad I did that or it would've been an expensive "mistake fares"

In September, I'm flying award tix PBI-IAH-MEX-NRT-PEK-HKG-CGK with 3 days in PEK and over 24 hours in HKG. When I called CZ & CI customer service, they insisted I am only allowed 20 kg (44 lbs) on their legs, even though I will originate and return to the US