KLM: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding

Has your KLM flight been delayed for several hours recently? Or cancelled? It sucks, but here is a good new for you. KLM is a European airline. And no matter where you were flying to, as long as the flight was from or to Europe, you may now be entitled to KLM compensation. According to EU regulations, every passenger has these rights.

How to claim your KLM flight delay compensation?

How to receive KLM flight cancellation compensation?

Check your compensation online!

Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.

Here are 6 main topics that we will focus on:

1. What to do if your KLM flight is delayed?

2. What to do if your KLM flight is cancelled?

3. How to claim KLM flight delay compensation?

4. How to claim KLM flight cancellation compensation?

5. How to claim KLM denied boarding compensation?

6. Connecting flights with KLM

1. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?

KLM is a full-service airline with a hub in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Is KLM a good airline? It is. In fact, it’s one of the world’s best airlines, according to Skytrax. And also the oldest one. But even KLM isn’t protected against flight delays. No airline is protected against them. No airline is perfect. It’s just that some airlines are doing it better than others.

What to do if your KLM flight is delayed?

1.1 If you are still at home

If you are still at home, when you have learned of the delay, then:

It’s either a serious delay that KLM has informed you about via email or sms;
Or you are one of these travellers, who like to be in control and you have checked your flight status online before heading for the airport.

If you haven't already, check your flight status online.

We can recommend FlightStats and Flightradar24.

Next - go to the website of the airport you are flying from to see if your flight is the only one that’s delayed. Or maybe it’s a long list flights that are delayed as well. If the latter is true, most probably it’s something serious, like bad weather or security issues, and you may need to stay at home for a while. Otherwise stay at home a bit extra, while following your KLM flight status, and proceed as planned.

Do you have another flight that you may miss now?

If it’s a connecting flight with KLM, even if it’s operated by another airline, then there is nothing to worry about. Because KLM will take care of that. And, if you miss that flight, they will put you on another one for free.

If it’s a flight you have booked separately, think of what you will do about it.

1.2 If you are already at the airport

Proceed as usual, if you have already checked in.

After you have gone through airport security, find a place where to sit down and follow information regarding your flight. Either online or by checking the flight information screens at the airport. Contact information desk at the airport, if you don’t understand information available to you.

If check in hasn’t started, most probably they will not open it just yet. And you’ll just have to wait for more information.

Is it the only flight you have today? Or is there also a connecting flight?

If you have a connecting flight booked via KLM, then you are protected and there is nothing to worry about. Because, if necessary, they will put you on another flight for free. If, for example, because of this flight delay you will miss your connecting flight.

If you have another flight that you have booked separately, do a research to find out what are your options. What other flights are there and how much do they cost. If you miss your connecting flight now, most probably you will have to book another flight yourself and pay for it from your pocket.

Clock on the wall

- 3 hour flight delay

When travelling from the EU or to the EU - you are protected by the EU.

If you are travelling with a non-EU airline, it covers only flight within the EU and from the EU. But in case of KLM you are protected also when travelling from a country outside the EU.

According to EU regulations, in most of situations (there are a few exceptions) when your flight is late and you have to wait at the airport for 3+ hours, your airline must provide you with a free meal and drink plus two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes.

That’s what you should be getting from KLM.

Mostly in a form of coupons.

If it isn’t provided, ask for it.

- Long delay (Overnight delay)

But what if it’s gonna be an even longer delay?

What if you’ll have to stay at the airport overnight?

In this case KLM is obliged to provide all its passengers with free hotel accommodation, transport to and from it and also free meals and drinks.

Every passenger is eligible to this type of care by KLM. Both Europeans and citizens of other countries. No matter the cause of the flight delay.

It applies to all your KLM flights to, from or within Europe. To all KLM delays.

Flight compensations - Rules - ENG

1.3 If it's fault of KLM

If it’s KLM fault, you may as well be entitled to flight delay compensation.

That’s in case your flight is delayed for at least 3 hours.

And, yes, sometimes you can get all of that - food, hotel accommodation, being taken to your final destination and also KLM delayed flight compensation (more on the compensation below).

There is a myth, that if you take food coupons or free accommodation, then you will not be entitled to compensation anymore. But it’s only a myth. It’s not true. Everyone is free to get this type of care by the airline in case of flight disruption. In no way does it affect your chances of getting a compensation. A compensation that always should be paid in cash or by bank transfer, not in coupons or vouchers.

And even if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, even then you can get a full refund in cash, if you choose so.

Claim for flight delay compensation now!

1.4 Why do flights get delayed?

Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.

2. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?

Your KLM flight is cancelled. What should you do next?

Could you be entitled to compensation?

2.1 If you are still at home

Read the email or message you have received from KLM carefully.

In most of situations KLM will have given an explanation as to what has happened and what should you do next. If you have been given a choice between a new flight or refund, make a decision. If there is no choice, adjust your travel plans accordingly.

According to EU regulations, if you are notified of the cancellation less than 2 weeks prior to the date of departure, you are often entitled to flight cancellation compensation up to €600 per passenger. If it’s 3 of you travelling together, that’s 3 x 600 or 1800 euro.

These rules apply to all KLM flights to, from or within the EU.

Every time KLM cancels a flight.

If your flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks before the trip, you can't get a compensation, but you should be offered a new flight or a full refund. The rest depends on your ticket and KLM cancellation policy.

What if you haven’t received anything from KLM?

No message or anything yet?

Double check the information you have, by using a different tool. We can recommend FlightStats and Flightradar24. If you don’t understand information available to you, get in touch with KLM customer care, either by calling them or messaging on Twitter or Facebook.

Contact KLM to ask what should you do next.

2.2 If you are already at the airport

Have you gone through airport security?

If yes, wait for more information regarding your flight cancellation.

If you haven’t yet, wait for more information but don’t proceed through the security yet. It is possible that you will have to wait for more than a couple of hours, maybe even a day until KLM finds a solution (new flight to put everyone on, for example).

Do you have a connecting flight?

Is there any other flight or flights that you are going to miss now because of this flight cancellation? Or maybe a bus, train or ferry? If there is something, think what are you going to do about them. If there isn’t anything, relax and wait for more information.

If you don’t want to wait, call KLM call centre. But be prepared, that they, same like you, may not have any more information to give you just yet.

If you have a connecting flight with KLM, relax, they will take care of that.

If it’s a flight you have booked separately, you may need to book another one yourself. Same if it’s a bus or ferry. Then as well you will also have to deal with that yourself.

Clock on the wall

- 3 hour flight delay

A new flight has been offered. It leaves in a few hours.

Is there something else you should know? Yes.

If you’ll have to wait at the airport for more than 3 hours, KLM has to provide you with free meal and drink plus two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes. If nothing is being offered, demand it by contacting their staff at the airport. The same rules apply to all KLM cancelled flights, from and to Europe.

- Long delay (Overnight delay)

A new flight has been offered. But it’s leaving only tomorrow.

Or maybe KLM has presented you with 2 options - one flight that’s leaving sooner and another one leaving tomorrow. And you have chosen the one leaving later. No matter the circumstances, now you are also entitled to free accommodation and transportation to and from it.

Get in touch with KLM representatives at the airport, to find out the details.

No matter the cause of the flight cancellation, and whether is within our out of the airline’s control, every passenger is entitled to this type of care by KLM.

You don't have to be European.

Apart from that the airline still have to take you to your destination or give you a full refund. And in this case your KLM refund must be paid in cash, not in coupons or vouchers.

2.3 If it's fault of KLM

Then you may as well be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

How much could you be entitled to? Up to €600 per passenger.

2.4 Why do flights get cancelled?

Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.

How to claim compensation

3. How to claim KLM flight delay compensation?

Your KLM flight is delayed.

It’s a long delay, and you have arrived several hours late.

You have heard that in situations like this you may receive a compensation. Is that true? Yes, it is. Every time your flight is delayed for 3 or more hours, you might be owed up to €600. However, there is a catch. But you must claim the KLM delayed flight compensation. Otherwise no one is going to pay you anything.

How to make a claim for KLM flight delay compensation?

There are two options:

1. You can deal with it yourself. Contact KLM. Claim compensation. Submit all the information, and hope for the best. If you choose this option, remember to be persistent in your communication. Don’t take no for an answer. And be prepared to search for legal advice later, if your KLM compensation claim is refused.

2. Less time consuming option - file a claim online at refundor.com. Or in other words let us to be your legal representatives, and let us to claim your KLM flight delay compensation on your behalf.

Sounds complicated and probably very expensive? But it isn’t.

Documents on the table next to a laptop

Because, when working with us, here is all you will have to do:

Go to this page;
Fill in the details about yourself and your KLM flight delay;
Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
Sign the claim online.

And that’s it. We’ll do the rest.

How much does it cost to work with us?

Only €25 + 25% of the amount of the compensation.

You pay only if we are successful. If we aren’t, it will cost you nothing. Because, you see, there are situations when it turns out that you are not entitled to KLM compensation for delayed flight. If the same happens in your situation - it will cost you nothing at all. Not a single cent.

Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.

- How long does it take?

With most KLM claims, mostly 2-3 months.

If, for example, we will need to go to court, it will take longer. Most probably at least twice as long.

But don’t worry as we’ll keep you updated.

- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?

It depends from country to country, but mostly at least 2-3 years.

For the best chance of getting your KLM compensation, make a claim as soon after the delay or cancellation as possible.

- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?

No.

It applies to everyone, no matter the nationality and age.

Speaking of the age, it applies also to infants.

Yes, you must be travelling from or within the EU, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.

And, yes, if you are travelling from another country to one of these above mentioned countries, it applies only if you are travelling with a European airline.

But you don’t have to be European to be entitled to EU flight compensation.

KLM is a European airline. Hence it applies to all its flights to, from or within these countries. To all KLM flight delays.

- What about codeshare flights?

What if you were on a codeshare flight?

What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?

Which one is going to pay the compensation?

The one operating the flight.

But that's only true regarding the compensation. If the first flight of your journey is delayed and because of that you have missed your connecting flight, the marketing airline is responsible for booking you into the next available flight for free. If that has happened, contact the airline you booked your flight from.

3.1 How much can you claim?

The amount of your KLM delay compensation is fixed.

In most of situations it’s either 250, 400 or 600 euro.

Depending on the distance of your flight and occasionally some other factors. The longer the journey, the bigger will be your KLM flight delay compensation.

The rules are the same for all airlines operating in Europe, and for everyone. No matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Your under 2 years old can receive full flight compensation, too.

4. How to claim KLM flight cancellation compensation?

Your KLM flight is cancelled.

It was the airline’s fault, and they have informed you of it less than 2 weeks before the date of departure. Which means that now you should be entitled to flight cancellation compensation. But what’s next? Do you have to do anything to receive it? Yes. You have to claim for it.

How to claim your KLM flight cancellation compensation?

There are two options:

1. To deal with it on your own. Contact KLM. Submit information about your KLM cancellation , everything they are asking for, submit all the documents they are asking for and wait. If you choose this option, remember to be persistent in your communication with them. Don’t take no for an answer.

Use internet forums to find if someone has had an exact experience like you now.

And be prepared to search for a legal advice later.

2. Less time consuming option - file a claim online at refundor.com. Or in other words let us to be your legal representatives. And let us to claim your KLM flight cancellation compensation on your behalf.

Sounds complicated and probably very expensive? But it isn’t.

Woman using laptop - Best Travel Blogs 2019

It’s an easy and straight forward process:

Go to this page;
Fill in the details about yourself and your KLM flight cancellation;
Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
Sign the claim online.

And that’s it. Now wait for the money in your bank account.

If there will be anything else, if we’ll need some extra information, we’ll contact you via email.

Our fee? Only €25 + 25% of the total compensation amount. No upfront fees. You pay ONLY if we are successful in claiming your KLM compensation.

Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.

- How long does it take?

Mostly 2-3 months.

If, for example, we will need to go to court, it will take longer.

But don’t worry as we’ll keep you updated.

- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?

It depends from country to country, but mostly 2-3 years.

For the best chance of getting your KLM compensation for cancelled flight, make a claim as soon after the delay or cancellation as possible. This way you'll also get the compensation sooner.

- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?

No.

It applies to everyone, no matter the nationality and age.

Speaking of the age, it applies also to infants.

You must be travelling from or within the EU, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.

If you are travelling from another country to one of these above mentioned countries, it applies only if you are travelling with a European airline.

KLM is a European airline. Hence it applies to all its flights to, from or within these countries.

- What about codeshare flights?

What if you were on a codeshare flight?

What if you bought a ticket from one airline, but the flight was operated by another company? Which company is the one to be held responsible if there are problems with the flight?

Which one is going to pay the compensation?

The one operating the flight.

4.1 How much can you claim?

Mostly it’s very easy to calculate.

And, same like flight delay compensation, your KLM flight cancellation compensation is going to be either 250, 400 or 600 euro.

€250 - if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres (1-2 hour flights);
€400 - if the distance of the flight is between 1500 - 3500 kilometres (mostly 2-5 hour flights);
€600 - more than 3500 kilometres (mostly 5+ hour flights).

The rules are the same for all airlines operating in Europe, and they are the same for everyone. No matter the age, nationality, airline, price of the ticket or travel insurance. Your under 2 years old can receive full flight compensation, too.

5. KLM denied boarding compensation

All in all, rules are very similar in all three situations.

Whether your flight was heavily delayed, cancelled less than 2 weeks before the departure or you were denied boarding because of overbooking.

It applies to all KLM flights to, from or within Europe.

By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

You don’t have to be European.

The amount of the compensation is the same - up to €600 per passenger.

And you can get both - a new flight to your destination or full refund and a compensation.

If you’ve been denied boarding because there is an issue with your travel documents, then, of course, you will not be entitled to compensation. Same as if you have agreed to voluntarily give up your seat and fly at a later time or not fly at all.

Don’t forget! When you’ve been denied boarding, don’t forget to ask KLM staff at the airport what should you do next. They still should take you to your destination.

Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.

6. Connecting flights with KLM

KLM is a traditional full-service international airline.

As a such, it also offers connecting flights.

When booking a connecting flight with KLM, you are given one reservation number for the entire journey.
When you check in for your flight you’ll get a boarding pass for your first flight as well as a boarding pass for your next (connecting) flight. And your luggage will be sent right through to your destination.
If you miss your next flight because the first (or the previous) flight is cancelled or delayed, KLM will transfer you to the next available flight free of charge. Also your checked luggage will be relabelled and sent to your destination. You won’t need to recheck it.

Could you be entitled to compensation if there is a problem with your KLM connecting flight?

Yes.

If it’s the airline’s fault, then yes. For example, if there is a technical problem with the aircraft and because of that you arrive 3 or more hours late.

Let’s look at two examples. So you can understand better what are the main differences between traditional airlines and low-cost airlines that do not offer connecting flights.

Example 1 - Wizz Air

You have 2 flights.

London - Paris and Paris - Dubai a few hours later.

Your London - Paris flight is delayed, and you can’t make it to the next flight.

You buy a new flight from Paris to Dubai.

The first flight, London - Paris, was more than 3 hours late. It was Wizz Air’s fault. Now you are entitled to flight delay compensation.

But only for the first flight, for this one flight.

Because Wizz Air does’t sell connecting flights. And despite the fact, that your second flight now, bought at the last-minute, may have cost you a few hundred euros, and despite the fact that it initially may have cost you much more - you can’t do anything about it. It’s not Wizz Air’s responsibility. You missed the flight. It’s your responsibility.

That's just how it is with "connecting flights" with low cost airlines.

Learn more about Wizz Air.

Example 2 - KLM

Let’s assume, that your itinerary is exactly the same.

Your KLM flight from London to Paris is late, and you can’t make it to your connecting flight from Paris to Dubai. If it’s the airline’s fault, you can claim for flight delay compensation for the whole journey.

It doesn’t matter if the London - Paris flight was 1 or 10 hours late.

As long as you have arrived to your final destination (Dubai, in this case) 3 or more hours late, you might be entitled to compensation of €600. Why 600? Because Dubai is more than 3500 kilometres away from London, and according to EU regulations, that’s what your KLM claim is worth in a situation like this.

All you have to do is ask for it.

Make a claim for your KLM flight compensation.

Apart from that - you don't have to buy a new flight at any moment, or pay anything extra. It's KLM's responsibility.

About KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V., literally translated from Dutch: Royal Aviation Company, Inc.) is a Dutch airline, with its headquarters in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. It has a hub in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

KLM is a traditional full-service airline with a history dating back to the early 20th century. It was founded in 1919, and currently it’s the oldest airline in the world. Still in operation under its original name.

In 1924 KLM launched their first intercontinental flight - from Amsterdam to Jakarta (then it was known as Batavia). It was the world’s longest route at that time. In 1929 KLM started regular services to Jakarta.

In the 50s and the 60s different jets were first introduced on both European and intercontinental routes.

In 1993 KLM partnered with Northwest Airlines, integrating their international operations.

In 2003 KLM and Air France became subsidiaries of a holding company called Air France–KLM.

Now KLM has several subsidiary carriers, including KLM Asia and Transavia.

Because of the quality services and professional staff, KLM is certified with the 4-Star Airline rating (Skytrax certified airline rating).

The KLM’s fleet consists of 119 Boeing and Airbus aircrafts (excluding its subsidiaries).

Website: www.klm.com.

KLM call centre: see call centre numbers here.

KLM destinations

KLM serves 145 destinations in 68 countries.

Angola (Luanda), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Aruba (Oranjestad), Austria (Graz, Vienna),

Bahrain (Manama), Belgium (Brussels), Brazil (Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo),

Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver), Chile (Santiago), China (Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xiamen), Colombia (Bogotá, Cartagena), Costa Rica (San José), Croatia (Split, Zagreb), Cuba (Havana), Curaçao (Willemstad), Chezh Republic (Prague),

Denmark (Aalborg, Billund, Copenhagen),

Ecuador (Guayaquil, Quito),

Finland (Helsinki), France (Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Toulouse),

Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart), Ghana (Accra), Greece(Athens),

Hungary (Budapest),

India (Delhi, Mumbai), Indonesia (Denpasar, Jakarta), Ireland (Dublin), Israel (Tel-Aviv), Italy (Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, Turin, Venice),

Japan (Osaka, Tokyo),

Kenya (Nairobi), Kuwait (Kuwait City),

Luxembourg (Luxembourg City),

Mauritius (Port Louis), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Mexico(Mexico City),

Namibia (Windhoek), Netherlands (Amsterdam, Kralendijk), Nigeria (Lagos), Norway (Ålesund, Bergen, Kristiansand, Oslo, Sandefjord, Stavanger, Trondheim),

Oman (Muscat),

Panama (Panama City), Peru (Lima), Philippines (Manila), Poland (Gdańsk, Kraków, Warsaw), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto),

Romania (Bucharest), Russia (Moscow, Saint Petersburg), Rwanda (Kigali),

Saudi Arabia (Dammam), Singapore (Singapore), Sint Maarten (Philipsburg), South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg), South Korea (Seoul), Spain (Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Ibiza, Madrid, Málaga, Valencia), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Suriname (Paramaribo), Sweden (Gothenburg, Linköping, Stockholm, Växjö), Switzerland (Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Geneva, Zürich),

Taiwan (Taipei), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro), Thailand (Bangkok), Turkey(Istanbul),

Uganda (Entebbe), Ukraine (Kiev), United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai), United Kingdom (Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kingston upon Hull, Leeds/Bradford, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Norwich), United States (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, New York City, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C.).

KLM baggage allowance

Cabin bag

One carry on bag + one personal item.

Economy Class:

1 item of hand baggage, max. 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21,5 x 13,5 x 10 inch);
1 accessory, e.g. a handbag, briefcase or laptop, max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inch);
Total weight max. 12 kg (26 lbs).

Business Class:

2 items of hand baggage, each max. 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21,5 x 13,5 x 10 inch);
1 accessory, e.g. a handbag, briefcase or laptop, max. 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inch);
Total weight max. 18 kg (40 lbs).

Hold luggage

Passengers can bring at least one checked bag free of charge.

The only exception is passengers traveling with The Light Ticket option which does not include check-in baggage.

Economy Class:

1 item of check-in baggage: L + W + H max. 158 cm (62 inch) and max. 23 kg (50 lbs).
Flying Blue Silver, Gold and Platinum members and SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members can bring 1 extra item of check-in baggage of the same dimensions and weight as mentioned above on flights operated by SkyTeam airlines.

Business Class:

2 items of check-in baggage: each L + W + H max. 158 cm (62 inch) and each max. 32 kg (70,5 lbs).
Flying Blue Silver, Gold and Platinum members and SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members can bring 1 extra item of check-in baggage of the same dimensions and weight as mentioned above on flights operated by SkyTeam airlines.

Source: klm.com.

Remember, whenever your flight with KLM is delayed, cancelled or you have been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. File a claim to get it sorted out right away!