KLM Compensation for Flight Delays, Cancellations & Refunds
Amy Lancelotte
Written By Amy Lancelotte
Last Updated:

Your Air Passenger Rights in Case of Flight Disruption

When the unexpected happens and your KLM flight is disrupted, it's crucial to understand the rights you hold as a passenger. Covered by EU regulation 261/2004, the KLM flight delay compensation rules are clear, as are those for cancelled flights and instances of denied boarding or missed connections.

EU Passenger Rights

This regulation applies to all flights departing from a European Union member state and flights arriving in an EU country from outside the EU, provided the operating airline is based in the EU.

The compensation amount varies based on the length of the delay due to the disruption and the distance of the flight, but it goes up to €600 per passenger.

Passenger Rights in the UK

Post Brexit, the UK adopted its own set of air passenger rights, known as UK261. This regulation largely mirrors EU261, extending similar protections to passengers flying with a UK-based airline or from a UK airport. It covers the same disruptions and ensures appropriate compensation.

Just like the EU version, compensation amounts can vary based on how long you were delayed and the distance of your flight but are usually capped at £520 per passenger.

Delayed or cancelled flight with KLM? Find out if you're owed up to €600 (£520) in compensation.Check Your Flight

KLM flight delay compensation and refund

What to Do in Case of Flight Disruption

In the event of a flight disruption with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, taking specific steps to safeguard your passenger rights and ease your claim process is crucial. Here's how:

  1. Communicate with KLM: Speak to the KLM representative at the airport or via their customer service centre. The goal is to get the reason behind the disruption and document their response.
  2. Keep travel documents: This includes boarding passes, tickets, and any other related receipts. Additionally, hold onto any written or digital correspondence about the flight disruption. These documents serve as vital evidence to support your compensation claim.
  3. Assert your right to care: While dealing with the disruption, remember that the airline must provide you with basic amenities during your waiting period. This includes food, drinks, access to communication facilities, and accommodation where necessary.
  4. Use AirAdvisor's compensation calculator: To ascertain your eligibility and how to claim compensation from KLM, use our simple compensation calculator. It's a handy tool to quickly determine KLM compensation based on the details of your flight disruption.

Following these steps ensures you're well-prepared to deal with flight disruptions and are in a solid position to claim the compensation you’re owed.

KLM flight cancellation delay compensation

KLM Flight Delay Compensation

How Often are KLM Flights Delayed?

Based on their performance as part of a larger study on the best EU-based airlines, we found that KLM doesn’t have the best track record for flights arriving on time. That results in a large number of delayed KLM flights annually.

Time Period

On-time (%)

Delayed (%)

Number of Delayed Flights

2022

73.80

26.2

55,967

2023 (to end of September)

77.33

22.67

40,064

As an air passenger under the UK or EU261 law, you can claim KLM delayed flight compensation in certain circumstances. The delay needs to be at least 3 hours, and the delay must have been preventable by the airline.

The Extraordinary Circumstances Loophole

When we say that the delay needs to have been preventable by KLM, we mean that compensation won’t be paid when the delay results from things outside their control, namely:

  • Bad weather that makes flying unsafe.
  • Air traffic control restrictions.
  • Civil unrest or terrorism.
  • Natural disasters.
  • Bird strikes.

On the other hand, compensation rules should apply when the delay is caused by insufficient staffing, KLM staff strikes, lack of regular maintenance, and other things within the airline’s control.

Always remember to clarify the specifics of your flight disruption situation, as each case is unique and may be subject to different considerations under EU261.

KLM Delayed Flight Compensation Amounts

The KLM late flight compensation you're entitled to can vary by flight distance. For example, you may receive:

  • €250 (£220) in KLM flight delay compensation for short-haul flights (up to 1,500km).
  • €400 (£350) for medium-haul flights (1,500-3,500km).
  • €600 (£520) for long-haul flights (more than 3,500km).

KLM Flight Cancellation Compensation

How Often are KLM Flights Cancelled?

From the same study on EU airlines, we found the following:

Time Period

Cancelled (%)

Number of Cancelled Flights

2022

3.55

7,583

2023 (to end of September)

1.78

3,145

While not all of these cancelled flights were eligible for compensation, many were. The same KLM flight cancellation compensation limits apply, like with delayed flights, based on distance. Compensation should apply if your flight is abruptly cancelled without a minimum of 14 days' notice.

Cancelled flight? You might have a right to compensation - up to €600 (£520).Check Your Flight

KLM Travelling with children

EU 261 and the KLM Refund Policy

Under EU261, depending on your circumstances, you're entitled to KLM refund compensation for cancelled or severely delayed flights. These circumstances include:

  • KLM flights cancelled without a minimum of 14 days' notice.
  • KLM flights delayed by over 5 hours.
  • Instances of denied boarding due to overbooking or operational reasons caused by KLM.

Alongside a refund, you may also claim financial compensation for the inconvenience, the amount of which is based on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, as mentioned above.

KLM Denied Boarding Compensation

Denied boarding compensation is also covered by EU 261 and typically occurs if an airline overbooks a flight and there aren't enough seats for all passengers. Unless you voluntarily give up your seat or your boarding denial results from your own actions, you can claim KLM overbooking compensation for denied boarding.

The amount of KLM denied boarding compensation is also based on distance and ranges from €250 (£220) to €600 (£520).

KLM Compensation for Missed Connection

Under EU261, you can claim compensation if you miss your connecting flight because of a delay or cancellation of your initial KLM flight, provided all flights are under one reservation. The key here is the impact of the initial disruption on your final arrival time at your intended destination. You're eligible to claim if it caused you to reach your final destination 3 or more hours later than scheduled.

Depending on the total delay at your final destination and the total distance of your flights, you can claim compensation if you miss the flight connecting you to your final destination. The KLM missed connection compensation you can claim has the same range and distance limitation as delayed and cancelled flights.

How to Claim Through the Official Website

Claiming compensation from KLM can be done in a couple of ways. You can claim compensation directly through the KLM website by filling out a form. Alternatively, you can use a reputable flight compensation service like AirAdvisor, which can handle the process on your behalf and increase the likelihood of a successful claim.

Know that when figuring out how to claim for compensation from KLM, chances are that the airline won’t be very helpful. Be persistent, or use an expert like AirAdvisor.

KLM Compensation Claim Form

KLM assistance and compensation forms are available on the airline’s website. You’ll click on the button that says “request compensation” and fill out your booking details or login to your account. Then, you’ll provide the supporting documentation and details for the airline to review.

There is also a button to “request reimbursement” for unforeseen expenses, which you may also want to apply for. The costs should be covered as long as they are directly related to a KLM flight delay or cancellation. Typically, these are things like phone calls and meals.

Why You Should Work with Us

  • Lowest & fair price - we are, on average, 5% cheaper than competitors.
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  • It only takes 5 minutes to submit a claim.
  • We’ve already successfully won over €1.25 million for our customers.

How to File a KLM Compensation Claim with AirAdvisor

Filing a compensation claim for a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight disruption via AirAdvisor is straightforward and user-friendly. Here's how:

  1. Visit our AirAdvisor website and locate the “Check Compensation” section.
  2. Enter your flight details, including your disrupted flight number and date.
  3. Our online tool will quickly evaluate your eligibility for compensation and estimate the potential amount.
  4. If you qualify for compensation, you can proceed to submit your claim. Do this by simply filling out the form with the necessary details, such as your personal information and evidence to support your claim.
  5. Our team of experts will then handle all the necessary paperwork and negotiations with the KLM on your behalf.
  6. If the claim is successful, we'll transfer your compensation to you minus a pre-agreed service fee (which we only charge for successful claims).

The AirAdvisor process takes the stress and effort out of claiming compensation and provides you with experienced advocates to assert your rights.

woman in Business Class

Tips for Maximizing Your KLM Compensation

When facing a flight delay or cancellation on KLM or any other airline, there are common pitfalls that you should avoid.

Accepting the First Offer

Airlines might sometimes try to minimize their payouts by offering passengers an initial lowball compensation offer. It's important not to accept this first offer right away. You should compare the airline's offer with the compensation amount you're entitled to based on your flight and circumstances. Then, demand that full amount - nothing less.

Accepting Vouchers

Airlines may offer flight vouchers as a quick-fix solution, but there are a few reasons it's better to decline:

  • Vouchers are typically only redeemable on the same airline.
  • Blackout dates and restrictions may apply.
  • You might forget to use them.
  • Accepting a flight voucher from the airline may forfeit your right to claim further compensation.

Signing Unclear Waivers or Documents

Some airlines may ask you to sign certain documents or waivers in a flight disruption situation. These may be designed to limit the airline's liability or waive your right to compensation. It's crucial only to sign things that you fully understand.

If you're presented with such documents, take the time to read them thoroughly and seek legal advice if needed. Remember, you have passenger rights under regulations EU261 and UK261 and should not be pressured into waiving them.

Claim with AirAdvisor and get up to €600 (£520) compensation. Find out how much you’re owed today.Check Your Flight

People Also Ask

What is the time limit for a KLM compensation claim?

Based on the EU261 regulation, passengers can claim KLM compensation for up to 6 years from the date of the flight disruption. That said, it’s better to file a claim sooner rather than later. Documents can get lost, and details can become fuzzy over time. Claims are generally more successful when they are submitted early.

Can I get a refund from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?

By exercising your passenger rights linked to EU/UK261, under certain circumstances, you can receive a full refund from KLM. This applies specifically if your KLM flight experiences a significant disruption, such as an abrupt cancellation or a delay exceeding 5 hours.

What happens if I miss a KLM flight?

There are measures to protect your passenger rights if you miss your KLM flight due to circumstances beyond your control, such as sudden delays, cancellations, or overbooking. EU261 covers such situations and may entitle you to compensation from €250 (£220) to €600 (£520). You may also be eligible for a full refund if KLM doesn’t find a reasonable replacement flight.

KLM compensation: how long does it take?

The question of how long does it take KLM to pay compensation isn’t cut and dry. According to KLM, the process takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, but we have seen instances where it takes even longer. Be persistent, or better yet, work with AirAdvisor so that we can follow up for you.

Does KLM downgrade compensation?

Yes, but not always. It’s common for the airline to make an offer when a flight delay or cancellation occurs that may not match the specific limits outlined in the EU 261 regulation. Know what you’re entitled to ahead of time and request that amount and nothing less. You can expect KLM compensation to be anywhere from €250 (£220) to €600 (£520), depending on the length of your flight and the length of your delay.

KLM compensation: voucher or cash?

As a rule, cash is best. It’s flexible and won’t get lost like a voucher. You may forget to use the voucher, or there may be blackout dates and restrictions that wouldn’t apply if you booked with cash.

Why is KLM always late?

Labelling KLM as "always late" might not be a fair characterization. Like any carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines can experience delays. Still, these instances are typically the result of a diverse array of factors, but we found that in 2022, 26.2% of KLM flights encountered a delay. In 2023 (up to the end of September), that number was lower at 22.67% of flights. So, it’s safe to say that KLM flights are not always late.

Are there any KLM cancelled flights today?

To find out if there are any KLM cancelled flights today, you can check the status of your flight on KLM's official website or through their mobile app. You can also set up flight status notifications to get updates via email or text message.