KLM Strikes: What to Know & Steps to Take When They Happen
Fortunately, KLM strikes don’t happen very often, and even when they do, they are relatively short-lived. Of course this is small consolation if you’ve booked a flight and you find out a work stoppage is planned on those same dates!
Worry not, dear traveller, because this guide will help you understand how you might be affected and what you can do to plan, prepare, change your flight, and what to expect from the airline.
What KLM Strikes Means for Passengers
When pilots, cabin crew, or ground staff can’t successfully negotiate for better pay or working conditions then they will call a strike. They announce the work stoppage to give KLM the opportunity to reconsider and renegotiate the requested changes. If an agreement isn’t achieved by the proposed deadline, then the strike will take place.
When workers strike without any forewarning, it is known as a wildcat strike. Because it was not announced and KLM doesn’t have the chance to fix the situation, the event is considered an extraordinary circumstance. This is important because under the passenger rights regulations in the European Union, airlines must provide recompense for delays and cancellations that they have the ability to avoid or prevent.
Your Rights as a KLM Passenger
Regulation EU261/2004 will protect your rights if your flight is affected by a strike.
So, if your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of an announced KLM employee labour dispute, you are eligible for as much as 600 EUR if you end up arriving 3 or more hours late at your destination. If the strike is NOT announced, then you will not be eligible for airline repayment.
If KLM cancels your flight, you are entitled to a rebooking free of charge OR a full refund even if you have a non-refundable ticket.
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You’re also entitled to meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if your KLM flight is delayed until the following day. If you aren’t provided with these things free-of-charge, save your receipts for reimbursement.
Making Changes to Your KLM Flight Before a Strike
If you’re scheduled to fly during the dates of the work stoppage, here’s what you need to know if you are thinking of changing your ticket in any way.
Cancelling Your KLM Flight
Refundable tickets can be cancelled or changed according to KLM’s policies.
Non-refundable tickets might be eligible for cancellation and changes without the usual fees, but check the KLM alerts page on the official website for more information. You can also contact KLM customer service for help. In most cases, the airline will allow some flexibility for booking changes if they know a strike is pending.
If you can’t change or cancel your ticket without a fee, then wait until KLM cancels your flight so you can get an automatic rebooking or refund.
How Often Does KLM Have Strikes?
While many strikes are announced, very few actually happen as you can see below.
Event | Details |
November 12, 2016 Cabin Crew Strike | KLM cabin crew participated in 60-minute work stoppages. The strike itself was relatively short, but it led to millions of euros in damages. Source: https://news.klm.com/ |
April 23, 2022 Baggage Handlers Strike | The strike at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport Involved around 150 ground crew members. The strike lasted six hours and because it took place during one of the busiest times for travel, caused around 150 flights to be cancelled. Source: https://www.independent.co.uk |
How to Prepare for a KLM Strike
- Check the official website’s Alert Page regularly.
- Sign up for KLM alerts to get email and SMS notifications about changes to your booking.
- Check the refund policy of your ticket so you can plan accordingly.
- Pack smart. Remember that you have a greater chance of flight disruptions, so bring essentials in your hand luggage.
- Download the KLM mobile app to get notifications about flight changes and to easily manage your booking.
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