How to claim KLM compensation for delayed and cancelled flights

Have had a KLM flight disruption within the last 6 years? Check your eligibility for a refund + up to 600 euros in compensation!

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What do I need to know?

  • You can claim compensation for flights delayed, cancelled, or overbooked from the last 6 years

  • The European legislation, the EU261, protects all passengers flying from the EU or into the EU with European airlines

  • You can claim a refund and up to 600 euros of compensation

  • Flight compensation amounts depend on the distance of your flight

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How to claim up to 600€ in KLM flight compensation

Flying with KLM and faced a delay or cancellation? You can consider yourself lucky! According to the EU261 regulations, you could be entitled to flight compensation up to €600 and a refund of your flight ticket. But how does it work? Let us explain it to you!

When can I get KLM flight compensation?

The European Regulation EU261 protects your right to compensation in the following cases:

  1. KLM Flight Delays: When your KLM flight is delayed by more than 3 hours.
  2. KLM Flight Cancellations: When your KLM flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
  3. KLM Overbooking and denied boarding: If you are denied boarding because your KLM flight is overbooked this is considered as a cancellation in regards to the EU261 regulation. You could therefore be entitled to flight compensation PLUS a full refund!

Keep in mind that cancellations and delays must be the airlines’ fault in order for passengers to be legally entitled to flight compensation. Airlines tend to deny their responsibility, but luckily for you, AirRefund.com/en’s aviation experts can verify this data for you!  

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What to do if your KLM flight is delayed or cancelled?

  1. Collect proof: Knowledge is power! Keep receipts, screenshots, emails, and text messages from KLM, pictures of the departure board, and all travel documents.
  2. Ask for reasons: Ask a member of the Ryanair staff why your KLM flight was delayed or cancelled - our experts can also do this but the more proof we have from the get go the faster we will settle your KLM claim.
  3. Say No: Be cautious about accepting offers from KLM that might forfeit your right to compensation. Don’t settle for flight vouchers or other less-interesting offers!
  4. Claim compensation: Use AirRefund to manage your KLM compensation claim and let us deal with them on your behalf.

KLM compensation amounts

The amount of compensation depends on the distance of your KLM flight. Remember, the distances counted are those of your full itinerary, including layovers, so long as you flew with the same airline and under the same booking!

  • Short Distance (less than 1,500 km): Up to €250
  • Medium Distance (1,500 km to 3,500 km): Up to €400
  • Long Distance (more than 3,500 km): Up to €600
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KLM flight delays: your rights and benefits

How long does my KLM flight have to be delayed for in order to qualify for compensation?

Your flight needs to be delayed for a minimum of two hours in order to be entitled to any kind of compensation. As of two hours, you have the right to 'the right to care' and as of three hours you can claim a refund and/or cash compensation depending on some particular circumstances:

  • 2 Hours Delay: Ask for special assistance (food, refreshments, transportation, and accommodation if necessary). Keep receipts if KLM doesn’t provide vouchers.
  • 3 Hours Delay: If KLM is responsible, you can claim compensation up to €600.

KLM flight cancellations

When can I claim compensation and a refund for a delayed KLM flight?

  • Compensation: Up to €600 if the cancellation was announced less than 14 days before departure and KLM is responsible (i.e not due to bad weather, etc)
  • Refund: If KLM does not provide you with an alternative flight or you choose not to take the option they offer you, you could be entitled to both the monetary compensation and the refund of the price of your ticket!
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Does KLM always have to pay my compensation?

We hate to say it, but not exactly... KLM does not have to pay any compensation to their passengers if disruption of the flight was 'out of their hands', or due to extraordinary circumstances. Common examples include:

  • Severe weather conditions 
    • (like thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, fog, etc.)
  • Natural disasters 
    • (like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions)
  • Airport or airspace issues 
    • (like ground crew strikes, airport closures, air traffic control strikes)
  • Security concerns 
    • (terrorist threats, bomb threats)
  • Bird strikes
  • Political instability

 

Rerouted or overbooked KLM flights: your compensation rights

  • Rerouting: If for some reason your flight needs to be diverted or the route needs to be changed; if you arrive more than 3 hours late at your final destination, you can claim compensation for your KLM flight.
  • Overbooking: Despite the massive inconvenience for passengers, airlines often sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane. If this happens to you, and you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you can request a full refund or an alternative flight plus compensation up to €600. 

Important: Always remember not to give up your seat in the event of an overbooking! Giving up your seat, though chivalrous, also means giving up your rights as a passenger according to the EU261!

Claim compensation for overbooking

 

How to claim KLM flight compensation? Here’s your go-to checklist! 

  1. Fill in your flight details in our smart compensation form and safely upload the necessary documents
  2. Our team takes it from there, taking all the steps necessary so that we have all the possible 'ammunition' in claiming your compensation. Our aviation experts and legal teams handle all the bureaucracy and paperwork, making sure that you get your flight compensation stress-free!
  3. Receive your KLM compensation directly on your bank account
  4. Enjoy your money! 

FAQs: KLM flight compensation

What is the time limit for filing a claim for a flight issue?

In most countries in the EU the time limit to claim compensation is between 2 and 3 years. If your flight flew to or from the UK (with the exception of Scotland), however, or your carrier is from the UK, you have up to 6 years to claim your rightful compensation. This varies based on the departure and arrival country. When claiming with AirRefund.com/en, however, you need not worry about this - our lawyers always choose the legislation that is most favorable for your case! 

Can I claim for a missed connecting flight?

Yes! As long as your flights were in the same booking, if you missed a connecting flight due to an initial delay on your KLM flight, causing you to arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you can still get compensated.

What if my claim is rejected?

Even if KLM denies your claim, or does not reply, AirRefund can reassess and can sue them in cases where this is applicable. If we don’t manage to get your compensation, our service is 100% free (no win, no fee).

Do low-cost airlines also have to pay compensation?

Yes! The EU261 covers all European airlines and non-European airlines departing from any European airport.

At AirRefund, we’ve successfully managed flight compensation claims since 2010. Enter your KLM flight details in our smart compensation form, and our experts will ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Enjoy your money and travel hassle-free!

Were you looking for something else? Check out some of our other content!

Understanding your flight compensation rights

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