Do you have an important meeting to attend, and your flight is delayed? We understand that flight delays are a headache; no one wants to experience this situation. However, can you get KLM flight delay compensation if your flight is not on time? Check out this blog to learn how to claim compensation and other related information.
What is KLM Delayed Flight Compensation?
When a flight is delayed for a specific time, passengers may be eligible for KLM Airlines Flight Delay compensation. The airline will not give the payment automatically; passengers must request it.
The European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, which describes passengers’ rights in the event of flight interruptions, including delays, is the legal framework within which KLM and all other European airlines operate. This rule states that if an airplane reaches its destination more than three hours late and the delay was not due to “extraordinary circumstances,” passengers may be entitled to KLM compensation for the delayed journey.
Are You Eligible for KLM Flight Delay Compensation?
If you wish to claim delay compensation KLM, check your eligibility first. You can refer to the list of points to check your eligibility:
- More than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you reached your destination.
- The flight took off in EU countries.
- The passenger arrives at the airport on time, usually at least 45 minutes before takeoff.
- The airline was in charge of the delay due to operational circumstances and technological issues.
- It makes no difference if the airline has already given you food, drinks, or travel vouchers.
How to claim a KLM Delay Flight Compensation?
If you are looking for an easy way for KLM claim compensation for flight delay. You must take the following steps to request compensation:
Collect all the Important Documents: You will require your airport of origin, flight number, departure date, and destination air report to submit a KLM compensation claim. Additionally, you should save all flight-related paperwork, including the ticket, boarding permit, and any invoices for extra costs you might have incurred.
File for Compensation: Once you inform KLM about your issue, you should make an official complaint. Submit a KLM compensation claim. You can claim using the KLM website’s complaint form or email customer service.
Wait for KLM’s Response: The airline takes a month to address your concern. If they accept your complaint, they will compensate you in their response and let you know if they reject it.
Receive Your Compensation: If KLM accepts your complaint, the airline will surely provide it. Depending on how far the flight was from the origin and how long the delay lasted, the compensation can range from 250 to 600 euros. KLM will give you the compensation within approximately 15 days.
When can I get KLM Delay Flight Cash Compensation?
Yes, in some cases, you can get cash compensation. Carefully look into the given pointers to know if you qualify for a complete cash refund. In the following scenarios, you can always ask for a cash refund of your KLM flight:
- You did not board a different flight after your flight was canceled.
- Even though your return trip was planned for the same day, you did not take your departure flight because it was delayed by more than 90 minutes.
- Because of the at least 3-hour schedule adjustment, you chose not to board your flight.
- Your connecting KLM flight was delayed for more than 5 hours. Therefore, you didn’t want to take a flight to your final destination.
How to Request a KLM Flight Delay Refund via a Travel Agent?
The passenger can contact the travel agent first to ask for KLM compensation for a delayed flight for the ticket they purchased via them. They have all the data required to set up your refund. You may have to provide proof of the extraordinary circumstances, so you must keep your certificates and additional documents handy. The passenger can also file a claim for your refund with your travel insurance even to claim the non-refundable amount.
Can I Get a Refund in Extraordinary Circumstances?
In specific situations, the traveler might need to cancel or delay a travel plan because of unexpected conditions. If something as such happens to you, according to the circumstance, you can request the airline to extend the validity of the ticket; KLM may also give a voucher equivalent to the expense of the part of your ticket that was not utilized, or you might also get a refund in a few cases.
- Voucher for travel (before departure): You cannot travel because of a medical condition. And in the unfortunate situation that a passenger’s close family member has passed away
- Extension of ticket validity (after departure): You cannot travel due to a medical condition in the terrible situation that a passenger’s close family member has passed away or a travel partner of yours passes away unexpectedly.
Exceptions for KLM Delay Flight Refund:
You can always request a refund following the KLM flight delay compensation rules of the fare, except in these two situations.
- The local government rejects your request for a visa.
- In the tragic incident, the traveler passed away.
KLM Cancels Flight Compensation Rules
- If your flight is unexpectedly canceled without a 2-week notice, you are entitled to monetary compensation under the compensation policy.
- Cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ control are exceptions to the refund rules.
- For flights above 3500 kilometers, your compensation from a canceled KLM flight may be up to €600,
- And for travels between 1500 km and 3500km, the reimbursement may vary between €250 and €400.
KLM Compensation for Canceled Flight
You can choose to receive a full refund if KLM cancels your flight fewer than 14 days before your departure, and in such cases, you can also receive compensation from KLM in the form of a voucher or cash refund. The best thing is that if you so desire, you don’t have to accept coupons or vouchers because your flight cancellation reimbursement and compensation can be transferred to your account. If you previously received a voucher, ask KLM for a cash return rather than a coupon; they will exchange it.
How do I use my KLM Compensation Voucher?
The travel voucher you receive will state whether it is non-refundable or whether it will be paid to you in cash. A non-refundable travel voucher can be used for an alternative flight or other options. You can use the cash to purchase a new ticket with additional services.
Types of KLM compensation Vouchers:
If you apply for a KLM delay flight compensation, you can receive a voucher as a reimbursement. The airlines provide different types of vouchers depending on the type of refund. If you are eager to know about the type of voucher you may receive, then you can read the given points:
- If the flight was less than 1500 km, you are entitled to a type A voucher that holds the value of € 350 or a cash payment of € 250.
- The flights that were more than 1500 km qualify for a type B voucher with a value of € 500 or a cash value of € 400.
- The passenger is eligible for a type C voucher with a value of € 800 or a cash payment of € 600 if the distance is more than 3500 kilometers.
- All type A, B, and C vouchers are non-refundable.
KLM Compensation for a Missed Connection
KLM provides compensation for missed connections. You can check out the points below for more information on missed connection reimbursements:
- You will get KLM missing flight compensation of up to $600 for a delay that is more than three hours due to KLM.
- However, because KLM is an airline based in Europe, this restriction only applies to flights leaving the European Union. If your flight from Paris to Dubai is delayed, you are entitled to receive full reimbursement from KLM for the missing connection.
- The airlines would compensate you if you missed the flight due to poor weather or airport employee strikes.
- If the delay is due to the airlines, it will give you a free meal and drinks, two phone calls, emails, or a fax facility. If there is an overnight delay, the airlines will accommodate you.
How long does it take to Get Compensation from KLM?
After KLM accepts your claim for compensation, the airlines will process your reimbursement request within 2 to 4 weeks.
How Much is KLM Delay Flight Compensation?
The airline can provide a variety of things as compensation if the passengers make a claim for payment for a delayed trip. KLM will compensate passengers for the flight’s delay. To get information about their canceled or delayed flights, they can also get in touch with the airline’s front desk at the airport. You can also refer to the table below to have a quick idea of KLM flight delay compensation.
| Distance (kilometers) | Compensation (per person) |
| Flights upto 1500 | €250 |
| Internal EU flights above 1500 | €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights upto 3500 km | €400 |
| Non-internal EU flights above 3500 km | €600 |
