How to claim a refund and compensation from KLM
Traveling can be exciting, but unfortunately, some inconveniences can occur such as cancelled flights, overbooked flights, delayed flights o lost luggage. The good news is that in many situations, the passenger has the right to request a refund and/or compensation.
In the specific case of KLM flights, there are precise conditions and particular documents to be submitted, and we at Rimborso Al Volo are here to help you better understand the matter and assert your rights, guiding you through all the procedures.
The Hisotry of KLM
KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij) is the flag carrier of the Netherlands and the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name, having been founded in 1919. With its main hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol, it is part of the Air France–KLM Group. It is renowned for its reliability, its extensive global network and its ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
However, even with KLM, unforeseen events can occur when travelling, so let’s find out together how to request and obtain a refund and compensation for KLM flights.
KLM refunds and compensation: differences and case studies
Please be careful not to confuse the two, as there is a difference. A refund refers to the full or partial return of the amount paid (the cost of the ticket and any additional expenses incurred) and is generally granted because it was not possible to take the flight. Compensation, on the other hand, is a sum of money – the amount of which varies and is independent of the ticket price and whether the flight actually took place – to which the passenger is entitled to make up for the inconvenience suffered as a result of the airline’s inefficiency… but don’t worry, as we’ll look at both scenarios in detail.
KLM refund: What is it, and when am I entitled to one?
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, KLM is obliged to reimburse the cost of the ticket and any additional charges under certain conditions:
- Exceptional circumstances for which KLM cannot be held responsible for the inconvenience and missed departure, such as adverse weather conditions, strikes or safety reasons
KLM inserisce tra le casistiche anche:
- Flight delayed by more than 5 hours
- Inability to travel due to serious illness or death, subject to a medical certificate
KLM will allow passengers to choose whether to request a refund for their ticket or to be re-routed onto a similar flight. Translated with https://laratranslate.com
In the latter case, the passenger will also be entitled to reimbursement of all extra expenses, such as additional hotel nights, meals, trips to another airport not originally planned, etc.
KLM compensation: What is it, and when are you entitled to it?
Compensation (or indemnity or monetary compensation) has nothing to do with the refund of the ticket but is a sum of money that is due to the passenger for inconveniences suffered as a result of:
- Flight canceled
- Delayed flight
- Overbooked flight
- Inconveniences related to baggage delivery such as lost luggage o delayed baggage delivery
Compensation is therefore an indemnity payable to the passenger for the airline’s inefficiency and is completely independent of the cost of the ticket.
The passenger does NOT have the right to claim any compensation when:
- was notified of the flight cancellation at least 14 days in advance
- he is denied boarding for health or safety reasons or in the event of invalid travel documents;
- unforeseen events occur for which the airline bears no responsibility, such as adverse weather conditions, safety risks and other exceptional circumstances
If the passenger is not entitled to compensation from KLM for exceptional circumstances, can he be entitled to a refund?
Of course. If the flight has been cancelled due to a strike, adverse weather conditions, or, more generally, exceptional circumstances demonstrated by KLM, the airline is required to re-route the passenger on the first available flight. Furthermore, the passenger is always entitled to a refund of the price paid if they decide not to fly after all.
How much is the KLM compensation?
Come evidenzia la Carta dei Diritti del Passeggero, la compagnia aerea è tenuta a risarcire il viaggiatore per i seguenti disagi:
- Flight canceled
- Denied boarding due to overbooking
- Flight delayed by at least 3 hours
- €250.00 for all journeys of 1,500 km or less
- €400.00 for journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600.00 for journeys over 3,500 km
Compensation is payable in all cases, but it relates to the section of the journey travelled and not to the inconvenience suffered.
- damaged luggage
- Delay in the delivery of baggage
- lost baggage
Compensation is available up to approximately €1,600 (Montreal Convention limit).
How to claim refund or compensation from KLM
KLM reimbursement may be requested for cancelled flight, overbooking, flight delay or exceptional circumstances through the “Request a refund” section in the Help menu on the site. KLM utilizza un sistema di login o codice prenotazione per tracciare la pratica.
However, it often happens that passengers only proceed with the request for reimbursement, mainly because they are unaware of the conditions in which the compensation is applicable or because they are told that the causes of the cancellation or delay were force majeure. Furthermore, claiming compensation from KLM can lead to difficulties and rather long waiting times without having the certainty of obtaining compensation. For these reasons it is always recommended to rely on a team of professionals such as that of Rimborso al Volo who will handle all the paperwork for the passenger and verify everything the airline says about any exceptional circumstances to find out if they are actually entitled to compensation as well.
How can I get a KLM refund and/or compensation with the help of Rimborso Al Volo? T
We offer a service to obtain financial compensation from KLM based on the inconvenience caused by the flight.
If you entrust your KLM refund and compensation claim to the Rimborso al Volo team, the process will undoubtedly be faster than if you make the claim yourself. Should legal action be necessary, the team will enlist the assistance of legal experts to ensure your rights are fully asserted!
Fill in the form and request your KLM refund.
FAQ KLM flight disruptions
Can I refuse a KLM travel voucher?
What happens if my KLM flight via Amsterdam is delayed?
- Riproprotezione: KLM deve imbarcarti sul primo volo disponibile per la tua destinazione finale..
- SupportIf the wait is longer than 2 hours, you are entitled to vouchers for food and drinks. If you have to wait a night, KLM has to pay for your hotel and transportation.
- Compensation: If you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours later than the original time, you are entitled to compensation of up to 600€, provided that the entire trip was purchased under a single booking code (PNR).
How long do I have to claim compensation in Italy?
Does KLM reimburse hotel fees if the flight is cancelled?
- No obligation: Regulation 261/2004 covers fixed compensation (the 600€) and assistance, but not indirect damages such as hotel penalties.
- Montreal Convention: You can still try to claim these documented expenses by demonstrating the damage suffered due to the delay/cancellation, but it is often more effective to contact your travel insurance.
Lost, damaged, or delayed luggage with KLM: what am I entitled to?
- PIR: Go to the Lost & Found office and fill out the PIR form.
- lost luggageIf after 21 days of searching the luggage is not found you are entitled to compensation for the value of the suitcase and its contents, up to a maximum of approximately € 1,600. KLM will ask you for a detailed inventory of the content, and the more proof you have (photos of the content, purchase receipts), the easier it will be to get the maximum amount.
- damaged luggageIf your suitcase has returned broken, scratched, or with missing wheels, KLM, like many other airlines, directs you to a repair partner (they often provide a voucher or link to a dedicated service). If, on the other hand, the damage is irreparable KLM offers a refund based on the value of the luggage and its contents.
- Delayed baggage: In this case, you are entitled to reimbursement for essential expenses such as toiletries, underwear, and essential clothing to continue your journey.
Problems on the Flight? Get compensation up to 600€
Get compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation or overbooking occurred within the last 2 years.
