KLM Cancellation Policy

KLM Airlines has an extensive network of destinations and they are committed to customer satisfaction. In the KLM cancellation policy, they understand the importance of clear guidelines and flexibility..

Whether you find yourself needing to change your travel dates, cancel a reservation altogether, or explore the possibility of a refund, knowing the ins and outs of the KLM cancellation policy can save you from confusion and unnecessary expenses.

What are the KLM flight cancellation guidelines?

When considering a KLM flight cancellation, it’s important to keep the following guidelines in mind –

• Standard fares, regardless of the class of service, may not be eligible for cancellation.
• Flex fares offer a refund if canceled before the scheduled departure of the first flight segment.
• Eligible fare types like Flex fares, and cancellation up to 3 hours before departure entitles you to a refund. 
• Depending on your ticket type, cancellation fees may apply.

What is KLM cancellation policy according to fare classes?

Here is a general overview of KLM cancellation policy based on fare types –

• Economy Class Standard – Economy class standard fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. If you cancel such a ticket, you may not be eligible for a refund.
• Economy Class Flex – Economy class flex fares usually offer more flexibility as they are refundable fares. However, there might still be cancellation fees involved.
• Premium Economy Standard – Premium economy standard fares are usually non-refundable and non-changeable.
• Premium Economy Flex – If you cancel your flight before the first flight of your trip, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees may apply.
• Business Class Standard – Business class standard fares often have specific cancellation terms and fees. This is a non-refundable fare.
• Business Class Flex – If you cancel your flight before the first flight of your trip, you may be eligible for a refund or a voucher for future travel.

What is KLM 24 hour cancellation policy?

As per the KLM 24-hour cancellation policy, you can cancel a KLM flight within 24 hours of the purchase. If you choose to cancel the ticket within 24 hours, the airline will provide you with a full refund. To get eligible for a full refund – 

• Flight must be canceled within 24 hours of purchase.
• They must be operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• The scheduled departure date must be booked at least 7 days in advance.
• Flight must originate to and from the US

This KLM free cancellation 24-hour policy is available on all fare types and all domestic and international flights. 

Please Note: Passengers can also request KLM flight change within 24 hours of booking for free. Fare difference may apply. 

What is the KLM cancellation policy regarding COVID-19?

Travel schedules or passengers who are affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions can request flight changes or cancellations. Passengers who purchase flight tickets after June 29, 2022, can 

• Rebooking your travel dates/destination – If you are eligible to make changes to your reservation, you have the flexibility to modify your travel dates and/or destination. Keep in mind that a fare difference and change fee may apply,
• Here’s how you can rebook the flight – 

• Access the KLM website and navigate to the “My Trip” section.
• Ensure that you meet the following criteria for online rebooking:

• Must hold a valid KLM Ticket
• Must be an unflown reservation
• You are not traveling with an infant ((0-1 years).
• You did not request a special service, such as ordering a special meal, traveling as a KLM Airlines unaccompanied minor passenger, or requesting transportation for a wheelchair or pet.
• Once logged in, you will have the option to modify your travel dates.

You can also request a refund. Reach out to KLM’s customer service directly to inquire about refund options and initiate the refund process. KLM may require certain documentation to process your refund request.

How to Cancel KLM flight tickets?

The airline provides its passengers with numerous methods to cancel their reservations with great ease. So, continue reading to learn more about the same.

KLM cancel flight online

• Visit the official website of KLM.
• On the homepage, you will get to see the option saying “MY TRIP”. Click on it.

• To retrieve your flight bookings, you can log in to your FLYING BLUE account or simply use the BOOKING CODE.
• If you choose the ‘Log in with my booking details option, then you will require providing the family name along with the booking reference.
• And after this, you will need to log in.
• Once you logged in, you will be redirected to a new page – MANAGE BOOKING –containing several options.
•  Here, you will need to choose the ‘CANCEL’ option to cancel your KLM ticket.
• Now, several instructions will appear on the screen.
• Cautiously read them to avoid issues later and follow the same to complete the KLM cancellation process. 

Cancel KLM flight tickets via a phone call

If you want to do KLM cancellations today and you are aware of the KLM ticket cancellation rules, then you can do it via a phone call also. Just call on the KLM customer service number. And do the following – 

• Once connected to a customer service representative, provide them with your booking details. 
• Clearly state that you want to cancel your KLM flight ticket. Mention the reason for cancellation if necessary, such as a change in travel plans or unforeseen circumstances. 
• Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the customer service representative. They will guide you through the cancellation process, and inform you about any applicable fees or refund policies.
• Before ending the call, make sure to verify the cancellation details provided by the representative.
• Confirm the refund amount, any applicable fees, and the method of refund. 

If applicable, ask the representative to confirm the timeline and process for receiving your refund

Cancel KLM tickets at the airport

In case the above methods fail due to any technical or non-technical reason, you can still go for KLM cancellations today by going to the nearest KLM ticket booking office or the airport. Follow these steps – 

• Ensure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your booking confirmation, passport, or identification.
• Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure time. 
• Look for the KLM service counter or ticketing desk at the airport. 
• Join the appropriate queue, or if there is no queue, approach the KLM service counter directly.
• Communicate to the KLM representative that you want to cancel your ticket. 
• Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the KLM representative.
• Confirm the refund amount, any applicable fees, and the method of refund.
• Once the cancellation is processed, the KLM representative will provide you with a cancellation confirmation.

If applicable, ask the representative to provide information about the refund process.

What is KLM policy regarding flight cancellations and delays?

If your flight has been disrupted due to delays, or cancellations, it’s possible that you could be entitled to receive a monetary refund or compensation.

Compensation – If certain conditions are met, you may qualify for a predetermined compensation amount. These conditions include the following:

• Your flight experienced a delay or was canceled, resulting in a delay of more than 3 hours from the originally scheduled arrival time.
• Your travel involved a European destination, either as the origin, destination, or layover.
• The reason behind the flight delay or cancellation does not fall under special circumstances, such as severe weather conditions, or political instability. 

If you qualify for compensation, you will receive a travel voucher, also known as an EMD voucher. The type of voucher you receive will be specified as either non-refundable or in the form of a cash payment 

With a non-refundable travel voucher, you have the option to use it to purchase a new flight or additional travel service.

Similarly, if you receive a cash payment, you can utilize it for a new flight or extra options, or even exchange it for cash.

What is KLM compensation for cancelled flight?

Here are the conditions where passengers are eligible for compensation and required assistance – 

• You have a reservation that has been confirmed for the flight.
• You have completed the check-in process either 45 minutes before the scheduled departure.
• You are traveling on a fare that is available to the general public.
• You are departing from an airport within the European Union (EU)

KLM cancelled flight compensation

If your flight is canceled, you have the choice to be rerouted to your final destination. You are also eligible for reimbursement of the unused portions of your journey. Passengers are also entitled to the Right To Care –

• Meals and Refreshments.
• If an overnight stay becomes necessary, you will be provided with hotel accommodation.
• You are entitled to either a prepaid phone card or reimbursement for the cost of two phone calls

If you are notified of the cancellation less than two weeks before the scheduled departure date, you will not be entitled to compensation. The timeframe for the compensation includes – 

You can choose to receive compensation in the form of a non-refundable transportation credit voucher. Alternatively, you have the option to receive cash compensation.

Here is the overview of the compensation –

KLM flight delay compensation

Passengers are eligible for the compensation and the required assistance if the flight is delayed for 2 hours or more.

Here are the following entitlements that you are eligible for – 

• Meals and Refreshments
• Hotel Accommodation
• Communication Assistance

Compensation: If you experience a delay upon arrival equal to or exceeding 3 hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, the compensation remains the same as above.

Denied Boarding – Passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding due to insufficient volunteers may be eligible for assistance and compensation.

Please Note: The compensation and the assistance remain the same as above. 

What is KLM refund policy?

Here are the following conditions and guidelines under KLM refund policy – 

• If you cancel your flight(s) or are denied boarding under specific circumstances, you may request a refund of the unused airport tax.
• Timelines for refund processing with KLM Airlines generally range from two to four weeks.
• Booking fees, reissue fees, and payment surcharges are non-refundable.

The airlines may refuse to grant a KLM flight cancellation refund in the following circumstances:

• Request made after the Ticket’s validity period has expired.
• Refunds may be denied unless the Passenger can provide sufficient proof of authorization to reside in the country.
• Not applicable for stolen, forged, or counterfeit Tickets.

Under the following conditions, passengers are eligible for a full KLM refund – 

• You can cancel your KLM flight within 24 hours of ticket purchase if you booked it online through KLM’s U.S. website.
• If your flight is canceled, and you choose not to take the alternative flight offered by KLM.
• If KLM reschedules your flight, and the new schedule no longer suits your plans.
• Holding a fully flexible ticket in any travel class.
• If your flight to Europe is delayed by more than 90 minutes, resulting in the disruption of your subsequent flights scheduled for the same day.
• Death of a passenger.
• If you are denied a visa, you are eligible for a refund upon cancellation of your flight.

How to request a KLM refund?

– To request a refund from KLM, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a refund as outlined in the KLM flight cancellation policy.
• Reach out to KLM’s customer service department to initiate the refund process.
• Clearly explain the reason for your refund request to the KLM representative.
• KLM may require you to fill out a refund request form. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information on the KLM refund form.

Alternatively, you can also request a refund online through the airline’s website. Fill out the booking reference and the passenger’s last name. 

Can I cancel KLM flight and get a refund?

Throughout the refund process, make sure to keep copies of all communication, including emails, forms, and receipts. These records will serve as proof of your refund request and can be helpful if any issues arise.

How much is the KLM cancellation fee?

Thanks to the flexible and passenger-friendly cancellation policy, you can cancel or make changes to your reservation easily. If you opt for the KLM 24-hour cancellation policy, then you can make changes thrice with no additional fee within 24 hours of the purchase.

In case you do it after the risk-free period, then a certain amount will be levied by the airline as the KLM cancellation fee. Besides, if you rebook your flight tickets for a higher fare, then you will need to pay the KLM flight cancellation fee along with the difference amount. 

It is important to check the KLM cancellation policy and fees before requesting cancellation to understand the fees that may apply to your specific booking.
Understanding the KLM cancellation policy is essential for travelers to navigate any unexpected changes or circumstances that may arise before their scheduled flights. KLM provides various options for canceling tickets and obtaining refunds, ensuring flexibility and convenience for passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs