KLM Flight Cancellation Policy

What is KLM Airlines flight cancellation policy?

The KLM flight cancellation policy states that you can cancel your KLM flight and get a full refund (without flight cancellation penalty or administration fee) in the following conditions: 

• You cancelled a flight to/from the U.S. within 24 hours of purchasing your ticket, provided you booked it online via KLM’s U.S. website. This applies to all types of tickets.
• Your flight was cancelled and you decided not to catch the alternative flight.
• KLM reschedules your flight and it no longer suits you. 
• Your ticket conditions allow you to opt for a refund (i.e., you’re holding a fully flexible ticket in any travel class).
• You cancelled your flight to Europe because it was delayed by more than 90 minutes and your other flights were booked on the same day.
• You cancelled an intercontinental flight that was delayed by more than 3 hours.
• A passenger in your booking died. 
• You were denied a visa. 
• You were denied boarding on a confirmed ticket.

The conditions for cancelling your KLM flight ticket will be mentioned in your booking confirmation e-mail. You can also access them online via My Trip.

Note. If you purchased your ticket from a third party such as a travel agency or a website, contact them directly to cancel and refund your ticket. 

KLM 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

KLM’s 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all flights to/from the United States. This is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s policy for all flights travelling to or from the United States.
Under this policy, you qualify for a full refund if you:

1. Book a flight to/from the United States, and
2. Book it online from KLM.us, and
3. Cancel it within 24 hours, and 
4. Apply for a refund 

To apply for your refund, you will need to send an e-mail to refund.northamerica@klm.com. 

In the subject line, mention Customer First Program and provide your name, flight number and date, and reservation number in the email.

Flexibility—A Cheaper Alternative for Changing Flights 

KLM’s Flexibility service option allows Light or Standard ticket holders to:

• Change flights up to 3 times—up to 48 hours before departure—at no extra charge.
• Change the travel date, time, and/or destination within Europe—at no extra charge.

You can buy Flexibility only if: 

• You book your ticket online. 
• You’re flying within Europe. 
• Your flight departs after 10 days or more.

Flight Rebooking Options at KLM

KLM’s post-COVID rebook and refund policies will depend on your scheduled departure date, also indicated in the confirmation email you would have received after booking your flight.  

1. If your flight isn’t cancelled by KLM, you can only change your flight booking before your flight’s scheduled departure date.
2. If you purchased your ticket on/before February 28, 2022, with a departure date after July 1, 2022, you can:
   1. Rebook your flight, i.e.: 
      1. Change your travel dates without having to pay any flight change fee (as mentioned in the fare conditions of your ticket), as long as you pay the applicable fare difference.
      2. Change your destination to fly on KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, or Virgin Atlantic without having to pay any flight change fee, but you must pay the applicable fare difference.
   2. Request a refund if the fare conditions of your ticket permit. The fare conditions will be mentioned in the confirmation email you would have received after booking your flight.
   3. Request a travel voucher (non-refundable and non-transferrable) with a 1-year validity after the date of issue.
      1. You will receive your travel voucher by email within a couple of days.
         Note. Your entire booking will be cancelled after your travel voucher has been issued.
      2. You can use the travel voucher within its validity period to book a flight that takes place after your travel voucher expires. 
      3. If the new ticket is cheaper, you’ll be issued another travel voucher for the balance amount. If your new ticket is costlier, you must pay the fare difference.
         Note. You can use an unlimited number of travel vouchers to purchase your new ticket and/or add-ons.

3. If you purchased your ticket between March 1—June 28, 2022, with any departure date, you can:
   1. Rebook your flight, i.e.:
      1. Change your travel dates without having to pay any flight change fee (as mentioned in the fare conditions of your ticket), as long as you pay the applicable fare difference.
      2. Change your destination to fly on KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, or Virgin Atlantic without having to pay any flight change fee, but you must pay the applicable fare difference.
   2. Request a refund if the fare conditions of your ticket permit. The fare conditions will be mentioned in the confirmation email you would have received after booking your flight.
   3. Request a travel voucher (non-refundable and non-transferrable) with a 1-year validity after the date of issue.
      1. You will receive your travel voucher by email within a couple of days.
         Note. Your entire booking will be cancelled after your travel voucher has been issued.
      2. You can use the travel voucher within its validity period to book a flight that takes place after your travel voucher expires. 
      3. If the new ticket is cheaper, you’ll be issued another travel voucher for the balance amount. If your new ticket is costlier, you must pay the fare difference.
         Note. You can use an unlimited number of travel vouchers to purchase your new ticket and/or add-ons.

4. If you purchased your ticket on/after June 29, 2022, you can:
   1. Make changes to your travel dates and/or destination, as indicated in the fare conditions of your ticket, but a change fee may apply and you must pay the applicable fare difference.
   2. Request a refund if you’re entitled to it (refer to the fare conditions in the confirmation email you received after purchasing your ticket).

5. If your flight was cancelled by KLM, you can:
   1. Change your travel dates free of cost. 
   2. Rebook your new at no additional charge within the same travel class if it is 30 days before or after your original flight’s date. However, if your rebook beyond this period, a fare difference may apply.
   3. Change your travel destination against the full value of your ticket (without being charged a flight change fee), subject to only the fare difference that may apply.
   4. Request a refund
      1. The refund will be made through a travel voucher.
      2. You can apply for a travel voucher online (you will receive it via email within 2 days).

6. If your flight was not cancelled but you decide to postpone your trip, you can only change (but not cancel) your booking (i.e., change your travel dates and/or destination), provided you do it before your flight’s scheduled departure. 

How can I change/rebook my flight on KLM?

You can change and rebook your KLM flight in any of these ways: 

1. Online through KLM’s website
   (through My Trip)
2. Through the mobile app
3. By phone
4. Via social media
5. Through a KLM ticket office
6. Through your travel agent

If you want to rebook a reward ticket, you will need to contact the Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Flying Blue Customer Service.

How can I request a refundable voucher from KLM?

You can use a refundable voucher to book a flight or get a cash refund if your flight did not go as planned. If your voucher is refundable, the word Refundable will appear on it. 

If you have any questions, contact the KLM Customer Contact Center in your city/country. 

How to Cancel a KLM Flight

• To cancel a flight booked directly via KLM’s official website, mobile app, or ticket office, request your refund online. This will cancel all the flights in your booking. 
• For canceling a flight booked via a travel agent, contact your travel agent directly.

After you cancel your flight reservation

• You will receive a confirmation email. 
• All flights in your booking will be cancelled. 
• The refundable amount will be credited to the account you used to purchase your ticket, or converted into a flight voucher for future use, depending on your fare type and time of cancellation.

How to Change a KLM Flight Booking

You can modify your KLM reservations online, by phone, and social media

Depending on your ticket’s fare conditions, KLM allows you to change your flight reservations in the following ways: 

1. Online
2. By phone
3. Through WhatsApp
   (send a text message to +31206490787)
4. Through social media
   1. Facebook
   2. Messenger
   3. Twitter
      

How can I change my KLM flight booking online?

You can change your KLM flight travel date, time, and/or destination online at KLM.com. 

To change your KLM flight booking online:

1. Go to KLM’s official website: KLM.com   
2. Click on the My Trip tab
   If you’ve already checked in, you will need to cancel your check-in via the Cancel your check-in option at the bottom of the Check-in page
3. Go to your flight details
4. Click on the Change flights button 
5. Search for and select your preferred flight date, time, and/or destination 
6. Choose your extra options or ask for a refund of the extra options you may have booked on your original flight
7. Confirm your flight change
   (pay any charges that apply via your preferred method of payment; any excess payment will be reimbursed and/or settled via vouchers)

You will immediately receive a confirmation email with your new travel itinerary, which you can also view on your My Trip page, including through your mobile app. 

You can also change your KLM flight(s) via the mobile app. If you encounter any problems or aren’t sure what to do next, contact KLM’s Customer Support for assistance.  

How can I change my KLM flight booking by phone?

You can change your KLM flight bookings by phone. This number is open 7 days a week and is toll-free if you’re calling from the U.S. or Canada.

How can I change my KLM flight booking through social media?

You can change your KLM flight reservations via WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Twitter, per the details below:

• Send a text message through WhatsApp to +31206490787 (open 24/7).
• Contact KLM through Facebook (24/7). 
• Contact KLM through Messenger (24/7).

Contact KLM through Twitter (24/7).

Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

If you’re eligible to receive compensation, you’ll either receive a non-refundable travel voucher (EMD voucher) or it’ll be issued as a cash payment voucher. The compensation amount will depend on the voucher type. You’ll receive:

• Voucher A type worth €350 (not refundable) or €250 (cash) if the original flight was within 1,500km.
• Voucher B type worth €500 (not refundable) or €400 (cash) if the original flight within the EU exceeded 1,500km, or was between 1,500km – 3,500km outside of the EU.
• Voucher C type worth €800 (not refundable) or €600 (cash) if the original flight outside of the EU was more than 3,500km. 

You can purchase a new flight ticket or extra options with non-refundable travel vouchers. You can use your cash payment voucher to purchase a new ticket or extra options or convert it into cash. If you use it to book a new flight or extra options, the higher non-refundable voucher value will apply. 

Your compensation will be reduced by 50% if your flight arrives: 

• Within 2 hours of the original flight’s scheduled arrival time for voucher A type
• Within 3 hours of the original flight’s scheduled arrival time for voucher B type
• Within 4 hours of the original flight’s scheduled arrival time for voucher C type

If you’ve already placed a voucher request, you’ll receive an email apprising you of your request status. Alternatively, you can check the status of your request online via My Trip. 

 
Note

• You can apply up to 2 vouchers at checkout to buy a new ticket and/or extra options on KLM, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, or Air France. If you’re unable to exhaust the entire value simultaneously, you’ll be issued a new voucher for the balance value. 
• You aren’t allowed to use a KLM voucher to pay taxes on Flying Blue reward tickets or purchase KLM Holidays with it.
• You can exchange refundable vouchers for cash, as long as you do it no later than 1 year after receiving it. 

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, or you’ve been downgraded or denied boarding, you have certain rights to compensation and assistance if: 

• Your ticket booking is confirmed on the flight.
• You checked in for your flight at the designated time. If no time is mentioned, you should have checked in for your flight at least 45 minutes prior to departure. 
• You’re flying on a publicly-available fare or a Flying Blue/award ticket.
• Your flight departs from an airport in the European Union, or on a flight that is operated by a community carrier that departs from a third country airport to an airport in the EU unless local legal regulations apply in the third country.

Assistance for Cancellation. If KLM cancels your flight, you can:

• Ask to be rerouted to the final destination under similar travel conditions at the earliest, or later when convenient to you, subject to seat availability, or 
• Ask to be reimbursed for the unused parts of your trip as well as used parts of your journey if the onward flight is no longer useful, along with a return flight to your original point of departure (if applicable).

You will also receive the following at no additional charge:

• Refreshments and meals depending on the waiting time. 
• Hotel accommodation plus transport if required. 
• The cost/price of 2 phone calls of up to 5 minutes per call, 2 emails/faxes, or 1 prepaid phone card.

Compensation for Flight Cancellation 

If you are informed of a flight cancellation within 2 weeks of departure, you will not qualify for any compensation if the departure and arrival times of your new flight are close to that of your original flight, i.e.:

• Up to 2 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time and within 4 hours of the scheduled arrival time if you were notified between 14 – 7 days prior to departure. 
• Up to 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time and 2 hours later than the scheduled arrival time if you were notified within 7 days of departure.

The cancelled flight compensation will not be paid at the airport. Also, you won’t receive it automatically—you must contact Customer Care to request it. You can opt for a non-refundable transportation credit voucher or cash compensation voucher. The value of the vouchers will depend on your flight distance and route, as shown below.

	Flight Distance and Route	Non-refundable Credit Voucher	Cash Compensation
A	Flights not exceeding 1500km	€350*	€250*
B	Flights exceeding 1,500km within the European Union, and other flights ranging from 1500 – 3500km	€500*	€400*
C	Flights not covered above	€800*	€600*
* Your compensation will be reduced to half (50%) if the alternative flight’s arrival time is not later than the original flight’s arrival time by 2 hours for flights that fall under A or B, or by 4 hours for flights that fall under C. No compensation will be due if the flight cancellation is because of extraordinary circumstances over which KLM has no control and if took every reasonable measure to prevent the cancellation.  The above compensation is subject to EU Regulation 261/2004. If your flight departs from outside of the EU but lands in the EU, other local regulations and compensation may apply.

Flight Delay Compensation and Assistance 

If your flight is subject to a delay of at least 2 hours, you have the right to receive the following at no additional charge:

• Refreshments and/or meals based on the waiting time.
• Hotel accommodation + transport (if required). 
• The price of 2 phone calls of up to 5 minutes per call, 2 emails/faxes, or 1 prepaid phone card.

If your flight has been delayed by 5 hours or more and you do not wish to travel further, you can request to be reimbursed for the segments of the trip not covered as well as for the parts already covered if the flight does not serve your purpose. You can also request to be booked on a return flight to your original departure point (if necessary). 

Compensation for Flight Delays 

If the arrival time of your flight has been delayed by 3 hours or more compared to the original arrival time for reasons within KLM’s control, you have the right to receive compensation as shown in the table below. You will have to contact Customer Care for compensation as it is not payable at the airport. You can opt between a non-refundable credit voucher or cash compensation. 

	Flight Distance and Route	Non-refundable Credit Voucher	Cash Compensation
A	Flights not exceeding 1500km	€350*	€250*
B	Flights exceeding 1,500km within the European Union, and other flights ranging from 1500 – 3500km	€500*	€400*
C	Flights not covered above	€800*	€600*
* The compensation will be reduced to half (50%) if the delayed flight’s arrival time is 3 – 4 hours beyond the scheduled arrival time.  The above compensation is subject to EU Regulation 261/2004. If your flight departs from outside of the EU but lands in the EU, other local regulations and compensation may apply.

Denied Boarding Assistance

If you have been involuntarily denied boarding, you can:

• Request to be rerouted to your destination under similar travel conditions on the next available flight, or later when convenient to you, subject to seat availability, or 
• Request to be reimbursed for the segments of the trip not covered, as well as for the parts of the journey already covered if the onward flight does not serve any purpose, along with a return flight to your original point of departure (if required). 

You will also receive the following at no additional charge:

• Refreshments and/or meals based on the waiting time.
• Hotel accommodation + transport (if required). 
• The cost/price of 2 phone calls of up to 5 minutes per call, 2 emails/faxes, or 1 prepaid phone card.

Compensation for Boarding Denial

If you are subjected to involuntary boarding denial, you will be compensated at the airport. You can opt for a non-refundable credit voucher or cash compensation, as shown in the table below.

	Flight Distance and Route	Non-refundable Credit Voucher	Cash Compensation
A	Flights not exceeding 1500km	€350*	€250*
B	Flights exceeding 1,500km within the European Union, and other flights ranging from 1500 – 3500km	€500*	€400*
C	Flights not covered above	€800*	€600*
* Your compensation could be reduced to half (50%) if the alternative flight’s arrival time is not later than the original flight’s arrival time by 2 hours for flights that fall under A or B, or by 4 hours for flights that fall under C. The above compensation is subject to EU Regulation 261/2004. If your flight departs from outside of the EU but lands in the EU, other local regulations and compensation may apply.

Downgrading Compensation 

If you have been involuntarily accommodated in a travel class that is lower than the travel class you paid for, you can request to be reimbursed:

• 30% of your ticket price for flights within 1500km
• 50% of your ticket price for:
  • Flights exceeding 1,500km within the EU
  • Other flights ranging from 1500 – 3500km
• 75% of your ticket price for flights included above

How to Request Reimbursement?

You can request reimbursement and compensation by contacting KLM through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions on KLM Flight Cancellation Policy