KLM Compensation: Your Complete Guide to Claiming Up to €600

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, is a cornerstone of European aviation. Operating from its hub at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), KLM connects passengers to over 160 destinations worldwide. But when things go wrong — delays, cancellations, missed connections — passengers are often left confused about their rights.

If you've experienced a KLM flight delay or cancellation, you could be owed up to €600 in KLM compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This guide covers everything you need to know.

KLM and EU261 Coverage

As a Dutch airline based in the EU, KLM provides full EU261 coverage on virtually all flights:

All KLM flights departing from any airport worldwide — EU carrier status means even flights from non-EU origins to the EU are covered
All flights departing from EU/EEA airports — regardless of destination
KLM Cityhopper flights — the regional subsidiary is fully covered

Whether your KLM flight delay occurred on a short hop from Amsterdam to London or a long-haul service from Johannesburg to Schiphol, your rights under EU261 apply.

How Much KLM Compensation Are You Owed?

KLM compensation follows EU261's standard distance-based tiers:

Short-haul (under 1,500 km): €250

Amsterdam–London, Amsterdam–Paris, Amsterdam–Copenhagen. A 3+ hour delay means €250 per passenger.

Medium-haul (1,500–3,500 km): €400

Amsterdam–Istanbul, Amsterdam–Lisbon, Amsterdam–Cairo. Delays of 3+ hours at your final destination trigger €400.

Long-haul (over 3,500 km): €600

Amsterdam–New York, Amsterdam–Tokyo, Amsterdam–Buenos Aires. The maximum €600 applies for arrival delays of 3+ hours.

Common KLM Disruption Scenarios

Schiphol Airport Congestion

Amsterdam Schiphol has faced significant capacity challenges in recent years, including security queue chaos, staff shortages, and infrastructure strain. While some Schiphol-caused delays may qualify as extraordinary circumstances, many are the result of KLM's own ground handling and scheduling — making them compensable.

Missed Connections at Schiphol

Schiphol is KLM's global hub, and millions of passengers connect through it each year. If a delayed inbound KLM flight caused you to miss your onward connection, and you arrived 3+ hours late at your final destination, you're owed compensation based on the total journey distance.

This is one of the most common KLM flight delay claim scenarios — and one of the most valuable, since connecting itineraries often cover long distances.

Winter Weather Delays

The Netherlands is prone to winter fog, ice, and occasional snowstorms. Genuine severe weather is an extraordinary circumstance. However, KLM sometimes attributes delays to weather when the actual cause was de-icing capacity or crew scheduling — both within the airline's control.

Technical Issues

Like all major airlines, KLM experiences mechanical faults. These are not extraordinary circumstances and create strong compensation claims. KLM's fleet age has improved with new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321neo deliveries, but technical delays remain common.

When KLM Must Pay

KLM owes compensation for disruptions within their control:

Technical faults — mechanical, electrical, or software issues
Crew shortages — scheduling failures, illness beyond reasonable planning
Operational decisions — aircraft rotation delays, ground handling errors
Overbooking — involuntary denied boarding
Internal processes — baggage loading delays, fuelling errors

When KLM Can Refuse

Legitimate extraordinary circumstances exemptions:

Severe weather making flight operations unsafe
ATC strikes or imposed restrictions
Security threats or airport closures
Volcanic ash or other natural phenomena

KLM's approach: Dutch courts have established relatively clear precedents on what constitutes extraordinary circumstances. KLM tends to be more straightforward than some airlines in acknowledging valid claims — though rejections still happen.

Filing a KLM Compensation Claim

Direct with KLM

KLM offers an online claims process:

Visit klm.com → "Need help?" → "Claim compensation"
Enter your booking reference and flight details
Describe the disruption and select "EU261 compensation"
Submit your claim

What to expect:

Response time: 4–6 weeks typically
KLM is generally considered more responsive than some competitors
Initial offers may be below your full entitlement
Complex cases (missed connections, codeshares) may require follow-up

Use FlightOwed for Better Results

FlightOwed maximises your chances and minimises your effort:

Enter your KLM flight number and date
We verify the delay using official aviation data
We calculate your exact compensation
We handle all communication with KLM
We escalate through Dutch enforcement (ILT) or legal channels if needed

No win, no fee — zero cost unless your KLM compensation is recovered.

KLM's Compensation Track Record

KLM has a relatively fair reputation among European airlines for handling compensation claims:

Strengths:

Functional online claims system
Reasonable response times
Dutch regulatory environment (ILT — Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport) actively enforces EU261

Weaknesses:

Schiphol congestion claims often contested
Codeshare claims with Air France can create confusion about which airline is responsible
Weather-related rejections sometimes overused during winter months

Dutch Legal Framework

The Netherlands offers a favourable legal environment for KLM compensation claims:

Statute of Limitations

Dutch law provides 2 years from the date of the flight to file a compensation claim under the general transportation statute, though some legal interpretations extend this. Act promptly to preserve your rights.

ILT Enforcement

The Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT) is the Dutch national enforcement body for EU261. They can:

Investigate complaints against KLM
Issue fines for non-compliance
Mediate between passengers and the airline

Dutch Courts

The Netherlands has a well-established body of EU261 case law. The Rechtbank Amsterdam (Amsterdam District Court) handles many KLM cases and generally follows passenger-friendly CJEU precedents.

Air France-KLM Group: Who Do You Claim Against?

KLM is part of the Air France-KLM Group, which can create confusion:

KL flight number → claim against KLM
AF flight number → claim against Air France
Codeshare: AF ticket, KL operated → claim against KLM (the operating carrier)
Codeshare: KL ticket, AF operated → claim against Air France

Always check the operating carrier on your boarding pass. The airline that physically flew the plane is responsible for compensation.

Duty of Care During KLM Delays

KLM must provide assistance during delays, regardless of the cause:

2+ hours (short-haul) / 3+ hours (medium) / 4+ hours (long-haul): Meals and refreshments
Overnight delays: Hotel accommodation and transport
All significant delays: Communication facilities (calls, emails)

KLM generally handles duty of care reasonably well at Schiphol, where they have dedicated service desks. For delays at outstations, the experience can vary — keep all receipts for expenses if KLM doesn't proactively offer assistance.

Special Situations

KLM Cityhopper

KLM's regional subsidiary operates European routes. These flights are fully covered by EU261 under KLM's operating licence. Claims are handled by KLM directly.

Flying Blue / Points Bookings

Booked with Flying Blue miles? Your EU261 compensation rights are identical to cash bookings. Compensation is always paid in cash, not miles or points.

KLM + Transavia

Transavia is a separate low-cost airline within the Air France-KLM Group. It has its own operating licence and handles its own claims. If your flight was operated by Transavia (HV or TO flight number), your claim is against Transavia, not KLM.

Connecting to/from Non-EU Destinations

If you flew from a non-EU destination (e.g., New York) via Schiphol to another EU destination, and the itinerary was on a single KLM booking, the entire journey is covered. Compensation is based on the total distance to your final destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to claim KLM compensation?

Under Dutch law, approximately 2 years from the flight date, though interpretations vary. Don't delay — file as soon as possible. For older flights, check our guide on retroactive claims.

Can I claim for a KLM flight that was "only" 2.5 hours late?

Unfortunately, no. EU261 compensation requires a delay of 3 hours or more at arrival. However, if you were denied care (meals, refreshments) during a 2+ hour delay, you can claim those expenses.

What if KLM says "airport congestion" caused my delay?

This is a grey area. If Schiphol's own capacity problems (staff shortages, security queues) caused the delay, KLM may argue extraordinary circumstances. However, if KLM's own ground handling or scheduling contributed, compensation applies. Let us assess your specific case →

KLM offered me a voucher. Should I take it?

You're legally entitled to cash. Don't accept a voucher unless it significantly exceeds your EU261 entitlement (rare). Read our full guide on airline vouchers vs cash.

Get Your KLM Compensation Today

Don't leave your KLM compensation unclaimed. Whether your flight was delayed yesterday or up to 2 years ago, you could be owed €250–€600 per passenger.

Check your KLM flight now →

3 minutes. No upfront cost. FlightOwed handles everything.

Related reading:

KLM Compensation Guide: Claim Up to €600 for KLM Flight Delays