What is KLM Cancellation Policy?

The KLM Cancellation Policy allows passengers to cancel the flight and claim a full refund under the following circumstances:

• KLM Airlines has canceled your flight.
• KLM has made a schedule change that no longer serves your purpose.
• Passengers holding a fully flexible fare that allows a full refund.
• The airline allows free cancellation under 24 hours of booking for US-bound flights.
• You cancelled a flight that was delayed for at least 90 minutes or more.

How much the KLM’s Cancellation fee?

KLM cancellation fee depends on the fare type. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

For Economy Class: The cancellation fee varies for  Light fare, Standard fare, and Flex far and is detailed in the table below:

Fare Type	Cancellation Fee	Refund Eligibility
Light Ticket	215 USD	Only unused airport taxes are refundable
Standard Ticket	75 USD	Only unused airport taxes are refundable
Flex Ticket	No fee	Full refund possible for refundable Flex tickets

For Business Class: Business Class fare includes a standard fare and a flex fare. The KLM cancellation fee for Business class fares is detailed in the table below:

Fare Type	Cancellation Fee	Refund Eligibility
Business Standard Fare	75 USD	Refund depends on fare conditions
Business Flex Ticket Fare	Free	Full refund possible for refundable tickets

What is KLM’s 24-hour cancellation policy?

Yes, under the KLM 24-hour cancellation policy, passengers can request flight cancellation within 24 hours for free, provided it meets the following conditions:

• Bookings must be made at least one week before the departure date.
• Direct reservations must be made over the phone or on KLM’s website.
• A reservation made with future credit is not eligible under 24-hour cancellation rule. 

How can you cancel a KLM flight?

Canceling a KLM flight is easy and depends on how you have purchased your flight ticket, as well as the circumstances in which you are canceling your flight ticket. 

Whether you book your KLM flight directly through the KLM Website or a travel agency, the airline offers multiple channels to cancel the flight ticket. 

Canceling Online: If you have booked a flight through KM website, go to the KLM ‘’My Trip’’ section, which is at the top menu of the homepage. 

• If you do not have an account, simply click on the ‘Log In with booking details’ tab.

• Enter the passenger’s last name and the booking code, which is a six-digit confirmation number. Press the “Search” button.

• Once you have the booking on your screen, locate the option to cancel your flight or specific segments.
• The system will display your fare condition and indicate whether your booking is eligible for a refund, a partial refund, or no refund. 
• Confirm your cancellation

After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email. 

Cancelling via phone: If you prefer personal assistance or are unable to cancel the flight online, call KLM customer service at 1-800-618-0104. You will find the appropriate contact number on the Contact Us page.

• Keep your reservation details available at hand so you can provide them to the flight attendant. 
• Indicate whether you wish to cancel the entire reservation, a particular flight segment, or a single passenger in a multi-person reservation.
• A 22 USD service fee would be applicable over the phone in addition to the fare-specific cancellation fee. 
• The KLM agent will confirm the cancellation and provide the details for any refund or voucher. 

Cancel at the airport: Passengers have the option to cancel at the  KLM check-in desk at the airport, and it is subject to the KLM cancellation fee. Here’s the process: 

• Show your 13-digit e-ticket number or booking code.
• Tell the flight attendant that you would like to cancel your reservation. They will check the ticket’s fare conditions to determine the refund eligibility. 
• Depending on the type of fare, there may be an additional 22 USD service charge on top of the KLM cancellation cost. 
• The airline will process the cancellation and provide a confirmation receipt. 

Who Is Eligible for a Full Cash Refund for a KLM flight?

Passengers can also request a full refund for non-refundable or restricted fares. 

According to KLM’s refund policy, the following circumstances ensure a complete refund:

• If KLM cancels the flight and doesn’t offer you any alternate flight. A full refund is permitted on the unused portion of the fare without any fees. 
• Any flight that is delayed by at least 90 minutes..
• Any flight that originates from Europe is delayed by 3 hours.
• Any flight that originates from a trans-Atlantic destination is delayed by 5 hours. 
• Missed flight connections

What Happens If You Cancel Due to Extraordinary Circumstances with KLM?

KLM acknowledges that any unforeseen events may require cancellation or postponement of your travel plans. In such cases, passengers are eligible for special entitlements:

• A travel voucher is issued for any medical reasons that prevent travel. The travel credit is also given if a member of the immediate family passes away.

Also, extension of ticket validity is offered in case of medical reasons or the death of a family member.

• A refund would be offered if passengers are denied a visa by the local government.
• Death of a passenger.

The airline seeks documentation, such as medical certificates or death certificates, to verify the aforementioned circumstances. 

Also Read: Virgin Atlantic Cancellation Policy

What Compensation Is Available for Canceled or Delayed Flights by KLM?

Passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled, delayed, or rescheduled. 

As per KLM’s cancellation policy, the airline offers compensation if:

• If the flight is delayed or cancelled, resulting in an arrival to the destination more than 3 hours late.
• Passengers traveling to/from European destinations.
• The flight disruption wasn’t caused by extenuating circumstances like severe weather, political emergency, or war-like situation. 

Here is the overview of flight delay or cancellation compensation offered by KLM Airlines:

Flight Distance	Voucher Compensation	Cash Compensation
Within 1,500 km	€350 (non-refundable)	€250
Between 1,500–3,500 km	€500 (non-refundable)	€400
Over 3,500 km	€800 (non-refundable)	€600

The above-mentioned compensation would be reduced by 50% if you arrive less than 2 hours, 3 hours, or 5 hours after the scheduled time.  

How Can You Use a KLM Travel Voucher?

A passenger who receives a travel voucher or EMD voucher as compensation or for extraordinary circumstances, it is valid for one year from the date of issuance. In addition:

•  Multiple vouchers can be used to book a flight ticket.
• A KLM voucher is a 13-digit numeric code that starts with 074. 

These vouchers cannot be used for KLM Holidays. Passengers who booked flight with Flying Blue reward tickets, the amount for taxes cannot be paid with these vouchers. 

The “My Trip” section of your reservation allows you to view the status of the voucher. 

Conclusion

KLM cancellation policy helps passengers with clear options for refunds, vouchers, and compensation. The 24-hour cancellation policy offers flexibility for early changes, while fare-specific rules allow cancellation during flight delays and involuntary cancellations. Passengers can check the refund in “My Trip” or contact KLM at 1-800-618-0104 (US). For any third-party booking, reach out to the travel agency first. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)