How much compensation can I claim for a delayed flight?

You can claim between £220 and £520 depending on the distance of your flight. Short-haul flights under 1,500km qualify for £220, medium-haul flights between 1,500-3,500km qualify for £350, and long-haul flights over 3,500km qualify for £520.

What is the 3-hour rule for flight delays?

Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, you are entitled to compensation if your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours late. The delay is measured by when the aircraft doors open at your destination.

How long do I have to claim flight compensation?

In the UK, you have up to 6 years from the date of your flight to make a claim. However, we recommend claiming as soon as possible while the details are fresh.

What does no win no fee mean?

No win, no fee means you only pay if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won't pay anything. This removes the financial risk of making a claim.

How do I claim compensation from KLM?

KLM has an online claims form on their website under the "Feedback" section. You'll need your booking reference (PNR), flight details, and a description of what happened. KLM generally responds professionally to valid claims.

How long does KLM take to process claims?

KLM typically responds to claims within 4-8 weeks. During peak travel seasons or after major disruptions, this can take longer. If you haven't heard back within 8 weeks, send a follow-up.

Does KLM fly from regional UK airports?

Yes, KLM operates extensively from UK regional airports including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, and more, connecting through Amsterdam Schiphol to worldwide destinations.

Can I claim for a codeshare flight with KLM?

You should claim from the operating airline, not the airline whose code is on your ticket. If KLM operated the flight, claim from KLM. If it was operated by a partner (like Air France), claim from them.

What if my delay was caused by Amsterdam Schiphol?

Airport congestion or staffing issues at Schiphol are generally not extraordinary circumstances. KLM is responsible for disruptions that occur during regular operations, even if the airport is busy.

KLM Flight Delay Compensation

Was your KLM flight delayed or cancelled? The Dutch flag carrier must comply with EU261 and UK261 regulations. You could claim up to £520 compensation.

Check If You Can Claim

Claiming Compensation from KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of the world's oldest airlines, now part of the Air France-KLM group. They operate an extensive network from their Amsterdam Schiphol hub, providing crucial connections for UK passengers traveling to destinations worldwide.

KLM is particularly popular with UK regional airport passengers, offering connections from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Edinburgh to Amsterdam and beyond. This makes them subject to both EU261 and UK261 passenger rights regulations.

KLM's Claims Reputation

KLM has a reputation for handling claims reasonably fairly, though like all airlines, they may initially try to avoid paying. They tend to respond within reasonable timeframes and have good customer service. However, don't accept a rejection without questioning it.

Your Rights When Flying KLM

Flight Delays

Arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination? You're entitled to compensation regardless of whether the delay occurred on the UK-Amsterdam leg or a connecting flight.

Cancellations

KLM cancellations entitle you to compensation unless you received 14+ days notice or were offered a suitable alternative flight.

Schiphol Connections

Missed your connection at Amsterdam due to a KLM delay? If you arrive 3+ hours late at your final destination on a single booking, you can claim.

Right to Care

During long delays, KLM must provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if needed. Keep receipts if you pay yourself.

Popular KLM Routes from the UK

KLM operates from numerous UK airports to Amsterdam, with onward connections worldwide:

London Heathrow - Amsterdam

Manchester - Amsterdam

Birmingham - Amsterdam

Edinburgh - Amsterdam

Glasgow - Amsterdam

Newcastle - Amsterdam

Leeds Bradford - Amsterdam

Bristol - Amsterdam

Aberdeen - Amsterdam

KLM Compensation Amounts

Compensation is based on total journey distance to your final destination.

Flight Distance

Compensation

Example Routes

Under 1,500 km

£220

London to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam

Most Common

1,500 - 3,500 km

£350

London to Rome, Athens, Marrakech

Over 3,500 km

£520

London to New York, Dubai, Bangkok

Compensation amounts are set by EU261 and UK261 regulations. Each passenger can claim individually.

UK to Amsterdam flights are short-haul (£220), but connecting journeys often qualify for higher amounts.

How KLM Handles Claims

Generally Reasonable

KLM has a better reputation than some budget carriers. They generally respond to claims within reasonable timeframes and process valid claims fairly.

Online Claims System

Their online claims process is straightforward. You can track your claim progress through their website once submitted.

Air France Partnership

If your journey involved both KLM and Air France operated flights on the same booking, claim from the airline that operated the delayed/cancelled segment.

Tips for Claiming from KLM

Note Final Arrival Time

For connecting journeys, your compensation is based on arrival at your final destination.

Keep Boarding Passes

Even mobile boarding passes — screenshot them as proof of your travel.

Check Operating Airline

Claim from whoever actually flew the plane, not who you booked with.

Don't Forget Care Expenses

Claim back any reasonable expenses for meals and hotels during the delay.

KLM Compensation FAQs

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