KLM Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a SkyTeam member and the flag carrier of the Netherlands, operates flights to over 145 destinations from its hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Its missed flight policy, often referred to as the "no-show" policy, is governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Dutch aviation laws. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (30 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (15-20 minutes before departure), you are classified as a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Basic, Light), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify KLM promptly via the My Trip section, mobile app, or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a travel voucher (valid for 12 months). A no-show fee (e.g., €50-€200, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., €20-€30). For short-haul flights (up to 1500 km), the fee is approximately €50; medium-haul (1500-3500 km), €100; long-haul (over 3500 km), €150-€200.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., €70 for Economy Standard, waived for Economy Flex or Business Class Flex), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the My Trip section, app, or airport counters before departure. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Basic and Light tickets cannot be changed after departure.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Business Class) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as travel vouchers (valid for 12 months) within 2-4 weeks via the online refund system. Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For Flying Blue award tickets, miles are re-credited, but a service fee (e.g., €50) may apply.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from KLM (ticket number starting with “074”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away, per U.S. DOT rules. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the My Trip section or app. Tickets booked through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a KLM-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “074”), KLM will rebook you on the next available flight, including SkyTeam partners like Air France or Delta, at no cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within KLM’s control (e.g., technical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261, or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the alternative flight arrives within 2-4 hours of the original schedule. For delays of 2+ hours, meal vouchers or refreshments are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for reimbursement.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security issues). KLM will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport). Travel insurance is recommended.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, KLM will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation (€250-€600 under EU/UK 261 or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, KLM may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact KLM immediately via the My Trip section, mobile app, or airport counter within 24 hours of the scheduled departure to request rebooking or preserve ticket value as a voucher (valid for 12 months). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123). Airport counters are recommended for faster processing during peak periods.
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, vouchers, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Care form promptly to avoid rejection.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the My Trip section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Economy Basic and Light fares are restrictive, while Economy Flex and Business Class offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 2-4 weeks; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and processed within 30 days. Keep the reference number to track status.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays via the Baggage Irregularity Report form.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Care for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (flights to/from EU/UK airports), submit directly to KLM to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the UK CAA, EU national authorities, or Dutch CAA. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight (3 years in the Netherlands).

Additional Information

If KLM cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (5+ hours for intercontinental flights) or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations within KLM’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage, seats, or meals) or rebooking on the next available flight, potentially with SkyTeam partners. Compensation for EU/UK flights (€250-€600) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight, or within 1 year for U.S. claims ($75-$650 USD). For delays over 2 hours, meal vouchers or refreshments are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to the Dutch CAA, U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review KLM’s Conditions of Carriage, Customer Service Commitment, or EU Passenger Rights section.