Planning your own trip with KLM can be an exhilarating experience, but it may also be subject to change. If you experience an emergency or shift in your routine or even change your mind altogether, knowing KLM’s cancellation policy could save you money, time and hassle.
Through this Blog, you will come to know about:
- The 24-hour cancellation policy of KLM
- Cancellation of tickets by fare type
- Cancellation Fees, Refunds, & Vouchers
- Step-by-step instructions to cancel a KLM flight
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on KLM Flight Cancellations.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is recognised as one of the largest and highest-quality commercial airlines in the world, providing a high standard of service and enormous flexibility to its customers. Just like any other airline out there, KLM may at some point cancel or reschedule your flight due to reasons outside its control. If you understand the Cancellation Policy from KLM, it will give both you and your family the tools to make the most informed decisions regarding your travel, thus saving time, money and anxiety, and better preparing yourselves to deal with unexpected situations that may arise with your trip.
Understanding KLM Cancellation Policy
KLM’s Cancellation Policy allows customers to cancel their flights under certain circumstances. The flexibility of KLM tickets will depend on the type of fare purchased, which includes: Economy Light, Economy Standard, Economy Flex, Premium Comfort and Business Class.
- Refundable tickets offer the greatest flexibility with either a minimum or no cancellation fees.
- Non-refundable tickets may still be cancelled, but they will typically require a cancellation fee or travel credit rather than a cash refund.
- Any applicable government taxes on non-refundable fares can be claimed as refunded by the government.
Be sure to check the fare rules on your ticket before attempting to cancel it.
KLM has the following major components regarding its cancellation policy:
Risk-Free Cancellation within 24 Hours by KLM
KLM provides all passengers with a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you buy and cancel a flight directly from KLM, you will not pay any airline fees. A refund is available for any flight purchased from KLM through the KLM website, KLM app, or by contacting KLM through customer service by telephone or in person. You can either:
- Cancel your flight and receive a complete refund to the same credit card that you used to buy the ticket. Or
- Change your booking depending on whether the new fare is lower than the previous fare.
Consumer Protection Notice regarding United States Ticketing (U.S. Dept. Of Transportation): Airlines must adhere to this requirement on all U.S. domestic and international ticketed travel where tickets were purchased a minimum of seven (7) days before the departure of the flight.
For a period of twenty-four (24) hours from the original purchase of any airline ticket, an airline must provide a full refund until the airline has processed the request for a refund.
Refundable and Non- Non-Refundable Tickets
KLM offers various fare types, each having its own flexibility and rules for cancellations. To know if you can receive a refund for your cancelled ticket, it’s essential to understand these fare types.
Refundable Tickets
When you have a refundable or flexible fare, the following applies:
- Most likely, you can cancel your reservation anytime before departure and receive a refund of the amount you paid (excluding any applicable service charges).
- Refundable fares are generally more expensive than other types, but offer maximum flexibility.
- Refunds will be made to the payment method used at the time of purchase; however, refund processing times differ by bank and credit card provider.
Non-Refundable Tickets
With non-refundable or lower-priced fares, the following applies:
- If you cancel your reservation for any reason, you will NOT receive a cash refund of the fare amount.
- Sometimes, you can receive travel credit for the amount of your fare or a voucher (Credit Voucher/EMD) that can be used toward a future KLM (or a partner) flight, based on terms and conditions.
- In many cases, you can be reimbursed for some of the taxes and fees associated with your ticket, even when your fare was non-refundable.
- In addition, the exact rules are available in the fare conditions at booking time and on your electronic ticket printout.
Step-by-Step KLM Cancellation Process
In most situations, there are multiple options to cancel a flight with KLM and request a refund if applicable through their website and phone support.
1. Cancel through the KLM Website
The quickest and most convenient method for managing a booking is through the “My Trip” section available on the KLM website.
To cancel a flight through the KLM website:
- Visit the KLM website.
- Navigate to ‘My Trip’
- Use your booking reference/e-ticket number as well as your last name to log in, or if possible, access your KLM account.
- Choose the flight you wish to cancel from your list of flights.
- Follow the instructions to cancel your ticket and request a refund or voucher if applicable.
- KLM will automatically verify your ticket with their cancellation policy to determine if you qualify for a full or partial refund or just a refund of taxes.
- Once you have submitted the online cancellation, you will receive a confirmation detailing your cancellation and any refunds/coupons you may receive.
2. How to Cancel via KLM Customer Service
If you experience difficulty in cancelling your flight via the website,
You can contact KLM customer service by phone; there are dedicated numbers for each country where the airline operates. You can connect with live KLM Representatives at 1-800-618-0104, but it’s important to check KLM’s website for accurate contact numbers based on your location.
When contacting a call centre/ticket office to make a cancellation, keep in mind the following:
- Assisted cancellation or modifications referred to as “service fees” may be incurred.
- An agent will review the fare rules associated with your reservation and will indicate the amount of fare that can be refunded to you, and which part may be available as a voucher.
KLM Cancellation Fees
KLM has several cancellation fee options based on:
- Your types of fare (i.e. economy light, flexibility, premium comfort, executive class…)
- Your flight route & fare category
- Whether you cancelled within 24 hours or after that
- Whether your KLM flight ticket was refundable or non-refundable
Refunds in Special Circumstances
In certain circumstances that are outside your control, KLM’s policy, along with consumer protection laws, may provide you with more favourable refund options—even for non-refundable tickets.
1. Flight Cancellation or Significant Delay by KLM
If KLM:
- Cancels your flight, or
- Significantly delays your flight beyond the thresholds established in their terms or under EU Regulation 261/2004 (for flights to, from, or within Europe),
If you choose not to accept an alternative flight, you might be eligible for a complete cash refund of your ticket.
In some instances, further compensation may also be applicable under EU regulations, depending on the reason for the disruption and the duration of the delay.
2. Medical Emergencies or Family Bereavement
KLM may provide flexibility or refunds in exceptional circumstances, such as:
- A significant medical issue that hinders your ability to travel
- Hospitalisation or critical illness
- The passing of a close family member
- Being refused boarding due to overbooking
Final Thought
If you are aware of KLM’s cancellation policy, you will be able to avoid large amounts of money that you would have lost and make more informed choices regarding your future travels. Whether this means purchasing an appropriate fare class, taking action within the 24-hour time frame for cancellations or knowing your rights under European laws when travelling to Europe, adequate planning is critical. If you plan to buy your ticket very close to the date of departure, it is important to verify the current rules and regulations of KLM at the time you book your flight, because KLM may change its terms and conditions frequently. If you are uncertain about your travel plans, you may want to invest in increased fare flexibility options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cancel my KLM Flights and Receive a Refund?
Yes, you can cancel your KLM flight right after booking. If you cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking, you are eligible for a full refund.
What is the Cancellation Policy for Free Cancelling Within 24 Hours of Booking?
KLM’s free cancellation policy applies when KLM cancels your flight within 24 hours of booking, and the flight is scheduled to depart at least 7 days after booking.
What happens if KLM Cancels Your Flight?
You will have the option to rebook your flight at no additional cost, or you may receive a full refund for your unused flight segments.
