How much compensation can I get from KLM?

€250 for flights under 1,500 km (e.g. Amsterdam–London). €400 for 1,500–3,500 km (e.g. Frankfurt–Amsterdam–Cairo on through-ticket). €600 for flights over 3,500 km (e.g. Amsterdam–New York, Amsterdam–Singapore, Amsterdam–Tokyo). 3+ hours arrival delay required.

What if my KLM flight was an Air France codeshare?

KLM and Air France are part of the same group. What matters is the operating carrier shown on your boarding pass. If KL (KLM flight number) operated the flight: claim against KLM. If AF (Air France flight number) operated it: claim against Air France. Check 'operated by' on your boarding pass or booking confirmation.

How do I claim compensation from KLM?

Via klm.com → Customer Support → Submit a Claim. Include booking reference, flight number (KL + digits), date and actual arrival time. KLM responds in 4–8 weeks. KLM participates in the Dutch ACM (Authority for Consumers & Markets) for ADR escalation.

Can KLM cite a missed Amsterdam connection as extraordinary circumstances?

No. If KLM caused the delay on the first leg (your EU261-covered flight) which made you miss the Amsterdam connection, KLM cannot claim extraordinary circumstances for the resulting delay. CJEU C-315/15 (Pešková): aircraft rotation delays from previous flights are not extraordinary. Check if your final arrival was 3+ hours late on a single through-ticket.

KLM Compensation: EU261 Always Applies — Up to €600

Q: Does EU261 always apply to KLM flights?

Yes. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a Dutch airline — the Netherlands is an EU member state. EU261/2004 applies to ALL KLM flights regardless of departure airport. Amsterdam Schiphol–Singapore: yes. Singapore–Amsterdam: yes (KLM is EU carrier). This gives you full EU261 rights on every KLM operated flight.

Compensation Amounts — KLM

Route (example)	Distance	EU261?	Compensation
Amsterdam → London Heathrow	~370 km	✓ Yes	€250
Frankfurt → Amsterdam → Cairo (1 ticket)	~3,100 km	✓ Yes	€400
Amsterdam → New York JFK	>3,500 km	✓ Yes	€600
Singapore → Amsterdam (KLM operating)	>3,500 km	✓ Yes	€600 (KLM is EU carrier)

Missed Amsterdam Connection — Your Rights

Schiphol is one of Europe's busiest hubs. KLM routes hundreds of long-haul connections through Amsterdam. If you miss your connection at AMS:

What KLM must do:

Rebook you on the next KLM flight to your final destination
Provide meal vouchers at Schiphol during the wait
Arrange hotel if overnight stay is required
Cover transport between the airport and hotel

Compensation:

If you hold a single through-ticket and your final destination arrival is 3+ hours late due to the missed connection: EU261 compensation based on total journey distance (typically €600 for connections to intercontinental destinations).

How to Claim from KLM

Confirm the delay

Use FlightAware for actual arrival time at your final destination. For AMS connections: record arrival at your ultimate destination, not at Amsterdam. KLM records are generally accurate and accessible.

Submit via KLM's website

klm.com → Customer Support → Submit a Claim. Booking reference (6 chars), flight number (KL + digits), date, and actual arrival time at final destination. KLM processes claims in 4–8 weeks.

Challenge rotation delay rejections

CJEU C-315/15: delays caused by late incoming aircraft from a previous rotation are NOT extraordinary circumstances. If KLM blames a late incoming aircraft, this is a challengeable rejection.

Escalate via Dutch ACM or national ADR

The Netherlands' ACM (Authority for Consumers & Markets) handles EU261 disputes against KLM. German passengers can use SÖP. Court proceedings at your local German Amtsgericht are also effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EU261 always apply to KLM flights?

Yes. KLM is a Dutch EU airline. EU261 applies to every KLM operated flight — from Amsterdam, New York, Singapore, or anywhere else.

How much compensation from KLM?

€250 (under 1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), €600 (over 3,500 km, all intercontinental routes). 3+ hours arrival delay required.

What about an Air France codeshare on a KLM ticket?

The operating carrier is what matters. Check your boarding pass: KL + number = KLM operated (claim KLM). AF + number = Air France operated (claim Air France).

How do I claim from KLM?

klm.com → Customer Support → Submit a Claim. Booking reference, KL flight number, actual arrival time. 4–8 weeks. Escalate via ACM (Netherlands) or SÖP (Germany) if rejected.

Missed Amsterdam connection on a through-ticket?

EU261 applies in full (KLM is EU carrier). Final destination delayed 3+ hours: €600 for intercontinental routes. Single through-ticket required.