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KLM Compensation: Does It Depend on Your Ticket Class?

Many passengers wonder if the amount of KLM compensation changes depending on whether they fly Economy, Premium Comfort, or Business Class. The answer is simple — it doesn’t. The compensation amounts are the same for all classes and seat types, and depend only on the flight distance.

Learn more in this article.

Check your compensation online.

KLM Compensation: Does It Depend on Your Ticket Class?

Compensation on KLM flights is the same for all classes — Economy, Premium Comfort, or Business — and depends only on flight distance, not your ticket or seat type.

Same Compensation for All KLM Classes

Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), the amount of flight compensation is based on flight distance, not the ticket class.

This means whether you’re flying in Economy or Business Class, you’re entitled to the same fixed compensation for:

The amount of flight compensation is based on flight distance. Your ticket type or seating class doesn’t matter.

The compensation amounts are as follows.

Flight DistanceCompensation Amount
Up to 1,500 km€250
1,500–3,500 km€400
Over 3,500 km€600

Your seat, ticket type, or fare class doesn’t change these amounts.

Downgrade Compensation Is Different

If KLM downgrades you to a lower class than the one you booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund, not a flat-rate compensation.

The refund amount depends on your flight distance:

  • 30%, if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres,
  • 50%, if the distance of your flight is between 1500 – 3500 kilometres,
  • 75%, if the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometres.

Flight downgrade compensation should be paid immediately, so in most cases you shouldn’t need to take any action.

If the payment wasn’t made, contact KLM and submit a claim — if you don’t, they likely won’t process it automatically. This compensation must be paid directly to your bank account, and you’re not required to accept KLM vouchers or coupons.

If KLM refuses or delays payment, you can refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which clearly outlines your rights.

Read more: KLM Downgrade Compensation

Compensation on KLM flights is the same for all classes — Economy, Premium Comfort, or Business — and depends only on flight distance, not your ticket type or seat type.

Featured photo by JMarc Sire from Pexels

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