Compensation and Passenger Rights on KLM Codeshare Flights (EU261 Explained)

When you book a KLM flight, there’s a good chance your journey might be operated by a partner airline like Air France, Delta, or another SkyTeam alliance member. This type of arrangement is known as KLM codeshare flights, and while it helps the airline expand its network, it can make things confusing when your flight is delayed or cancelled.

So who is responsible for compensation — KLM, or the airline actually operating the flight?

Let’s break it down clearly under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261).

Check your compensation online.

What Is a Codeshare Flight?

A codeshare flight is a partnership between two or more airlines that allows them to sell seats on the same flight.

For example:

You buy a ticket from KLM, but your flight is operated by Delta.

The flight number may show both KL1234 (KLM) and DL5678 (Delta), depending on which airline sold you the ticket.

Even though your ticket says KLM, it might be Delta’s aircraft, crew, and operational control. That difference matters when claiming compensation.

KLM codeshare flights are flights shared between KLM and its partner airlines, such as Air France, Delta, or other SkyTeam members. This means you might book your ticket through KLM, but the flight itself is operated by another airline using its aircraft and crew. Codeshare flights allow KLM to offer more destinations and smoother connections without operating every route directly.

KLM Codeshare Partners

KLM partners not only with Air France and Delta, but also with most other SkyTeam member airlines.

• Air France
• Delta Air Lines
• Aeroméxico
• Korean Air
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Kenya Airways
• MEA – Middle East Airlines
• Saudia
• TAROM
• Vietnam Airlines
• XiamenAir

The codeshare flights meaning is simple — it’s when two or more airlines share the same flight, allowing one airline (like KLM) to sell seats on another airline’s aircraft.

EU261: Who’s Responsible for Compensation

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, the key rule is simple:

The operating airline — the one physically flying the plane — is responsible for compensation and care in case of flight disruptions.

That means:

If you bought your ticket through KLM, but the flight is operated by Air France, you must submit your compensation claim to Air France, not KLM.

If the flight is operated by KLM, even if you booked through Delta or another partner, then KLM is responsible for handling your KLM compensation claim.

When EU261 Applies to KLM Codeshare Flights

EU261 applies depending on where your flight departs and which airline operates it:

Flight Type	Covered by EU261?	Who’s Responsible
Departing from the EU (any airline)	✅ Yes	Operating airline
Arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline (e.g. KLM, Air France)	✅ Yes	Operating airline
Arriving in the EU on a non-EU airline (e.g. Delta, Aeroméxico)	❌ No	Not covered by EU261

✅ Example:

You fly Amsterdam → New York on a Delta-operated flight, booked through KLM.

→ You’re covered by EU261 because the flight departs from the EU.

→ Delta is responsible for compensation if it’s delayed or cancelled.

❌ Example:

You fly New York → Amsterdam on a Delta-operated flight, booked through KLM.

→ You’re not covered by EU261 because the flight departs from outside the EU and is operated by a non-EU airline.

✅ Example:

You fly Rio de Janeiro → Amsterdam on a KLM-operated flight, booked through KLM.

→ You’re covered by EU261 because the airline operating your flight is a EU airline.

→ KLM is responsible for compensation if it’s delayed or cancelled.

What Compensation You’re Entitled To

If your codeshare flight is covered by EU261, you can claim compensation for:

• Delays of 3+ hours on arrival,
• Cancellations, or
• Denied boarding (overbooking).

The compensation amounts are fixed and based on distance, not ticket price or airline:

The operating airline — the one physically flying the plane — is responsible for compensation and care in case of flight disruptions.

Read more: How to Claim KLM Compensation (applicable to other airlines, too)

Right to Care Still Applies

Even if the airline claims “extraordinary circumstances,” they still owe you care and assistance while you wait.

That includes:

• Meals and refreshments based on waiting time,
• Hotel accommodation for overnight delays,
• Transport between the airport and hotel, and
• Communication access (calls or emails).

This right applies regardless of whether the flight is operated by KLM, Air France, Delta, or another SkyTeam partner.

The right to care primarily applies if you’re delayed at a European airport. However, many countries outside the EU also have similar laws and regulations that protect passengers during delays and cancellations.

Read more: Right to Care

Key Takeaways on KLM Codeshare Flights

On KLM codeshare flights, the operating airline handles compensation, not necessarily KLM.

EU261 covers any flight departing from the EU — no matter which airline operates it.

You may be entitled to €250–€600 for long delays or cancellations.

Always check your “operated by” line before claiming.

Knowing how EU261 applies to KLM codeshare flights helps you claim compensation from the right airline — and ensures you get what you’re owed.