What air passenger rights are covered under the EC261 Regulation?
EC Regulation 261/2004 ensures that passengers with valid tickets and booking confirmations, flying from or to a European airport, are protected.
This regulation includes all travellers, whether they are on package holidays, budget airlines, charter airlines or business trips. It protects passengers from flight problems such as delays, cancellations, or being denied boarding. Under this regulation, you could receive compensation of up to €600 per person in specific cases. Additionally, if you face a long wait at the airport, you have the right to care from the airline.
What Is EC261 Regulation?
The EC261 Regulation is a law from the European Union that defines passengers’ rights when their flights get disrupted. It was designed to protect travellers and make sure airlines treat them fairly.
Because of this law, if there are issues with your flight in many cases you are entitled to flight compensation.
The compensation amount is based on how far your flight is.
Does EC261 still apply in the UK? Yes, it does.
Eligibility Criteria for KLM Flight Compensation
With KLM, the rules apply to all flights departing from or arriving at a European airport. If you are flying with airlines registered outside Europe (e.g., Etihad, American Airlines, Qatar Airways), these rules only apply if your flight is leaving from a European airport.
Remember, you need to have a confirmed booking and check in on time.
You are eligible for flight compensation from KLM if:
- Your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours.
- Your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before it is scheduled to depart (last-minute flight cancellation).
- Your flight is overbooked, causing you to be denied boarding.
The delay or cancellation must be the airline’s fault (not extraordinary circumstances).
It doesn’t matter whether you are a European citizen or not – you are still eligible for compensation from KLM. The cost of your ticket does not affect your compensation rights.
How Much Is Flight Compensation? (EC261 Regulation)
The compensation amount you might receive varies based on the distance of your flight.
Here is a breakdown of the compensation levels according to the EC261 regulation:
- Flights up to 1500 kilometres: €250
- Flights between 1500 and 3500 kilometres: €400
- Flights over 3500 kilometres: €600
Along with this basic compensation amount, you might also claim for any additional costs caused by the flight disruption, such as hotel stays or alternative travel expenses. Nevertheless, these costs must be reasonable and directly connected to the flight delay or cancellation.
These amounts apply to all passengers, including infants. Your baby can get the same compensation amount as you.
To begin your compensation claim process, please use our claim form. A team of experts will review your information and determine if you are eligible for compensation under EC261 regulations.
Read more:
- KLM Flight Delay Compensation
- KLM Flight Cancellation Compensation
- KLM Denied Boarding Compensation
- How to Claim KLM Compensation?
By Europe and EU here on this page we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Air Passenger Rights in Case of Flight Delay with KLM
Travellers experiencing flight delays have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
These rights involve being informed about the delay, receiving free food and drinks depending on how long the wait is, and having access to communication devices.
If the delay is significant, you might qualify for free hotel accommodation.
Short Flight Delay vs. Long Flight Delay
If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, you are entitled to care from the airline.
This care includes food and drinks, access to communication devices, and a place to stay overnight if you need it.
Delays of three hours or more might also make you eligible for compensation, depending on why the delay happened.
You can get compensation if your KLM flight arrives more than three hours late because of reasons the airline could have prevented, like technical issues or employee problems (including KLM staff strikes).
Flight delays under three hours are considered short delays. In this case, there are no specific rules on what the airline must provide to its passengers.
Rights of Passengers in Case of Flight Cancellation with KLM
If a flight is cancelled, passengers have the right to choose between getting their reimbursement or rerouting. Pick whichever option works best for you.
- A full refund from KLM paid straight to your bank account.
- A new flight or flights to your destination (KLM or a different airline).
European air passenger rights also include the right to flight cancellation compensation. Unless it was cancelled due to extraordinary reasons that are beyond the airline’s control.
Flight Cancellation Refund vs Cancellation Compensation
These are two different things.
You are entitled to a refund each time your flight is cancelled by the airline.
You have a choice – a refund or a new flight.
In certain situations, you are also eligible for flight cancellation compensation. You are entitled to flight cancellation compensation from KLM if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, and the cancellation is due to the airline’s fault.
- You can opt for a refund.
- AND still receive compensation (if the flight meets the requirements).
Rights of Passengers in Case of Flight Overbooking/Denied Boarding with KLM
When passengers are unable to board a flight due to overbooking, they have the right to either receive a new flight or get their ticket cost refunded.
- A new flight or a complete refund.
- Denied boarding compensation (if you did not agree to volunteer your seat).
- Immediate compensation (if you choose to volunteer your seat and KLM offers immediate compensation to volunteers).
If you decide to volunteer (give up your seat), you cannot claim European denied boarding compensation. However, if you do not volunteer and are denied boarding, you are eligible for European denied boarding compensation.
You Have a Right to Care From KLM
In all these situations, you also have a right to care from KLM.
You are entitled to this right if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Every time you are made to wait longer than expected, this right applies.
- If you wait for three hours or more, you are entitled to meals, drinks, and a way to communicate (this can be via email, phone calls, or the Internet).
- If you need to stay overnight, you are entitled to free hotel accommodation.
Is KLM Covered by EU Regulation 261/2004?
Yes, KLM flights are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004.
This is because KLM is a European airline.
For non-European airlines, these regulations apply only to flights departing from European airports. For instance, when travelling with American Airlines, you are entitled to these rights only on flights originating from European countries.
Read more: Key Differences Between the Montreal Convention and EC261
Do you have more questions about European air passenger rights? Ask in the comments.