KLM Child / Infant Flight Compensation

KLM Infant flight compensation in Europe.

Are you flying with a baby? Can your baby get a compensation?

Infants deserve EU flight compensation just like adults do. Many people are unaware of that. Whether you’re travelling with a baby or an older child, it’s important to know your rights so you can claim the money you’re entitled to in case something goes wrong with your flight. The law protects everyone equally — also compensation amounts are the same for everyone.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. KLM Infant Flight Compensation / Child Compensation

Can babies get flight compensation for delays, cancellations, etc.? 

They can get up to 600 eur. In Europe everyone is equally protected.

Travelling with children can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to flight problems. To ensure your peace of mind during air travel with a small child, it is essential to remember that children are entitled to flight compensation if the flight experiences disruption. Same like adults.

It’s very straightforward for children aged two years old and above: as you are required to pay for their seat on the plane. Then it is only fair that they receive adequate compensation when something goes wrong. But what about lap infants?

While you don’t book a seat for an infant as they travel on their parent’s laps, the infant fee is still paid. So are they entitled to compensation from the airline if something goes wrong? The answer is yes — it doesn’t matter that it’s only a fraction of a full ticket price; compensation has to be paid in full if it’s due. 

According to the European law, if you paid any fee for your baby’s airfare and their flight was heavily delayed or canceled, then they are eligible to receive compensation from the airline. Infants and children are entitled to the same amount as adult passengers! 

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.

1.1 What Types of Compensation Kids Are Entitled To?

Your child is entitled to the same compensation type as you.

There are 3 main compensation types in Europe:

• Flight delay compensation;
• Flight cancellation compensation;
• Denied boarding compensation.

To gain a deeper understanding of these compensation types, simply click on the provided links. In all situations it is possible to get up to 600 euro per passenger.

1.2 Extraordinary Circumstances 

Just like it is with adults, kids are not entitled to compensation if it is a flight delay / flight cancellation due to extraordinary circumstances. 

In some cases, KLM cannot be held responsible for flight delays and cancellations caused by externalities such as severe weather conditions, natural disasters, airport security issues, terrorism threats and some strikes. Such situations are defined as ‘extraordinary circumstances’. That means that if your KLM flight is delayed due to any of these events then you would not be eligible for compensation from the airline.

Are airport strikes classified as extraordinary circumstances? Yes, if they are not involving the airline itself. Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim flight delay compensation in this situation.

One more thing to remember – airlines are not always telling the truth.

Airlines often use extraordinary circumstances as a way to get out of paying compensation to affected passengers. Even if a flight was not delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances. Don’t forget about this. Always double-check what you are told. And always ask for proof.

If this sounds like a hassle, work with a flight compensation company. They will check your flight and claim compensation on your behalf. Our partners offer such services.

Just fill in our claim form, and they will do that for you.

1.3 Right to Care

Just like adults, babies and kids are also entitled to care.

If you and your kids find yourself marooned at the airport, don’t despair; EC Regulation 261/2004 provides protection for passengers facing long delays, last-minute cancellations and denied boarding. If your wait time exceeds three hours at the airport terminal then airlines are obligated to provide care services.

If your KLM flight is delayed, the airline must provide you with complimentary meals and beverages in accordance to the hours of delay. 

Furthermore, two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes will be made available for your convenience. If an overnight stay is necessary due to a long wait time at the airport, accommodation along with transportation from and to said location are provided by KLM as part of their service.

Whole family can receive meals and a free hotel stay.

2. How to Claim Infant Flight Compensation?

As you have probably guessed, it’s up to you.

You – yourself – can claim compensation for all family members, including your baby. As long as you can provide passport copies and boarding passes of everyone you are claiming for. Apart from that, everyone older than 18 will have to sign the claim for themselves.

There are two ways to claim EU flight compensation.

One of the options is to contact KLM directly. Go to their website and submit your request. Keep in mind though it may take several months before any visible progress can be seen, so remain patient. You should also expect some negotiation with them too! Ask for proof if you don’t trust their judgment on something, like the reason of the delay or cancellation.

You can also take the easiest path — legal representation.

Our partners offer a comprehensive legal service for all those seeking European flight compensation. With just one simple form, you can kickstart your claim and have the entire process handled by experienced professionals. They are a flight compensation company.

No more stressing over paperwork – leave that to professionals!

2.1 How Long Does It Take?

Most people get the money after a few months.

Although the time it takes to receive flight compensation can vary from two months up to several, most people typically get theirs within a few. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that some airlines are known for their lack of responsiveness and denying claims without reasonable cause. If that’s the case, it might be necessary to work with a national enforcement body, or even take your case to court. Such situations add on the total time.

3. How Much Your Child/Baby Can Get?

Your baby is entitled to compensation of up to €600.

Just like you. Because children get the same amount of compensation as their parents. In Europe, the amount depends on the flight distance.

Here’s how you can calculate compensation amount.

There’s one exception. When the distance is 3500 kilometres or more and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later, you are entitled to compensation of €300, not €600. If the delay is longer than 4 hours, you will get full compensation of €600.

If you are a family of four, and the distance of your flight is more than 3500 kilometres (and your flight is eligible for compensation), you will get €600 x 4. Yes, you will get €2400 in compensation.

3.1 KLM Voucher Refund or Cash?

You may be presented with a voucher as an alternative to monetary compensation.

Many airlines persistently use vouchers in lieu of money transfers, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID pandemic, since it is more cost-effective for them. However, you are not obligated to accept this offer; airline compensation must always be paid out via cash or bank transfer. 

KLM Child / Infant Flight Compensation: FAQ

EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists

Other Situations

Are you claiming compensation for your baby? Do you have questions about infant flight compensation? Ask in the comments.

Featured photo by Violetta from Pixabay