KLM refund for cancellation.
Are you eligible to it? What are the rules? How to change KLM voucher to cash?
What happens if a flight is cancelled? In this case it doesn’t even depend on KLM refund policy, but European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 it has to follow. To put it simply, this regulation tells what exactly airlines in Europe has to do when they cancel any of their flights, and also what are passenger rights when flight is cancelled.
KLM Refund For Cancellation
There are two possible scenarios.
So, let’s start with a question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s fault of KLM).
If your flight is cancelled no more than 14 days before the trip, this is what you are eligible to. In this case KLM must offer you a choice between a new flight to your destination and a full refund. You have the right to choose what suits you the best. If the cancellation is due to their fault, you are also eligible to KLM flight cancellation compensation.
Both refund and compensation must be paid to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You can get: Refund or new flight to your destination.
No compensation is due if the cancellation has happened more than 14 days before the trip. However, you still have the right to refund, if that’s what you want not another flight. KLM must give you such a choice, and you have the right to choose an option that suits you the best.
Your KLM refund should be paid within 7 days.
Contact the airline to check your KLM refund request status.
KLM Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
1. If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
If you are flying with KLM, and it’s a flight from or to Europe, then yes.
In this case you can choose to have a refund instead of a new flight, but you can’t get both. You can, however, get both a refund or new flight and KLM compensation — if your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the trip and it’s fault of KLM.
2. KLM Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if KLM is offering you a voucher instead of compensation?
Most airlines were offering coupons during COVID crisis, many do that regularly. Do you have to accept a KLM compensation voucher, or can you say no? You can definitely say no — you don’t have to accept a voucher. Airline compensation and refunds have to be paid in cash or by bank transfer. Always. That’s the rules in the European Union (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004).
Have you already been given a voucher?
Ask KLM to exchange travel voucher to cash.
3. KLM Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
Don’t give up.
Remind them that it’s their obligation, and refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8. If nothing helps, contact national enforcement body in the country your flight is from.
4. Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
There are situations when you can get both.
If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before the trip and it’s fault of KLM, you may choose to have a full refund and you will also get compensation KLM owes you in such situations. The best part is that, if you choose, both your KLM flight cancellation refund and compensation will be paid to your bank account — you don’t have to accept coupons or voucher. In case you have already been issued one, ask KLM for cash refund instead of voucher, they will do an exchange.
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.