Despite best intentions, situations arise causing passengers to unexpectedly miss their KLM flight. This guide covers everything you need to know post-missed flight - from contacting KLM to change plans to setting up alerts to prevent future issues. Follow these steps to get back on track with minimal headaches when flights slip by.
Informing KLM After Missing Your Flight
First critical task when realising you will miss boarding is contacting KLM to update them on the changed plans:
- Call KLM reservations immediately
- Notify airport agent if already at the terminal
- Message KLM via website or social media apps
- Update flight status through KLM mobile app
Communicating missed flight details prompts the airline to temporarily hold your reservation to allow rebooking while avoiding unnecessary cancellation processing.
Potential Fees for Missing KLM Flights
Most airlines including KLM charge no-show fees if passengers fail to fly booked itineraries without advance notice. KLM’s missed flight policies are:
Short-Haul Flights:
First missed flight: No fees
Second missed flight: €200 euro fee per traveller
Long-Haul Flights:
- €200 euro fee per traveller including first missed flight
These rules apply specifically to KLM operated flights to/from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Regional KLM partner flights have separate change fee policies.
Use travel credits or contact KLM to request one-time courtesy waiver of these missed flight fees due to medical issues, family bereavements or other extenuating circumstances.
Rebooking Your KLM Flight Plans
When flights are missed, KLM aims to accommodate new arrangements:
- Refundable tickets: One free flight change allowed
- Non-refundable tickets: Rebook only same route; fare differences apply
- Award tickets: Call Flying Blue program for redeposit/rebook
KLM permits rebooking on the next available flight for original destination and routing when feasible. If unworkable, flexibility applies to related partner flights within 24 hours of first.
Refunding Missed Flight Tickets on KLM
Even missed flights may qualify for partial or full refunds if tickets went unused:
- Refundable fares: Full unused ticket value refunded
- Basic fares: Only eligible for unused taxes and addons
Submit refund applications via website or KLM reservations citing missed flight situation and any new booking details. Expect 7 business days processing.
Potential Reimbursement of Expenses from Missed Flights
Airlines don’t usually cover costs accrued due to missed flight delays since passengers bear on-time arrival duties. But in special situations, KLM may reimburse reasonable additional expenses if missed flight resulted from:
- Family illness/death
- Public transportation failure enroute to airport
- Connecting flight delays causing lateness
Present formal receipts and letters detailing circumstances for consideration. Outcomes are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Notification Settings to Prevent Future Missed Flights
Follow these protocols to sidestep future missed flight chaos:
✔ Enable push notifications for flights via KLM app
✔ Add schedule reminders in smartphone calendars
✔ Set multiple alarm clocks and timers as backup alerts
✔ Build ample connection times into itineraries
✔ Arrive airports early with delays buffers
✔ Add backup contacts to booking for notifications
✔ Routinely check flight statuses pre-departure
While missing flights cause inconveniences, understanding KLM policies minimises headaches. With flexibility, fee transparency, rebooking easability and some preventative digital organisation, this travel mishap can become just another misadventure for the journal! KLM strives for supportive service when plans go sideways.
