Missed your connecting KLM flight due to a delay or cancellation?
If your connecting KLM flight was missed because of a delay or cancellation, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This applies even if you were offered a rebooking, voucher, or refund your rights go beyond basic reimbursement, and you can still submit a flight compensation claim if certain conditions are met.
What is a missed connection compensation?
A missed connection occurs when your initial KLM flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, preventing you from catching your next flight even if you arrived at the airport on time.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be eligible for KLM missed connection compensation if:
- Both flights were booked under a single reservation
- You arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours later than planned
- The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances
What are considered extraordinary circumstances according to KLM?
KLM can refuse to pay compensation if the cause was beyond their control. These are considered extraordinary circumstances.
Examples include:
- Air traffic control strikes (non-airline staff)
- Severe weather (storms, snow, hurricanes)
- Natural disasters (volcanic ash, floods)
- Political unrest or security threats
Not considered extraordinary:
- Technical problems with the aircraft
- Crew shortages or scheduling errors
- Operational failures or staffing problems
What are my rights under EU 261/2004?
If you miss a KLM connection due to a qualifying disruption, EU law grants you:
- Financial compensation up to €600
- Rebooking or reimbursement at no extra cost
- Right to care (meals, accommodation, transport) during delays
- Information about your passenger rights
Applies to KLM flights that:
- Depart from an EU airport
- Arrive in the EU and are operated by KLM (EU-based airline)
Does KLM pay missed flight compensation voluntarily?
In most cases, KLM does not automatically pay compensation for missed connections. The airline may:
- Avoid proactively informing passengers about their rights.
- Offer travel vouchers instead of cash compensation.
- Claim “extraordinary circumstances” to reject valid KLM compensation for missed connection claims.
We specialise in challenging these denials. Our legal team handles every step of the process from the initial flight claim submission to possible legal action ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
✅ 90% success rate
✅ Legal team ready to act
✅ No upfront fees
Tip: Even if KLM rebooked your onward flight or provided alternative transport, you may still be entitled to additional monetary compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Not sure if you're still eligible? Check compensation →
More about KLM
Founded on 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. As the flag carrier of the Netherlands, it has been central to shaping European and global aviation, building an extensive network from its base at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In 2004, KLM merged with Air France to form the Air France–KLM Group, one of the largest airline alliances in the world, while retaining its own branding and operational identity. Over the decades, KLM has been recognized for innovation in fleet modernization, sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, and customer service—balancing its heritage with forward-looking strategies. Its century-long journey reflects both the glamour and the challenges of the airline industry, from pioneering long-haul routes to navigating modern-day disruptions and evolving passenger rights.
In 2025, it recorded the second-highest number of flight cancellations in Europe, with 2,760 flights (2.04%) scrapped between January and May—only behind Finnair’s rate of 3.35%. KLM also ranked as the fifth-worst airline in Europe overall per the Flightright index—underperforming in reliability and customer satisfaction, though it fared well on compensation payouts. On the delays front, data shows that KLM delays ~26.1% of its flights daily, placing it among the global leaders for frequency of delays. Schiphol Airport, KLM’s main hub, frequently emerges among Europe’s most disrupted airports—on one notable occasion, 54 KLM flights were delayed and four cancelled in a single event. These trends—rooted in staffing shortages, IT outages, and high airport charges—underscore KLM’s vulnerability to systemic challenges, leading to mounting operational pressures and eroding punctuality.
How much can you claim for a missed KLM connection?
Compensation depends on your flight distance.
You may also claim expenses for food, accommodation, and transport.
250€
Up to 1500 km
400€
From 1500 km to 3500 km
600€
More than 3500 km
How to claim KLM Missed Connection Compensation
Step 1: Complete the Missed Connection Claim Form
Enter your departure airport and final destination. Make sure to indicate if your booking included one or more connecting flights.
Step 2: Add Your Disruption Details
- Select the type of disruption (missed connection, delay, or cancellation).
- Enter both the scheduled and actual arrival times.
- Provide any known cause of the disruption can help strengthen your claim.
Step 3: Submit and Let Us Handle the Rest
Once you submit your claim, we’ll:
- Analyse your case in detail.
- Contact KLM on your behalf.
- Manage all the paperwork and legal steps at no upfront cost to you.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from flight cancellations and missed flights to flight delays and overbooking ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to under EU261 regulations, including reimbursement for alternative transport or additional expenses when applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions About KLM Missed Connection Compensation
Yes, from your children to your work coleagues, all might be entitled to a compensation of up to 600€. Just fill their information in the form.
Airlines have the ability to complicate compensation claims, delaying or rejecting them and making the process irritating. We can help with that. We take care of all the paperwork, discussions, and even court appearances, saving you the trouble. Our professionals maximize your chances of winning because they are experienced in air passenger rights laws. Additionally, we don't charge a service fee until we are successful in getting you paid.
Yes, EU261 protections apply based on where your flight departed and whether you were flying with an EU-based airline, not on your citizenship.
If your missed connection was due to a delay or cancellation, you may still be eligible. See our guide on flight cancellation compensation for more details.