KLM Flight Change Policy

KLM’s Business Class flight change policy varies depending on the fare type (Light, Standard, or Flex) and ticket conditions. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Key Points of KLM Business Class Flight Change Policy

24-Hour Risk-Free Period: If you book directly through KLM’s website, app, or customer service, you can change your Business Class ticket without fees within 24 hours of booking, provided the booking was made at least seven days before departure. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.

Fare Type Flexibility:

• Light Ticket: Changes are permitted but incur a fee of €300 (approximately $320), plus any fare difference if the new flight costs more.
• Standard Ticket: Changes are allowed without a fee, but you must pay any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
• Flex Ticket: Offers maximum flexibility, allowing changes without a fee, though fare differences may apply.

Change Fees:

• After the 24-hour window, change fees depend on the fare type and route. For Light tickets, the fee is €300, while Standard and Flex tickets typically have no change fee, only fare differences.
• For tickets issued in certain regions (e.g., Chile), an additional service fee of $20–$40 may apply for changes made via KLM’s Customer Contact Centre, ticket office, or airport.
• If you booked through a travel agency, a service fee of approximately $35 may apply for changes.

Same-Day Changes: Business Class passengers can change to another flight on the same day without fees, subject to seat availability and fare conditions. This applies only to direct flights and must be requested before departure.

Fare Differences: If the new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference. If it’s cheaper, you may receive a refund or voucher for the difference, depending on the ticket conditions.

How to Change:

• Online: Log into “My Trip” on KLM’s website or app, cancel check-in if already completed, and select “Change flights” to choose a new date, time, or destination. Any fees or fare differences will be displayed.
• Offline: Visit a ticket office, or make changes at the airport. Additional service fees may apply for offline changes.
• Travel Agents: If booked through an agency, contact them directly for changes.
• Flying Blue Award Tickets: Changes to reward tickets must be made through Flying Blue customer service and may incur a fee of approximately €50 ($53).

Airline-Initiated Changes: If KLM cancels or significantly changes your flight, you can rebook to the next available flight in the same travel class at no extra cost. If no suitable alternative is available, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (for flights departing from or arriving in the EU).

Extra Options: If you booked extras (e.g., seats or meals), KLM will attempt to transfer them to the new flight. If unavailable or more expensive, you may need to pay the difference or request a refund for the original extras. If cheaper, you’ll receive a voucher for the difference.

Restrictions:

• Changes are only allowed for tickets issued by KLM (ticket number starting with 074), Air France (057), or Delta Air Lines (006).
• Light fares may have stricter conditions, and some promotional or award tickets may not be changeable.
• For codeshare flights, the operating carrier’s policy may apply.
• Name changes are not permitted, but minor corrections (up to three characters) are free within 24 hours.

Adding Flexibility: When booking, you can add “Flexibility” to Light or Standard tickets for intra-European flights, allowing up to three changes without a fee. This option is not available for all routes.

Additional Notes

• SkyPriority Benefits: Business Class passengers receive SkyPriority services, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, which can facilitate smoother changes at the airport.
• EU Regulations: For flights within or to/from the EU, passengers may be eligible for compensation (e.g., €600 for long-haul cancellations) if KLM cancels or delays a flight significantly, under EU 261/2004.
• Customer Experiences: A Tripadvisor post mentioned a passenger facing a £60 per person per flight change fee for a medical reason, suggesting KLM may waive fees in exceptional cases (e.g., with a doctor’s affidavit), though this is not guaranteed.