Under unexpected conditions, sometimes KLM flight changes may be required. Whether it is a sudden meeting, a personal emergency, or just the desire to change your travel plans, it is important to understand the policies of KLM. The ability to meet KLM flight changes and whether it purchases fees to a great extent, depending on the type of ticket you purchased.
How can the travelers complete their KLM Flight change?
Travellers have several convenient methods to complete their KLM Flight change:
- Online through "my journey": This is often the fastest and most preferred way.
- Go to the official website of KLM (klm.com) and navigate the "My Travel" section.
- Enter your 6-sector booking code and your last name.
- Once your booking is recovered, see the option of "flight change" or "re-book".
- Follow on-screen signals to select new date, time or even destinations. The system will display any applied change fee and fare difference before confirming you.
- Through KLM app: Fly KLM Mobile App provides equal functionality to the website for booking and changing your booking.
- By phone: For more complex changes, if the online options are not available for your specific tickets, or if you like to talk to a representative, call KLM customer service to +1-888-447-6169. Be prepared with your booking details.
- Through a travel agent: If your original booking was created through a travel agency or third-party website, it is usually best to contact them directly, as they manage your reservation.
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What is the KLM Flight change policy that all travelers must know about?
The KLM Flight change policy is primarily governed by the fare conditions of your ticket, which fall into categories like Light, Standard, and Flex.
- Light tickets: These are usually the most restrictive and, in many cases, do not allow changes. For intercontinental flights (except for Europe to America, Canada, Mexico, or Papeete), a change may be possible for a significant fee (eg, EUR 200) and any fare difference. For flights within Europe, changes are usually not allowed for light tickets.
- Standard tickets: These provide more flexibility. You can usually change your flight for a certain change fee (eg, EUR 70 for flights within Europe, EUR 200 for Intercontinental Flights) as well as no fare difference between its original and new fare.
- Flex ticket: These provide the highest level of flexibility. Changes are usually allowed without a certain change fee, although you will still need to pay any difference when the new fare is high. If the new fare is low, you usually receive a voucher for the remaining price.
- Business Class: Most business class tickets (standard and flex) allow changes without change fees, only a fare difference is in force. Light business class tickets can still be obtained a fee (eg, EUR 300).
When can the travellers not pay any fee for flight change?
Travellers can avoid paying a fixed change fee for their KLM Flight change in specific scenarios:
- 24-hour rule: If you change flight KLM airlines within 24 hours of the original booking time, you are usually free from a change fee, provided that the booking has been done at least 7 days before the departure. You will only pay any fare difference.
- Flex rent: If you bought a "flex" ticket (Economy Flex, Premium Comfort Flex Flex), these fares are designed to offer flexibility, which allows changes without a certain fee. A fare difference, if applicable, will still be charged.
- Changes launched by the airline: If KLM cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change (eg, 3 hours or more delays), then you are usually entitled to an alternative flight or a free rebooking for full return, regardless of your ticket type.
- Medal Status: Elite members of Flying Blue Program (KLM's loyalty program) may waive some change fees based on their status level.
Related Blog: Can I cancel my KLM flight and get a refund?
Do KLM Airlines refund the entire amount for change of flight?
KLM Airlines does not typically refund the entire original amount for a voluntary KLM Flight change unless you have a fully refundable "Flex" ticket and the new flight is cheaper, in which case you might receive a voucher for the difference.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive than your original ticket, you will always pay the difference in fare.
- No return for cheap fare (voluntary change): If you voluntarily turn into an inexpensive flight and your original ticket was not fully returned "flex", KLM usually does not usually return the fare difference. Instead, you will seize that part of the original rent.
- Returnable tickets: For flakes that are also returnable for flex tickets, if you cancel instead of changes, you may be eligible for refunds.
What is the procedure of KLM Airlines flight change?
The procedure for a KLM Flight change typically involves these steps:
- Use your booking: Go to "My Travel" on klm.com or KLM app.
- Enter the details: Input your booking code (PNR) and the last name.
- Review Options: System will show your current journey program and options to change your flight based on your ticket fare rules. If you have already checked, you may have to cancel the first check-in.
- Select the new flight: browse and choose your desired new flight date, time or destination.
- Review fees and fare differences: Before confirming, the system will clearly display any applied change fee and difference in fare.
- Confirm and pay: If you agree with the fees, proceed to confirm the change and make any required payment.
- Get confirmation: You will receive an updated journey program via email.
If at any point you encounter difficulties or have questions, calling KLM customer service at +1-888-447-6169 can provide valuable assistance.