# KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Denied Boarding Issue – What to Do? Denied boarding on KLM Airlines? Call +1-888-760-1051 for immediate assistance now. Know your rights, claim compensation, or rebook. Being denied boarding on a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight can be an unexpected and frustrating experience, especially if you’ve planned your travel well in advance. Whether it’s due to overbooking, missing documents, or a last-minute change in aircraft, passengers have rights when facing this situation. As KLM is a European carrier, it is bound by **EU Regulation 261/2004**, which provides specific protections and compensations for travelers affected by denied boarding, flight delays, and cancellations. This article will explain why denied boarding happens, differentiate between voluntary and involuntary denial, explore your rights as a passenger, and guide you through the steps you should take if KLM denies you boarding. --- ### **What Does Denied Boarding Mean?** Denied boarding happens when an airline refuses to allow a passenger to board a flight, even when they: * Hold a valid ticket * Have checked in on time * Arrived at the gate before the boarding deadline * Meet all the required travel and health documentation Denied boarding may occur for several reasons, some of which are within your control and others that are not. --- ### **Why KLM May Deny You Boarding** There are multiple reasons why KLM might prevent you from boarding a flight: #### **1. Overbooking** This is the most common reason. Airlines overbook flights to compensate for expected no-shows. If too many passengers show up, some may be bumped. #### **2. Invalid Travel Documents** If your passport has expired, you lack the appropriate visa, or your travel documents are incomplete, KLM can deny you boarding. #### **3. Health or Security Concerns** If a passenger is disruptive, appears intoxicated, or poses a health risk, the airline can refuse to allow them to board. #### **4. Aircraft Changes or Technical Issues** Operational changes such as switching to a smaller aircraft may reduce the number of available seats, causing some passengers to be left behind. #### **5. Late Arrival at Gate** Even with a valid ticket, arriving late at the boarding gate can lead to denied boarding. --- ### **Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding** When facing an overbooked flight, KLM may first ask for **volunteers** to give up their seats in exchange for benefits like compensation, travel vouchers, or rebooking. This is **voluntary denied boarding**. If no one volunteers, KLM will proceed to **involuntary denied boarding**, selecting passengers to be denied based on certain criteria (e.g., check-in time, fare type, frequent flyer status). In these cases, EU law ensures you have rights and may be eligible for **monetary compensation and assistance**. --- ### **Your Rights Under EU Regulation 261/2004** Since KLM is an EU-based airline, the rights of passengers are governed by **EU Regulation 261/2004**, regardless of your nationality or destination, as long as: * Your flight departs from any EU/EEA country **OR** * Your flight arrives in the EU/EEA and is operated by an EU airline (KLM qualifies) If you are involuntarily denied boarding, KLM must provide: #### **1. Monetary Compensation** * **€250** for flights up to 1,500 km * **€400** for flights within the EU over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km * **€600** for flights over 3,500 km *Note*: Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the delay at the final destination is less than 2 to 4 hours, depending on the distance. #### **2. Choice Between Refund or Rebooking** You can choose one of the following: * **Full refund** of the ticket price for the unused portion of the trip * **Re-routing** to your final destination at the earliest opportunity * **Rebooking** for a later date of your choice (subject to seat availability) #### **3. Right to Assistance** While you wait for a rebooked flight, KLM must provide: * Meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time * Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required * Transportation between the hotel and airport * Two free phone calls, faxes, or emails --- ### **What to Do If KLM Denies You Boarding** If you're denied boarding by KLM, here’s what you should do to ensure your rights are upheld: #### **1. Request a Written Statement** Ask the gate staff for a written explanation of the denial. It helps when filing for compensation. #### **2. Get a Copy of Your Passenger Rights** KLM must provide a document explaining your rights under EU law (Regulation 261/2004). Request it if it’s not offered. #### **3. Keep All Documents** Save your boarding pass, booking confirmation, email correspondence, and any receipts for food, accommodation, or transport costs incurred due to the incident. #### **4. Submit a Compensation Claim** Visit the [official KLM website](https://www.klm.com) and navigate to the customer service section to submit your denied boarding claim. Provide all necessary documentation and details. #### **5. Escalate If Necessary** If KLM fails to respond within a reasonable time or denies your claim unfairly: * File a complaint with the **Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport)** * Use a flight compensation agency * Consider legal action through small claims court --- ### **Tips to Avoid Denied Boarding in the Future** While not all instances are preventable, here are a few ways to reduce your chances of being denied boarding: * **Check in early** and arrive at the gate well before boarding closes * **Pre-select your seat** whenever possible * **Join KLM’s Flying Blue program** – Loyalty members may receive priority in overbooked situations * **Double-check all travel documents** before heading to the airport * **Stay informed** with real-time flight updates via the KLM app --- ### **Need Help? Contact KLM** If you’ve been denied boarding and want to speak with KLM’s customer support directly: * **Phone (U.S./Canada)**: +1‑833‑341‑3894 * **Website**: [https://www.klm.com](https://www.klm.com) * **Social Media**: KLM is responsive on Twitter (@KLM) and Facebook Messenger