ryanm

My flight from AMS-LHR keeps getting delayed because of fog in London. Thing is, other carriers haven't had the same level of delay. The agents in lounge 52 keep insisting that it's "not possible"--never ever, in the entire history of aviation--to take bags off a flight (even one that's now not taking off for another two hours at least), which they'd need to to rebook me on another carrier.

Is this true just of KL? of AMS? Do I have any recourse here? My flight--KL 1009--is already more than 3 hours delayed, and it's getting to the point where I'm going to miss my appointment in London.

And just to forestall the comment: yes, I had to check a bag for this trip.

If it matters, this is the second leg of TXL-AMS-LHR.

Also if it matters, the ticket was purchased on DL but with KL flight numbers.

irishguy28

I have been quoted a fee of €225 per bag in order to have bags delivered at AMS when connecting there on a KL ticket (i.e. in similar circumstances to you, where bags are checked through to a final destination other than AMS).

It is possible, but they will probably insist on payment (or re-calculating the fare for the ticket you flew) if you insist on ending your journey "early" in Amsterdam and do not travel the booked itinerary.

I know it sucks - but what is your plan? Head over to the competition and book a walk-up ticket with them?

You're probably as well off waiting. LHR and LCY are fogbound.

ryanm

Thanks, irishguy28. As it turns out, for the time being waiting is all I can do, as the other flights I might have gotten on have either left, are full, or are cancelled. My flight--assuming it keeps to the 3 1/4 hour delay currently announced (which I don't believe)--currently is the next one out.

irishguy28

Fingers crossed.

Murphy's Law would kick in if you got your bag back, anyway - as soon as you'd offloaded yourself from the flight, it would start boarding, and the one you switched to would linger on for hours before being cancelled.

KLflyerRalph

If your delay would exceed 5 hours, you have the right to terminate your travel. Not sure what happens in that case with luggage and return flights if you were connecting.

mfkne

Remember, in AMS Thalys to Brussels + Eurostar are always an alternative. I resorted to that when I was stuck in LCY for 5 hours last year until BA finally cancelled the flight.