Can "apply" for a refund on a KLM fare - is it guaranteed to be refundable?
Jun 12, 2020, 10:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Programs: Silver Level: DL, Non-Elite: AS, UA, AA, WN
Posts: 745
Can "apply" for a refund on a KLM fare - is it guaranteed to be refundable?
I went onto KLM.com after hearing about some specially scheduled KLM is running from South Africa that I'm interested in, but they're crazy expensive though at $1,500 one-way. I'm thinking of making a reservation for the flight cause the site suggests it's refundable.
This is the language:
I'm worried about the idea that one has to "apply" for a refund? Does that mean that if I ask for it, that'll be automatically granted or are there some sort of caveats that I'm not aware of?
Any clarifications from someone who's more familiar on how KLM does this would be really helpful.
Thanks!
This is the language:
Changes before the trip
You can change your ticket before your first outbound flight at no cost to the same or a higher fare type.
Changes after the trip
You can change your ticket after your first outbound flight at no cost to the same or a higher fare type.
Refund before the trip
Before the departure of your first outbound flight, you can apply for a refund at no extra costs if you cancel your flight.
Refund after the trip
After the departure of your first outbound flight, you can apply for a refund at no extra costs if you cancel your flight.
You can change your ticket before your first outbound flight at no cost to the same or a higher fare type.
Changes after the trip
You can change your ticket after your first outbound flight at no cost to the same or a higher fare type.
Refund before the trip
Before the departure of your first outbound flight, you can apply for a refund at no extra costs if you cancel your flight.
Refund after the trip
After the departure of your first outbound flight, you can apply for a refund at no extra costs if you cancel your flight.
Any clarifications from someone who's more familiar on how KLM does this would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Jun 12, 2020, 11:10 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,714
What you have quoted is not the full, detailed fare rules.
Without seeing the actual detailed fare rules, no-one can guarantee you anything.
And don't put too much store in what the website says. It also promises full meals, snacks, drinks a plenty - none of which is currently the case.
Given that you say this is a "special schedule", then all bets are off regarding what the fare rules will be.
However, I would indeed say that you are right to show caution - there is at least a chance that you would be charged something to cancel. I would advise, as always, NOT buying at ticket until you know you actually will be travelling.
At those prices, I can see no reason why you would actually want to buy the ticket right now.
Better safe than sorry. Only buy a ticket when you know you have to travel.
Without seeing the actual detailed fare rules, no-one can guarantee you anything.
And don't put too much store in what the website says. It also promises full meals, snacks, drinks a plenty - none of which is currently the case.
Given that you say this is a "special schedule", then all bets are off regarding what the fare rules will be.
However, I would indeed say that you are right to show caution - there is at least a chance that you would be charged something to cancel. I would advise, as always, NOT buying at ticket until you know you actually will be travelling.
At those prices, I can see no reason why you would actually want to buy the ticket right now.
Better safe than sorry. Only buy a ticket when you know you have to travel.
Jun 12, 2020, 11:58 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MME (midway between NCL and LBA)
Programs: BA Gold, AF/KL Gold, Hilton Gold, Nordic Choice Gold
Posts: 743
I went onto KLM.com after hearing about some specially scheduled KLM is running from South Africa that I'm interested in, but they're crazy expensive though at $1,500 one-way. I'm thinking of making a reservation for the flight cause the site suggests it's refundable.
This is the language:
I'm worried about the idea that one has to "apply" for a refund? Does that mean that if I ask for it, that'll be automatically granted or are there some sort of caveats that I'm not aware of?
Any clarifications from someone who's more familiar on how KLM does this would be really helpful.
Thanks!
This is the language:
I'm worried about the idea that one has to "apply" for a refund? Does that mean that if I ask for it, that'll be automatically granted or are there some sort of caveats that I'm not aware of?
Any clarifications from someone who's more familiar on how KLM does this would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Jun 12, 2020, 2:11 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Johan
Jun 12, 2020, 3:59 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Programs: Silver Level: DL, Non-Elite: AS, UA, AA, WN
Posts: 745
As far as only purchasing tickets I intend to fly, that's usually great advice but without regular service these things can and do easily get sold out. The last flight from JNB on 14 June on KLM lasted barely 6 hours before selling out and before that one I hadn't seen a JNB-KBP itinerary on a single ticket for sale for the last 3 months. I'm hoping to get something a bit cheaper as things begin opening up, but that's not a guarantee.