AMSTERDAM- Hundreds of baggage remain at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) after snow and strong winds forced mass flight cancellations last week.
Airlines, including KLM (KL), are continuing efforts to deliver delayed baggage to affected passengers.
The disruption has also triggered a surge in passenger claims, with nearly 600 reimbursement requests linked to canceled flights to and from Amsterdam and other routes such as London.
According to NL Times, most claims relate to out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the delays.
Schiphol Unclaimed Baggage Delays
Severe winter conditions last week led to the cancellation of thousands of flights each day at Schiphol, significantly disrupting baggage handling operations.
KLM canceled the highest number of flights during this period, leaving many passengers separated from their luggage and, in some cases, stranded at the airport.
A Schiphol spokesperson confirmed that the number of remaining bags is still in the hundreds but declined to provide an exact figure.
The spokesperson stated that airlines and ground handling companies, rather than the airport, determine when they will clear all luggage, making the exact timing unclear.
KLM acknowledged that the weather disruption left behind more baggage than usual but said it has now nearly resolved the issue.
The airline stated that it has already delivered most delayed luggage directly to passengers or forwarded it to their destination airports, where local handling agents complete the final delivery.
Compensation Claims
Passenger claims organization EUclaim reported that, as of Monday, it had received close to 600 reimbursement requests related to last week’s cancellations at Schiphol.
A spokesperson explained that the majority of claims concern expenses such as meals, hotel stays, and alternative transport.
Under European Union regulations, fixed compensation for delays or cancellations is generally not granted when flights are disrupted by extraordinary circumstances.
EUclaim noted that extreme winter weather is typically classified as force majeure, limiting eligibility for standard compensation.
However, a small number of cases may still qualify depending on individual circumstances.
KLM confirmed it provided passengers with guidance on how to claim reimbursement for unexpected expenses but declined to comment on the total number of requests it has received.
EUclaim highlighted that it is disputing some claims, including a case involving easyJet (U2), where the airline canceled a flight from London to Amsterdam and rescheduled it a week later.
EUclaim considers such cases potentially eligible for fixed compensation, a position the airline contests.
EasyJet stated that it offers affected passengers refunds, rebooking options, or reimbursement for comparable alternative travel when weather-related cancellations occur.
The airline emphasized that it does not provide standard delay compensation when severe weather beyond its control causes cancellations.
Schiphol has resumed regular air traffic operations, although staff are continuing baggage recovery efforts until they return all remaining luggage to passengers.
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