Hundreds of bags remain at Schiphol; 600 file flight compensation claims

Hundreds of suitcases remain at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport following widespread flight disruptions caused by snow and strong winds last week, as travelers affected by cancellations begin filing compensation claims. Airlines and ground handlers are working to deliver the luggage to its rightful owners. At the same time, EUclaim said it has received nearly 600 reimbursement requests from passengers affected by last week’s Schiphol cancellations.

A Schiphol spokesperson estimated the number of remaining bags in the hundreds but could not provide an exact count. "When all the luggage will be cleared, I cannot say. That is up to the airlines and handlers," the spokesperson said.

Last week, thousands of flights were canceled daily due to the winter weather, with KLM canceling the most. Many passengers’ suitcases were delayed, leaving some stranded at the airport. KLM acknowledged that more luggage than usual remained behind but said the issue has nearly been resolved.

Most of the luggage left at Schiphol last week has been delivered to the passenger or their destination. In the latter case, the baggage is being delivered by local handlers," a company spokeswoman said.

This follows a similar incident shortly before Christmas, when a malfunction in part of Schiphol’s baggage system left an estimated 20,000 suitcases behind, taking several days to send to passengers. Air traffic at Schiphol has returned to its regular schedule.

EUclaim, a passenger claims organization, reported that as of Monday, it had received nearly 600 requests for reimbursement from travelers whose flights to or from Schiphol were canceled last week. A spokesman said the claims involve requests for expenses such as meals or hotel stays, but fixed compensation for time lost is generally not granted because the extreme weather is considered force majeure.

KLM confirmed it provided information to passengers on how to claim reimbursement for unexpected expenses but declined to comment on the number of requests received. EUclaim noted that a small number of claims, such as one for an easyJet flight from London to Amsterdam that was canceled and rescheduled a week later, may qualify for fixed compensation, which the airline disputes.

EasyJet said passengers affected by weather-related cancellations are offered refunds, rebookings, or reimbursement for comparable alternative travel, but standard compensation does not apply in these circumstances.