AMSTERDAM - The Consumers Union is taking KLM to court because of the no-show policy of the airline. KLM would unlawfully charge travelers for this.

The Consumers' Union was in discussion with KLM about the policy, but the union now says that nothing has come out of it.

Several airlines use a so-called no-show clause for tickets that consist of different parts, for example a return flight or a round trip with various flights.

When a passenger does not show up for a part, the ticket is no longer valid for the rest of the journey. If the passenger still wants to make use of it, he or she must pay a hefty surcharge or even buy a completely new ticket. According to the Consumers Association, this payment can go up to 250 euros.

Director of the Consumers' Association Bart Combée says in a statement that clause is unacceptable. "The balance between what airline companies and consumers have to do is completely skewed, and passengers will be punished financially if they have not been on the plane seat that they have paid for whatever reason."

If it is up to the interest organization, the ban on the clause will be included in European legislation. "The handling of these passenger rights has been stalled for years," says Combée.

"Now you are forced to bring the case to court with each airline company, and it is not sure that if you win in the Netherlands, the airline also adjusts its conditions for travelers from other countries," said the director.