KLM offers a distinctly Dutch experience that’s worth considering for your next flight. As a frequent passenger living in Amsterdam (KLM’s headquarters), I’ve come to appreciate the airline’s reliable service across cabin classes and destinations. Here’s what you need to know, plus insider tips from someone who flies them regularly.
Why should you consider KLM?
KLM operates an extensive global network, including transatlantic flights to North America and numerous routes across Africa and Asia. The fares aren’t the cheapest, but in my opinion, the reliable service, well-appointed cabins and professional flight attendants make it worth the extra money. The airline also offers extras that set it apart, like complimentary snacks and drinks on European routes.
As the oldest airline still operating under its original name (yep, for over a century), they’ve had some time to figure things out. You’re in good hands with one of the world’s well-regarded and safest airlines.
KLM also offers some nice extras that set it apart from competitors. On my birthday and Mother’s Day, I was pleasantly surprised to find vouchers from KLM in my email inbox.
KLM fare classes and pricing
KLM’s fare structure has two layers: cabin class (Economy, Premium Comfort, or Business Class) and pricing tier (Light, Standard, or Flex). Premium Comfort offers more space and luxury than Economy at lower prices than World Business Class, while Business Class runs significantly more than Economy. Within each cabin, the pricing tiers determine what’s included, like change fees, seat selection, and checked bags.
Keep in mind that when searching for flights online, the Light fare is officially designated as the fare that “offers the customer the lowest available price” for Economy Class travel. Once you choose a specific flight, you’ll see the more expensive options.
From my experience, it’s usually worth it to spend a little extra for Standard, unless you’re traveling extremely light (as in, your bag can fit under the seat in front of you) and don’t mind sitting in the middle seat.
KLM loyalty programs and miles booking
Flying Blue is the joint loyalty program of KLM and Air France, and it’s free to join. As you accumulate miles and Experience Points (XPs), you’ll achieve status tiers (Explorer for entry-level members, then Silver, Gold or Platinum) that unlock perks like free seat selection and priority boarding. You can book flights with cash, miles, or partner miles from programs like Delta SkyMiles.
If you’re planning an upcoming trip, keep an eye on the KLM booking website. The carrier releases monthly “Promo Rewards” that discount award tickets, with recent promotions offering transatlantic Business Class seats starting from as low as 45,000 miles.
KLM Economy
KLM’s Economy cabin is on par with most Europe-based major carriers: efficient and mostly comfortable, if not memorable. Standard and Flex tickets include one checked bag (up to 23 kg or about 50 pounds), while seats vary by aircraft (the Boeing 777-300ER features a 3-4-3 layout, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has a 3-3-3 layout, the Airbus A330 uses a 2-4-2 layout, the Boeing 737-800 is arranged in 3-3 and the Embraer 195-E2 features a 2-2 configuration).
Pro tip: Some long-haul routes have several rows of two seats toward the back of the aircraft. The Airbus A330 features two-seat rows by the windows throughout the cabin, while the Boeing 777-300ER typically tapers to pairs in the rear rows. If you don’t mind the additional foot traffic heading to the lavatory and being among the last to deboard, these seats can offer additional privacy for two passengers.
KLM Premium Comfort
KLM’s newest cabin class, Premium Comfort, is a solid option if you’re looking for a more refined experience than Economy without the Business Class price tag. I’ve flown it several times, and it can make all the difference in feeling more refreshed after a long flight.
Premium Comfort Standard and Flex tickets include two checked bags (up to 23 kg or about 50 pounds each), free seat selection (which saves significant money when traveling with family, like I do) and access to the SkyPriority security line (where available). That last perk can be a lifesaver at busy hubs like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Note that Light tickets in Premium Comfort don’t include checked baggage and may require a fee for seat selection.
A heads-up for parents traveling with young children: armrests in the Premium Comfort cabin are fixed, which means they don’t move up. Since many young kids (like mine) like to stretch out horizontally while they sleep, this can make getting some shuteye trickier for little ones.
Premium Comfort is available on all Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft on intercontinental routes. You can enjoy this cabin on flights to popular destinations throughout KLM’s network, including New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto, and Calgary.
KLM European Business Class
KLM’s Business Class offers two distinct experiences: World Business Class for flights outside Europe, and the aptly named European Business Class for flights within Europe. As with some other carriers, Business Class within Europe doesn’t offer much of an upgrade.
You’ll get some of the requisite perks, like lounge access through SkyPriority. Meal service depends on flight duration—very short flights receive a sandwich or pastry, most European flights feature a cold “deluxe meal box” with appetizer, salad, and dessert, and longer European flights add a warm sandwich or hot snack to the box. But for the most part, these slightly larger seats aren’t a noticeable step up from economy. The biggest difference is that on rows of three, the middle seat is kept empty (on Cityhopper flights with rows of two, there’s no middle seat anyway). In my experience, the only time the splurge might be worth it is for the lounge access on flights with long layovers.
Keep in mind that, like all other fare categories, KLM Business Class also has different pricing tiers. Both Standard and Flex tickets come with two checked bags (up to 32 kg each) but Light tickets only come with one (up to 32 kg).
KLM World Business Class
On long-haul routes, KLM really shines with its recently completed World Business Class cabin upgrade. It’s the kind of experience that makes flying enjoyable, which can justify the cost (or miles transfer). My advice: If you can afford it (or expense it), book that business class ticket.
Business Class Standard and Flex tickets come with lounge access, while Light passengers are excluded from complimentary access (though it may be purchased). Passengers traveling through Amsterdam Schiphol should take advantage of the two KLM Crown Lounges: the Schengen Crown Lounge (Lounge 25) and the Non-Schengen Crown Lounge (Lounge 52). I’ve spent plenty of time in both, and though they can become crowded, they still offer a far more relaxing experience than Schiphol’s jam-packed public spaces. The Non-Schengen lounge features two levels, with the upstairs “Sky” zone housing the Blue Bar and Blue Restaurant.
On board, the upscale experience continues with KLM’s completed upgrade across its entire Boeing 777 fleet. The new World Business Class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, guaranteeing direct aisle access for every passenger. A lightweight sliding door adds privacy, and I especially love that all seats have direct aisle access, which is appreciated by passengers (like me) who like to frequently stretch their legs. Entertainment comes on 16-18 inch screens.
Wi-Fi and on-board entertainment on KLM
Like most major carriers, KLM has stepped up its in-flight entertainment systems for long-haul routes. I actually look forward to settling in and enjoying the vast content library (movies, TV shows, podcasts, and games) on high-quality seatback screens with great audio. Free messaging is available for Flying Blue members on intercontinental flights with Wi-Fi, and on European flights with Wi-Fi, Flying Blue members get a free Wi-Fi Pass.
In Business and Premium Comfort, the experience is even sweeter, with larger screens (Business Class features 16-18 inch screens, while Premium Comfort has 13.3-inch screens) and high-quality headphones. On flights within Europe, aircraft typically don’t have seatback screens—instead, entertainment is provided via the “KLM WiFi Pass,” which allows passengers to stream movies, series, and music directly to their own devices. However, KLM has been expanding its Wi-Fi program across the fleet. If you spot a Wi-Fi logo or sticker on the aircraft and you’re a Flying Blue member, you can take advantage of free messaging (and on European flights, the full free Wi-Fi Pass).
Using credit cards & miles to book KLM flights
Passengers can earn Flying Blue points through credit cards including the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® issued in the U.S. by Bank of America. Such cards provide an easy way to accumulate points, especially with sign-up bonuses.
You can also transfer points to Flying Blue from a number of credit card points programs. A few of the most popular include American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy. In addition, Flying Blue has historically offered transfer bonuses from various credit card programs, including 20-25% bonuses at different times, so keep an eye out for those deals.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
