Airline Profile: KLM

The Facts:

Analysis:

What to Fly:

Airbus 787 Business Class: Business class on the Boeing 787 on KLM features flatbed reverse herringbone seats with all aisle access. The 787 is the only aircraft in the fleet of KLM which has seats that have all aisle access, so flying the 787 in business class is worth avoiding the A330/747/777 for, especially if you are flying solo and like privacy. 

Travel Classes:

Short Haul Economy:

Economy on KLM features seats throughout all regional and short-haul aircraft. On all narrow-body aircraft, there is no entertainment or wifi. Snacks are handed out on most short haul flights. The seats are identical to the ones found in business class. I personally flew KLM short haul economy from Amsterdam to London in 2016 on a Boeing 737-700. On that short of a flight, we were given a piece of cake (that was actually really good) and free beverages. All in all, for a short haul flight, the service was much better than on a flight that length in America.

Europe Business Class: 

If you have read my other airline profiles for European airlines, you would know that they (Air France, Lufthansa, BA, etc…) all have the same seats as in economy in business, just with slightly better service. Unfortunately, this is also the case on KLM. You receive the same economy seat (with the middle seat blocked), just with a better meal and lounge access. Please do not fly in short-haul business class on KLM unless you desperately want a slightly better meal or lounge access or like spending money aimlessly. You will most likely regret it. 

Long Haul Economy: 

Economy Class is in a 2-2- configuration on all E175s and E190s, a 3-3 configuration on all 737s, a 2-4-2 configuration on all A330s, a 3-3-3 configuration on all 777s, and a 3-4-3 configuration on all 777s. Long haul economy on KLM features entertainment screens at every seat on all long-haul aircraft. Wifi is available for purchase on all Boeing 787s, and passengers receive free hot meals on all long-haul flights. Power outlets are available on 777s, 787s, and on select A330s. KLM also features a small Economy Comfort section on each aircraft, which is identical to economy except for the fact that it has extra legroom. It is basically the Economy Plus of KLM.

World Business Class:

KLM World Business Class is highly inconsistent. KLM features flat-bed seats in a 2-2-2 configuration (A330/777) or in a 2-2 configuration (747). These seats feature the Rockwell Collins Parallel Diamond seats, so window seat passengers have to climb over another passenger to get to the aisle. On the better end of the KLM World Business Class spectrum, on the 787, KLM features excellent business class seats with all aisle access, which feature reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration using the Safran Cirrus seat model. If possible, fly KLM’s 787 business class, which flies to numerous destinations in North America, including Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, and New York JFK. Rather surprisingly, KLM will be installing a similar but different reverse herringbone seat on their new 787-10s which they will soon start taking delivery of which has more privacy.

Have you ever flown on KLM? Share about your experience below!