KLM Airlines, the Dutch flag carrier based at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands is the world’s oldest (operating) airline. I’ve flown the carrier extensively worldwide over the past 15 years and have just completed my 39th and 40th flights for this KLM World Business Class Review from North America to the Netherlands and back.
I am sharing my complete flight experience from my front-row seat on my round-trip KLM Business Class flight from Calgary, Canada to Amsterdam, on an eight-and-a-half-hour transatlantic flight aboard KLM’s 777-200 aircraft.
What Did I Love About KLM World Business Class to Amsterdam?
The highlights of KLM Business Class were the excellent service by KLMs professional cabin crew, which seemed a bit more friendly and engaging than previous trips aboard the airline. The cabin crew was generous with the Champagne in my Business Class Cabin, and offered a second glass before we even got off the ground! For those not drinking Champagne, water, Orange Juice and full-size cans of Heineken were offered as well. I noticed the Flight attendant even graciously put a can on ice for another passenger to enjoy after take off so it was extra cold.
The comfort of the Boeing 777-200 was decent with a 2-2-2 cabin configuration with full lie-flat seats. The overall presentation of KLM’s business-class product stands up very well compared to other airlines. I do prefer a 1-2-1 layout in business class so that there is no stepping over people to use the lavatory, however, in this configuration, I always choose an inner aisle to avoid the issue.
One thing I also really appreciate about KLM is that you can still get a real in-flight magazine, KLM’s Holland Herald onboard.
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How Much Does KLM Business Class Cost?
Searching for business-class tickets from North America to Amsterdam can be very expensive but KLM often comes in cheaper than the other mainline airlines. I purchased my return Business Class ticket about two weeks before my flight for about $4300 CAD. That is about $3200 USD and was about $1000 cheaper than the competitors at the time of booking. That is very good value considering this class of ticket can range up to $9900 CAD (and sometimes more!)
KLM Boarding and Inflight Experience
Boarding went very smoothly and I was quickly seated in seat 1G. The seat is close to the upfront Lavatory but that was not an issue as there was another Lav that served the port side of the cabin in the mid-galley area so traffic was not backed up into the cabin.
Pre-flight drink service consisted of Champagne, full-size cans of Heineken as well as Orange Juice and water, which were brought out before departure. I was even offered a second glass of champagne before takeoff as they didn’t want to dump it out before we taxied. A plastic-sealed blanket and full-size pillow are provided on your seat in addition to a KLM amenity kit and noise-cancelling headphones.
What surprises were in store on this flight?
My favourite surprise on every KLM Business Class flight is the beautiful Delft Blue house containing Dutch Gin locally called Jenever. This is a wonderful souvenir for anyone who has never flown the airline and is exclusive to business class passengers. You never know which house you are going to get.
There is an app that you can track which houses you have collected as they are numbered. I was happy to pick out the Heineken house to add to my collection of now 39 of these lovely pieces of Dutch Delft Blue Pottery. The flight also ended with nice chocolates in the shape of traditional Dutch houses.
The other surprise I found was that, as an airplane geek, the flight from Calgary was served by a KLM Asia aircraft. Typically these aircraft had flown only on routes between Amsterdam and Asia. It seems this one had been flying recently regularly between Amsterdam to Canada and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao to the city of Willemstad. I am taking notes as that might make a great winter trip!
Meals and Entertainment on KLM 777 Business Class
The entertainment system on the KLM 777 is quite good, and I love the selection of unique Dutch movies (sub-titled of course!). I watched the Dutch film Laatste Ronde (Last Round) which was a complete tearjerker!
Good quality Bose-like noise-cancelling headphones are provided with an interesting 3-pin magnetic connector just like Apple’s MagSafe connectors. I thought this was pretty unique at first, but quickly became frustrating as the cable would detach as it had to line up perfectly to get full stereo audio. Great idea, but the execution is a bit lacking.
First the good – KLM has a great selection of unique wines and a great Champagne served on the Business Class Menu. I later tried the Pinot Noir, strangely bottled in Amsterdam and it was not bad. It was obviously not grown in the Netherlands, but a nice boutique bottling done in the city of Amsterdam
The not-so-good KLM’s food can range from good – to sometimes quite unappetizing. Food quality is very good but their menu options often are not as good as other mainline airlines like United, Delta or Air Canada and nowhere near the quality of the likes of Qatar Airways. See here for my recent review of their A380 Upper Deck Qatar Airways Business Class.
Just before descent, we were offered a second meal. On my return to Calgary, I found the lunch to be really tasty, and the best meal on both flights.
KLM Crown Lounge ’52’ Access in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Included in a KLM Business Class ticket, or for Flying Bue Gold or above is access to the all-new KLM Crown Lounge 52 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This invitation-only lounge is quite beautiful and very expansive. When I arrived a full hot breakfast was on offer. Complementary drinks are available and I love the Heinekin-themed bar at the far end of the lounge. There is also an outside terrace that overlooks the airport tarmac.
When you access the lounge via the escalator, the complete collection of KLM Delft Blue houses is displayed from floor to ceiling and makes a beautiful display.
Where Did I Travel in The Netherlands on This Trip?
On this trip, I spent two weeks in the incredible Dutch city of The Hague, took a day trip to Gouda and spent the weekend in Amsterdam. I stayed in one of my favourite out-of-the-way hotels in Amsterdam North, well away from the mass of tourists that flock to the city in July.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
I’ve been quite impressed lately with KLM’s Business Class, I’ve been flying with them since about 2013 and the product seems to be improving each time I fly with them. I am not a big fan of the 2-2-2 seating as I love window seats, but I don’t love climbing over sleeping strangers. The food can be somewhat lacking but the other amenities make up for it, with a decent wine menu, comfy lie-flat seating and an always remarkably professional staff.
I love the fact that the Captain will come out and take a walk around the cabin as well, it leads to a more relaxed atmosphere. It is such a contrast from American carriers where they basically seal off the galley if the pilot leaves the cockpit for a bio-break.
My conclusion is that KLM offers good value for this service and I can’t wait for my next trip to Amsterdam!