KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Review

Yifan Wang

Last updated: 9 May 2025

13 Views

1. Overview of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (commonly referred to as KLM) is the national airline of the Netherlands and the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name, founded in 1919. It is a core member of the SkyTeam Alliance, partnering with global carriers like Air France, Delta, and Korean Air. KLM is based at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), offering seamless connections across Europe and beyond.

2. Route Network and Destinations
KLM offers over 145 destinations worldwide, with a strong focus on connecting Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Popular long-haul routes include:
Bangkok Amsterdam
Tokyo Amsterdam
Seoul Paris (via Air France partnership)
Short connections to European cities such as London, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid

3. Pre-Flight Experience
Passengers can check in online up to 30 hours before departure. At the airport, KLM check-in counters are efficient, and self-service kiosks are available for added convenience. Ground staff are courteous and fluent in English.

4. In-Flight Experience
️Cabin Atmosphere
KLMs cabin exudes a warm, welcoming Dutch charm. Flight attendants are known for being friendly and professional, dressed in their signature royal blue uniforms.

️Meals and Beverages
KLM collaborates with Dutch chefs to design its in-flight meals. On long-haul flights, passengers enjoy:

A choice of Western or Asian meals
Complimentary wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and hot beverages
The presentation and taste are excellent for economy class standards.

Seats and Comfort
Economy Class: Reasonably spacious with ~31-32" seat pitch
Economy Comfort: Extra legroom and more recline
Business Class: Fully lie-flat seats with high-quality bedding
Each seat includes a personal entertainment screen, USB charging, and AC power outlets.

5. Entertainment and Wi-Fi
KLM provides a modern inflight entertainment system with:
Hundreds of movies, TV series, music, and games in multiple languages
Responsive touchscreen interface
Wi-Fi available on select long-haul flights (paid access)

6. Punctuality and Reliability
KLM has a strong reputation for on-time performance, with most delays under 20 minutes. Real-time flight updates are available via the KLM mobile app.

7. Flying Blue Loyalty Program
KLM uses the Flying Blue program, which allows members to earn and redeem miles across SkyTeam partners such as Delta, Air France, and Korean Air. Miles can be used for upgrades, extra baggage, and award flights.

8. Pros and Cons of Flying with KLM
Pros
Friendly and helpful crew
High-quality meals
Efficient luggage handling
Extensive European connections
Cons
Wi-Fi is not available on all aircraft
Legroom may be tight for passengers over 6 feet tall in Economy

9. Who Is KLM Best For
Travelers heading to Europe with one-stop convenience
Frequent flyers in the SkyTeam network
Business travelers seeking comfort and reliability
Budget-conscious passengers who still value full-service amenities

10. Final Verdict Is KLM a Good Airline?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines strikes a solid balance between comfort, service, and connectivity. Its an ideal choice for travelers flying to or within Europe who prefer a more personalized flying experience. With friendly staff, reliable schedules, and decent in-flight offerings, KLM is a dependable full-service airline that deserves its spot among Europes leading carriers.