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Today: Top 10 reasons why KLM is my favorite airline
I have been lucky to fly dozens of airlines around the world and to experience (and compare) their onboard premium products, whether that be Business or First Class. When it comes to picking a favorite airline, travelers always tend to choose one of the Middle East airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, or Turkish Airlines) or an Asian airline (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or EVA Air). However, my favorite major airline is KLM Royal Dutch Airline, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and the oldest operating airline in the world (founded in 1919). I always look forward flying with KLM, in spite of the fact that its aircraft don’t have a cutting edge Business Class product and lack a First Class cabin. I mainly love KLM because the airline stands out by doing things differently, with a lot of personality and with a sense of place by focusing on it Dutch roots and rich history. Here are 10 reasons why I love KLM so much.
Anyone else loves KLM as much as I do? What’s your favorite airline? Leave a comment.
10. AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT (KLM HUB)
Amsterdam Airport Schipholis the maininternational airportof theNetherlands, located just south of its capitalAmsterdam.The airport – which handled almost 60 millions passengers last year – is the hub for KLMas well as a major European hub forDelta Air Lines. What makes Schiphol so convenient from a passenger’s perspective is the single-terminal concept,where all facilities are located under a single roof, radiating from a central plaza.Schiphol also offers a wide variety of leisure facilities at Holland Boulevard: you can learn about Dutch art and culture at a free exhibition in a glass pavilion of the world-famousRijksmuseum, enjoy interactive science-based activities with your kids at Nemo (Amsterdam’s most famous science museum), or curl up with a good book at the airport’s library. For aviation enthusiasts, Schiphol features a large rooftop viewing area, called the Panorama Terras, albeit not accessible to passengers in transit.
9. SAFETY VIDEO
Flight safety is the No. 1 priority for all airlines and it all begins with the flight safety demonstration. Many airlines give these instructions via videos nowadays, and some go to great lengths to make them as attention-grabbing as possible. KLM’s flight safety film is inspired by Delftware decoration techniques and actually represents a piece of art, demonstrating a combination of Dutch design and craftsmanship. The video, which takes place in a traditional royal delft pottery, features more than 1,000 tiles, specially drawn, animated and painted with the utmost precision for this specific purpose. The entire script was first translated into handmade Delftware drawings, which were then painted onto the tiles. Stop-motion video animation was then used to film KLM’s flight safety instructions for passengers, tile by tile.
8. COMPLIMENTARY WIFI FOR MESSAGING
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers inflight Wi-Fi service on both of their European flights and intercontinental flights. Internet connections onboard KLM’s plane are made possible by connecting passenger devices directly to satellites. Passengers get free Wi-Fi for using messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Messenger, and other social media apps. Currently, the free Wi-Fi access is limited to 30 minutes for European flights and 60 minutes for international flights in Economy Class (while there is no limit in Business Class). Besides free messaging, KLM also offers two packages which are available for purchase: Surf and Stream. Those who want to watch movies should choose Stream, while Surf offers enough data for those who just want to shop online or read news articles. Passengers can purchase the Internet packages via the KLM Portal during their flight. Currently, Wi-Fi is offered onboard all of KLM’s wide body aircraft and selected narrow body aircraft.
7. EXCELLENT ONBOARD FOOD
IMHO, KLM offers above average food onboard its aircraft, especially when flying Business Class. Menus are created by Jonnie Boer, a famous Dutch chef who is known from three Michelin starred restaurant De Librije. Dishes are made with sustainable and traditional Dutch ingredients which could also be found on the menu of restaurant De Librije. For example, during my flights with KLM starters includes tartelette of apple, potatoes, and green asparagus, or a tasting of delicacies (e.g. grilled zucchini in a cream of tahini, chickpea salad, garlic feta, and nut salad), while main courses included baked salmon with broccolini, roasted tomatoes and couscous, or chicken thigh in a star anise gravy served with braised green cabbage and potato puree. The carrier also offers excellent wine pairing, selected by sommelier Thérèse Boer, Jonnie Boer’s longtime partner and co-owner at the De Librije.
6. FLYING BLUE LOYALTY PROGRAM
When KLM and Air France merged in 2005, their frequent flyer programs (Fréquence Plus and Flying Dutchman) were merged into a new loyalty program calledFlying Blue. Most airlines within the Air France-KLM family now use Flying Blue, including Kenya Airways (in which KLM is a major shareholder), Aircalin and Tarom. More than 100,000 new members sign up for Flying Blue each month, as it is one of thebest frequent flyer programs in the world. With the program, members can earn miles during their trips with Air France, KLM and their partner airlines or when purchasing services from non-airline partners (hotel chains, car rental companies, etc.). These miles can then be exchanged for plane tickets and in-flight services, or for free services from other non-airline partners. Miles earned can also be donated to charity (18 NGOs selected by Air France and KLM including WWF, Ocean Cleanup, Close the Gap, Red Cross, UNICEF, Wings of Support, and Giro555.
5. MEMBER OF SKYTEAM
KLM is a member of SkyTeam, one of the world’s three majorairline alliances. Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam was the last of the three alliances to be formed, the first two beingStar AllianceandOneworld, respectively. Its annual passenger count is 342 million (2022), the second largest of the three major alliances. As of today, SkyTeam – operates with the slogan “Caring more about you” – consists of 19 carriers from fivecontinents: Aerolineas Argentina, AeroMexico, Air Europe, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Xiamen Airlines. It means that you can earn and spend your Flying Blue miles with dozens of airlines to more than 1,000 destinations in more than 180 countries. SkyTeam offers its elite members also access to more than 750 lounges worldwide.
4. KLM CROWN LOUNGE AT SCHIPHOL
Located between the E and F piers, the massive two-level KLM Crown Lounge at Schiphol Airport ranks among my favorite airport lounges. It has some standout features such as the first Heineken lounge bar, several sleep pods, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the runways. The entrance to the lounge is via an escalator with illuminated glass walls adorned with some 5,000 Delft Blue miniature houses. The beautiful lounge is divided in four Dutch-inspired spaces: the Polder; the Dutch Mountain; the City; and the Sea. They allow passengers to work, relax/sleep, refresh, eat, drink, entertain themselves, or engage in fine dining. The lounge is also home to a pay-for restaurant – called Blue – with a menu compiled by Chef Joris Bijdendijkthe Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum (unfortunately, the restaurant closed during the pandemic and has not reopened yet).
3. DUTCH DESIGN
KLM is a Dutch airline, and one that wants to project that image down to its finest detail. Since the 1940s and ’50s KLM has made a tradition of seeking out renowned designers and making use of their talents and insights. There’s so much attention to detail, and here are some examples:
- Marcel Wanders, a famous Dutch designer, has created a line of tableware including porcelain dishes, glassware, cutlery and linens for KLM airline’s in-flight meals in Business Class. The restaurant-quality designs – a riff on traditional Dutch lace, still lifes and delft ware – work as a set, but they are also stand-alone.A highlight are the salt and pepper shakers in the form of a small pair of clogs.
- KLM’s amenity kit is created by successful Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau (in 2014 he was awarded the Netherlands’ most prestigious fashion prize the Grand Seigneur).
- KLM pamper its passengers with its exclusive Rituals product line – “The Amsterdam Collection.” Business Class passenger have access to hand foam, hand and body lotion, hair gel, and body mist in the lavatories, and they also receive a stylish set of face moisturizer and lip balm in their amenity kit. The look & feel of ‘The Amsterdam Collection’ is inspired by the design of ‘The lidded vase’ (dated 1695-1700) by the artist Gerrit Pietersz Kam; the vase has been owned by the Rijksmuseum since 1969. The scents in the line are a reflection of Dutch tulips.
2. DELFT BLUE HOUSES
Shortly before landing, KLM’s longhaul Business Class passengers receive a wonderful gift: a Delft Blue miniature traditional Dutch house, filled with Dutch gin, also known as “jenever” (, distilled by the Bols distilleries). These original Delft Blue miniature houses are real copies of the gable houses alongside the canals in Amsterdam and from time to time for a change also from other historical towns in Holland.. KLM has been presenting Business Class passenger with this gift since 1952. Every year on October 7th, the airline celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1919 by presenting a new house. Over the years, these miniature houses have become desirable collectors’ items, even generating a lively trade among passengers. KLM has asitewhere you can keep track of all of the houses, as each one is unique and has a special story to tell.
1. CABIN CREW
Above all, what I like the most about KLM Royal Dutch Airline is the carrier’s fantastic cabin crew. During each and every flight with the airline – and I have flown with KLM dozens of times – my experience has always been top notch. KLM employs more than 10,000 cabin crew and apparently, the airline is doing a great job in hiring crew with excellent social skills, dynamic personalities and a service oriented mindset. You can always feel the crew’s enthusiasm when they welcome you the moment you step on board the plane. But it doesn’t stop there, as the service remains genuinely warm, helpful and friendly during the entire flight. On a few occasions, I was also greeted in person by the captain or another member of the cockpit crew (just like any other Business Class passenger), another highly appreciated gesture which makes you feel welcome and taken care of.
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FAQs
Top 10 reasons why KLM is my favorite airline? ›
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.
Why KLM is the best airline? ›KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.
Is KLM the best airline? ›Overall, KLM product is valued by travelers. The general consensus is that this carrier is a good value..
What are some fun facts about KLM airlines? ›Before KLM combined with Air France, KLM was the main airline of the Netherlands. KLM is the world's oldest airline with its original name. KLM and its partners serve 133 destinations in 70 countries on five continents from their hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
What is KLM known for? ›It is part of the Air France–KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest operating airline in the world, and has 35,488 employees with a fleet of 110 (excluding subsidiaries) as of 2021.
What is KLM preferred? ›Preferred seats are the seats in the first rows behind Economy Comfort. Apart from their location close to the exit these seats do not offer extra legroom, service or comfort. The selling point is that preferred seats offer a quicker exit on arrival.
What are top 3 best airlines? ›- Delta Air Lines.
- Spirit Airlines.
- SkyWest Airlines.
- United Airlines.
- Alaska Airlines.
- Hawaiian Airlines.
- JetBlue.
- Envoy Air.
Qatar Airways ranked at the top of Skytrax's list. The carrier's chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated in a press release that Qatar Airways' goal when it was created in 1993 was always to be named the best airline.
What is the top 1 airlines? ›Its nickname is “the finch” (de vink in Dutch).
Is KLM the world's youngest airline? ›
KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij) is recognised as the oldest airline in the world that continues to serve in its original name, Established in October 1919; the airline took its first flight in May 1920 between London and Amsterdam.
Is KLM a four star airline? ›KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 4-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating.
What does the KLM logo stand for? ›Referred to as merely three letters, KLM stands for Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, which in English translates to Royal Aviation Company.
What are KLM company values? ›All of our actions are founded on respect, trust, transparency, and confidentiality, and we consider it a point of honour to respect the privacy and protect the data of our employees and customers.
Is KLM economy comfortable? ›Economy Comfort seat
Cosy up with a pillow and a blanket on one of our comfortable seats. Located in the front of the aircraft, right behind Premium Comfort Class or Business Class, you'll be amongst the first passengers to disembark. Other features include: 10 cm more legroom than a standard seat.
Special baggage
Options for bringing sports equipment, musical instruments, extra items for kids, a wedding dress, or an urn.
SkyPriority advantages
Dedicated check-in desks. Priority baggage drop-off and pick-up. Access to the priority boarding lane. Faster through security.
- Qantas.
- Air New Zealand.
- Etihad Airways.
- Qatar Airways.
- Singapore Airlines.
- TAP Air Portugal.
- Emirates.
- Alaska Airlines.
Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin are all on the list. But what's interesting is the number of smaller airlines who have a seven-star ranking. Jetstar, AirAsiaX and EasyJet all made the 7-star list. Tiger Airways Australia has four stars, as does Jetstar Japan, Ryan Air Ireland and Scoot Singapore.
What are the big 4 airlines? ›- FlightFriday.
- United Airlines.
- American Airlines.
- Delta Air Lines.
- Southwest Airlines.
What is a five star airline? ›
The 5-Star Airline Rating recognises those airlines providing very high standards of Airport and Onboard Product, together with consistent and high standards of staff service across both the airport and onboard service environments.
What is the richest airline in the world? ›By company revenue
Delta Air Lines is the largest by revenue, assets value and market capitalization. American Airlines Group is the largest by number of employees.
Emirates celebrates a quadruple sweep at the 2023 Business Traveller Awards, captures top spot with Best Airline Worldwide. DUBAI, UAE 2 May 2023: For the tenth year in a row, Emirates again emerged on top capturing 'Best Airline Worldwide' at last night's Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2023.
What is a 4 star airline? ›The 4-Star Airline Rating is a seal of Quality Approval awarded to airlines that deliver a good overall Quality performance. The ranking represents airlines providing good Product standards across different travel cabins, and delivering good standards of Staff Service for the Onboard and home-base Airport environments.
What is the best airline in America? ›| Airline (2022 rank) | Total score (out of 100)* | Top-performing areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Delta (1) | 66.31 | Timeliness, involuntary bumps. |
| 2. United (3) | 62.47 | Family travel, route network, frequent flyer program. |
| 3. Alaska (5) | 60.54 | Lounges, customer satisfaction. |
| 4. American (4) | 59.83 | Route network, award availability. |
The 3-Star Airline Rating is awarded to airlines delivering a fair Quality performance equating to an industry “average” of acceptable product and service standards. This global 3-Star airline rating signifies a satisfactory Product quality across different travel cabins.
What airlines have 1 star? ›Air Koryo is North Korea's only airline. It is constantly referred to online and by the media as being the “only one-star airline” or the “worst airline in the world”.
What is America's #1 on time airline? ›The Department of Transportation released full-year performance data for the major U.S. airlines on Thursday, with Delta Air Lines and its regional partners having the highest on-time arrival rate in 2022.
Is 1 star a good airline? ›1-Star Airline Rating
This represents a poor quality of Product delivered across the assessment sectors, combining with low and/or inconsistent standards of front-line Staff Service for the Onboard and home-base Airport.
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) has announced KLM's classification, based on global passenger evaluations. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has retained its five-star classification based on customer evaluations gathered by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).
Is KLM a big airline? ›
Since May 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have become the largest European airline group: 1 group, 2 airlines, and 3 businesses.
Is KLM a low cost Airline? ›Transavia – a low-cost airline belonging to the Air France-KLM Group – operates direct flights to and from the Netherlands and France.
What is KLM first class called? ›KLM does not offer a first class cabin. KLM World Business Class aboard an intercontinental flight is the highest class you'll find with this airline.
What does KLM mean in TikTok? ›39. What does KLM mean on TikTok? Well, there's a couple of meanings for KLM. The first, according to Urban Dictionary is that it's "another way of writing Calm, which means like fine or okay." The acronym is also the name of a Dutch airline.
Why is KLM blue? ›KLM was the first commercial airline and therefore had a choice of all colors of the rainbow. Precisely because of the association with a blue sky, it has therefore become blue.
Can a 13 year old fly alone on KLM? ›Children aged 5 up to 15 years can travel on their own only if they have booked the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Remember to book the service with KLM through their reservation department. Children aged 15 up to 18 years can travel by themselves only on KLM and Air France flights.
Can a 15 year old fly alone on KLM? ›Optional for youth 15 to 17 years
For kids aged 15 up to and including 17 years old, the Unaccompanied Minor service is optional. If you choose not to book the service, we'll consider your child an adult passenger.
She is a captain aboard the Boeing 777/787 and has been with KLM for 27 years. The company's most experienced captain shares some of her experiences traveling the world in cockpits.
Is KLM part of Delta? ›Our SkyTeam partner airlines include a collection of both our Core Global and Global Airline Partners: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, ...
How many planes does KLM have? ›At December 31, 2022, the Air France–KLM Group fleet comprised 522 aircraft, of which 505 were in revenue service.
Does KLM have a sister airline? ›
Second, our joint ventures with Kenya Airways, Ukraine International Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and with China Eastern Airlines, and thirdly an extensive array of codeshare partnerships on all continents which enables us to expand our footprint around the globe.
Who are KLM owned by? ›In 2004 Air France acquired the Dutch airline KLM to create Air France–KLM Group, one of the largest air carriers in the world. The deal, however, allowed the two airlines to continue to operate as separate companies, retaining their own hubs, flights, and logos.
Which country owns KLM? ›Established in 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national carrier of the Netherlands.
What planes does KLM own? ›- Boeing 737-700. When you're flying to Istanbul, Newcastle, or Berlin, you may fly with the Boeing 737-700.
- Boeing 737-800. When you're flying to Lisbon, Madrid, or Moscow, you may fly with the Boeing 737-800.
- Boeing 737-900. ...
- Boeing 777-200ER. ...
- Boeing 777-300ER. ...
- Boeing 787-9. ...
- Boeing 787-10.
We bring people and cultures together, help to open up the world, facilitate international exchanges, and encourage tolerance. Our 73,000 employees are our greatest strength. We work together to offer our customers travel options that best meet their needs and most closely reflect their values.
What does values stand for company? ›Company values are the core values or standards that guide the way you do business. They sum up what your business stands for, influences the organisational culture and drives how and why you do things. While business plans and strategies may change, the core values of your business will usually remain the same.
How are airlines valued? ›Enterprise value-to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rent (EV/EBITDAR) is the most common valuation multiple used to value airlines. Analyses also use free cash flow (FCF) yield to analyze airlines.
Is KLM nicer than Delta? ›All in, I would say Delta is a level above their Skyteam partners KLM and Air France when it comes to business class seating comfort. The best Delta seats are better than the best KLM or AF offerings. The lowest offerings from Delta are also better than the lowest offerings from KLM and AF.
What is the number 1 best airline in the world? ›Qatar Airways
Based in Doha, the Airline's trendsetting on-board product focuses on: comfort, fine cuisine, the latest in-flight audio & video entertainment, award-winning service and a modern aircraft fleet averaging around 5 years of age.
KLM offers a greater global destination network than Delta, with flights to over 130 countries. KLM also has a well-established frequent flyer program, Flying Blue, that lets you earn miles and redeem them for flights and hotel stays.
What is KLM premium economy? ›
Premium economy seats are more comfortable than economy seats and feature additional legroom, 39 inches versus 31 inches and a deeper recline, 8 inches versus 5 inches. Additional baggage. European carriers can be more strict with baggage allowances for passengers than U.S. domestic airlines.
Does KLM count for Delta? ›From beginning to end, Delta and KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines give you access to more benefits and a seamless experience when traveling across our global network. Whether it's your next business trip or a long-awaited getaway, we are here to help you prepare so you know what to expect on your next flight.
Does Delta own KLM? ›Delta is part of the SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture, which also includes Air France-KLM and Alitalia.