Flying KLM Business Class

Much like everyone else, we’ve flown coach for most of our lives.

Both are over six feet tall and good-sized guys; Chuck has leg and back issues. We’ve done aisle seats to allow for a little more leg room and to get up and move around.

Flying to Kenya some years ago, we booked window seats, just behind the wing exit door, as there was no seat next to the door, giving us a lot of leg room. We were on opposite sides of the plane but figured we’d manage.

Unfortunately, the seats didn’t really recline and seemed to be really narrow. Upon landing at Heathrow for the first leg of our trip, Chuck decided we should upgrade to business class, and we did not regret the investment. We factor the cost of business class travel into international or long flights whenever possible.

 

First Time Flying KLM

Living in Mexico, we find ourselves flying AeroMexico for at least part of our trips. Somehow, the best option for our return flight from Glasgow, Scotland, was routed through Amsterdam and then home on KLM.

KLM, referred to as Royal Dutch Airlines, was founded in 1919 and is believed to be the oldest airline continuously flying under the same name. They currently have 19 partner airlines, including Aeromexico, and fly to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.

We’d heard fantastic things about them and were excited to fly with them, spending a few hours in their lounge in Amsterdam during our short layover.

 

The Lounge

The KLM Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport did not disappoint. It’s spacious and cozy, with multiple food stations offering drinks and light snacks. There is plenty of room to relax with ample seating, clean bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. These are huge advantages during long layovers, especially when flying home after three weeks in England and Scotland.

 

KLM Business Class Seats

We really enjoy the KLM seats that recline into flat beds. Being over six feet tall, we just barely fit into these when stretching out, but it beats the heck out of sitting straight up.

Much like other airlines, there are charging stations, a little storage, and in-flight entertainment with plenty of options.

 

 

We found that what really set them apart was the crew. The flight attendants were on top of everything and could not have been friendlier. 

We enjoyed the food options and especially the little touches. But more on that later.

 

The Food

We really enjoyed the food on our KLM flights. Not only do they offer some delicious Dutch foods, but they also have selections reflective of the Dutch and Indonesian trading history.

We love starting our flights with a little Champagne, mixed nuts, and Dutch cheese.

 

Since we had a morning flight, they started us with a great smoothie, and Mark loves smoked fish, so he was in his glory.

 

 

We really enjoyed the variety of foods KLM Business Class offered.

 

 

 

The Little Touches

Beyond the snacks that were available practically anytime. This was listed as an “In Between Snack”, offered any time after the main meal at take-off, and the “Light Meal” just before landing.

Mark chose this Vegetarian Croquette Sandwich with Mustard. The other options were a Mini Club Sandwich or Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream. Chuck slept!

 

 

Oh, and did we mention Mark likes Cheese?

 

 

They served these adorable Dutch chocolates. The box contained dark, milk, and white chocolate houses. They are cute and look like many of the homes we saw in Amsterdam. 

 

 

And, after serving the chocolates, they left the box on the counter in the gallery for guests to enjoy while the supply lasted!

Our biggest surprise was when they offered us tiny ceramic Delft Blue houses that are replicas of Dutch buildings. Not only are they beautifully made, but they are filled with Duch Genever. 

 

 

Random Weird Stuff

Genever (or Jenever) is the predecessor to modern Gin. Flavored with juniper and herbs, it dates back to the 1500s in the Low Countries, which include the Netherlands and Belgium.

 

KLM Houses

KLM has a collection of over one hundred unique buildings to choose from. They offer a card where you can track the ones you have collected. 

However, they also have an app, KLMHouses, where you can track the houses you have. But you can click on any building, and it takes you to historical information, building addresses, an interactive map, and, in some cases, a YouTube video on the building.

These check a lot of boxes as they are cute, delicious, and educational.

 

Second Verse!

 

Since flying back from Scotland on KLM, we’ve flown with them again, and their business class and perks do not disappoint. As a matter of fact, some of these food photos are from our second time flying KLM Business Class.

This leads us to our next blogging adventure, which starts in the incredible city of Prague in the Czech Republic. So, be sure to look for our next blog post to find out more about this incredible, but cold, adventure!