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Today: Top 10 reasons why KLM is my favorite airline
I've been lucky enough to fly dozens of airlines around the world and experience (and compare) their premium onboard products, whether it's Business or First Class. When it comes to choosing a favorite airline, travelers always tend to choose one of the Middle Eastern airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways or Turkish Airlines) or an Asian airline (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific or EVA Air). But my big favorite airline is KLM Royal Dutch Airline, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and the oldest airline in the world (founded in 1919). I always look forward to flying with KLM, despite their aircraft not having a cutting-edge Business Class product and lacking a First Class cabin. I love KLM mainly because the airline stands out by doing things differently, with a lot of personality and with a sense of place by focusing on the Dutch roots and rich history. Here are 10 reasons why I love KLM so much.
Does anyone else love KLM as much as I do? What is your favorite airline? Leave onecomment.
10. AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT (KLM HUB)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the Netherlands' main international airport, located just south of the capital Amsterdam. The airport – which handled nearly 60 million passengers last year – is the hub for KLM as well as an important European hub for Delta Air Lines. What makes Schiphol so convenient from a passenger 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 range of leisure facilities on Holland Boulevard: you can learn about Dutch art and culture at a free exhibition in a glass pavilion in the world-famous Rijksmuseum, enjoy interactive science-based activities with your children at Nemo (Amsterdam's most famous science museum), or curl you with a good book in the airport library. For aviation enthusiasts, Schiphol has a large roof terrace, called 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 starts with the flight safety demonstration. Many airlines provide these instructions via videos today, and some go to great lengths to make them as eye-catching as possible. KLM's flight safety film is inspired by Delftware decoration techniques and actually represents a piece of art that demonstrates a combination of Dutch design and craftsmanship. Set in a traditional royal Delft pottery, the video features more than 1,000 tiles specially drawn, animated and painted with the utmost precision for this specific purpose. The entire manuscript 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 to passengers, tile by tile.
8. FREE WIFI FOR MESSAGING
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers Wi-Fi service on board both its European flights and intercontinental flights. Internet connections on board KLM's aircraft are made possible by connecting passenger devices directly to satellites. Passengers get free Wi-Fi to use messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Messenger and other social media apps. Currently, 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). In addition to free messages, KLM also offers two packages that can be purchased: 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. Wi-Fi is currently offered on board all of KLM's wide body aircraft and selected narrow body aircraft.
7. EXCELLENT FOOD ON BOARD
IMHO, KLM offers above average food on board its aircraft, especially when flying Business Class. The menus are created by Jonnie Boer, a famous Dutch chef who is known from three Michelin star restaurantsLibre. The dishes are made with sustainable and traditional Dutch ingredients, which can also be found on the menu at restaurant De Librije. For example, during my flights with KLM, starters include 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 include baked salmon with broccolini, roasted tomatoes and couscous, or chicken thighs in a star anise sauce served with braised kale and mashed potatoes. The carrier also offers excellent wine pairings, selected by sommelier Thérèse Boer, Jonnie Boer's longtime partner and co-owner of 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 join Flying Blue every month as it is one of thebest frequent flyer programs in the world. With the program, members can earn miles during their travels with Air France, KLM and their partner airlines or when purchasing services from non-airlines (hotel chains, car rental companies, etc.). These miles can then be exchanged for airline tickets and in-flight services or for free services from other non-airlines. 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 THE SHOOTING TEAM
KLM is a member of SkyTeam, one of the world's three major aviation alliances. SkyTeam was founded in June 2000 and was the last of the three alliances to be formed, the first two being Star Alliance and Oneworld respectively. Its annual passenger numbers are 342 million (2022), the second largest of the three major alliances. As of today, SkyTeam - which operates with the slogan "Caring more about you" - consists of 19 airlines from five continents: 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. This means you can earn and use your Flying Blue miles with dozens of airlines to more than 1,000 destinations in more than 180 countries. SkyTeam also offers its elite members access to more than 750 lounges worldwide.
4. KLM CROWN LOUNGE AT SCHIPHOL
Located between the E and F piers, the massive two-levelKLM Crown Loungeat Schiphol Airport is amongmy favorite airport lounges. It has some standout features such as the first Heineken lounge bar, multiple sleeping cabins and an outdoor deck overlooking the runways. The entrance to the lounge is via an escalator with illuminated glass walls adorned with around 5,000 Delft blue miniature houses. The beautiful lounge is divided into four Dutch-inspired rooms: the Polder; the Dutch Mountain; the city; and the sea. They allow passengers to work, relax/sleep, refresh, eat, drink, entertain themselves or partake in fine dining. The lounge is also home to a pay-per-view restaurant - called Blue - with a menu composed by chef Joris Bijdendijk, the 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 an airline that wants to project this image down to the 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 is so much attention to detail and here are some examples:
- Marcel Wanders, a famous Dutch designer, has created a range of tableware, including porcelain dishes, glassware, cutlery and bed linen for KLM airline meals onboard Business Class. The restaurant-quality designs – a riff on traditional Dutch lace, still life and Delft wares – work as a set, but they also stand alone. A highlight is the salt and pepper shakers in the shape of a pair of small wooden shoes.
- KLM's amenity kit was created by the successful Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau (in 2014 he was awarded the Netherlands' most prestigious fashion award Grand Seigneur).
- KLM pampers its passengers with its exclusive Rituals product line - "The Amsterdam Collection." Business Class passengers 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 facial moisturizer and lip balm in their amenity kit. The look and feel of 'The Amsterdam Collection' is inspired by the design of 'The Lid Vase' (dated 1695-1700) by the artist Gerrit Pietersz Kam; the vase has been owned by the Rijksmuseum since 1969. The fragrances in the line are a reflection of Dutch tulips.
2. DELFT BLUE HOUSE
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 true copies of the gabled houses along the canals of Amsterdam and from time to time for a change also from other historic cities in the Netherlands. KLM has presented Business Class passengers with this gift since 1952. Every year on October 7, the airline celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1919 by presenting a new house. Over the years, these miniature houses have become sought-after collectibles, even creating a brisk trade among passengers. KLM has onewebsitewhere you can keep track of all the houses, as each one is unique and has a special story to tell.
1. CABINE CREW
Above all, what I like best about KLM Royal Dutch Airline is the airline's amazing cabin crew. During every single 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 does a good job of hiring crew members 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 really warm, helpful and friendly throughout the flight. On a couple of occasions I was also greeted personally by the captain or another member of the cabin crew (just like any other Business Class passenger), another much appreciated gesture that 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 is KLM known for? ›Even today, KLM's transatlantic network is of major importance. Back in 1946, KLM was the first European airline to operate flights between the European Continent and America.
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 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? ›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).
What KLM stands for? ›
KLM stands for 'Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij', literally translated as 'Royal Aviation Company'. Despite having merged with Air France in 2004, KLM is still seen as a truly Dutch icon.
Where does KLM rank in airlines? ›| Airline | Total Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar Airways | 4.40 |
| 2 | Delta Air Lines | 4.11 |
| 3 | ANA | 4.09 |
| 4 | KLM | 3.88 |
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.
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.
What is the nickname for the KLM aircraft? ›Most KLM staff and aficionados are familiar with the “Uiver” (Stork), “Snip” (Snipe) and “Pelikaan” (Pelican), which all made legendary flights. The name “Uiver” certainly harks back to the era in which the plane was named, because most Dutch people nowadays would call a stork an “ooievaar”.
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.
Travelling from or within the USA? You can participate in the PreCheck programme of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
What is the number 1 safest airline? ›- Qantas.
- Air New Zealand.
- Etihad Airways.
- Qatar Airways.
- Singapore Airlines.
- TAP Air Portugal.
- Emirates.
- Alaska Airlines.
According to AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, the airlines that have achieved the double seven-star for safety and product in alphabetical order are: Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air from Taiwan, Korean Air, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, ...
What are the big 4 airlines? ›
- FlightFriday.
- United Airlines.
- American Airlines.
- Delta Air Lines.
- Southwest Airlines.
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.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are the top ranked airlines based on 2022 domestic market share. Delta operates out of Atlanta, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta's hub, sees the most passenger traffic in the United States.
What is the smallest airline? ›As per the Guinness Book of World Records, Loganair is the smallest scheduled commercial airline in the world. Loganair is basically a Scottish regional airline based in Glasgow Airport close to Paisley in Scotland.
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 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.
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.
Is KLM a major airline? ›
KLM is headquartered in Amstelveen, with its hub at nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. 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.
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.
Does Delta own KLM? ›...
Ownership.
| Shareholder | Interest |
|---|---|
| Dutch State | 9.3% |
| CMA CGM | 9.0% |
| China Eastern Airlines | 4.7% |
| Delta Air Lines | 2.9% |
Total consolidated fleet of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 2021, by type of airplane. KLM's fleet consisted of 218 airplanes in 2021.
How many passengers does KLM carry? ›Carrying 34.1 million passengers and 621,000 tonnes cargo, KLM and KLM Cityhopper form the heart of the KLM Group. Via a vast network of 92 European cities and 70 intercontinental destinations, KLM offers direct services to key economic centres all over the world.
Is KLM as good as Delta? ›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.
Who is KLM biggest competitor? ›- Qatar Airways.
- Lufthansa.
- British Airways.
- Turkish Airlines.
- Air France.
- Virgin Atlantic.
- United Airlines.
- Emirates.
Transavia – a low-cost airline belonging to the Air France-KLM Group – operates direct flights to and from the Netherlands and France.
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.
Does KLM have female pilots? ›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.
Can a 15 year old fly alone with 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.
Its nickname is “the finch” (de vink in Dutch). Architect Dirk Roosenburg, was the one who created this beautiful logo – a monogram of the letters K L M with a royal crown on top and wings made up of seven feathers on each side.
What is the vision statement of KLM? ›We bring people and cultures together, help to open up the world, facilitate international exchanges, and encourage tolerance. Our 71,000 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.
Which country owns KLM? ›Established in 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national carrier of the Netherlands.
What plane is called the Queen of the Skies? ›Even before Boeing's 747 flew its first passengers back in 1970, the world knew this was something special.
What is the smallest KLM plane? ›Embraer 175s are the smallest aircraft in our fleet and are also known as “Cityhoppers.” The aircraft are mostly used for flights to destinations within Europe.
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.
Is KLM a 5 star Airline? ›
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).
Which one is better Air France or KLM? ›KLM service is clean and efficient, while Air France leans more toward traditional hospitality. Neither is good or bad. The KLM food service is fast and without bells and whistles, while Air France service will offer a menu, Champagne and more elaborate table setting.
What is America's #1 airline? ›The Wall Street Journal ranked Delta Airlines as its best airline in the United States for 2022. Delta has been number one on the list for five out of the last six years, which is an impressive run considering the Wall Street Journal has been releasing the list for 15 consecutive years.
Is KLM good and safe? ›Additionally, fatal accidents involving KLM aircraft are very rare. The last one occurred 45 years ago and since then KLM has suffered only a small number of aircraft accidents. As such, long story short, I would not hesitate to board a KLM aircraft!
Does KLM count for Delta? ›Our Core Global Airline Partners (including Aeroméxico, Air France, China Eastern, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM and Virgin Atlantic) offer elevated benefits like Global Upgrade Certificate Redemption, with select partners, in addition to benefits like priority boarding and check-in.