Economy 101: Should I fly KLM or Air France?
Often, a stopover is the perfect way to score a low-cost ticket in economy class. For example, flying to Asia directly from London will easily cost you £600 ($751) or more, but flying with a stopover can bring the ticket price down to £300 ($376). Two of the U.K.'s favorite airlines to use for a stopover are KLM, with a stop at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), and Air France, with a stopover at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The airlines work together so closely that they will often share not just codeshares, but also fare bases. This means you can choose between KLM and Air France around the same price point. Which one is better, though? Let's take a look.
Related reading: French Connection: A review of Air France economy on the 777 from Paris to New York
Earning miles
If you are a TPG reader, you will probably guess why this point is at the top of the list — you fly to earn miles! (Okay, maybe also to get to your destination. And a little bit of plane spotting, maybe?)
Conveniently, for Air France and KLM, the earning possibilities are very similar. Your best bet is to credit to the shared Flying Blue program, which often gives you the most miles. Keep in mind though, that mileage earning is based on revenue in this mileage program. If you are flying a long-distance itinerary that you got at an unbelievably low price, it might be more lucrative to credit to a partner, like Delta. Find out your optimal earnings using the WhereToCredit calculator.
Related reading: Dutch Treat: KLM (787-9) in Economy From New York to Amsterdam
There are some minor differences between KLM and Air France earning at partner airlines. For example, Air France flights can still be credited to China Southern (CZ), despite the fact that the airline recently left the SkyTeam alliance. KLM offers crediting to COPA. Check out the table below, comparing earning possibilities for the V fare bucket, the most-occurring type of discounted economy (courtesy of WhereToCredit).
Fleet
KLM has a considerably newer fleet than Air France. The KLM and KLM Cityhopper combination have an average fleet age of 10.2 years, while Air France's fleet is an average of 13.8 years old. In comparison, British Airways' fleet is also an average of 13.8 years old, according to Airfleets.net.
The KLM fleet is loaded with Boeing and Embraer jets, while Air France mainly operates Airbus airplanes. Not surprising, since the most important Airbus facilities are located in France. On KLM, you can still fly the Queen of the Skies, whereas on Air France you might get an A380.
KLM tends to have modern, slimline seating with up-to-date in flight entertainment, while Air France mostly has older seats offering a bit more padding and space, with outdated IFE systems. Here's a comparative list of KLM and Air France planes with their respective seat sizes in inches:
That said, Air France is quickly updating its fleet with the addition of Airbus A350 aircraft — the first of which it took delivery of in September.
Stopover airport
Both stopover airports are among the five largest in Europe, so there is no shortage of entertainment or options in the food and beverage department. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is considered to be an easy transfer airport because of the single-terminal concept: no matter where you arrive, you can always simply walk to your next gate. For Paris Charles de Gaulle, this is a little bit more complicated. There are lots of terminals, linked by buses, meaning you need more transfer time — unless you leave from the same terminal you arrive at. With passport checks sometimes in between gates, that means unpredictable transfers. For that reason, travelers generally like transferring in Amsterdam better.
If you hold status with Flying Blue, you might have complimentary access to the airline lounges. Amsterdam has a rather large single KLM lounge that offers great tarmac views and quality food options. Paris Charles de Gaulle has multiple terminals and therefore multiple Air France lounges, which are all quite comparable. The lounges at CDG tend to offer slightly larger buffets and more diverse food, while the KLM lounge has better views and a more modern feel.
Onboard service
There is a noticeable difference between KLM and Air France in terms of onboard service. 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. It's all minor differences, but based on what suits you best, you might like one more than the other.
Bottom line
Depending on your preferences, you'll find a flight with KLM or Air France in economy to be the more attractive option. Both carriers have upsides and downsides to their service, fleet, onboard offering and more. Be sure to do your research before booking, such as catching up on TPG reviews of both products.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.