Watch us fly KLM 2 different ways: Business class versus economy
It's been a while since we conducted a multi-cabin review on a true long-haul flight — and what better way to get back to business than to try out one of Europe's key flag carriers.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still in service today. The Air France-KLM Group flies to more than 250 destinations and is a group of key importance to travelers in the U.K. since the airlines became accessible for earning and burning miles through the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
KLM also has a huge presence at regional U.K. airports, allowing Brits from all over the U.K. to traverse all four corners of the globe.
We boarded an 11-year-old KLM Boeing 777-300ER, departing Amsterdam (AMS) for a nearly six-hour flight to Dubai Airport (DXB). I tried out business class, while Liam Spencer, TPG U.K.'s senior social media manager, headed to the back of the plane and compared my experience to KLM's economy class
Watch the full video of our experience here:
Business Class - Nicky Kelvin
Seat: 6K
TPG paid: 50,000 Virgin Points plus about $178 (£136)
The ground experience was incredibly impressive. The KLM lounge was modern, comfortable and expansive.
There were a number of touches such as local snacks and spirits, plus an end-of-flight ceramic Delft house gift that made the entire experience feel uniquely Dutch in a wonderful way.
The food on board was unlike other food I had tried on a plane with interesting vegetarian options which were both colorful as well as tasty enough to satisfy this non-vegetarian.
While the seat was comfortable, it did lack storage and privacy and wasn't the best seat in the fleet. I would love to go back on board KLM to try out the airline's newest product.
Economy - Liam Spencer
Seat: 33A
TPG paid: $713 (£544)
I found Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) bright and spacious with plenty of great options to grab food and refreshments before the flight. There was also a couple of decent options to eat on board, particularly the dessert of apple crumble, which was delicious and the best thing I ate on the flight.
The flight itself was operated efficiently with an on-time departure and arrival.
It wasn't all great, however. The seat was fairly rigid and became more uncomfortable the longer the flight went on.
I found that the main meal was below par with very rubbery chicken balls, made even more difficult to cut by the wooden cutlery.
The service was poor throughout the flight and during our signature "call bell challenge," my call bell was never actually answered. An hour went by without a cabin crew member even stepping foot in the economy cabin.
Featured photo by The Points Guy.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.