Recently, I embarked on a journey across continents with KLM Business Class, experiencing their long-haul offerings on three distinct flights. My itinerary included Vancouver to Amsterdam on a Boeing 777, Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam on a Boeing 787-9, and Amsterdam to Chicago on a Boeing 787-10. While each flight provided a comfortable experience, the nuances between the Boeing 777 and 787-9 business class cabins are worth exploring for discerning travelers.
KLM Business Class: A Consistent Experience with Subtle Differences
My overall impression of KLM Business Class is positive. It’s not the absolute pinnacle of luxury air travel, but it consistently delivers comfortable seating, commendable service, palatable dining, and adequate in-flight entertainment. Across all flights, the reverse herringbone seat configuration ensured direct aisle access, a significant perk for business class passengers. Legroom and elbow space were generous, contributing to a relaxed journey. The under-footrest backpack storage was a thoughtful design, allowing for convenient access to personal items throughout the flight.
Service on all three legs was reliably good. While not reaching the exceptional heights of my recent Qatar Airways experience, KLM’s cabin crew were attentive, efficient in meal service and cabin maintenance, and generally pleasant. A humorous anecdote from the Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam flight highlighted a slight gap in the crew’s knowledge of competitor offerings, but their overall professionalism remained consistent.
Food quality was adequate across the board. While not gourmet, meals were satisfactory and certainly not a point of complaint.
Boeing 777 Vancouver to Amsterdam: The Privacy and Tech Advantage
The Vancouver to Amsterdam leg on the Boeing 777 stood out primarily due to its enhanced privacy and modern amenities. This particular 777 featured a privacy door for each business class suite, a feature absent on the 787-9 and 787-10. Additionally, a wireless charging pad was a welcome modern touch. Interestingly, this flight provided such a restful environment that I prioritized sleep over photography, resulting in fewer cabin shots compared to the other flights. This flight delivered what I can genuinely describe as the best sleep I’ve ever had on an airplane.
Boeing 787-9 Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam: The Gap Conundrum
The nearly 13-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam on the Boeing 787-9 was the longest of the three. The primary drawback of this particular aircraft was a noticeable gap between the side table and the cabin wall. This design flaw created a constant concern about small items slipping into this void, a minor but persistent annoyance. However, the tray table design on this 787-9 was particularly well-executed, featuring an easy-to-use pivoting mechanism.
Boeing 787-10 Amsterdam to Chicago: Gap-Free Comfort
My daytime flight from Amsterdam to Chicago on the Boeing 787-10 mirrored the positive aspects of the other flights – comfortable seating, decent service, and adequate food. Crucially, the 787-10 did not exhibit the side table gap issue found on the 787-9, making for a slightly more refined experience in terms of personal item placement.
KLM Crown Lounge 52 Amsterdam: Design Over Functionality?
During my layovers in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to visit the KLM Crown Lounge 52. The lounge’s design is undeniably striking, resembling an art installation in its aesthetic appeal. However, its popularity translates to significant crowding, which can detract from the overall experience. While the food selection was unremarkable, the presence of a dedicated barista station is a notable positive. For those seeking respite from the crowds, an upstairs bar and restaurant are available for an additional fee.
Final Verdict: Boeing 777 Edges Out the 787-9 in KLM Business Class
While both the Boeing 777 and 787-9 offer a solid KLM Business Class experience, the 777, specifically the version with privacy doors and wireless charging, holds a slight advantage. The added privacy and modern tech features elevate the 777 experience. The 787-9 is still a comfortable and capable aircraft for long-haul travel, but the side table gap is a minor design flaw. Ultimately, choosing KLM Business Class on either aircraft promises a pleasant journey with consistent standards of comfort and service. For those prioritizing privacy and cutting-edge amenities, the Boeing 777 is the preferred choice.
