I’ve flown with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines more times than I can count, across continents, in every cabin class, and in every season. As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM carries more than just passengers, it carries a legacy. But heritage isn’t everything. In this review, I’ll break down KLM’s performance in 2025 across all key touchpoints: comfort, service, punctuality, pricing, and more. If you’re considering flying KLM, this is everything you need to know, from a seasoned travel journalist who’s been there, done that, and kept the boarding passes.
What Defines KLM as a Flag Carrier Airline?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national flag carrier of the Netherlands. Founded in 1919, it’s the oldest airline still flying under its original name. KLM is headquartered in Amstelveen, with its main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). It’s a core member of the SkyTeam Alliance, alongside partners like Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air.
What sets KLM apart is its consistent identity. Unlike many legacy carriers that lost national character after privatization or mergers, KLM maintains its Dutch cultural touch, visible in cabin aesthetics, crew uniforms, and meal design.
It operates a fleet of 170+ aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A330s, and Embraer E-jets for regional flights. As of 2025, KLM’s fleet has an average age of 10.5 years, which puts it slightly ahead of Lufthansa (11.7 years) and British Airways (13.2 years) in fleet modernization.
How Is the Onboard Experience with KLM?
I’ve flown KLM across Economy, Premium Comfort, and World Business Class, and the consistency of their cabin service is noteworthy.
Economy Class
- Seat pitch: 31 inches on long-haul; 29–30 inches on European flights
- Seat width: ~17.5 inches
- Entertainment: Personal IFE screens on intercontinental flights with a modern UI
- Meal: Dutch-influenced hot meal and snack service; quality rated 7.8/10 by Skytrax surveys
- Highlights: Complimentary alcoholic beverages (including Heineken and wine), free hot towels, reusable amenity kit on longer routes
Premium Comfort (New since 2022)
KLM’s Premium Comfort bridges the gap between Economy and Business:
- Seat pitch: 38 inches
- Seat width: 19 inches
- Recline: 8 inches with leg and footrests
- Meal: Two-course service with a choice of wines and upgraded presentation
- Extras: Noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits, priority boarding
It’s currently available on 777 and 787 aircraft, with strong uptake from both leisure and business flyers.
World Business Class
- Seat configuration: 1-2-1 on 787, 2-2-2 on older 777s (being updated in 2025)
- Bed length: 198 cm (6 ft 6 in) fully flat
- Highlights: Dutch-designed cabins by Hella Jongerius, Rituals amenity kits, signature Delft Blue houses as gifts
- Catering: Seasonal menus curated with Dutch chefs, matched with European wines
Business Class shines in its unique blend of luxury and local identity. The updated seats with direct aisle access are being rolled out across the 777 fleet this year.
How Reliable Is KLM in Terms of Punctuality and Safety?
KLM consistently ranks in the top 10 most punctual airlines in Europe. According to OAG’s 2024 punctuality report:
- On-time performance: 84.1%
- Flight cancellations: Under 1.2% annually
- Completion factor: Above 99.6%
In terms of safety, KLM holds a 7/7 rating from AirlineRatings.com. It complies with all IOSA and EASA safety standards and has not had a fatal accident since 1977 (Tenerife disaster, shared responsibility). The airline also leads in proactive fleet maintenance and pilot training within the Air France–KLM Group.
What Are the Baggage Policies and Fees of KLM?
KLM’s baggage rules are transparent but depend on your fare class.
Economy Class
- Carry-on: 1 item (55x35x25 cm) + 1 personal item
- Checked baggage: 1x23kg for Standard or Flex; none for Economy Light
Premium Comfort
- Checked baggage: 2x23kg
Business Class
- Checked baggage: 2x32kg
Excess Baggage Fees (2025)
| From | To | Overweight Fee (Euro) |
| Europe | Europe | 55–75 per bag |
| Europe | North America | 85–120 |
| Europe | Asia | 100–150 |
You can pre-pay baggage fees online at a discount. Compared to Lufthansa or British Airways, KLM’s pricing is similar, though Economy Light passengers should be cautious.
How Does KLM’s Customer Service Perform?
KLM’s customer service is industry-leading in social media response. The airline pioneered 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp, Twitter (X), Facebook, and chatbots.
2025 Stats:
- Trustpilot rating: 4.2 / 5 (31,000+ reviews)
- Average WhatsApp response time: 18 minutes
- Languages supported: Dutch, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese
From personal experience, the WhatsApp service is remarkably fast. When I had a missed connection in Nairobi, rebooking was handled entirely via chat within 20 minutes, no call required.
What Is the Booking Experience Like on KLM’s Website and App?
KLM’s digital platforms are modern, mobile-first, and rich in features.
Website (klm.com) Highlights:
- Fare calendar for price-conscious users
- Manage Booking section is responsive and intuitive
- Carbon offsetting tool directly integrated
MyKLM App (Android/iOS):
- Mobile check-in within 30 hours
- Boarding pass integration with Apple Wallet/Google Wallet
- Live baggage tracking available for intercontinental flights
- User rating: 4.6/5 on App Store, 4.4/5 on Google Play
Compared to Lufthansa’s often clunky UX, KLM’s app is faster, cleaner, and more helpful for real-time updates.
How Competitive Are KLM’s Ticket Prices?
KLM fares vary by season, route, and booking window. Based on Hopper and Google Flights data:
Average Roundtrip Fares in Euro (2025):
| Route | KLM | Lufthansa | Air France | BA |
| AMS–JFK | 530 | 560 | 540 | 600 |
| AMS–BKK | 640 | 690 | 650 | 710 |
| AMS–LHR | 150 | 170 | 155 | 180 |
KLM often undercuts Lufthansa and BA on long-haul economy fares, especially when booking 6+ weeks in advance.
Flying Blue, KLM’s frequent flyer program, offers Promo Rewards with up to 50% off mileage redemptions on selected routes monthly.
How Sustainable Is KLM’s Operation?
KLM is among the few legacy airlines investing seriously in sustainability.
Key Initiatives:
- SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel): In partnership with SkyNRG, KLM operates partial SAF-powered flights from Schiphol.
- Fly Responsibly: A branded CO₂ offset program integrated into bookings
- Fleet renewal: Phasing out Airbus A330s for more efficient Boeing 787s
- 2025 Goal: 10% SAF blend on all intercontinental departures from AMS
In 2023, KLM ranked #3 in the Airline Index by Atmosfair, just behind Finnair and JetBlue.
What Do Frequent Flyers Say About KLM?
In forums like FlyerTalk and Reddit’s r/Flights, KLM enjoys strong word-of-mouth, especially from transatlantic and European flyers.
Common Praise:
- Friendly, multilingual cabin crew
- Strong WiFi on newer aircraft
- Efficient Schiphol transfers (though the airport can be chaotic at peak times)
Common Criticism:
- Aging 777s with outdated Business Class (being updated by end of 2025)
- Lack of free seat selection in Economy Light
- Occasional union strikes during peak summer months
As a frequent traveler, I’ve observed that KLM’s service consistency is stronger than Air France and more personable than Lufthansa, especially on long-haul.
How Does KLM Compare with Other European Airlines?
| Feature | KLM | Lufthansa | British Airways | Air France |
| Seat Comfort | 31–34” pitch | 30–34” pitch | 30–34” pitch | 31–34” pitch |
| Meal Quality Rating | 8.2 / 10 | 7.6 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Punctuality Rate | 84% | 86% | 81% | 82% |
| Fleet Age (avg.) | 10.5 years | 11.7 years | 13.2 years | 10.3 years |
| Digital Experience | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | 8.2/10 |
From these comparisons, it’s clear KLM’s edge lies in its digital leadership, cabin service, and cultural identity.
Is Flying KLM Worth It in 2025?
Yes, especially if you value a European airline that balances tradition with innovation. Whether you’re flying short-haul within Europe or long-haul to the Americas or Asia, KLM offers:
- Stable fares
- Friendly, multilingual service
- Modern fleet for intercontinental travel
- A genuine Dutch experience at 30,000 feet
From frequent flyer perks to seamless app support, KLM performs well across the board in 2025. If you’re choosing between European legacy carriers, KLM remains one of the safest bets in terms of comfort, cost, and culture.