I have held KLM Platinum status for a few years and I am starting to question what real value it provides.
Most of my travel is short-haul within Europe, including routes like London, Amsterdam, Spain, and Germany. I often fly weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, with a mix of economy and business class depending on my work contracts.
The main benefit I consistently notice is lounge access, but I believe that may also be available at lower tiers like Gold. Beyond that, I do not feel there is much difference in experience.
Today is my birthday, and I have been traveling for work between Nice, Amsterdam, London City, Barcelona, and Monaco. On my flights, the service in business class felt underwhelming, with limited refreshments, and when I requested additional drinks, I was refused or ignored. In economy, the service was even more minimal, with only basic drink options offered.
I understand budget airlines like easyJet charge for extras, but at least there you can choose and pay for food or drinks directly. With KLM, even as a Platinum frequent flyer, the experience feels restrictive and not particularly rewarding.
At this point, I am wondering whether the Platinum tier offers any meaningful advantages, especially for frequent business travel within Europe.
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