SeatSmart

KLM

KLM (KL) is a Full-Service airline based in Netherlands, with its main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol, a member of SkyTeam. Browse seat maps, carry-on baggage rules, and fleet information.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national carrier of the Netherlands and the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, founded in 1919. KLM operates from its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), one of Europe's major transit hubs, and is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. KLM merged with Air France in 2004 to form the Air France–KLM group, though the two airlines operate independently with separate frequent flyer programs and fleets. KLM operates Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-200ER, and Airbus A330 on long-haul routes, with the Boeing 737 and Embraer E190 family on European and domestic services. KLM's World Business Class on the 787 is a fully flat-bed product with direct aisle access.

Airline Information

  • IATA code: KL
  • Country: Netherlands
  • Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol
  • Alliance: SkyTeam
  • Tier: Full-Service
  • Customer support: 1-800-618-0104

Cabin Classes

  • Economy Class: KLM economy on the 787-9 offers 17.5-inch seats in a 3-3-3 layout with 31–32 inches of pitch. All seats include a personal IFE screen, USB power, and complimentary meals on long-haul routes. European Comfort Economy (on select routes) offers seats with 34–36 inches of pitch. The free checked baggage allowance is 23 kg on intercontinental routes.
  • Economy Comfort: KLM's Economy Comfort cabin is available on long-haul 787 and 777 routes, offering 34–36 inches of pitch in a dedicated forward economy section. Includes priority boarding, enhanced meal service, and a 23 kg checked baggage allowance.
  • World Business Class: KLM's World Business Class on the 787-9 and 777 is a fully flat-bed product with a 1-2-1 direct-aisle layout (787-9) or a 1-2-1 herringbone (select 777). The 787-9 seat is 74 inches fully flat with a 16-inch IFE screen and AC power. Includes KLM Crown Lounge access and 2 × 23 kg baggage.

Flying Blue (shared with Air France) Loyalty Program

Elite tiers: Flying Blue (entry), Silver (2,500 XP/year), Gold (6,000 XP), Platinum (10,000 XP), Ultimate (by invitation only)

Flying Blue is the joint frequent flyer program of KLM and Air France. Experience Points (XP) are earned per segment based on distance and fare class. Miles (the currency) are earned separately for redemptions. Flying Blue partners with Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy for points transfers. Flying Blue 'Promo Awards' monthly flash sales often offer significant discounts on award redemptions — setting email alerts is worthwhile.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

Available on most KLM long-haul aircraft (787 and select 777)

Cost: EUR 4.99 for 30 minutes, EUR 12.99 for 1 hour, EUR 19.99 for the full flight

KLM uses Viasat satellite connectivity on the 787 Dreamliner fleet, which offers reliable high-speed service on most intercontinental routes. The older 777 fleet uses a slower system. Business Class passengers do not receive complimentary Wi-Fi but pay the same rates as economy. Coverage is generally good across the North Atlantic and to Asia.

Pro Tips

  • Flying Blue Promo Awards are released monthly for both KLM and Air France flights — discounts of 25–50% off standard award rates are common, especially for transatlantic Business Class. Checking the Flying Blue website on the first Tuesday of each month and signing up for email alerts is one of the best strategies for premium cabin deals.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol is exceptionally well-connected for North America–Asia one-stop itineraries — KLM's hub positioning means a single Amsterdam connection can link almost any US city to any Asian destination within a single Star Alliance-adjacent framework (KLM is SkyTeam, not Star Alliance, but partners with many carriers).
  • On the KLM 787-9, the World Business Class middle seats in the 1-2-1 layout can be booked as a 'pair' for couples (seats in the 2-seat center aisle section). These offer shared armrest space and a fold-up privacy divider — better than separate window suites for travelers who prefer proximity.
  • Schiphol Airport has no airside hotel — if you have a long layover, the Mercure Hotel is connected to the terminal by covered walkway and requires no customs exit. A 4–6 hour connection through AMS can be spent in the hotel rather than the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flying Blue and how does it work?

Flying Blue is the joint frequent flyer program of KLM and Air France. Miles are earned per flight based on distance and fare class, plus through credit card partners including Amex, Chase, and Marriott. Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum) is earned via Experience Points. Redeeming miles for KLM and Air France flights offers good value, especially during monthly 'Promo Awards' flash sales that offer 25–50% off standard award rates.

What is KLM's free baggage allowance?

On intercontinental KLM routes, Economy Class includes 23 kg checked baggage. Economy Comfort includes 23 kg. World Business Class includes 2 × 23 kg (total 46 kg). European routes have significantly more restrictive policies — many fares include only a personal item, with carry-on and checked bags as paid extras. Always verify the fare rules at booking for European routes.

Is Amsterdam Schiphol a good connecting hub?

Yes — Schiphol is one of Europe's most efficient transit airports with a minimum connecting time of 40 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen connections and 50–70 minutes for non-Schengen arrivals. The airport is entirely under one roof (no inter-terminal bus required), with excellent food, retail, and lounge options. KLM Crown Lounges are located in multiple areas of the terminal for Business and status passengers.