World's oldest airline still operating — efficient Amsterdam hub and sustainability focus
KLM is the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, founded in 1919. Part of the Air France-KLM Group, it maintains a strong identity and independent operation from its Amsterdam Schiphol hub. KLM is known for efficient connections, a focus on sustainability (including investments in sustainable aviation fuel), and a reliable product across classes. The airline's social media customer service is consistently rated among the best in the industry.
Economy offers 31-32 inch pitch depending on aircraft. Complimentary meals and drinks on all intercontinental flights. European economy is more basic with buy-on-board options. Seats are comfortable for the class. In-flight entertainment via personal screens on widebody fleet.
World Business Class features a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout on 787s and 777s with fully flat beds. The product is solid and functional — direct aisle access, good bedding, and decent privacy. The seats aren't as private as some competitors but the service and catering are reliably good. KLM's Delft Blue houses (miniature collectible houses filled with genever) are a charming business class tradition.
Economy: 1 × 23 kg (intercontinental). Business: 2 × 32 kg. Light fares on European routes include hand baggage only. Carry-on: 12 kg.
Personal screens on all widebody aircraft with movies, TV, music, and games. European flights use personal device streaming. Content selection is adequate. Wi-Fi available on most flights (paid).
Decent catering with Dutch and international options. Economy long-haul includes a meal with choices. Business class features a multi-course meal with Dutch cheese and wine. KLM has partnered with Dutch chefs for seasonal menus. The Heineken on tap in business class is a nice touch.
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Search KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flights →KLM Royal Dutch Airlines achieves an on-time performance of approximately 78-80%, which is solid for a European hub carrier. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), while occasionally prone to staffing-related delays at security, is well-designed for efficient connections. KLM holds a 7/7 safety rating and is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name — founded in 1919. The fleet of over 160 aircraft has an average age of approximately 12 years, with ongoing additions of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Embraer 195-E2 regional jets.
KLM operates from its hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest and best-connected airports. As a core member of the SkyTeam alliance and the Air France-KLM Group, KLM offers extensive global reach through partner carriers. The airline is particularly strong on routes to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia — markets where KLM established early connections during the colonial era. Key routes include Amsterdam–New York, Amsterdam–Tokyo, Amsterdam–Johannesburg, and Amsterdam–Jakarta. Through the Air France-KLM joint venture with Delta, passengers benefit from a wide range of transatlantic options. KLM's regional network is supplemented by KLM Cityhopper, connecting dozens of European cities to the Amsterdam hub.
KLM fares are typically competitive with other European legacy carriers and often cheaper than Lufthansa on comparable routes. The Flying Blue program (shared with Air France) offers reasonable award pricing, with economy awards starting from 12,500 miles one-way on European routes. KLM runs frequent promotions branded as 'Dream Deals' — usually released on Tuesdays and offering 20-30% discounts on select routes for a limited booking window. For the best standard fares, book 6-10 weeks in advance for European routes and 8-14 weeks for intercontinental flights. KLM's 'Economy Comfort' upgrade (extra legroom, priority boarding) can often be purchased at check-in for less than half the upfront price.
Flying Blue (shared with Air France) is the joint loyalty program. Miles earned on SkyTeam partners and 100+ non-airline partners. Tiers: Explorer, Silver (priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access on intercontinental), Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus, lounge access), Platinum (all Gold benefits plus extras). Flying Blue regularly offers Promo Rewards with discounted award seats.
Fly KLM Royal Dutch Airlines if: Travelers connecting through Amsterdam to European, African, or Caribbean destinations — Schiphol is one of Europe's best hubs.
Consider alternatives if: Business travelers wanting top-tier hard product — KLM business is functional but not luxurious.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines receives a 4.0/5 rating in our review. It offers solid service based on cabins, baggage, entertainment, food, and loyalty program.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is based at Amsterdam (AMS). It is a member of SkyTeam.
Economy: 1 × 23 kg (intercontinental). Business: 2 × 32 kg. Light fares on European routes include hand baggage only. Carry-on: 12 kg.
Use our flight comparison tool to compare KLM Royal Dutch Airlines prices across booking platforms including Kiwi.com. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance and flying mid-week typically yields the cheapest fares.
KLM and Air France are separate airlines with distinct brands, crew, and service styles, but they are part of the same parent company — Air France-KLM Group. They share the Flying Blue loyalty program, coordinate schedules, and codeshare extensively. You can mix Air France and KLM flights on a single booking.
KLM's European business class uses the same seats as economy but blocks the middle seat for extra space. It includes priority boarding, lounge access, an enhanced meal service, and extra baggage allowance. For a true lie-flat business class seat, you need to fly on an intercontinental route.
KLM has given every World Business Class passenger a miniature Delft Blue porcelain house on intercontinental flights since 1994. Each house is a replica of a real Dutch building and is filled with Dutch gin (jenever). There are over 100 designs, and they have become highly collectible among frequent flyers.
Flying Blue regularly releases Promo Rewards — discounted award flights at 25-50% off standard rates. Check monthly for deals to Africa, Caribbean, and Asia from Amsterdam.