It’s always been on my bucket list to travel overseas in a pod, aka First Class. It’s also sometimes called Business Class on certain airlines like KLM. I recently flew to Europe in KLM’s Business Class and I’m spilling the tea on what it was like and how much I paid.
Review: Traveling in KLM Business Class
First off, a word of warning. If you book your ticket through a code share partner, as I did because I wanted the Delta miles, you could have an issue with your assigned seat – even if you pay extra for it. I originally booked Premium Comfort. This class includes more legroom, deeper recline, a moveable leg/ foot rest and a more spacious seat. When I checked in for my flight, I realized I did have a seat in that class cabin, but it was not the seat I paid for. However, as the evening went on, seats opened up and I was able to move into my original requested seat.
Here’s how I ended up in Business Class…
The morning of my flight, I logged in to make sure my seat assignment was still a go. I noticed that in the app, there was a button to click if I wanted an upgrade. I clicked it and realized that I could upgrade for just over $400. Once I discovered this, I did the same on the way home. This means I paid about $800 for the full Business Class upgrade. That’s so much less than what I would’ve had to pay to book this class from the beginning. My total flight charge was just under $3000. The total for round trip Business Class tickets when I booked was close to $7500.
Of course, now I’m spoiled and want this to happen on every overseas flight. Pro tip: I do think it helps to fly midweek as flights are less likely to be sold out.
Back to a review of the experience. I’m breaking down each thing about flying “first class” in the sections below.
Lounge Access
With this class of ticket, you are given access to the Delta Sky Club. I have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card so I already have access to a lounge at the Austin airport. However, the Delta Lounge is much nicer as they have more indoor seating and a full bar.
Since it was an upgrade and not a full fare flight, I did not have access to the lounge in my connecting city. However, I had such a short layover, it didn’t matter.
Seats
As one would expect, Business Class passengers are the first to board the plane. Upon seating, you are greeted with a glass of champagne. We’re not talking sparking wine, Prosecco or Cava. It’s actual champagne which was a nice surprise.
The seats are super comfy with a space for your feet while sitting, a retractable armrest and a shoulder style seatbelt like you use in a vehicle. The best part about the seats is the fact that they lay completely flat. For myself and anyone else who’s under 5’5″, you can pretty much stretch out completely. I was able to sleep on my stomach as I usually do. Pro Tip: when choosing your seat, the window seats in the middle of the Business Class section offer two windows. That was row 6 on the Boeing 787.
Amenities
All seats have power plugs as well as a USB port. There’s a large screen for entertainment and a remote control. Noise canceling headphones are provided but you’ll also receive ear plugs in your comfort kit. The kit also includes socks, an eye mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a lotion and lip balm from the airline’s cosmetic partner Rituals. A pillow and blanket are provided as well.
Food and Drink
On the way over, I was highly impressed with the food and drink option. Not so much on the way back, but I think that was just luck of the draw as to what was being served. The items I enjoyed included: poached lobster salad, pork belly with Bulgogi sauce and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. There are also a variety of wines served as well as the champagne previously mentioned. Flight attendants are available whenever you need a refill and there are additional snacks you can grab throughout the flight like Stroopwafels. Yum.
Takeaways
Prior to landing, a flight attended brings around a tray full of the iconic Delft Blue miniature houses filled with Dutch gin. This was a surprise for me on the way there. On the way home, however, I went online to peruse the variety of houses so I knew which style I liked best. They are all super cute though.
All in all, I’m so happy I was able to experience this. But, like I said, I’m completely spoiled now. Here’s hoping the upgrade situation works again in the future.
I’ve actually already booked another flight overseas and will be flying first class with United and Lufthansa. I used Chase credit card points to afford that class of ticket full fare. Stay tuned for another review!
