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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!