KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national flag carrier for the Netherlands with its headquarters in Amstelveen and global hub at Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS). Founded in 1919, It is the oldest airline still in operation under the same name.
In 2003, Air France acquired KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, forming the Air France-KLM Group and becoming the 5th largest airline in the world in terms of annual revenue. Air France-KLM currently transports 8.7 million passengers across 314 destinations in 116 countries each year.
• In 1946, KLM became the first European airline with scheduled transatlantic service to New York.
• While KLM is the oldest operating airline, it isn’t the oldest continuously operating airline. It stopped service while the Netherlands was occupied by the Germans using World War II. Qantas (Australia) is technically the oldest continuously operating airline, founded in 1920.
• Since the 1950s, KLM presents its World Business Class passengers with a Delft blue, miniature, traditional, Dutch house. These miniatures are reproductions of real Dutch houses and are filled with Dutch genever (gin).
Frequent Flyer Program
Flying Blue was founded in 2003 and has become a celebrated mileage reward program controlled by Air France and KLM. It is also the frequent flyer program of Kenya Airways. It offers four types of awards: promotional, classic, flex, and round-the-world. They are one the last airlines to continue to offer the around-the-world option, which starts at 14,000 miles with six stopovers and a maximum of three continents.
The program gives you access to all 20 SkyTeam alliance airlines and has 4 levels:
Ivory
Entry Level
Silver (Elite)
25,000 Miles (or 30,000 in France/Monaco)
• 50% bonus miles
• First checked bag free
• Exclusive check-in counter
• One additional piece of luggage
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage drop-off, lounge access with copay
• 25% on economy comfort seats on Delta and KLM flights and Seat Plus premium economy on Air France flights
• Ability to carry over level miles to the following year
Gold (Elite Plus)
40,000 Miles (or 60,000 in France/Monaco)
• 75% bonus miles
• Priority immigration and security screening, priority service at ticket offices and desks
• Complimentary lounge access for member and companion on SkyTeam itineraries, ability to bring extra guests to the lounge with a copay
• 50% on economy comfort seats on Delta and KLM flights and Seat Plus premium economy on Air France flights
Platinum (Elite Plus)
70,000 Miles (or 90,000 in France/Monaco)
• 100% bonus miles
• Free economy comfort seats on Delta and KLM flights and Seat Plus premium economy on Air France flights
Codesharing
KLM offers codesharing with 44 airlines both inside and outside the SkyTeam Alliance. Look for the designator code (KL).
When booking with a codesharing partner, you will experience differences in baggage fees, optional services, other charges, and policies from partner airlines on your trip.
Partners Include:
Cabin Classes
World Business Class
World Business Class
SkyPriority - a SkyTeam Alliance feature offering priority check in, baggage drop-off, security and boarding
Sleeper Seat that inclines to 175° equipped with massage unit
Privacy canopy with pillow and blanket
Personal entertainment system, in-seat power, International newspapers and magazines
Comfort kit designed by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau
Delicious 3 Course meal served on Marcel Wanders crockery with glass of fine wine
Free KLM Delft Blue House filled with gin
International Economy
Ergonomically designed seat with pillow and blanket
International newspapers, personal entertainment system and free headset
Meals with alcoholic beverages - most from Amsterdam offering a la carte before departure
Delicious 3 Course meal served on Marcel Wanders crockery with glass of fine wine
Renewed Boeing 777-200 aircrafts offer more legroom, wider entertainment offerings and improved ergonomic seat with neck support