KLM World Business Class-8

It’s what we all dream of: a flight with a lie-down bed, delicious meals and snacks and some privacy. We recently boarded KLM’s nonstop flight from Vancouver to Amsterdam aboard their 777-300 ER to discover the highlights – and perks – of flying up front in World Business Class.

There’s a special year ahead for both KLM and the Dutch aviation history — a centennial milestone! (KLM’s first commercial flight between London and Amsterdam took place on May 17, 1920.)

Our point-to-point coverage begins here.

KLM World Business Class-4

SKY PRIORITY

Sky Priority service, included with a KLM World Business Class ticket, means dedicated check-in desks, baggage drop-off, faster security and airport clearance, priority boarding, baggage handling and delivery service to the baggage belt upon arrival.

KLM World Business Class-2

Another great perk is gaining access to YVR’s fourth-floor SkyTeam Lounge, offering views of the terminal, runway, local mountains, plus food and beverage service. The lounge is located on the left near Gate 53 once you’re past security, just a short walk from our gate.

KLM World Business Class-5

The lounge accepts passengers from SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers on SkyTeam airlines (of which KLM is a part of), and Lounge Club members.

KLM World Business Class

Open 24 hours daily, this spacious, 5,600-square-foot lounge can seat 126 guests, with workstations plus a variety of seating options, from lounge chairs to bar stools. The dining area is located at the far end, with bathrooms and shower rooms down a small hallway from that area.

KLM World Business Class-3

On the day of our visit, we found the buffet loaded with an assortment of sandwiches, salads, steamed veggies, soup, cajun chicken strips, assorted cheeses and salmon candy, plus a noodle/dim sum bar. Staff are diligent when it comes to servicing tables and seating areas.

KLM World Business Class

Log onto YVR’s airport WiFi network and get some work done while waiting for your flight, preferably with a microbrew in hand. Did we mention the wine bar? This lounge has a selection of 12 wines (six red, five white, one rosé), mostly from the Pacific Northwest.

KLM World Business Class-6

CABIN LAYOUT

After our lunch and some work, we’re the first group of passengers aboard the non-stop to Amsterdam. The 34 World Business Class seats are configured 2x2x2 with an aisle between each pair of window and middle seats.

KLM World Business Class-2

Designed by a famous Dutch designer, World Business Class seats extend to between 200 and 207 cm (78 to 81”) with in-seat power, a privacy canopy and personal entertainment screens.

KLM World Business Class-19
[Dutch beauty brand Rituals in the two World Business Class bathrooms]

The seat pitch is 95.6 cm (38″) with a width of 49 cm (19.3″). You can plug in your tech below the armrests and behind the seats. A small metal screen divides the two side-by-side seats. There’s a shared surface for drinks and snacks as well.

KLM World Business Class-7

There’s a little cubby hole under the entertainment screen for stowing a book, phone, camera and other small items and underneath that, a foot rest for when the seat goes fully flat.

KLM World Business Class

The panel in back of each seat contains several outlets, including a three-pronged plug for the noise-cancelling headphones provided during the flight. There’s also a small tray back there with a drink holder.

KLM World Business Class-11

COMFORT

Just before takeoff, we’re offered fresh orange juice, champagne and water. Food and drink menus are handed out along with a Jan Taminiau-designed KLM amenity kit, including a few Rituals beauty products, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks and the like. Each passenger is greeted by name and soon enough, we’re on our way.

KLM World Business Class-9 KLM World Business Class-2

Several options on the seat panel control height, reclining angle and lumbar support for the lower back. A cozy blue and white comforter and full-sized pillow await for when it’s time to call it a night.

KLM World Business Class-16

IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Your 16-inch, touchscreen personal entertainment center offer a selection of films, games, music, flight stats, duty-free shopping and a kids section. There’s a pull-out remote control that guides you through the options and neatly tucks away when not in use.

KLM World Business Class-15 KLM World Business Class-10

There’s enough variety to keep you entertained, and the screen, mounted at a comfortable viewing distance from the seat, offers quality resolution.

KLM World Business Class-12

DINING

A three-course dinner with drinks is served about an hour after takeoff. There’s two choices for appetizer, three for main dish, and two for dessert. Following is a digestif, served with a mini chocolate Dutch house (white, milk or dark varieties).

KLM World Business Class-14 KLM World Business Class-13
[Cutest salt and pepper shakers ever!]

I enjoyed the mixed sole stuffed with scallops and crab, served alongside green beans and red-skinned potatoes, while my husband was perfectly content with his fried chicken in ginger garlic sauce served with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies. A third option during our flight was beef short rib in wild mushroom ragout with creamy polenta, carrots and broccolini.

KLM World Business Class-17

Service is very efficient and a basket of bread rolls follows along for both appetizer and main course, including a choice of olive oil drizzled at your table, or butter.

KLM World Business Class-18
[After-dinner chocolate selection]

Once the after-dinner drinks and duty-free trolley have passed by, cabin lights dim to sleep-ready mode. I noticed that about a third of the cabin was already tucked in, the others either watching a film or just relaxing.

KLM World Business Class-20

Breakfast service includes fresh fruit salad, smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh rolls and croissants, coffee, tea and juice, along with three main options.

LUGGAGE

KLM World Business Class passengers are allowed two checked bags (up to 23 kg each), one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg) and one personal item. 

KLM World Business Class-21

KLM’s ICONIC DUTCH HOUSES

Since the 1950’s, every World Business Class passenger has been gifted with a Delft Blue miniature traditional Dutch house, filled with Dutch genever (gin).

Each one of them depicts a real Dutch building; a new house is issued annually on October 7. These have become highly sought after as collectibles over the years, and the latest house, #99 is De Witte Os, located in Friesland, in the northwest.

We’ve recently discovered the KLM House app (iOS, Android), a great way to keep track of your collection, as well as learn a bit about each house’s history.

The app even shows where the house is located on a map plus 3D-tech built in for a 360-degree movable view of the house.

KLM World Business Class-3

FINAL THOUGHTS

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the air with the friendly, accommodating KLM staff. The food is very tasty and courses are well-paced throughout dinner service.

It’s so nice to get preferential treatment, even though the ticket price isn’t exactly within everyone’s means. Boarding without struggling to get your carry-on to the overhead bin before your neighbours – simply stowing your bag above, having your jacket hung up in the closet by staff, then sitting down for a drink – is just one aspect of this indulgent experience. Worth the splurge? We think so.

2 Comments

  • Comment by B.G.W. Colenbrander — June 6, 2019 @ 9:46 am

    Dag Ariane,
    Wat een prachtig commentaar op deze business class overtocht.

  • Comment by Ariane Colenbrander — June 6, 2019 @ 10:24 am

    Bedankt! Het was een leuke ervaring en wij hebben prima in Nederland geland.

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