KLM Business Class Review: Austin to Amsterdam and Delhi with Kids
Traveling internationally with young children can be a daunting task, but our recent journey from Austin to Amsterdam and then to Delhi with KLM was overall a decent experience, with a few notable highlights and some areas for improvement.
Check-In and Boarding
Our journey began at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the check-in process was relatively smooth. The staff was helpful and ensured our baggage was checked in efficiently. We appreciated the priority boarding for business class passengers, which allowed us to settle in with our two kids without feeling rushed.
Delta Lounge in Austin
Before our flight, we spent some time in the Delta Sky Club Lounge in Austin. The lounge provided a comfortable and quiet space for our family to relax before the long journey. The amenities were impressive, with a good selection of snacks and beverages, and the kids enjoyed the variety of treats available. The lounge staff was friendly and attentive, making our pre-flight experience quite pleasant.
Flight Experience: Austin to Amsterdam (Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner)
Our flight from Austin to Amsterdam was on a KLM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The business class cabin featured a modern herringbone layout, providing a sleek interior. The seats were comfortable, with a seat pitch of approximately 42 inches and a width of 20.4 inches. The ability to recline fully into a flat bed made for a restful sleep. The herringbone configuration allowed for direct aisle access from every seat, which was very convenient. The ample legroom and spacious seating arrangement allowed our kids to move around comfortably. The cabin crew was welcoming and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed for the flight.
Flight Experience: Amsterdam to Delhi (Boeing 777-200ER)
The flight from Amsterdam to Delhi was on a KLM Boeing 777-200ER. The business class cabin was old 2-2-2 configuration but was comfortable, with a seat pitch of approximately 60 inches and a width of 20.5 inches, allowing for fully reclining into a flat bed. While the cabin was slightly older compared to the Dreamliner, the crew provided excellent service, making sure we were comfortable throughout the flight. It would be fantastic if KLM considers upgrading their Boeing 777-200ER cabins to provide a more modern and consistent experience across all long-haul flights.
In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
The in-flight entertainment system was a hit with the kids on both flights. The seats featured 16-inch high-definition screens, offering a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games to keep them entertained throughout the flight. The provided activity kits and toys were also a nice touch, helping to keep them occupied. Wi-Fi was available on both flights, which was quite convenient for staying connected and keeping the kids entertained with their favorite online content.
Dining
The dining experience, however, was a mixed bag. While the overall service was good, the AVML (Asian Vegetarian Meal) was disappointing. The meal lacked flavor and variety, which was a letdown considering the premium cabin. The children’s meals were slightly better, with options that were more appealing to our kids, but still not up to the standard we expected. On a positive note, the wine selection was impressive, featuring a variety of high-quality wines from renowned vineyards, which added a touch of luxury to the dining experience for the adults.
Layover in Amsterdam
During our layover in Amsterdam, the transition between flights was well-handled. Schiphol Airport is very family-friendly, with plenty of spaces for children to play and unwind. The airport staff was helpful in directing us to our connecting flight to Delhi.
Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, the immigration process was relatively smooth, although it did take some time to get through. The baggage claim was efficient, and we were able to retrieve our luggage without any issues.
Conclusion
Our overall experience flying KLM business class from Austin to Amsterdam and then to Delhi was decent. The highlights included the comfortable seats with a generous seat pitch on the Boeing 777-200ER, large 16-inch TV screens, reliable Wi-Fi, excellent in-flight entertainment for the kids, and the pleasant Delta Sky Club Lounge in Austin. However, the disappointing AVML meal was a notable downside. Despite this, the attentive service and overall comfort made the journey manageable. We hope KLM considers upgrading their Boeing 777-200ER cabins to match the modern amenities and comfort found in their newer aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. We would consider flying KLM again, especially with improvements to in-flight dining options.
