I flew business class for the first time with KLM. My 7-hour flight with the Dutch airline even ended with an amazing free gift.
Dasha Kofman
- I took my first business-class flight with KLM from Amsterdam to New York City.
- My ticket gained me access to the KLM Crown Lounge in Amsterdam as well as priority boarding.
As someone who's traveled to over 40 countries, there was one thing I never checked off my travel bucket list: flying business class. I always walked past the lie-flat seats and dreamed one day I would be able to.
Last year, I finally made this dream a reality by taking a 7-hour KLM business-class flight from Amsterdam to New York City, and it was worth all of the hype.
I purchased my ticket using a Chase 25% transfer bonus, totaling 56,500 miles and $313.50 USD. I've seen similar flights sell for thousands of dollars, so I felt like I got a good deal, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Here's what my experience flying in KLM's business class was like.
I had access to the KLM Crown Lounge in Amsterdam.
My trip started with a trip to the KLM Crown Lounge in Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, which was included in the price of my business-class seat.
Although packed with people, the lounge was so large that travelers could find many places to sit quietly.
As a Priority Passholder through my Capital One Venture X card, I've been to my fair share of lounges, but nothing has topped this experience: an outdoor terrace, juice bars, and work areas. Showers and sleeping cabins were also available to book at a fee.
The breakfast buffet had everything I could imagine — it even made me forget I had a whole three-course meal waiting for me on the plane.
Entering the business-class cabin was a real pinch-me moment.
I took advantage of the priority boarding, which was very convenient. When I entered the cabin, my first look at the lie-flat seat was definitely a pinch-me moment.
However, I was most excited about the noise-canceling headphones I had access to during the flight.
I was impressed by the selection of food I received.
From the moment I sat down, I was offered Champagne or juice and got to pick between cheese and nuts.
The cheese was delicious, but what made it better was the ceramic dish and white tablecloth it came on. I couldn't believe this was what I was missing out on during economy flights.
The first meal consisted of carrot-ginger soup and salmon. Next time, I'd skip the salmon and opt for either the chicken or steak instead.
I then got to pick out some chocolate, which was shaped like a Dutch house. The chocolate also came with a cup of tea and some other baked goods.
I was most impressed, however, by the meal I received before landing — pumpkin curry, a salmon poke bowl, and a cake that tasted like a Ferrero Rocher.
The best part of the KLM business-class experience was the parting gift I received.
At landing, the flight attendants brought out KLM's collectible ceramic Dutch houses, which are given to business-class passengers. Each house is a replica of a historical building and is filled with Dutch gin.
There are over 100 to collect, which gives me another reason to fly in KLM's business-class cabin again.
The business-class experience allowed me to feel refreshed at landing.
At landing, I felt refreshed, which is something I don't usually experience while traveling. I found the business-class experience removed a lot of the most common stressors I typically encounter.
If I had the means, I'd definitely fly this way again, even at full price.
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