KLM was founded in 1920 and currently flies to over 90 destinations from its hub base in Amsterdam, Holland. This was the very first airline I really started flying with to and from the UK via Amsterdam and onwards to the Caribbean. The prices offered by KLM is competitive compared to the competition with the countries covered being vast. In May 2004 KLM joined Air France and during this merger it affected the frequent flyer program of KLM and the points and awards offered no longer became attractive.
KLM’s frequent flyer program is known as Flying Blue and is part of Air France’s frequent flyer program where with a full economy fair you earn one miler per mile flown. However with discounted fairs you earn 25-50% of the miles flown instead of the full 100% miles you should be entitled. Should you fly business class you can earn from 150-200% of miles flown depending on what business class fair you that you booked it under. It is worth noting that KLM has fantastic World Business Class Holiday fares available giving a huge saving on the regular fares and these are normally to Caribbean destinations as well as many Far East destinations. The fares offered tend to beat British Airway’s and other European carriers so it is worth looking in to.
Tip to get a cheap ticket
KLM like all airlines do offer cheap tickets and they need to fill their seats so this airline is normally the airline of choice on price consolidation sites. So my advice when wanting to fly KLM is to look at expedia, kayak before viewing the airlines own website.
Getting a free upgrade
KLM gives preference to giving free upgrades to members of its Flying Blue program. However sometimes upgrades are offered when the flight is overbooked, or simply by being nice to the person issuing the ticket at the desk. being polite is key here when getting free upgrades, as well as travelling alone.
I still feel this is a great airline, but the frequent flyer program is not what is use to be.
A great airline overall with an above average safety record.