This is one of KLM’s newest U.S. routes for summer 2025 (it launched in May), and I wanted to be one of the first to try it out. Airports around the world vie for the attention of airline network planners, and to score a new, long-haul route like this one is a big deal.
“The U.S. is an incredibly important market for us, and San Diego really stood out as a large, unserved city with strong potential,” says Bas Brouns, CFO and Managing Director at KLM. “It offers a great balance of business and leisure travel demand.”
Check-in and lounge
The KLM website allowed me to check in online and receive a digital boarding pass, which was handy as I was only traveling with a carry-on bag. KLM uses the Delta Sky Club in San Diego. This lounge has a hot and cold buffet plus open bar. I liked how there were both indoor spaces and “outdoor” terrace seating that overlooked the terminal.
Perhaps my favorite part of the lounge though was the popcorn machine, which is something I’m noticing more and more in Delta lounges. It’s something so simple, but also so yummy, especially when they have their specialty salts on offer.
The cabin
There was no boarding announcement made for the flight in the lounge, but it was only a short walk to the gate. A quick scan of my boarding pass got me right on board, and despite only having just a few local flights under their belt, the process was smoother and more efficient than some of the busier hubs out there.
Once down the jet bridge, two friendly flight attendants pointed me to my seat. KLM uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this route. It is in a 1-2-1 seating configuration giving passengers all-aisle access in business class. While this is not the newest seat for the airline, which comes with doors that slide closed, it is very comfortable and goes fully flat with just a quick touch of the button. I also appreciate all the power outlets that were with an easy reach and the large touchscreen with ample entertainment options.
This plane is also equipped with the airlines new Premium Comfort (premium economy) cabin. And like all Dreamliner planes, windows dimmed at the touch of a button rather than with a physical shade to pull down.
Unfortunately, there were no amenity kits distributed on this flight. That appears to have been an oversight because these are typically offered on long flights. A feature that I do appreciate on KLM flights is that they provide menus personalized for the specific route and date, which are written on the back of the menu.
The super-friendly purser Will greeted all passengers, and along with his colleagues, offered everyone a choice of welcome drink. This included sparkling wine, water, juice or a Heineken beer. While collecting glasses, he even offered a refill and thanked passengers for their loyalty to SkyTeam. As a Diamond Medallion with Delta, I was particularly impressed that he recognized my status with a partner airline (also recognized as SkyTeam Elite Plus within the alliance).
Food and beverage
Once in the air, service started swiftly with hot towels and an aperitif service. Passengers order drinks from the bar along with mixed nuts. Next up was the appetizer and salad course. The airline usually offers a choice between a traditional appetizer or soup. I selected the delicious red curry soup, served with a side salad. I find that the bread on KLM is always especially crisp and pairs well with the Dutch butter that they serve. The airline works hard to source many of their ingredients from regional purveyors.
The separate wine list featured both new and old world options, and it included short descriptions about each selection. This makes it easy to choose which works best with your chosen meal although the cabin crew also offered a short description of each.
My entrée came out piping hot, and I found the presentation to be very attractive. KLM offers what it calls “a tasting of delicacies,” and these include highlights of dishes from many of its destinations. On this flight, it featured three small portions of tasty Indonesian beef rendang along with a quesadilla and spicy chicken. I appreciate the opportunity to try multiple different flavors rather than settle on one main dish.
All courses, served on the airline’s famous blue and white Marcel Wanders china, come with a top-up on your drink followed by dessert. I opted for the cheese course, which included a mix of Dutch and American cheese. Before tucking in for bed, the crew passed around a box of Delft house-shaped chocolates for passengers to enjoy as a turndown treat. After the main meal, there was a basket of snacks on the bulkhead with more of these chocolates.
Just over two hours before landing in Amsterdam (a little too early in my opinion), the lights turned on. Packaged refreshment towels arrived before breakfast. There is a choice of hot sweet or savory breakfast options. Other airlines normally opt between a cold continental or hot option. I especially love the way that KLM offers coffee or tea on a separate tray with a side cookie.
Before landing, the crew passed through the cabin with a tray of the airline’s famous collectible Delft houses. I was able to get one of the missing houses in my collection. Each house represents an important building in the Netherlands. Purser Will was particularly impressed that I has the airline’s dedicated app. It allows you to track what you have shares details and history about each one. This pre-landing gift is one of my favorite features of flying with KLM. Clearly, it is a source of pride for the crew, too. They get the chance to converse a bit about their country and their company.
Service and crew
The flight crew was warm and welcoming from takeoff to touchdown. We arrived early, and a quick “totziens” to the crew, I was on my way to the lounge before my connecting flight to Nice.
Verdict
KLM is often my airline of choice when flying to or through Europe. It is a member of SkyTeam, and travelers can earn or redeem miles with their favorite alliance member program. I also like how the crew are more chatty and friendly than other European carriers. Plus, the take-home gift of a Delft house is always a cherished souvenir.
